Abaxis VetScan vs2 User manual

®
Operator’s Manual
For Veterinary Use Only
Customer and Technical Support:
1-800-822-2947
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
March 2013
PN 1200-7063 Rev. A
© 2013, Abaxis, Inc.
Union City, CA 94587

Abaxis, VetScan, VetScan VS2,
and iQC are registered trademarks
of Abaxis.
The information in this manual is
relevant to analyzers P/N 1200-1001
and 1200-1001R. Analyzers
1200-1001 and 1200-1001R report to
catalog numbers 1200-0000,
1200-0000E, 1200-0000R,
and 1200-0000ER.
U.S. Patent Nos. 5,061,381, 5,275,016,
5,304,348, 5,403,415, 5,413,732,
5,457,053
©2013, Abaxis, Inc.
Union City, CA
94587

Table of Contents
Table of Contents TOC-i
Section 1: Quick Reference Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
1.1 Analyzer Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
1.2 Installation Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
1.3 Guidelines for Obtaining and Using Samples. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Section 2: General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1
2.1 Intended Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1
2.2 Introducing the VetScan VS2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1
2.3 Abaxis Technical Support. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
2.4 Symbols Used in Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
2.5 Frequently Asked Questions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5
3.5 Reagent Rotors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7
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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4
4.5 Canceling an Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-12
4.6 Using Test Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-13
4.7 Test Procedure Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-14
Section 5: Configuring the Analyzer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1
5.1 Using the Settings Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
5.2 Customizing Reference Ranges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-21
5.11 Adjusting the Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-22
5.12 Configuring Printers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-24
5.13 Setting Communication Protocol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-27
5.14 Setting Optional Advanced Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-28

TOC-ii Table of Contents
Section 6: Recalling Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
6.1 Recalling the Last Rotor Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2
6.2 Searching Results. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
6.3 Browsing Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7
6.4 Transmitting Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-9
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 Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1
8.3 Instrument and Result Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1
8.4 Rotor Cancellations and Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-3
8.5 Reinitializing the Analyzer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-3
Section 9: Principles of Procedure and Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-1
9.1 Principles of Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-1
9.2 Principles of Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Section 10: Maintenance and Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-1
10.1 Cleaning the Analyzer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-1
10.2 Cleaning Spills. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10-2
10.3 Cleaning the Air Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-2
10.4 Updating the Analyzer Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-3
10.5 Returning the Analyzer for Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-4
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 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
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
Section B: Supported Printers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-1
Section C: Methods Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-1
Section D: Species Labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-1
Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I-1

Section 1
Quick Reference Guide 1-1
Quick Reference
Guide
1.1 Analyzer Overview
These figures show the VetScan VS2 Analyzer and its compo-
nents.
1.1.1 Front and Back Views
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
1.2.1 Step 1: Unpack 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 stable, 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 reference 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.
1.2.2 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 cen-
trifuge or any other high-current device. If this is not possible, use an ancillary surge
protector or battery backup for the analyzer.

Quick Reference Guide 1-3
1.2.3 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.
1.2.4 Step 4: Set System Parameters
Use the Settings icon to set the analyzer’s system parameters.
1. Set the date and time. See “Changing Date and Time” on page 5-14 for details.
Note: Be sure to set the date and time as accurately as possible. The analyzer uses this informa-
tion to determine reagent dating when reading the bar-coded rotor before analysis. Inac-
curate settings can cause errors.
2. Set the measurement units to use in results. The analyzer is pre-set to report results in com-
mon units such as mg/dL. See “Selecting Units” on page 5-16 for instructions on changing to
SI units such as mmol/L.
The VetScan VS2 is now ready to run samples. See “Test Procedure and Results” on page 4-1 for
instructions.

1-4 Quick Reference Guide
1.2.5 If You Have Problems
If any of the following occurs, see “Troubleshooting” on page 8-1 , or call Abaxis Technical Support 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 touch Analyze on the touchscreen.
Error messages appear on the display.
When you call, the Technical Support Representative will ask for the following:
A description of the problem.
The analyzer serial number and software version number. See “Viewing Analyzer Identi-
fication” on page 5-13 for instructions on locating these numbers.
1.3 Guidelines for Obtaining and Using Samples
Follow these guidelines carefully in preparing the reagent rotor, and in obtaining and using samples.
1.3.1 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 analysis.
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 interfere with
analyte measurements.

