Abaxis VetScan vs2 User manual

®
Operator’s Manual
For Veterinary Use Only
Customer and Technical Service:
1-800-822-2947
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
February 2009
PN: 1200-7008 Rev. D
©2009, Abaxis, Inc.
Union City, CA 94587

Abaxis, VetScan, VetScan VS2,
and iQC are registered trademarks
of Abaxis.
U.S. Patent Nos. 5,061,381,
5,275,016, 5,304,348, 5,403,415,
5,413,732, 5,457,053
©2009, Abaxis, Inc.
Union City, CA
94587

Table of Contents
Table of Contents i
Section 1: Quick Reference Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
1.1 Analyzer Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
Front View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
Back View. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
1.2 Installation Guidelines. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Step 1: Unpack the VetScan VS2 Analyzer and Accessories. . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Step 2: Set Up Electrical Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Step 3: Install Printer Paper Roll . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
Step 4: Set System Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
If You Have Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
1.3 Guidelines for Obtaining and Using Samples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Step 1: Prepare the Reagent Rotor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Step 2: Obtain a Sample . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Step 3: Add Sample to the Rotor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8
Step 4: Analyze the Sample . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10
Section 2: General Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1
2.1 Intended Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1
2.2 Introducing the VetScan VS2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1
2.3 Abaxis Technical Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
2.4 Symbols Used in Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
2.5 Frequently Asked Questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
General Questions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
Analyzer Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4
Samples. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5
Rotors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5
Testing and Results. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6
Section 3: Set Up and Analyzer Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1
3.1 Unpacking the Analyzer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1
3.2 Setting Up the Analyzer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
3.3 Analyzer and Environmental Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5
3.4 VetScan VS2 Chemistry Analyzer Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6
Touchscreen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7
3.5 Reagent Rotors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8

ii Table of Contents
Section 4: Test Procedure and Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
4.1 Introduction to Testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
4.2 Collecting Samples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2
4.3 Adding a Sample to the Rotor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3
4.4 Running Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5
4.5 Canceling an Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-12
4.6 Using Test Results. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-13
4.7 Test Procedure Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-14
VetScan VS2 Chemistry Analyzer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-14
Reagent Rotors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-15
Samples. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-15
Handling Samples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-16
Section 5: Configuring the Analyzer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1
5.1 Using the Settings Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
5.2 Customizing Reference Ranges. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
Modifying Reference Ranges of a Single Analyte . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3
Modifying the Reference Ranges for a Species . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4
Adding a Species . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5
Removing a Species . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9
5.3 Printing and Archiving Reference Ranges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10
5.4 Retrieving Reference Ranges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-11
5.5 Transmitting Reference Ranges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-12
5.6 Viewing Analyzer Identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-13
5.7 Changing Date and Time. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-14
5.8 Selecting the Language . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-15
5.9 Selecting Units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-16
5.10 Setting Sound Volumes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-22
5.11 Adjusting the Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-23
5.12 Configuring Printers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-26
Setting the Default Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-26
Testing a Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-27
Printers Supported by the VetScan VS2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-27
Selecting Reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-28
5.13 Setting Communication Protocol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-29
5.14 Setting Optional Advanced Functions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-30
Section 6: Recalling Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
Troubleshooting Flags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
6.1 Recalling the Last Rotor Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2
6.2 Searching Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
Searching for Results by Patient/Control ID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4
Searching for Results by Date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5
Viewing Patient Results or Control Results by Date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6
6.3 Browsing Results. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7
6.4 Transmitting Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-9

