Accurex Lipid Profile Meter Quality Control & Optical Verification Guide
Dr Pramod kumar
The Accurex LPM-101 Lipid Profile Meter includes two important performance-check procedures:
- Optical Verification – checks whether the meter's optical reading system is functioning correctly.
- Quality Control Testing – uses known control solution to verify that the meter, test strip and testing procedure are working together properly.
These two procedures are related but they do not perform the same function.
An optical check verifies the meter's optical system using a specially calibrated Optical Verify Strip, while a control-solution test checks the complete analytical workflow using a compatible lipid test strip.
This guide explains when each check should be performed, how to interpret OH and FL, how to use Accurex Blood Lipid Control Solution, and what to do when a quality-control result falls outside the acceptable range.
Accurex Quality Control vs Optical Verification at a Glance
| Check | Optical Verification | Control Solution QC |
|---|---|---|
| Main Purpose | Checks meter optical system | Checks meter + strip + testing process |
| Material Used | Optical Verify Strip | Blood Lipid Control Solution + compatible test strip |
| Meter Mode | CTR → OPt | CTR → SOLU |
| Normal Result | OH | Result within control bottle's assigned range |
| Failure Result | FL | Result outside assigned control range |
| Operating Temperature | 10°C–35°C | 10°C–35°C |
What Is the Accurex Optical Verify Strip?
The Optical Verify Strip is a reusable verification component designed to check whether the optical measurement system inside the LPM-101 meter is functioning correctly.
The meter reads a pre-calibrated optical value from the verification strip.
The result is then displayed as:
OH – Optical system functioning normally
or:
FL – Optical verification failed
When Should You Perform an Optical Check?
An optical verification is particularly useful when:
- The meter has been dropped.
- The meter has become wet.
- The optical system is suspected of malfunctioning.
- Results appear inconsistent and the optical system needs to be ruled out as the cause.
- The meter has undergone maintenance or handling that may have affected the optical path.
If a meter has suffered visible physical damage, do not rely solely on an optical check. Appropriate technical inspection may also be required.
How to Perform the Accurex Optical Verification Test
Step 1: Bring the Meter and Verify Strip to Operating Temperature
The manufacturer specifies that both the meter and Optical Verify Strip should be within:
10°C–35°C
before the optical test is performed.
Step 2: Use Normal Laboratory Lighting
Perform the optical check under normal indoor laboratory lighting.
Do not perform it under:
- Direct sunlight
- Very intense artificial light
- Unusual extreme lighting conditions
Step 3: Enter CTR Mode
Turn on the Accurex LPM-101 meter.
Enter the meter settings and navigate to:
CTR
Then select:
OPt
This is the Optical Verify mode.
Step 4: Insert the Optical Verify Strip
Remove the Optical Verify Strip from its protective canister.
Follow the insertion arrows and push the strip completely into the test-strip holder.
The meter automatically begins the optical verification process.
Step 5: Read the Result
The meter displays either:
OH
or:
FL
What Does OH Mean on the Accurex Meter?
OH means that the meter's optical system has passed the Optical Verify Strip test.
In practical terms:
OH = Optical system operating normally.
Remove the Optical Verify Strip and return it to its protective container.
What Does FL Mean?
FL indicates that the optical verification has failed.
Before assuming the meter itself is defective, inspect the Optical Verify Strip.
Check whether it is:
- Dirty
- Contaminated
- Discoloured
- Scratched
- Physically damaged
- Expired
If the verify strip is questionable, repeat the check using a suitable clean Optical Verify Strip.
What If FL Appears Again?
If optical verification continues to fail after repeating the procedure with an appropriate verify strip:
- Inspect the meter's strip holder and optical sensor area.
- Ensure the optical window is clean.
- Check that testing is being performed at 10°C–35°C.
- Confirm normal indoor lighting.
- Do not rely on patient-testing results until the unresolved performance issue has been investigated.
Contact the appropriate supplier or technical service provider when necessary.
How Should the Optical Verify Strip Be Stored?
The manufacturer specifies storage at:
2°C–30°C and less than approximately 90% relative humidity.
Keep the verify strip:
- Inside its original tightly capped canister.
- In a cool, dry location.
- Away from direct sunlight.
- Away from excessive heat.
- Clean and free from contamination.
After each optical check, return the strip to the canister and close the cap immediately.
Do Not Touch the Optical Verify Strip Test Area
Handle the strip carefully and avoid touching the calibrated optical test area.
Finger oils, moisture or contamination may interfere with the verification measurement.
Can an Expired Optical Verify Strip Be Used?
No.
Do not use an Optical Verify Strip beyond its manufacturer expiry date.
An expired verification material should not be relied upon for assessing meter performance.
What Is Accurex Quality Control Testing?
Quality Control testing uses a known Blood Lipid Control Solution instead of a patient blood specimen.
The purpose is to confirm that:
- The meter is functioning properly.
- The test strip is performing correctly.
- The meter and strip work together correctly.
- The testing procedure is being performed appropriately.
