Hemo Control’s measuring method is azide methemoglobin. The reference method that Hemo Control is calibrated against is the cyanmethemglobin reference method, known as NCCLS (now CLSI) reference method. This methodology yields results comparable with ICSH standards. A maximum tolerance of 0.3g/dL (2 g/L or 0.2 mmol/L) at 15.0 g/dL (150 g/L or 9.3 mmol/L) is accepted.

Hemo Control is powered by EKF Link, enabling data management functions like operator and QC management. An integrated barcode scanner allows for easy addition of patient information to the test result. Further lot verification allows for verification of in-date cuvettes and QC material. EKF Link enables HL7 and ASCII data transfer to LIS/HIS/DIMS software.

To establish the PC connection, a USB connector cable or a serial Sub-D-9 cable can be used. Alternative connection solutions can be realized using serial-to-LAN or BT-to-LAN bridges.

Note: The Hemo Control Manager includes a barcode scanner at delivery. Additionally, the device features a Bluetooth interface for data communication.

Data management functions include Barcode identification of patients, access control and identification of operators, recognition of cuvette LOT and control materials, definition of Quality Control scheme and QC lockout function, addition of comments to test results, flagging of rejected values and range violations.

Barcodes are read by the analyzer using an ergonomic hand-held scanner.

Unlike other brands, Hemo Control has three methods for quality control. Operators may choose suitable control methods based on their local QC requirements.

1. Each time the analyzer is turned on a shelf test is performed automatically
2. Each analyzer includes a control cuvette. Although using the control cuvette is not compulsory, we recommend it as a visible quality control method.
3. Liquid quality controls (Hb-con) are also available.

EKF recommends that the optics of the analyzer be cleaned at least once each month. Depending on usage and sample through-put, more frequent cleaning may be required.

Only the Hemo Control Cleaner should be used to clean the optics. To do this, the cuvette holder must be removed from the instrument. The cuvette holder should also be cleaned with a cleaning solution or an aqueous disinfectant solution.