Table of Contents iii
Section 7: Calibration and Quality Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1
7.1 Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1
7.2 Quality Control Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1
7.3 Running Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3
Section 8: Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1
8.1 Using Analyzer Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1
8.2 Contacting Abaxis Technical Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1
8.3 Instrument and Result Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-2
Chemistry Suppression . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-2
Rotor Cancellation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-2
Symbols on the Results Printout. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-2
8.4 Out-of-Range Samples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-3
8.5 Rotor Cancellations and Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-3
8.6 Sample Dilution. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-4
Dilution of Sample 1:1 with Saline. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-4
8.7 Reinitializing the Analyzer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-4
Section 9: Principles of Procedure and Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-1
9.1 Principles of Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-1
9.2 Principles of Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Rate Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
Endpoint Reactions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-4
Section 10: Maintenance and Service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-1
10.1 Cleaning the Analyzer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-1
Cleaning the Case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-1
Cleaning the Display. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-1
10.2 Cleaning Spills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-2
10.3 Cleaning the Air Filter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-2
Changing an Air Filter With a Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-3
Changing an Air Filter Without a Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-4
10.4 Updating the Analyzer Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-5
10.5 Returning the Analyzer for Service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-6
Section 11: Connecting to an External Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-1
11.1 Transmission Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-2
11.2 Enabling the VetScan VS2 Communication Protocol. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-2
11.3 Installing the Windows 2000/XP Driver. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-3
11.4 Installing the Windows Vista Driver. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-7
11.5 Installing the Mac OS X Driver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-11
11.6 Installing the Linux Driver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-13
11.7 Using HyperTerminal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-14
Setting Up HyperTerminal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-14
Capturing and Transmitting Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-16

iv Table of Contents
Section 12: Ordering Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-1
12.1 Required Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-1
12.2 Ordering Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-1
12.3 VetScan Reagent Rotors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-2
12.4 Optional Materials. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-2
Section A: iQC Codes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-1
A.1 Using iQC Codes for Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-1
Section B: Supported Printers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-1
B.1 Printers Supported by the VetScan VS2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-1
Section C: Methods Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-1
C.1 Materials Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-1
To Order VetScan VS2 Analyzer Profile Rotors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-2
Index

Section 1
Quick Reference Guide 1-1
Quick Reference Guide
1.1 Analyzer Overview
These diagrams show the VetScan®VS2 Analyzer and its components.
Front View
Back View
Touchscreen
Rotor drawer
Printer and cover
Power button
Printer and cover Handle
CD drawer
Air filter
DC power input
USB ports

1-2 Quick Reference Guide
1.2 Installation Guidelines
Step 1: Unpack the VetScan VS2 Analyzer and
Accessories
1. Immediately upon receipt, place the box of reagent
rotors in a refrigerator (2–8 ºC or 36–46 ºF).
2. Remove the analyzer from its box and place it on a sta-
ble, level surface.
3. Complete and mail the warranty card within 10 days of
installing the system.
Note: This Operator’s Manual is the most complete refer-
ence for the analyzer. Always refer to this manual.
Keep this manual in a convenient location for easy
access, and store all product and manual updates
in it.
Step 2: Set Up Electrical Connections
1. Attach the AC power cord (with electrical
wall plug) to the analyzer’s power adapter
(see the figure).
2. Attach the DC power cord to the back of
the analyzer.
3. Plug the AC power cord into a grounded
electrical outlet.
4. Make sure all connections are secure.
Note: To prevent power surges or drain, do not plug the analyzer into the same circuit as
a centrifuge or any other high-current device. If this is not possible, use an ancil-
lary surge protector or battery backup for the analyzer.

Quick Reference Guide 1-3
Step 3: Install Printer Paper Roll
1. Open the printer cover. If the printer contains a roll of printer paper, remove it from the
printer.
2. Remove the wrapper from the new
paper roll, then unroll several inches
of paper.
3. Put the roll into the printer so that
paper unrolls from the bottom of the
roll and out towards the front of the
analyzer, as shown at right.
Make sure several inches of paper
extend out of the printer slot.
4. Press the cover closed till it locks into
place.
5. Pull gently on the end of the paper
until it is taut.

1-4 Quick Reference Guide
Step 4: Set System Parameters
Use the Settings icon to set the analyzer’s system parameters.
1. Set the date and time. See Section 5‚ “Changing Date and Time” for details.
Note: Be sure to set the date and time as accurately as possible. The ana-
lyzer uses this information to determine reagent dating when read-
ing the bar-coded rotor before analysis. Inaccurate settings can
cause errors.
2. Set the measurement units to use in results. The analyzer is pre-set to report results in
common units such as mg/dL. See Section 5‚ “Selecting Units” for instructions on chang-
ing to SI units such as mmol/L.
The VetScan VS2 is now ready to run samples. See Section 4‚ “Test Procedure and Results” for
instructions.
If You Have Problems
If any of the following occurs, see Section 8‚ “Troubleshooting” or call Abaxis Technical Services
at 1-800-822-2947, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
■The analyzer does not turn on. (First, verify that all connectors are firmly inserted
and the electric outlet is working properly.)
■The rotor drawer does not open when you press ANALYZE on the touchscreen.
■Error messages appear on the display.
When you call, the Technical Service Representative will ask for the following:
■A description of the problem.
■The analyzer serial number and software version number. See Section 5‚ “Viewing
Analyzer Identification” for instructions on locating these numbers.

