# How to Use Mission Hemoglobin Monitor & Hb Test Strips: Step-by-Step Guide

**By Dr Pramod kumar** · 2026-09-27

The **Mission Hemoglobin Monitor** is a portable point-of-care testing system designed to measure **Hemoglobin (Hb)** and provide a calculated **Hematocrit (Hct)** value using compatible Mission Hemoglobin Test Strips.

The current Mission Hb system requires approximately **10 µL of capillary or venous whole blood** and provides a result in **less than approximately 15 seconds** when the test is performed correctly.

This guide explains the general Mission Hb testing workflow, including **preparing the meter, checking strip compatibility, inserting the strip, obtaining the blood sample, applying the specimen, reading Hb/Hct results and safely disposing of the used strip**.

For complete specifications: [**Mission Hemoglobin Monitor & Test Strips Complete Guide →**](/blogs/knowledge-hub/mission-hemoglobin-monitor-test-strips-complete-guide)

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## What You Need Before Testing

Prepare the testing materials before starting.

-   Mission Hemoglobin Monitor
-   Compatible Mission Hemoglobin Test Strip
-   Appropriate blood-sampling equipment
-   Fresh capillary or appropriately collected venous whole blood
-   Suitable disposal container for used blood-contact materials

For fingertip capillary sampling, use appropriate sterile single-use sampling equipment according to your healthcare or testing procedure.

The current Microsidd starter kit includes the Mission Hb meter together with **10 compatible Hb test strips**.

[**View Mission Hb Meter with 10 Strips →**](/products/mission-hb-hemoglobin-monitor-with-10-strips)

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## Step 1: Confirm the Correct Mission Hb Test Strip

Before testing, confirm that the strip is specifically intended for the **Mission Hemoglobin Monitoring System**.

Use:

**Mission Hemoglobin Test Strips.**

Do not substitute:

-   Quikchek Plus Hb Test Strips,
-   TrueHb Test Strips,
-   blood glucose strips,
-   HbA1c cartridges, or
-   another generic Hb strip not explicitly specified as compatible.

For full compatibility guidance:

[**Mission Hb Test Strip Compatibility Guide →**](/blogs/knowledge-hub/mission-hb-test-strip-compatibility-guide)

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## Step 2: Check Expiry, Storage & Strip Condition

Before removing a strip, check:

-   the product name,
-   the applicable expiry date,
-   the strip canister or packaging condition,
-   the strip for visible damage, and
-   any lot-specific coding or calibration instructions.

Do not use a strip that is:

-   expired,
-   visibly damaged,
-   wet or contaminated, or
-   known to have been stored outside the specified conditions.

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## Step 3: Prepare the Mission Hb Meter

Place the meter on a clean, stable surface and prepare it according to the current Mission instructions.

Before testing, check:

-   battery condition,
-   normal display operation,
-   the strip port is clean and unobstructed, and
-   the meter is within the appropriate operating environment.

The current meter operating temperature is approximately **10–40°C**.

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## Step 4: Check Coding / Calibration Requirements

The Mission Hb system uses the applicable **strip coding or calibration component** supplied with the compatible strip system.

When beginning a new strip supply:

1.  read the instructions supplied with that strip pack,
2.  use the correct coding / calibration component,
3.  confirm the meter is prepared for that strip supply, and
4.  do not use components from another Hb system.

Do not assume that setup from a previous strip lot automatically applies to a new pack.

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## Step 5: Remove One Mission Hb Test Strip

Remove only the strip needed for the current test.

The current Mission 50-strip refill configuration is typically supplied as **25 strips per canister × 2 canisters**.

After removing one strip:

**close the canister promptly.**

Avoid leaving it open while preparing the specimen or patient.

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## Step 6: Insert the Test Strip into the Meter

Insert the Mission Hb Test Strip into the meter in the orientation shown in the manufacturer instructions.

Do not force the strip into the device.

If the strip does not insert normally:

-   remove it,
-   check the insertion direction,
-   verify compatibility, and
-   inspect the strip for damage.

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## Step 7: Prepare the Blood Specimen

The Mission Hb system supports:

-   **capillary whole blood**, and
-   **venous whole blood**.

### Capillary Whole Blood

For fingertip testing, prepare the sampling site according to appropriate hygiene and professional blood-sampling procedures.

Use sterile single-use sampling equipment as appropriate.

### Venous Whole Blood

Use a properly collected venous specimen that meets the manufacturer's requirements for the Mission Hb system.

Professional specimen-collection procedures should be followed.

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## Step 8: Apply Approximately 10 µL of Whole Blood

The Mission Hb system requires approximately:

**10 µL of whole blood per test.**

Apply the specimen to the designated sample area of the strip according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Ensure the strip receives an adequate specimen.

