Question 1

What is PATHFAST® designed for?

Accepted Answer

PATHFAST® is an immunoassay analyzer for the measurement of emergency cardiac markers in less than 17 minutes from whole blood or plasma with core lab-quality results.

Question 2

How many tests can be done per hour?

Accepted Answer

Up to 6 tests per run in less than 17 minutes, about 18 tests per hour.

Question 3

Can PATHFAST® be connected to a LIS?

Accepted Answer

Yes, directly via an RS-232C interface, or via middleware (RALS, TELCOR, etc.).

Question 4

How is the patient ID entered?

Accepted Answer

Either directly from the touch screen or with a barcode scanner.

Question 5

How much waste is produced?

Accepted Answer

One reagent cartridge and one pipette tip per test.

Question 6

What is the assay principle and methodology?

Accepted Answer

It is a chemiluminescence reaction with detection of light emissions by a photomultiplier tube.

Question 7

Are there parts on the analyzer that need to be replaced regularly?

Accepted Answer

No

Question 8

Does the analyzer have to be serviced regularly?

Accepted Answer

Preventive maintenance is recommended each year of use after expiration of the first-year warranty.

Question 9

What is Magtration®?

Accepted Answer

A patented separation method in which magnetic particles on the inner wall of the pipette tip are washed and separated.

Question 10

Which kind of magnet is used?

Accepted Answer

A neodymium magnet is used.

Question 11

What is the instrument memory capacity?

Accepted Answer

Up to 1000 patient sample results, 180 controls and 300 calibrations.

Question 12

How long does it take for the instrument to warm up?

Accepted Answer

PATHFAST® is designed to stay on 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If it has been turned off It takes up to 30 minutes to warm up the reaction chamber after powering on

Question 13

Can the reagent cartridge be placed in any open position on the reagent rack?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the barcode on the reagent cartridge is scanned for automatic identification of the assay.

Question 14

Can whole blood be used?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and also plasma.

Question 15

What safety measures are built into the instrument?

Accepted Answer

The front cover must be closed in order to start an assay and cannot be opened again until the assay has been completed. Additionally, user-managed lockout functions are available.