For a Quick-Start Guide and Problem-Solving Guide, click here.

What if the CardioChek PA POC instrument reads CHECK STRIP FAILED?

• Inspect the optical glass in the analyzer where the test strip is inserted. Check to see if it is clean, dry and free from fingerprints. If not, clean with an alcohol wipe and dry completely with gauze or lint-free cloth or tissue.
• If the check strip is damaged or dirty, clean with soap & water or alcohol wipe; or replace.
• Make sure the strip is inserted right side up along the guides.
• If the meter has been dropped or stored in extreme conditions, the instrument may be damaged. Please contact PTS Customer Service.
• Use the instrument indoors and away from direct sun or lamp light.
• Check the batteries. Replace if necessary.

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What if the CardioChek PA POC instrument reads ""
or another unexpected result occurs?

• "" indicates that the results are above or below measuring range.
• High temperatures affect the strips. Always store the strips at 68 – 86° F (20 – 30° C).
• Tightly cap the vial immediately after removing a test strip. Test strips should not be removed from the vial for long periods of time because the strips are adversely affected by humidity.
• Use only whole blood, either fingerstick or venous, for all CardioChek tests except Ketones. The whole blood is collected in EDTA or heparin tubes. The Ketone strip can use whole blood, serum or plasma.
• Use an adequate sample size. Too much or too little blood may give an inaccurate result. Check the package insert for the correct sample size.
  • Single chemistry tests (Cholesterol, HDL, LDL, Triglycerides, Glucose, and Ketone), require 15 µL of whole blood.
  • Lipid Panel tests require 35-40 µL of whole blood.
  • Chol+Glu test panels require 25-30 µL of whole blood.
  • Creatinine tests require 20 µL of whole blood.
  • A capillary blood collector, capillary tube, or pipet must be used to ensure accurate dosing.
• For accurate results, apply blood to the test strip with the test strip inserted in the CardioChek POC instrument.
• Check the batteries. Replace if necessary.
• Inspect the optical glass in the analyzer where the test strip is inserted. Check to see if it is clean, dry and free from fingerprints. If not, clean with an alcohol wipe and dry completely with gauze or lint-free cloth or tissue.
• Check the back of the strip after testing. The membrane must be a uniform color. If there are any blotches, the test results may be affected. Test again with a fresh, unused test strip.

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What if the CardioChek PA POC instrument reads LOT EXPIRED?

• Check the expiration date on the vial of strips. If the strips are not past their expiration date, check to make sure the date on the instrument is set correctly. To check the date:
  1. Press the "Enter" button until you see the RUN TEST display.
  2. Press the "Next" button until USER SET displays.
  3. Press the "Enter" button once and then press the "Next" button until SET DATE displays.
  4. Press the "Enter" button three times to display MONTH, DAY and YEAR.
• To change the date, follow steps 1-4 above, but press the "Next" button followed by the "Enter" button to change the date. (Or you can turn the CardioChek off and turn it on and watch the display until the date is displayed.)

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What if the CardioChek PA POC instrument will not recognize the MEMo Chip^®?
How should the MEMo chip be inserted?

• Make sure the notched side of the MEMo Chip faces up.
• If the chip was inserted before the analyzer was turned on, press the "Enter" button twice so the analyzer can recognize that the MEMo Chip has been inserted.

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How can you get personalized, individual help?

• Contact PTS Customer Service at:

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