Quick Reference Guide 1-5
1.3.2 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.
Guidelines for Obtaining Samples
Serum samples: Use no-additive evacuated specimen collection tubes or serum separa-
tor tubes.
Whole blood or plasma samples: Use only lithium heparin evacuated specimen collec-
tion 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.

1-6 Quick Reference Guide
Test Tube Order
To prevent contamination, always fill test tubes in this order:
1. Blue top: Sodium citrate. Anticoagulant for coagulation only.
2. 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.
3. Green top: Lithium heparin. Anticoagulant for chemistry only.
4. 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, Na, and K+.
Venipuncture Using Vacutainer or Syringe
Whole blood samples must be collected using lithium heparin as the anticoagulant. Excess heparin can
interfere with certain chemistries, and can cause dilution. To prevent this, fill the vacutainer 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 this order to prevent adverse
effects on results:
1. blue
2. red
3. green
4. lavender
Syringe with no anticoagulants. Draw the sample, remove the needle, then immedi-
ately 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.

Quick Reference Guide 1-7
1.3.3 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 sample 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.
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 1-7 for the appropriate sample delivery volume.
Note: Keep the pipette plunger pressed down until you remove the tip from the sample port.
90 μL
> 90 μL
< 120 μL
<90 μL
> 120 μL

1-8 Quick Reference Guide
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 sur-
face), 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 1-7 for the appropriate sample
delivery volume.
1.3.4 Step 4: Analyze the Sample
For the procedure, see “Running Tests” on page 4-4.
If problems occur, see “Troubleshooting” on page 8-1.

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 heparin-
ized whole blood, heparinized plasma, or serum.
CAUTION: If the VetScan VS2 Analyzer is used in any way
other than described in this manual, the ana-
lyzer may not operate as intended, may pro-
duce inaccurate or no results, and may pose a
safety hazard.
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
transported, and consists of a portable blood analyzer and single-
use disposable reagent rotors. The analyzer contains a variable-
speed motor to spin the rotor, a photometer to measure analyte
concentrations, two microprocessors to control testing and ana-
lytical functions, and a thermal line printer to print out results.
The analyzer also provides a color touchscreen for communicat-
ing with the analyzer. A drawer in the front of the analyzer
guides the reagent rotor into place for the analysis. The analyzer
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.

2-2 General Information
Results are printed for inclusion in the patient’s medical record. A network port and USB port are pro-
vided, and can be used to communicate with an external computer for data management.
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 μ L of sample and is capable of providing results in minutes.
2.3 Abaxis Technical Support
Abaxis Technical Support personnel can help with your questions about the VetScan VS2 Analyzer.
Call Abaxis Technical Support, 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
Network Port
!

General Information 2-3
2.5 Frequently Asked Questions
“General Questions” on page 2-3
“Analyzer Setup Questions” on page 2-4
“Samples” on page 2-5
“Rotors” on page 2-5
“Testing and Results” on page 2-6
2.5.1 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 possible
operating costs.
See “Methods Performance” on page C-1 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 manufacture-
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 99 pre-determined species labels for enter-
ing your own reference ranges (see “Customizing Reference Ranges” on page 5-2), and also
provides 99 open labels for adding further species.

2-4 General Information
How many result records can the VS2 hold?
The VS2 stores the results of the last 5000 rotors run. Thereafter, the VS2 replaces the oldest
record with the most recent.
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.
2.5.2 Analyzer Setup Questions
Does the VS2 require calibration?
No. Unlike any other system, the VS2 reagents are factory-calibrated. Determined by Abaxis
quality control methods within the factory, calibration factors provide mathematical adjust-
ments interpreted by the analyzer from the rotor's barcode to correct for lot to lot reagent vari-
ations.
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 computer.
Abaxis also recommends using an uninterruptable power supply (UPS) in areas prone to elec-
trical 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 or net-
work port). 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 connec-
tions, contact Abaxis Technical Support, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at 1-800-822-2947.
The VS2 also interfaces with many commercial veterinary data management software pack-
ages. For information on compatible packages, check with your software vendor, or contact
Abaxis Technical Support.

