Customer Service - Quality Control

Quality Control

Always investing in quality improvements, Polymer Technology Systems, Inc., the makers of the FDA-approved CardioChek® home cholesterol test system, consistently invest in analyzer technology, manufacturing equipment and processes, QA/QC equipment, and of course, our employees. Our interest in quality doesn’t end once our product leaves the shelf. To be sure our products are always performing at peak level, we even provide quality control solutions you can use at home. And in order to continue making improvements in our products and services, we solicit and listen to your feedback.

Quality Control at Home

What Quality Control Solutions Should I Use?

Two types of control solutions are available:

Multi-Chemistry Controls. Catalog No. 0721

  • For use with CardioChek Total Cholesterol, Triglycerides, Glucose, and Ketone test strips
  • Two vials: Level 1 and Level 2, one vial of each

HDL Controls. Catalog No. 0722

  • For use with CardioChek HDL Cholesterol test strips.
  • Two vials: Level 1 and Level 2, one vial of each.

What Is the Recommended Procedure for Using
Quality Control Solutions?

Quality control solutions are tested on a Test Strip in the same manner a blood sample would be run. A drop of control solution (instead of a drop of blood) is applied to the strip. In 1-2 minutes, the CardioChek analyzer will display a result. If the result falls within the specified range, the system is working satisfactorily. If not, the test should be repeated or PTS Customer Service should be called. It is recommended practice to test controls before testing your blood to ensure best quality results.

  1. Turn on the CardioChek analyzer.
  2. Insert the MEMo Chip for the lot of PTS Panels test strips you are using.
  3. Press the "Enter" button . (The analyzer will display RUN TEST.)
  4. Press the "Next" button twice to scroll to UTILITY.
  5. Press the "Enter" button . (The analyzer will display CK STRIP.)
  6. Press the "Next" button once. (The analyzer will display RUN CONTROL).
  7. Press the "Enter" button . (The analyzer will display the lot number for the MEMo Chip and test strip. Then it will display INSERT STRIP.)
  8. Insert a Test Strip. (The analyzer will then display APPLY CONTROL.)
  9. Dispense one drop from the Level 1 Control vial. (The analyzer will display CONTROL, and after about two minutes will display the control result.)
  10. Record the result.
  11. Compare the displayed result to the range of values established for the lot of strips with the lot of controls being used.
  12. Remove the Test Strip.
  13. Repeat steps 7-10 with the Level 2 Control.
  14. If both the High and Low results fall within the acceptable ranges, the system is functioning properly. If not, clean analyzer, check that correct MEMo chip and test strip combination are being used and repeat the test. If the results fail to fall within range the second time, call PTS Customer Service.

Where do you Find the Range Values for
Quality Control Solutions?

  1. Each package of multi-level or HDL test strips controls contains a “Range Card” for all unexpired lots of test strips. Simply find the lot number for the controls, and read the appropriate High and Low range values.
    OR
  2. PTS, Inc. Customer Service