Once the blood sample has been inserted, results are reported within 10 seconds.

Just 0.2 μl is required from a sample taken from a finger or earlobe.

The Scout measurement system operates on the basis of enzymatic-amperometric detection. This means that the device reads the electrical signal created by the sample’s reaction with the biochemical reagent on the inserted strip. This signal corresponds directly to the sample’s lactate concentration.

The Scout uses disposable ‘Sip In’ strips, which automatically take up the precise required sample volume. The strip must be inserted into the device before the sample is taken because the biochemical reaction starts as soon as the blood comes into contact with it, allowing the reading to be taken immediately. Readings from pre-filled or used strips are not possible.

The ‘Sip-In’ strips are designed specifically for human whole blood. Different samples, such as centrifuged blood/serum, chemical liquids, and buffer solutions, have different viscosity and biochemical content characteristics. For this reason, strips react much more sensitively to interferences in such samples.

After sampling whole blood changes its characteristics within seconds, so immediate sampling with fresh blood is highly recommended. Remains of disinfectant liquids, blood circulation-stimulating crèmes, dried blood, and sweat must be always removed with clean water from the sampling area before taking the sample.

Sample quality plays a very important role in the accuracy of the result. To minimize external influences we recommend that the same sampling area is used throughout (fingertip or ear lobe). Different parts of the body provide different results because of differences in blood circulation.

2 CR2450 batteries will perform approximately 1,000 tests. Data storage and settings will not be lost when batteries are replaced.

Avoid storing the strips in direct sunlight or at high temperatures for long periods. For long-term storage, the strips should be kept in a closed vial in the refrigerator at -18°C to +8°C. The strips must be removed from the refrigerator 20 minutes before use so that they attain the same temperature as the device. The reagent is very sensitive to sunlight and humidity. It is recommended to only take the required number of strips from the vial for immediate use. After first opening the vial of strips, the storage stability is three months or until the expiry date if it is sooner. Afterward, inaccurate measurement results can occur. Strips can be kept at ≤25 °C for max. 30 days in the closed vial. Always transport the device and strips in suitable conditions. Protect them from direct sunlight.

Strips are pre-calibrated. To synchronize the strips with the device a two-character calibration code (printed on the vial label) must be entered in the device when prompted. After 25 measurements the device reminds you to check the code settings with the used strip vial for confirmation or correction. Wrong code settings may cause incorrect results, (depending on lactate concentration >+/- 1 mmol/L).

If there is no user activity for two minutes, the device automatically switches to standby mode. If no strip is inserted for more than two minutes the Scout switches off. To reactivate the device, simply press the OK button.

The integrated Bluetooth® Low Energy technology provides an easy way to send data to your PC and connect to heart rate monitors. EKF offers software solutions for fast and intelligent data analysis, suitable for all levels of athletes.

Due to the high number of potential interferences in lactate measurement and the specific characteristics of different analyzers no standard measurement has been defined. The characteristics and trends of lactate curves (given from step tests) are much more meaningful than a comparison of single/absolute values.

The Lactate Scout Sport compensates for the influence of low (20 – <35%) and high (>50 – 70%) hematocrit levels on the lactate reading. This leads to a significantly increased accuracy in these ranges. Studies have shown that the precision depends on the lactate concentration.

Hct range 35 – 50%:

At blood lactate concentration 0.5 – 6.7 mmol/L standard deviation is ≤0.2 mmol/L; at 6.8 – 25 mmol/L CV is ≤3% (95% of measurements).

Hct range 20 – <35%; >50 – 70%:

At blood lactate concentration 0.5 – 7.5 mmol/L standard deviation is ≤0.3 mmol/L, at 7.6 – 25 mmol/L CV is ≤4% (95% of measurements).

The Lactate Scout Sport is calibrated to whole blood. Therefore, measurement results obtained with the Lactate Scout Sport cannot be compared to results of plasma-calibrated laboratory tests. The Lactate Scout Sport shows a good correlation with EKF Diagnostic’s whole blood-calibrated lactate analyzer, Biosen.

Lactate Scout Sport operates in a temperature range of 10 – 45°C. There is an internal temperature sensor in the Scout and a warning symbol will flash if the sensor detects temperatures that are too high or too low. The device and the strip must reach the same temperature.

Sweat contamination can deliver significantly higher values of lactate at rest or levels of moderate effort. Sweat should only be removed with water. Cleaning with alcohol swabs is insufficient and may even dilute the blood sample. After cleaning, the puncture area must be dried. A water spray bottle can be purchased separately. High resting values may also be caused by general stress, metabolic or health problems or even by diet. Usually, the values will come to a ‘normal’ level (about 2 mmol/L) during the first training steps. If the values remain high or significantly increased the step test should be aborted and a medical check of the user should be undertaken.