Frequently asked questions about the Pathfast Immunoassay Analyzer

What can Pathfast do?
Pathfast is an immunoanalyzer for measuring emergency parameters in 17 minutes from whole blood at the same quality as produced in a central laboratory.

How many tests can be carried out per hour?
Up to 6 tests per run; a run takes 17 minutes.


How heavy is the Pathfast?
The Pathfast analyzer weighs about 33 kg.


Does the Pathfast analyzer have the CE mark?
Yes.


Can Pathfast be connected to the LIMS?
Yes, by an RS-232C interface.


How is the patient ID entered?
Either directly from the touch screen or with a barcode scanner.


How much waste is produced when working?
One reagent cartridge and one pipette tip per test.


By what principle does the light detection work?
Chemiluminescence with detection by a photomultiplier.


Are there parts on the instrument that need to be replaced regularly?
No.


Does the apparatus have to be serviced regularly?
One service a year is recommended.


What is "Magtration"?
A simple, patented separation method in which magnetic particles on the inner wall of the pipette tip are washed and separated.


What sort of magnet is used?
A neodymium magnet is used.


How powerful is the magnet?
About 4,000 gauss.


How big is the memory for the results?
Up to 1000 patient sample results, 180 controls and 300 calibrations can be stored.


How long does a test take?
17 minutes.


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


Can it be run for 24 hours?
Yes, Pathfast is designed as an emergency instrument.


Can the reagent cartridge be placed in any free position?
Yes, the barcode on the reagent cartridge is scanned automatically.


Is the reaction chamber brought up to temperature?
Yes, the immune reaction takes place at 37°C.

Can whole blood be used?
Yes, but also plasma and serum.


How and how often does it have to be calibrated?
The barcode on the reagent cartridge contains a master curve; a 2-point calibration has to be carried out by the user every 28 days or when a new lot is used.

How is safety guaranteed when using the instrument?
If the front cover is open, the start button cannot be activated.


Does the instrument have STAT function?
No, Pathfast is intended to be used with a small number of samples (about 18 / hour).


How sensitive is it and what is its measuring range?
Sensitivity and the quality of the measuring results are better than laboratory quality.