On this page
Asset Type
Manufacturer
Model
What This Guide Helps With
Addresses repeated clot, bubble, or volume errors caused by specimen quality, handling, tube condition, aspiration presentation, consumables, or accessible fluidics.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
1. Protect the Patient Specimen
Stop repeated aspiration attempts on an irreplaceable or low-volume patient sample. Follow laboratory policy for alternate testing, recollection, or specimen handling.
Identify whether the error affects a single specimen or multiple unrelated specimens.
Expected outcome: The specimen is protected and a sample-specific versus analyzer-wide condition begins to be distinguished.
2. Inspect the Specimen Carefully
Check for visible clots, fibrin, bubbles, foam, inadequate volume, improper mixing, damaged tube, or unusual sample appearance.
Clinical Engineering should not attempt to alter or salvage a specimen outside approved laboratory procedures.
Expected outcome: Obvious specimen-related causes are identified. If the error is isolated to a compromised specimen and known-good specimens process normally, analyzer troubleshooting can stop.
3. Verify Tube Type and Presentation
Confirm the specimen is in the laboratory-approved tube and is seated correctly in the rack or carrier.
Check that labels, caps, adapters, or excessive label overlap are not affecting tube position.
Expected outcome: The specimen is correctly presented to the analyzer. If repositioning resolves the problem, verify with a known-good sample and stop.
4. Check for Recurrent Errors Across Multiple Samples
Review whether the same clot, bubble, or volume condition is occurring on multiple unrelated samples or only one collection source.
A multi-sample pattern increases suspicion of an analyzer or fluid-path issue.
Expected outcome: The scope of the problem is established.
5. Inspect the Accessible Sample Path
Check the accessible aspiration and loading region for visible dried residue, contamination, label debris, obstruction, or other material that could interfere with sample access.
Perform only approved external cleaning.
Expected outcome: The accessible sample path is clean and unobstructed. If cleaning corrects the problem and repeat testing is normal, troubleshooting can stop.
6. Verify Fluid and Waste Conditions
Check required wash or diluent supplies, accessible connections, and waste status. Look for bubbles in externally visible fluid lines, leaks, kinks, or improperly installed containers.
Do not open internal fluidic assemblies.
Expected outcome: External fluidics are properly connected and free from obvious air entry or restrictions.
7. Substitute Known-Good External Items
When appropriate, use a known-good rack, carrier, sample tube, or approved control material to determine whether the error follows an external item.
Expected outcome: The faulty external condition is isolated. If known-good items process normally, remove the suspect item from use and stop.
8. Perform Approved Routine Cleaning if Indicated
If the analyzer's normal approved cleaning workflow is appropriate for repeated sample-path contamination, ensure it is completed through the supported procedure.
Do not improvise probe flushing or use unapproved cleaning materials.
Expected outcome: Repeat errors stop after approved cleaning and the sample path operates normally.
9. Complete Functional and QC Verification
Run appropriate known-good material and confirm normal aspiration, no recurrent clot/bubble/volume messages, and acceptable required QC.
Expected outcome: The analyzer processes samples without recurrence and QC is acceptable. The issue is resolved and troubleshooting can stop.
If the Problem Persists
Specimen condition, tube presentation, rack or carrier condition, accessible sample path, consumables, external fluidics, and routine cleaning have been ruled out. The remaining cause may involve an internal fluid path, aspiration pressure or vacuum issue, sensor, probe mechanism, pump, valve, or other service-level condition.
The analyzer should be:
- Removed from service if sample handling remains unreliable
- Labeled Out of Service
- Sent for repair or bench/service evaluation
- Evaluated using appropriate Abbott documentation and approved test equipment
- Repaired only by qualified personnel
Return to use only after reliable sample processing and required laboratory QC verification.
Knowing when to stop external troubleshooting is proper troubleshooting.
Clinical Use Tip
Repeated clot or volume errors should not automatically be blamed on the analyzer; first determine whether the problem follows one specimen or multiple unrelated samples.
Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
"Laboratory staff reported repeated bubble and insufficient-volume messages on the Abbott Alinity hq."
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
"Clinical Engineering found one rack was not holding sample tubes fully upright, causing inconsistent sample presentation."
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
"Clinical Engineering removed the damaged rack, verified normal processing with a known-good rack and control material, and confirmed required QC could proceed normally."
Helpful Details to Include (If Known)
- Number of samples affected
- Whether one collection source was involved
- Visible clot, fibrin, bubbles, or foam
- Sample volume
- Tube type and condition
- Rack or carrier condition
- Accessible aspiration-area condition
- Wash or diluent status
- Visible air or leaks in accessible lines
- Known-good comparison
- Final QC result
Final Thought
Separate specimen problems from analyzer problems before escalating. Reliable troubleshooting follows the error across samples, racks, and fluid conditions, verifies the correction, and protects patient results throughout.
That is successful troubleshooting.