Control-solution testing is therefore broader than optical verification alone.
When Should Accurex Quality Control Be Performed?
The LPM-101 manufacturer recommends testing known controls in situations including:
- When a new package of test strips is opened
- When a new operator begins using the meter
- When test results appear inaccurate
- After meter maintenance or service
Professional laboratories should also follow their own SOPs, accreditation requirements and applicable local regulations.
Accurex Uses Two Control Levels
The manufacturer documentation states that both levels of Blood Lipid Control Solution should be tested.
Each control level has an assigned acceptable range printed on the corresponding control bottle.
A successful QC result should fall inside the assigned range for that control lot.
What Does a Passing Control Result Mean?
The system is considered to be working properly when the control value displayed by the meter falls within the acceptable range printed on the control-solution bottle.
This demonstrates that the:
- Meter
- Test strip
- Code-chip calibration
- Control material
- Testing procedure
are functioning together within the expected control range.
How to Perform Accurex Control Solution Testing
Step 1: Bring Materials to Operating Temperature
Before testing, allow:
- The meter
- Control solution
- Test strips
to reach approximately:
10°C–35°C
The manufacturer notes that control testing is accurate only when materials are within this operating range.
Step 2: Check the Control Solution
Before use:
- Check its expiry date.
- Check the opened-bottle date.
- Confirm that the solution does not appear cloudy.
- Confirm that the bottle has been stored correctly.
Do not use cloudy or expired control solution.
Step 3: Insert the Correct Code Chip
Use the code chip supplied with the current Accurex test-strip box.
Compare the code on:
- The code chip
- The strip packaging
- The meter display
All should correspond.
Step 4: Enter Control Solution Mode
Enter the meter's setup menu and navigate to:
CTR
Then select:
SOLU
This places the meter into Control Solution testing mode.
Step 5: Insert a Fresh Test Strip
Insert the compatible Accurex lipid strip fully into the test-strip holder according to the arrow direction.
Wait until the meter shows the flashing specimen / blood-drop symbol.
Step 6: Prepare the Control Solution
Open the control-solution bottle and hold it vertically upside down.
The manufacturer instructs users to:
- Gently squeeze the bottle.
- Discard the first drop.
- If bubbles are present, discard another drop.
- Continue until a bubble-free drop is produced.
Step 7: Apply the Control Solution
Apply the control solution directly into the specimen application area.
For the lipid-panel QC procedure described in the LPM-101 manual, approximately:
35 µL
is used.
Keep the bottle vertically oriented so the drop volume remains consistent.
Do not touch the test strip with the control-solution bottle tip.
Step 8: Test Both Control Levels
The manufacturer's procedure requires two control levels to be tested.
Each control level must be tested on a:
separate fresh test strip.
Do not reuse the same strip for both control solutions.
How to Interpret Accurex Control Results
Compare the meter result with the acceptable range printed on the control bottle.
| QC Result | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Inside Assigned Range | Meter, strip and control procedure are functioning as expected |
| Outside Assigned Range | Investigate strip, control material, code chip, technique and meter condition before relying on testing |
What If the Quality Control Result Is Outside Range?
The manufacturer recommends checking:
- Whether the test strips are expired.
- Whether the strips are fresh from an appropriate pack.
- Whether the control solution has expired.
- Whether the correct code chip is installed.
- Whether the procedure was performed correctly.
Then repeat the QC procedure carefully.
Do Not Ignore Repeated QC Failures
If repeated quality-control testing remains outside the acceptable range after correct technique and fresh materials are confirmed, the cause should be investigated before relying on routine patient results.
Possible areas to review include:
- Meter optical performance
- Strip storage
- Strip lot
- Code-chip matching
- Control-solution condition
- Operating temperature
- Meter cleanliness
How Should Accurex Control Solution Be Stored?
The manufacturer specifies storage at:
2°C–30°C
The control solution may be stored appropriately within that range.
Do not freeze.
If the control solution has been stored cold, allow it to reach the required operating range of approximately 10°C–35°C before performing QC testing.
How Long Does Accurex Control Solution Last After Opening?
The manufacturer specifies:
3 months after the bottle is first opened.
Write the opened expiration date on the bottle when it is first opened.
If the printed manufacturer expiry date occurs sooner, do not use the solution beyond that date.
Discard Cloudy Control Solution
Control solution should not appear cloudy.
If the solution has changed appearance or appears contaminated:
Do not use it for quality-control testing.
Optical Check, QC and Code Chip Are Different
These three parts of the Accurex system should not be confused.
| Component | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Code Chip | Provides strip-lot calibration information to the meter |
| Optical Verify Strip | Checks whether the optical reading system is functioning normally |
| Control Solution | Checks meter + strip + analytical testing process |
A matching code chip does not replace quality-control testing, and passing control solution does not eliminate the need for an optical check when optical-system integrity is in question.
When Should You Run Both an Optical Check and QC?
It can be reasonable to perform both procedures when:
- The meter has been dropped.
- The meter has become wet.