General Information 2-5
2.5.3 Samples
What types of samples can I run on the VS2?
Whole blood, serum, or plasma.
Is precision pipetting required?
No. Adding approximately 100–120 μl of sample is sufficient. (Make sure not to overfill the
chamber, or internal spills can result.) The VS2’s on-board microfluidics handle the rest.
Can I use sodium heparin?
No. This anticoagulant can alter results. We recommend using lithium heparin with the VS2.
Can I use whole blood directly in a rotor?
No. Syringes might be heparinized with sodium heparin anticoagulant, which is not recom-
mended for use with the VS2. Instead, transfer the sample to a green top lithium heparin tube
before loading into the rotor.
2.5.4 Rotors
If I inadvertently run an outdated rotor, do I risk inaccurate results?
The analyzer checks the rotor, and cancels the run if the rotor is outdated. This makes it essen-
tial to set your VS2 to the correct date and time. See “Changing Date and Time” on page 5-14
for instructions.
What is the shelf life of rotors?
Rotor shelf life depends on the type of rotor, but averages approximately 9 to 18 months from
the date of manufacture. See the package label to determine the rotor expiration date.
To ensure optimal performance through the expiration date, the rotors must be refrigerated at
2–8° C (36–46° F), and used one at a time directly from the refrigerator.
Note: Do not store rotors in the freezer. This freezes the diluent pack, which prevents it from
running properly in the instrument.

2-6 General Information
If a rotor was exposed to heat do I risk unreliable results as with other systems? Or if it’s
run too cold?
Always store rotors in the appropriate conditions to help ensure accurate results. Rotors may
tolerate brief exposure to heat or cold, but excessive exposure to extreme temperatures sup-
presses reporting of some results, since the VS2’s extensive built-in iQC mechanisms protect
against reporting results for potentially compromised analytes.
Do rotors require warm-up before use?
No. In fact, you should use rotors directly from the refrigerator.
2.5.5 Testing and Results
Does hemolysis, lipemia, or icterus affect the results on the VetScan VS2?
Endogenous substances such as hemolysis, lipemia, and icterus affect all blood chemistries,
regardless of the type, size, or cost of the analysis instrument.
The VetScan VS2 is the only point-of-care analyzer that assesses and suppresses hemolysis,
lipemia, and icterus by determining assay-by-assay the level at which these substances could
affect the reliability of the results, and bringing this to the user’s attention. This feature also
provides useful information for monitoring sample handling practices, and whether patients
fasted before arriving at the practice.
What do the tilde (~ ~ ~) symbols in the results mean?
These symbols mean that the VS2’s iQC algorithm is functioning correctly and results for that
particular chemistry analysis were suppressed. If the VS2 cannot assure reliable results
because of sample quality, endogenous substances, or unmeasurable analysis, the analyzer
suppresses the results rather than simply report unreliable numbers.
What happens if I run a rotor under the wrong species?
The analyzer is specifically calibrated for different species. If a rotor is run under the wrong
species bank, the results will be unusable, and the rotor must be run again under the correct
species.

General Information 2-7
Can the VS2 results be transmitted to my lab management software?
Most lab management software is compatible with Abaxis equipment. Check with your soft-
ware company to be certain.
Can I back up the results on my VS2?
No, but you can print out reference ranges and results, or transfer them for storage in your lab
management software.
Can patients other than equine, large animal, or avian use the Equine, Large Animal,
and Avian profiles?
No. Profiles and reference ranges are designed for the specific species indicated on the pack-
age label. Running samples of other species can provide inaccurate results because some ana-
lytes are species-specific. See the rotor package insert for more information.
My results do not match clinical observation. Does my VS2 need service?
If your results are extremely low, and would not seem to support life (for example, K+ < 1.5),
this is likely the result of too little sample. This prevents the rotor from distributing the sample
correctly, resulting in extremely low results for more than three chemistries. Rerun the sample
for accurate results.

2-8 General Information