Abaxis VetScan HM5 Hematology Analyzer

VetScan HM5 Specifications

• Analyzer Dimensions Height 36.5 cm (14 in)
• Width 32 cm (12.5 in)
• Depth 25 cm (10 in)
• Weight Analyzer 12 kg (26.5 lbs)

Abaxis HM5 FAQ

Do you sell reagents for the HM5 Hematology Analyzer?
No, unfortunately at this time we do not sell reagents that are used with this analyzer. Please contact the manufacturer or your distributor to purchase these consumables. I just changed my reagent pack and my VetScan HM5 still says the reagents are empty or out of date. The reagent status needs to be reset. Press Utilities, Maintenance, reagent status, change. This will reset the volume to 100% for the reagents and 0% for waste and change the install date to today's date.

When I run a blank it fails due to a high platelet reading, what do I do?
Prior to shipping we bleach and flush the internal tubing of each machine in order to kill any bacterial growth because when present it can be miscounted as platelets. Sterilization is a very high bench mark and bacterial growth can occur while the machine is in transit. Because of this, sometimes the process needs to be repeated after it arrives to your clinic. Prepare a 1:10 solution of bleach to distilled water and hook it up to the rear of your machine. Under the utilities menu select the maintenance option and then the bleach cycle option and follow the onscreen instructions. We recommend pausing for a few minutes once the bleach solution has been drawn into the machine to allow it to work.
Once you have successfully completed the bleach cycle the tubes must be flushed thoroughly. We recommend using the automatic cleaning cycle option to do this. Sometimes more than one attempt is necessary to return the platelet level to a level low enough to obtain a successful blank reading, but you will see the levels drop with the completion of each attempt until they are within the acceptable range.

Is the power supply rated for my country?
Yes it is, no adapter is needed.
Power Supply Specs: 100-240 volts AC, 50-60 Hz; or 12 volts DC

How many tests will I get from my reagent pack?
The throughput of the reagent pack varies depending on the number of tests you run a day. The more tests run in a day, the more you'll get from your reagent pack. Clinics that typically run 3-6 tests a day typically receive 90-120 tests from their reagent pack. However, running extra cleaning, priming, and blanking will increase the consumption of the reagent pack, therefore decreasing the reagent pack yield. Properly maintaining the VetScan HM5 will also help increase the yield of the reagent pack.

Can I use my VetScan HM5 to communicate with my lab management software?
Yes, Please check with your practice management software supplier for updates/details.

What is a blank and why is it needed?
A blank measurement checks the cleanliness of the VetScan HM5 fluidics systems, and is used to establish a baseline for sample measurements. The results of a blank are used to determine if the background will affect the test results, and whether the analyzer needs cleaning or maintenance. A blank must be run every 12 hours. Each blank measurement remains valid for 12 hours of continuous operation, after which the analyzer displays "BLANK needed," and a new blank must be run to reset the instrument to begin testing.

How can I avoid platelet clumping?
Platelet clumping is a fairly common occurrence, especially in feline samples. This clumping may prevent accurate counting by both automated systems and manual slide counting. There are, however, a number of methods you may employ to minimize platelet clumping.

Preventative Measures:
-Draw sample from medial saphenous vein while the cat is held in a lateral recumbent position; stroke gently to reduce stress.
-Draw sample directly into EDTA tube (e.g. Monovette system) and mix thoroughly, immediately (or transfer immediately to EDTA tube from syringe and mix thoroughly).

NOTE: Even with these preventative measures, feline platelet clumping is not always avoidable but can be minimized.

What kind of external printer can I use with my VetScan HM5?
We have personally tested and recommend the HP Envy 5530 for use with the Abaxis HM5. For a current list of compatible printers, contact Technical Support or refer to your operators' manual (see page 3-3).

What is the shelf-life of the VetScan HM5 hematology reagents?
Shelf life is 24 months from date of manufacture. Open reagent packs should be used within 26 weeks (~5 months).

What species are supported?
Fifteen species profiles are configured on the VetScan HM5.

In 5-part differential mode: Dog, Cat, Horse, Cow, Alpaca, and Llama.

In the 3-part differential mode, currently validated species are: mouse, rabbit, rat, ferret, pig, goat, monkey, sheep and guinea pig

What type of sample is used?
Hematology analyses require EDTA-treated blood (from lavender or purple top tubes containing potassium EDTA only). It is important to ensure that your sample is well mixed and contains optimal proportions of blood and EDTA. The following guidelines should be followed: Fill each tube at least half-full with blood to eliminate dilution errors. Thoroughly mix each sample by gently inverting the filled potassium EDTA sample tube by hand 10 to 15 times to avoid clot formation. If possible, run the sample immediately after mixing. If testing is delayed and the sample is placed on a rocker, be sure to mix it thoroughly again before analysis by gently inverting the tube 10 to 15 times. This ensures the homogeneity of the sample. Do not shake samples. Doing so can damage the blood cells, and can form micro-bubbles that will cause inaccurate results.

Never use a rocker for samples smaller than 1.0 ml. Rockers do not mix samples. Feline samples frequently demonstrate platelet aggregations (clumps). Vortex mixing for up to 10 seconds can disaggregate these clumps with no adverse effect on the sample. Some practitioners find that collecting blood from the medial saphenous vein using a vacutainer minimizes platelet clumping.

What technology does the VetScan HM5 utilize?
The VetScan HM5 uses a combination of chemical differentiation and impedance technology to provide the 5-part WBC differential. With impedance technology, electrically neutral blood cells generate an electrical pulse as they each pass through an electronically charged aperture. Cell counts are determined by the number of pulses measured in a given volume of blood over a set period of time. The size of the pulse generated is directly proportional to the volume of each cell. This size discrimination, along with susceptibility to various lysing agents, distinguishes the cell types and provides basis for the 5-part differential. The size of the VetScan HM5 aperture was specifically designed to accommodate veterinary blood cells, thereby providing optimal differentiation.

How long does it take to run the sample?
2-3 minutes- or nearly 20 samples per hour in five-part mode