- Maintenance or service has been performed.
- Results remain inconsistent.
- An optical-system problem is suspected.
The optical verification checks the meter's optical system first, while control testing then assesses the broader analytical workflow.
Meter Cleaning and Quality Control
The manufacturer recommends cleaning the LPM-101 after each day of testing.
Proper maintenance can help prevent contamination from affecting strip insertion or optical measurement.
Important areas include:
- Meter surface
- Test-strip holder
- Optical sensor area
A soft cloth can be used on the meter surface, while the strip holder may be wiped with a damp cloth or mild detergent and dried thoroughly.
A soft cotton swab can be used around the sensor area.
Do Not Scratch the Optical Sensor Window
Do not use sharp tools to clean the sensor area.
The transparent optical window should remain:
- Clean
- Dry
- Free from scratches
- Free from residue
Do not use petrol, paint thinner or other aggressive organic solvents on the meter.
Quick Accurex QC Checklist
- ✓ Meter within 10°C–35°C
- ✓ Control solution within 10°C–35°C before testing
- ✓ Control solution in date
- ✓ Opened control bottle within 3 months
- ✓ Test strips in date
- ✓ Correct strip type selected
- ✓ Correct code chip installed
- ✓ Codes match
- ✓ Fresh strip used
- ✓ First control drop discarded
- ✓ No bubbles in applied control drop
- ✓ Both control levels tested separately
- ✓ Result compared with bottle-specific acceptable range
Quick Optical Verification Checklist
- ✓ Meter and Optical Verify Strip at 10°C–35°C
- ✓ Normal indoor laboratory lighting
- ✓ Verify strip clean and undamaged
- ✓ CTR → OPt selected
- ✓ Verify strip fully inserted
- ✓ OH = normal
- ✓ FL = investigate and repeat
- ✓ Return verify strip to closed canister after testing
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Accurex Optical Verify Strip?
It is a calibrated verification strip used to check whether the optical system inside the LPM-101 meter is functioning properly.
What does OH mean on the Accurex meter?
OH indicates that the optical verification passed and the optical system is functioning normally.
What does FL mean?
FL indicates an optical verification failure. Check the verify strip for contamination or damage and repeat the optical check with an appropriate strip.
When should I perform an optical check?
An optical check is particularly useful after the meter has been dropped, become wet or when optical performance is otherwise in question.
What is Accurex control solution used for?
Control solution verifies that the meter, compatible lipid strip and testing procedure are working together properly.
When should quality control be performed?
The manufacturer recommends QC when a new strip pack is opened, when a new operator begins using the meter, when results appear inaccurate, and after maintenance or service.
How many control levels should be tested?
The manufacturer states that both control levels should be tested and should fall within their respective assigned ranges.
Can the same strip be used for both control levels?
No. Use a fresh test strip for each control level.
Should the first drop of control solution be used?
No. Discard the first drop. If bubbles are present, discard additional drops until a bubble-free drop is available.
How much control solution is used?
For the lipid-panel control procedure described in the LPM-101 manual, approximately 35 µL is used. Follow the instructions supplied with the exact strip and control materials being tested.
How should control solution be stored?
The manufacturer specifies approximately 2°C–30°C. Do not freeze the control solution.
How long is control solution usable after opening?
The manufacturer's documentation specifies approximately 3 months after first opening, subject to the printed expiry date.
What should I do if the QC result is outside range?
Check strip expiry, control expiry, strip freshness, code-chip matching, temperature and testing technique, then repeat the QC test.
Does a matching code chip mean QC is unnecessary?
No. The code chip provides calibration information, while quality control verifies the broader analytical testing system.
Can I perform the optical check in direct sunlight?
No. The manufacturer specifies normal laboratory lighting and advises against sunlight or extreme lighting conditions.
How should the Optical Verify Strip be stored?
Keep it in its tightly capped protective canister at approximately 2°C–30°C, below 90% RH, away from direct sunlight and contamination.
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Accurex Lipid Profile Meter & Test Strips Complete Guide
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Accurex Lipid Profile Test Strips Expiry & Storage Guide
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Important Quality Control & Medical Note
Optical verification and control-solution testing are intended to assess technical performance of the Accurex Blood Lipid Analysis System. They are not substitutes for appropriate patient-result interpretation.
Professional testing facilities should use their own documented quality-control procedures and applicable accreditation or regulatory requirements in addition to the manufacturer's instructions.
If optical verification or quality control repeatedly fails, resolve the performance issue before relying on routine clinical testing.
Unexpected, abnormal or clinically significant lipid results should be interpreted by an appropriate healthcare professional and confirmed by an appropriate laboratory method where indicated.
These diagnostic products are non-returnable and non-exchangeable.
Please verify the meter model, compatible strip, code chip, quality-control materials and pack configuration before ordering.
Genuine cases involving an incorrect product received will be handled separately according to Microsidd.com's applicable policies and applicable law.
An original, continuous, unedited and uncut unboxing video is compulsory for making a claim regarding an incorrect product received.