Count Me In

Caring for the HemoCue

Anemia Screening Topics

Cleaning the HemoCue Cover and Cuvette Holder

You need

  • 1 alcohol pad (or cotton and alcohol)

When

  • After each day of use.

Follow these steps

  1. Check that the Hemocue is turned off. The display should be blank.
  2. Pull the cuvette holder out to its loading position.
  3. With a pen, carefully press the small catch located in the upper right corner of the cuvette holder. While pressing the catch, carefully rotate the cuvette holder towards the left as far as possible.
  4. Carefully pull the cuvette holder away from the Hemocue.
  5. Clean the cuvette holder and outside of Hemocue with alcohol.
  6. Allow cuvette holder to completely dry for 5-10 minutes before replacing it.

Cleaning the HemoCue Optronic Unit

You need

  • 1-2 cotton tip swabs
  • Alcohol

When

  • Display shows error code E01-E05.
  • Display shows error code E09-E30.
  • Measurements are much higher or much lower than anticipated and you eliminated the following as causes: expired cuvette, air bubbles, or improper sampling technique.

Follow these steps

  1. Make sure the cuvette holder is removed.
  2. Moisten a cotton tip swab with alcohol (without additives).
  3. Push the moistened swab into the opening of the cuvette holder.
  4. Move from side to side 5-10 times. If the swab is stained, repeat with new swab. If the swab remains clean, no further cleaning is required.
  5. Wait 15 minutes before replacing the cuvette holder and using the analyzer.

Storing the HemoCue

  • Can be stored at 0-50 °C (32-122 °F).
  • Operate at 15-30 °C (59-86 °F).
  • Allow to reach room ambient temperature before use.
  • Do not operate when the air is very humid.

Storing the Cuvettes

Individually Packaged Cuvettes

  • The cuvettes are usable until the date printed on each package.
  • Use the cuvettes prior to their expiration date.
  • Do not refrigerate.
  • Store at room temperature (15-30 °C, 59-86 °F).

Cuvettes in a Vial

  • Expiration date for cuvettes in a sealed vial is printed on the vial.
  • Once the seal is broken the cuvette are stable for 3 months.
  • Write the expiration date on the vial (3 months from when seal is broken).
  • Use the cuvettes prior to their expiration date.
  • Always keep container firmly closed.
  • Do not refrigerate.
  • Store at room temperature (15-30 °C, 59-86 °F).