Do not intentionally overload the strip or repeatedly add blood unless the current manufacturer instructions specifically permit it.

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## Step 9: Allow the Meter to Analyse the Sample

Once the specimen has been applied correctly, leave the strip in place and allow the meter to complete the test.

The Mission Hb system uses:

-   **reflectance photometry**, and
-   a **methemoglobin detection principle**.

The meter measures the optical response produced by the strip reaction and calculates the quantitative Hb result.

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## Step 10: Wait Less Than Approximately 15 Seconds

The Mission Hemoglobin Monitor provides results in:

**less than approximately 15 seconds.**

Do not remove the strip or disturb the test while the meter is completing its measurement.

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## Step 11: Read the Hb Result

The meter displays the quantitative **Hemoglobin (Hb)** result.

The current Mission system measurement range is approximately:

**4.0–25.6 g/dL**

The displayed value is a quantitative laboratory-style measurement but should be interpreted in the appropriate clinical context.

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## Step 12: Read the Calculated Hematocrit (Hct)

The Mission Hb system also provides a **calculated Hematocrit (Hct)** value.

The current calculated Hct range is approximately:

**13–75%**

This Hct value is calculated by the system and should not automatically be considered identical to a direct laboratory hematocrit measurement obtained by another method.

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## Step 13: Record the Test Result

Where required by the testing workflow, record the Hb and Hct result together with the appropriate patient or sample information.

The Mission Hb meter can store up to approximately:

**1,000 results**

with information including:

-   date,
-   time, and
-   ID information.

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## Step 14: Remove & Dispose of the Used Strip

Mission Hb Test Strips are **single-use diagnostic consumables**.

After testing:

1.  remove the used strip,
2.  do not reuse it,
3.  dispose of it according to applicable blood-contact waste procedures, and
4.  dispose of used lancets or sampling materials appropriately.

Used blood-testing materials should be treated as potentially biohazardous.

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## Mission Hb Testing Process at a Glance

Step

What to Do

1

Confirm Mission Hb strip compatibility

2

Check expiry and strip condition

3

Prepare the meter

4

Check coding / calibration setup

5

Insert a fresh Mission Hb strip

6

Obtain capillary or venous whole blood

7

Apply approximately 10 µL of blood

8

Wait less than approximately 15 seconds

9

Read Hb + calculated Hct

10

Record result where required

11

Dispose of used strip safely

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## Common Mission Hb Testing Mistakes to Avoid

### Using the Wrong Test Strip

Use only compatible Mission Hemoglobin Test Strips.

Do not substitute Quikchek Plus or TrueHb strips.

### Using the Wrong Coding / Calibration Component

Use only the component specified for the current Mission Hb strip supply.

### Using an Expired Strip

Always check the expiry printed on the current strip pack.

### Leaving the Strip Canister Open

Remove one strip and close the container promptly.

### Using a Damaged Strip

Discard strips that are bent, wet, contaminated or otherwise visibly damaged.

### Insufficient Blood Sample

The current system requires approximately 10 µL of whole blood.

### Incorrect Sample Application

Apply the specimen only to the designated strip sample area according to the instructions.

### Removing the Strip Too Early

Allow the meter to finish its measurement before removing the strip.

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## How to Improve Testing Consistency

For routine Mission Hb testing:

-   use the correct strip system,
-   follow coding / calibration instructions,
-   check expiry before testing,
-   store strips correctly,
-   collect the appropriate specimen,
-   apply the required blood volume,
-   operate the meter within its specified environmental conditions, and
-   follow applicable quality-control procedures.

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## Capillary Blood vs Venous Blood

Sample Type

General Use

Capillary whole blood

Fingertip / point-of-care sampling where appropriate

Venous whole blood

Professionally collected whole-blood specimen

Both are supported by the current Mission Hb system, but proper specimen collection remains important.

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## Can Mission Hb Test Strips Be Reused?

**No.**

Each strip is designed for a single test.

After use:

-   do not clean the strip,
-   do not dry it for another test,
-   do not apply another blood sample later, and
-   do not return it to the canister.

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## Can More Blood Be Added to the Same Strip?

Do not assume that repeated blood application is allowed.

Apply the sample according to the current Mission instructions.

If a test fails because of insufficient or incorrect specimen application, follow the manufacturer's procedure and use a fresh strip when required rather than copying a re-dosing procedure from another diagnostic system.

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## What If the Mission Meter Does Not Recognise the Strip?

Check:

1.  the exact meter model,
2.  Mission Hb strip compatibility,
3.  strip insertion direction,
4.  expiry,
5.  strip condition,
6.  correct coding / calibration setup, and
7.  battery condition.

For compatibility troubleshooting:

[**Mission Hb Test Strip Compatibility Guide →**](/blogs/knowledge-hub/mission-hb-test-strip-compatibility-guide)

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## What If the Hb Result Seems Unexpected?