Quick Reference Guide 1-5
1.3 Guidelines for Obtaining and Using Samples
Follow these guidelines carefully in preparing the reagent rotor, and in obtaining and using sam-
ples.
Step 1: Prepare the Reagent Rotor
Note: Use only powder-free gloves, to keep powder off of analyzer optics.
■Use only reagent rotors that have not expired, as noted on the pouch and box.
The VetScan VS2 Analyzer automatically rejects expired rotors.
■Do not remove the rotor from the refrigerator until you are ready to run the analy-
sis.
■Use the rotor within 20 minutes of opening its pouch. Do not attempt to reseal the
rotor in its pouch for later use.
■Do not drop the rotor. This could crack the
rotor or shatter its reagent beads, which can
cause errors and potential rotor cancellations.
■Handle the rotor only by its edges as shown
at right. Fingerprints on the rotor can inter-
fere with analyte measurements.
Step 2: Obtain a Sample
Sample Types
■Whole blood samples: Use only lithium heparin test tubes (green top).
■Plasma samples: Obtain these from whole blood samples (lithium heparin).
■Serum: Obtain from a sample placed in a red top test tube.
Note: Do not use EDTA (lavender top test tube) for any samples to be
tested on the VetScan VS2 Chemistry Analyzer.

1-6 Quick Reference Guide
Guidelines for Obtaining Samples
■Serum samples: Use no-additive evacuated specimen collection tubes or serum
separator tubes.
■Whole blood or plasma samples: Use only lithium heparin evacuated specimen
collection tubes.
■Obtain a sample of approximately 100 µL.
■When collecting the sample in lithium heparin collection tubes, fill the tube at least
half-way to maintain the proper ratio of sample to anticoagulant.
■Run samples within 60 minutes. If this not possible, spin down and remove the
plasma or serum.
■Place the plasma or serum into a clean red top tube, and run within five hours. If
this is not possible, refrigerate the sample in a stoppered container at 2–8 ºC
(36–46 ºF) for no longer than 48 hours. A plasma or serum sample can also be
stored at -10 ºC (14 ºF) for up to five weeks in a freezer that does not have a self-
defrost cycle.
Guidelines for Handling Samples
Use the following guidelines and procedures to ensure best results.
■Before dispensing, remove the needle to avoid hemolysis.
■Dispense the sample slowly into the sample tube.
■For dehydrated patients: Use plasma, or allow the sample to settle for 5 minutes
and then draw from the top of the sample.
Syringe Sizes
■Small breed: up to 10 kg — use a 25-gauge syringe.
■Medium breed: 10–30 kg — use a 22-gauge syringe.
■Larger breed: 30–60 kg — use a 20-gauge syringe.
■Giant breed: over 60 kg — use an 18-gauge syringe.

Quick Reference Guide 1-7
Test Tube Order
To prevent contamination, always fill test tubes in this order:
1. Red top: No anticoagulant.
Note: Use the red top test tube only if necessary. If the red top tube is not
needed, fill the green top tube first. But when needed, the red top
tube must be filled before any other.
2. Green top: Lithium heparin. Anticoagulant for chemistry only.
3. Purple top: EDTA. Anticoagulant for hematology only.
CAUTIONS: Do not remove a sample from the rotor and try to reintroduce it to the rotor.
Never place green top tubes on a test-tube rocker.
Store samples at room temperature, and use within 60 minutes.
EDTA contamination severely affects results, most notably Ca and K+.
Venipuncture Using Vacutainer or Syringe
Whole blood samples must be collected using lithium heparin as the anticoagulant. Excess hepa-
rin can interfere with certain chemistries, and can cause dilution. To prevent this, fill the vacu-
tainer tube at least halfway with sample, then mix well by gently inverting two or three times.
The following venipuncture methods are available.
■Preferred method: collecting sample directly into a lithium heparin vacutainer
tube (green top). If additional tubes will be filled, collect in the following order:
red, green, lavender. This prevents adverse effects on results.
■Syringe with no anticoagulants. Draw the sample, remove the needle, then
immediately add the sample to lithium heparin (green top tube). Gently invert the
tube two or three times to mix.
Note: Do not shake the tube or hemolysis will result.

