Running a Sample, Calibration Curve, and QC's | Beckman Access 2 Immunoassay System: A Detailed Guide (2023) 🧪

Today, we're going to delve into the process of running a sample, a calibration curve, and quality controls (QC's) on the Beckman Access 2 Immunoassay System. We'll explain each step in detail and the problems it solves. Let's get started!

Step 1: Loading the Reagent Pack 📦

The first step is to load the reagent pack for the analyte you're testing. In this case, we're using ferritin as an example. Loading the correct reagent pack ensures that the machine has the necessary chemicals to perform the test.

1. Go to 'Menu' > 'Supplies' > 'Load Reagent Pack'.
2. Scan the barcode on the reagent pack.
3. Input all the necessary information and click 'Done'.
4. Insert the reagent pack into the machine, making sure it clicks into place.

This step solves the problem of ensuring that the machine has the correct reagents for the test you're running. Without the right reagents, the test results could be inaccurate or the test might not run at all.

Step 2: Running the Calibrators 🎯

Calibrators are used to ensure that the machine is reading the test results accurately. They provide a known value that the machine can use as a reference.

1. Go to 'Menu' > 'Calibration'.
2. Add the calibrator by scanning its barcode.
3. Load the rack with the calibrator samples. Make sure to include enough volume for the test and the machine's dead volume.
4. Go to 'Menu' > 'Sample Manager'.
5. Scan the rack and load it into the machine.
6. Go to 'Test Request' > 'Request Calibration' and select ferritin.

Running the calibrators solves the problem of machine accuracy. By comparing the machine's readings with the known values of the calibrators, you can ensure that the machine is reading the test results correctly.

Step 3: Running the QC's 📈

Quality controls (QC's) are used to ensure that the machine is running properly and that the test results are reliable. They provide a known value that the machine can use to check its accuracy.

1. Go to 'Test Request' > 'Request QC' and select ferritin.
2. If you need to create a new QC, go to 'Menu' > 'Quality Control' > 'QC Setup' > 'Add Control'.
3. Input the necessary information, including the mean, standard deviation, control name, lot number, and expiration date.

Running the QC's solves the problem of machine reliability. By checking the machine's readings against the known values of the QC's, you can ensure that the machine is running properly and that the test results are reliable.

Step 4: Running the Sample 🧫

Finally, it's time to run the sample. This is the actual test that you want to perform.

1. Load the rack with the sample.
2. Scan the rack and load it into the machine.
3. Go back to the sample manager and click 'Run'.

Running the sample solves the problem of getting the test results. This is the main purpose of the machine, and running the sample allows you to get the data you need.

Step 5: Reviewing the Data 📊

Once the sample, calibrators, and QC's have been run, you can review the data to see the results.

1. For patient samples, go to 'Menu' > 'Test Results'.
2. For QC's, go to 'Menu' > 'Quality Control' > 'Review QC Results'.
3. For calibration data, go to 'Menu' > 'Calibration' > 'Review Calibration Data'.

Reviewing the data solves the problem of understanding the test results. By looking at the data, you can see the results of the test and make decisions based on those results.

And that's it! You've successfully run a sample, a calibration curve, and QC's on the Beckman Access 2 Immunoassay System. This process ensures that your test results are accurate and reliable, giving you confidence in your data. Happy labbing! 🥼