Check the entire testing process before assuming that an unexpected result represents a clinical change.

Review:

-   strip compatibility,
-   coding / calibration,
-   expiry,
-   storage conditions,
-   sample type,
-   sample volume,
-   specimen application, and
-   meter operating conditions.

Clinically concerning or repeatedly unexpected measurements should be handled through the appropriate professional healthcare and laboratory process.

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## How to Store Mission Hb Test Strips

The current Mission Hb strip specification lists approximately:

-   **2°C–30°C storage temperature**, and
-   **≤85% relative humidity**.

General handling includes:

-   keep strips in the original canister,
-   close the canister promptly,
-   avoid excessive heat and moisture,
-   protect from direct sunlight,
-   do not use expired strips, and
-   do not use damaged strips.

For full storage information:

[**Mission Hemoglobin Strips Expiry & Storage Guide →**](/blogs/knowledge-hub/mission-hemoglobin-strips-expiry-storage-guide)

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## Should Quality-Control Testing Be Performed?

Quality-control procedures should follow the current Mission manufacturer instructions and the requirements of the healthcare facility or testing programme.

Control testing may be relevant when:

-   starting a new strip supply,
-   checking system performance,
-   investigating unexpected results, or
-   performing routine quality assurance.

A control result is a check of the testing system and is **not a patient Hb result**.

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## Frequently Asked Questions

### How do I use the Mission Hb Meter?

Insert a compatible Mission Hb strip, prepare the correct coding / calibration setup where required, obtain the specified whole-blood sample, apply approximately 10 µL and allow the meter to complete the test.

### How much blood does Mission Hb require?

Approximately **10 µL**.

### How long does the test take?

Less than approximately **15 seconds**.

### What does the meter measure?

Quantitative Hemoglobin (Hb) and calculated Hematocrit (Hct).

### Can fingertip blood be used?

Yes. The current system supports appropriately collected capillary whole blood.

### Can venous blood be used?

Yes. Appropriately collected venous whole blood is also supported.

### Which strips work with the Mission meter?

Use compatible **Mission Hemoglobin Test Strips**.

### Can Quikchek Plus Hb strips be used?

Do not substitute Quikchek Plus strips.

### Can TrueHb strips be used?

No. TrueHb is a separate testing platform.

### Can the strip be reused?

No. Each Mission Hb strip is single-use.

### How many results can the meter store?

Up to approximately **1,000 results**.

### What should I do if the result seems incorrect?

Check strip compatibility, coding / calibration, expiry, storage, sample volume, specimen application and meter conditions. Persistently unexpected or clinically concerning results should be evaluated through an appropriate professional healthcare process.

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## Related Mission Hb Guides

-   [**Mission Hemoglobin Monitor & Test Strips Complete Guide**](/blogs/knowledge-hub/mission-hemoglobin-monitor-test-strips-complete-guide)
-   [Mission Hb Test Strip Compatibility Guide](/blogs/knowledge-hub/mission-hb-test-strip-compatibility-guide)
-   [Mission Hemoglobin Strips Expiry & Storage Guide](/blogs/knowledge-hub/mission-hemoglobin-strips-expiry-storage-guide)
-   [Quikchek Plus vs Mission vs TrueHb Comparison](/blogs/knowledge-hub/hemoglobin-meter-comparison-quikchek-plus-vs-mission-vs-truehb)
-   [Hemoglobin Meters & Test Strips Complete Guide](/blogs/knowledge-hub/hemoglobin-meters-test-strips-complete-guide)

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## Shop Mission Hb Meter & Test Strips

[**Mission Hemoglobin Monitor with 10 Strips →**](/products/mission-hb-hemoglobin-monitor-with-10-strips)

[**Mission Hemoglobin Test Strips 50 →**](/products/mission-hb-strips-pack-of-50-strips)

[**Mission Hb Meter Larger Strip Combo →**](/products/mission-hb-monitor-with-50-strips)

Browse all Hb systems: [**Hemoglobin Meters & Test Strips →**](/collections/hemoglobin-meters-test-strips)

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**Safety and compatibility notice:** Use only the correct Mission Hb Test Strips and follow the current manufacturer instructions for strip setup, coding / calibration, sample collection and testing. Used blood-contact materials should be handled and disposed of according to appropriate infection-control procedures.

**Medical information notice:** This guide explains the general operating workflow of the Mission Hemoglobin Monitoring System. It does not diagnose anemia, determine the cause of an abnormal hemoglobin result, recommend testing frequency or replace professional training, the manufacturer's instructions or clinical assessment.

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> Source: [Microsidd India](https://microsidd.com/blogs/knowledge-hub/how-to-use-mission-hemoglobin-monitor)