1-8 Quick Reference Guide
■Syringe pre-wetted with lithium heparin.
Make sure the heparin concentration is d15 units per mL of blood.
a. Expel excess heparin by moving the plunger back and forth several times,
until only a fine coating is left inside the syringe barrel. This is important for
preventing excess sample dilution, which will alter final sample results and
can cause errors.
b. Change the needle to make sure all excess in the needle hub is removed.
(A new needle is also sharper.)
c. Draw the sample.
d. Mix the sample well by gently inverting two or three times.
Step 3: Add Sample to the Rotor
Sample Delivery Volume
Follow these guidelines to make sure you add the correct sample volume to the reagent rotor.
■When a sufficient quantity of sample is added,
it will form a line between the arrows on the
rotor surface.
■If an air bubble is introduced, add enough sam-
ple to fill the overflow area by 1/3 to 1/2, as
shown at right.
■Make sure any excess sample does not travel
beyond the overflow area.
90 µL
> 90 µL
< 120 µL
<90 µL
> 120 µL

Quick Reference Guide 1-9
Using a Fixed 100 µL Volume Pipette
1. Firmly attach a new tip to the end of the pipette. Do not touch the tip, or a false elevation
of amylase can result.
2. With your index finger or thumb, push the pipette plunger to the stop
position, and hold it there for sample pickup.
3. Immerse the tip 2–3 mm below the surface of the sample, as shown at
right.
4. Slowly release the plunger to draw the sample. Pause, then remove the pipette from the
sample tube.
5. Make sure there are no air bubbles or gaps in the pipette tip.
6. Place the pipette tip into the rotor’s sample port, so that the tip just
touches the sample port, as shown at right.
7. Gently and slowly depress the pipette plunger to allow sample to
slowly fill the sample chamber. See “Sample Delivery Volume” on
page 1-8 for the appropriate sample delivery volume.
Note: Keep the pipette plunger pressed down until you remove the tip
from the sample port.
Using a Disposable 100 µL Capillary Pipette
1. Keep the capillary pipette horizontal until it is over the sample
port.
2. Raise the pipette to vertical (so it is perpendicular to the rotor
surface), and place its tip in the sample port, as shown at right.
3. Push the black plunger down slowly and smoothly until the
white plug reaches the end of the capillary pipette. (There will be a slight resistance at
first.)
See “Sample Delivery Volume” on page 1-8 for the appropriate sample delivery volume.

1-10 Quick Reference Guide
Using a Lithium Heparinized Syringe
The sample can be dispensed directly into the rotor from a heparinized syringe. Gently invert the
syringe three or four times to mix well. Remove the needle from the syringe before dispensing the
sample, to minimize hemolysis.
See “Sample Delivery Volume” on page 1-8 for sample delivery volume.
Step 4: Analyze the Sample
For the procedure, see Section 4.4, “Running Tests.”
If problems occur, see Section 7, “Troubleshooting.”

Section 2
General Information 2-1
General Information
2.1 Intended Use
The VetScan VS2 Chemistry Analyzer provides quantitative in vitro
determinations of clinical chemistry analytes in heparinized whole
blood, heparinized plasma, or serum.
CAUTION: If the VetScan VS2 Analyzer is used in any way
other than described in this manual, the analyzer
may not operate as intended, may produce inac-
curate or no results, and may pose a safety haz-
ard.
Note: Use only VetScan Reagent Rotors with the
VetScan VS2 Analyzer.
2.2 Introducing the VetScan VS2
The VetScan VS2 Chemistry Analyzer is compact and easily trans-
ported, and consists of a portable blood analyzer and single-use dispos-
able reagent rotors. The analyzer contains a variable-speed motor to spin
the rotor, a photometer to measure analyte concentrations, two micro-
processors to control testing and analytical functions, and a thermal line
printer to print out results. The analyzer also provides a color touch-
screen for communicating with the analyzer. A drawer in the front of the
analyzer guides the reagent rotor into place for the analysis. The ana-
lyzer also features an express mode and an advanced mode.
The reagent rotor is a clear plastic disc, 8 cm in diameter and 2 cm thick.
The rotor contains an aqueous diluent in the center and dry reagent
beads in cuvettes around its periphery. All blood separation and sample
diluent mixing steps are performed in the rotor.
Results are printed for inclusion in the patient’s medical record. Several
USB ports are provided, and can be used to communicate with an exter-
nal computer for data management.

