These are the most common cause of the 403A Bead Missing error code

• Rotor error
1. Please rerun with a new rotor

• Rotor reused
1. Please be sure to always use a new rotor

• Sample issue: please try with a new rotor
1. Add sample slowly
2. Please note that too much force can cause error

If you are receiving multiple errors, these are common resolutions:

• Run the rotor immediately after filling it
• Be sure the proper amount of sample is being applied
• Be sure to use a new rotor every time

These are the most common cause of the 403D S/D Mix or Sample Mix error code

• The patient is dehydrated and has a Hemocrit (HCT) greater than 60%
• The sample and diluent didn’t properly mix. This can be caused by clots in the sample

If you are receiving this errors, these are common resolutions:

• Run plasma or serum if patient is dehydrated
• Check for clots in the sample. Rerun if not clotted or draw new sample

First occurrence (within 24 hours)

1. 1. Open drawer and unplug analyzer, leaving the drawer open.
2. 2. Please examine the rotor chamber with a flashlight.
• Try to determine if there is blood in the chamber
• Check on the heater plates, especially near the air sensor.
• Check on the drawer and rails
• Check at the back of the analyzer on the clear plastic shield
• If any blood is seen, please contact Zoetis Diagnostic Technical Support dxsupport@zoetis.com or 1-888-963-8471, option 5 for guidance.
3. 3. While the analyzer is unplugged, look at the following:
• Zoetis Diagnostic Technical support can help confirm the right power supply is being used and is functional by contacting them.
  • Is there any other equipment on the same circuit (HMT/II/2/5, refrigerator, computer, centrifuge, etc)?
  • Is the analyzer plugged into an uninterruptible power supply/battery back up or other computer rated surge protector?
• Has the air filter in the back of the VS2 been cleaned recently? If it is dusty/dirty, please wash in warm water or replace with new.
• Are there any fans or external heat sources near the analyzer?
4. 4. Is there anything blocking the air flow of the fan (wall, power supply, result paper, etc.)?
• Is there good air flow around the VS2 or is it very close to other equipment?
• The temperature of the lab where the analyzer is located should be between 15-32 °C or
  59-90° F
5. 5. How long has the analyzer been turned on?
• If it has been on for more than one day, leave off for at least 30 minutes to allow ample time to cool.

Second occurrence

• If this is error #2 and the proper troubleshooting has been done, shut down analyzer for 30 minutes, then reboot and re run with a new rotor.

Third occurrence

• Contact Zoetis Diagnostic Technical Support at dxsupport@zoetis.com or 1-888-963-8471

Usual causes:

• Air bubbles in the sample application chamber
• Clots in sample restricting flow
• Dehydrated patient (HCT>60%)
• Rotor malfunction

For first failure:

1. 1. Spin whole blood sample and run plasma or serum on a new rotor.
2. 2. If patient is dehydrated, run a new sample once patient has been rehydrated if PCV>60%. Redraw the sample, spin, rerun on a new rotor.
3. 3. Verify there are no clots in the whole blood sample.

If multiple errors:

• Please verify proper sample handling: Use only lithium heparin (green stopper) specimen collection tubes for whole blood or plasma samples. Use no additive (red stopper) specimen collection tubes or serum separator tubes (red or red/black stopper) for serum samples.
• Please ensure you are using the provided gray mini pipette. Do not use other methods for applying the sample to the rotor.
• Confirm proper electrical situation
  1. Analyzer is on a computer rated surge protector or battery backup.
  2. Proper power supply is being used and functioning.
  3. No centrifuge or refrigerator is on the same circuit.
• Rotors should be run immediately after filling them.
• If the error is occurring on more than one rotor or more than one patient, contact Zoetis Diagnostic Technical Support at dxsupport@zoetis.com or 1-888-963-8471, option 5

Usual causes:

• Rotor defect
• Clear, colorless sample
• Clots in sample

For first failure:

• Spin sample and rerun on a new rotor.

If multiple errors:

• Ensure your sample is not particularly clear.
• Contact Zoetis Diagnostic Technical Support at dxsupport@zoetis.com or 1-888-963-8471, option 5

Usual causes:

• Frozen rotors
• Rotor malfunction

For first failure:

• Rerun new rotor

If multiple errors:

• When storing rotors, their temperature should be 2-8° C (36-46° F). It is not recommended to store rotors in the freezer.
• Storing rotors in a freezer or refrigerator that is too cold will cause the diluent to freeze or cause condensation in the rotor, and it will not properly distribute to the cuvettes. In a standard refrigerator, the rotors should be placed on a shelf, not in the door or in a crisper drawer.
• If rotors were frozen, thaw rotors in refrigerator for 24 hours.
• Allow unopened rotor to warm at room temperature for 5-15 minutes. Open pouch, fill rotor, rerun sample.

Usual causes:

• Highly lipemic samples

For first failure:

• Fast the patient, redraw the sample, spin and rerun the sample

If multiple errors:

• Send sample to reference lab
• Contact Zoetis Diagnostic Technical Support at dxsupport@zoetis.com or 1-888-963-8471, option 5

Usual causes:

• A sample that is too hemolyzed, lipemic or icteric

Spin sample if whole blood If multiple errors:

• If hemolyzed, redraw and rerun the new sample
• If lipemic, fast the patient, redraw and rerun the new sample
• If icteric, send to an outside reference lab