2-2 General Information
To perform an analysis, the operator only needs to collect a blood specimen (heparinized whole
blood, heparinized plasma, or serum), place the sample in the reagent rotor and the rotor into its
drawer, input patient information, and print the results.
The entire analysis requires ~100 PL of sample and is capable of providing results in minutes.
2.3 Abaxis Technical Service
Abaxis Technical Service personnel can help with your questions about the VetScan VS2 Ana-
lyzer. Call Abaxis Technical Service, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at 1-800-822-2947.
2.4 Symbols Used in Labeling
The following symbols are found above the connectors or on the VetScan VS2 label, on the back
of the analyzer.
Symbol Explanation
Direct Current
Caution
(refer to accompanying documents)
Biohazard
In accordance with good laboratory practice, all
material from human sources should be considered
potentially infectious, and handled with the same
precautions used with patient specimens.
USB Connection
!

General Information 2-3
2.5 Frequently Asked Questions
■“General Questions” on page 2-3
■“Analyzer Setup” on page 2-4
■“Samples” on page 2-5
■“Rotors” on page 2-5
■“Testing and Results” on page 2-6
General Questions
■Is the VS2 a “one test at a time” system?
No. The VS2 offers a variety of assays in a number of preconfigured panels for the utmost
flexibility, while requiring only seconds of hands-on time, and providing the lowest possi-
ble operating costs.
See Section C, “Methods Performance”for information on assays and panels.
■Do I need a separate instrument for electrolytes or blood gases?
No. The VS2 offers Na+, K+, tCO2, and Cl- on certain panels, which can be run on the
same unit, test procedure, and sample.
■Can the analyzer detect a flawed or defective rotor?
Yes. The VS2’s extensive Intelligent Quality Control (iQC) detects any flaw or potential
anomaly in the rotor. Abaxis also provides a Performance Guarantee covering manufac-
ture-defective rotors. (This does not include cancellations or assay suppressions due to
improper rotor storage, operator error, or inadequate sample integrity.)
■How many species can the VS2 store for reference ranges?
In addition to cat, dog, and horse, the VS2 includes pre-determined specie labels for enter-
ing your own reference ranges, and also provides 99 open labels for adding further spe-
cies.
■How many result records can the VS2 hold?
The VS2 stores the results of the last 5000 rotors run. Thereafter, the VS2 replaces the old-
est record with the most recent.

2-4 General Information
■What maintenance does the VS2 require?
The only required maintenance is cleaning the air filter on the back of the analyzer.
See “Cleaning the Air Filter” on page 10-2.
Analyzer Setup
■Does the VS2 require calibration?
No. Unlike any other system, the VS2 reagents are factory-calibrated. The analyzer reads
calibration values from the bar code on the rotor itself. The VS2 then calibrates its optics
automatically for each measurement, and measures optical absorbance to determine the
concentration of each analyte.
■Does the VS2 need surge protection or an uninterruptable power supply?
Abaxis recommends plugging the VS2 into a surge protector designed for use with a com-
puter. Abaxis also recommends using an uninterruptable power supply (UPS) in areas
prone to electrical surges or power outages.
■Can I connect the VS2 to an external computer?
Yes. Sample results and status reports can be transmitted to a computer (through a USB
port) whenever calculated or prepared. You can use popular terminal emulation software
to collect the data from the VS2. The data is delivered in raw ASCII format, and can easily
be converted to text for use in other applications.
For information about optional Ethernet connectivity capabilities, or ASTM or XML con-
nections, contact Abaxis Technical Service, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week,
at 1-800-822-2947.
The VS2 also interfaces with many commercial veterinary data management software
packages. For information on compatible packages, check with your software vendor, or
contact Abaxis Technical Service.