How to Use Quikchek Plus Hb Meter & Test Strips: Step-by-Step Hemoglobin Testing Guide
Dr Pramod kumar
The Quikchek Plus Hb Meter is a portable digital hemoglobin testing system designed to measure Hemoglobin (Hb) and provide a calculated Hematocrit (Hct) value using compatible Quikchek Plus Hb Test Strips.
The system requires approximately 10 µL of capillary or venous whole blood and provides results in less than approximately 15 seconds when operated according to the manufacturer's instructions.
This guide explains the general testing sequence, including preparing the meter, selecting the correct strip, obtaining the blood specimen, applying the sample, reading the result and avoiding common testing mistakes.
For complete specifications and system information: Quikchek Plus Hb Meter & Test Strips Complete Guide →
Before You Start: What You Need
Prepare all required testing materials before beginning.
- Quikchek Plus Hb Meter
- Compatible Quikchek Plus Hb Test Strip
- Appropriate blood-sampling equipment
- Fresh capillary or appropriately collected venous whole blood
- Suitable disposal container for used blood-contact materials
If using capillary fingertip blood, an appropriate sterile single-use lancet and lancing device will normally be required.
The meter-only Microsidd listing does not currently include Hb test strips.
Compatible strips are available separately:
Quikchek Plus Hb Test Strips 50 →
Step 1: Confirm You Have the Correct Hb Test Strips
Before opening or inserting a strip, verify that it is specifically intended for the Quikchek Plus Hb Meter.
Use:
Quikchek Plus Hb Test Strips.
Do not substitute:
- Mission Hb Test Strips,
- TrueHb Test Strips,
- glucometer strips,
- HbA1c test cartridges, or
- another Hb strip that has not been specifically identified as compatible.
For complete compatibility information:
Quikchek Plus Hb Test Strip Compatibility Guide →
Step 2: Check the Strip Before Testing
Before using a strip, check:
- the correct product name,
- the expiry date,
- the strip container and packaging condition,
- the strip itself for visible damage, and
- any calibration or lot-specific instructions supplied with the pack.
Do not use a strip that is expired, visibly damaged, contaminated or known to have been stored outside the manufacturer's specified conditions.
Step 3: Prepare the Quikchek Plus Hb Meter
Place the meter on a clean, stable surface and prepare it according to the current user manual.
Before testing, check that:
- the meter has sufficient power,
- the display operates normally,
- the strip port is clean and unobstructed, and
- the meter is being used within its specified operating conditions.
The current meter specification lists an operating temperature of approximately 10–40°C.
Step 4: Remove One Compatible Test Strip
Remove one Quikchek Plus Hb Test Strip from its original manufacturer container.
Where the strips are supplied in a multi-strip container, close the container promptly after removing the strip.
This helps protect the remaining diagnostic strips from unnecessary exposure to environmental conditions.
Step 5: Insert the Hb Test Strip into the Meter
Insert the compatible strip into the Quikchek Plus meter in the orientation specified by the manufacturer.
Do not force the strip into the meter.
If the strip does not enter normally:
- remove it,
- check the insertion direction,
- confirm the strip is the correct Quikchek Plus Hb product, and
- inspect it for damage.
Step 6: Prepare the Blood Specimen
The Quikchek Plus system supports:
- capillary whole blood, and
- venous whole blood.
The specimen must be collected appropriately for the testing environment and according to the manufacturer's instructions.
For Capillary Testing
Prepare the fingertip and sampling equipment according to appropriate hygiene and blood-sampling procedures.
Use a new sterile single-use lancet where capillary sampling is performed.
For Venous Blood
Use an appropriately collected specimen that meets the manufacturer's requirements for the Quikchek Plus system.
Professional specimen-collection procedures should be followed.
Step 7: Apply Approximately 10 µL of Whole Blood
The Quikchek Plus Hb system requires approximately:
10 µL of whole blood per test.
Apply the specimen to the compatible test strip exactly as described in the current strip instructions.
The strip must receive an adequate specimen for the system to perform the test correctly.
Do not deliberately overload the strip or repeatedly add specimen unless the manufacturer's instructions specifically direct you to do so.
Step 8: Allow the Meter to Perform the Hb Test
Once an adequate specimen has been applied, allow the meter to analyse the test strip without disturbing it.
The Quikchek Plus system uses:
- reflectance photometry, and
- a methemoglobin detection principle.
The meter measures the optical reaction generated by the compatible strip and calculates the hemoglobin concentration automatically.
Step 9: Wait for the Result
The Quikchek Plus Hb Meter provides a result in less than approximately:
15 seconds.
Allow the meter to complete its testing sequence before removing or disturbing the strip.
Step 10: Read the Hb and Hct Results
The Quikchek Plus system provides:
Hemoglobin (Hb)
The primary quantitative hemoglobin result is displayed in the applicable measurement unit, commonly g/dL.
Calculated Hematocrit (Hct)
The meter also provides an applicable calculated Hct percentage.
The current system specifications list approximately:
- Hb measurement range: 4.5–25.6 g/dL
- Calculated Hct range: 13–75%
The meter provides quantitative measurements. Interpretation of an individual's result belongs in the appropriate clinical context.
Step 11: Record the Result When Required
Where applicable to the testing workflow, record the result together with appropriate identifying information.
The Quikchek Plus meter can store up to approximately 1,000 test results with information including:
- date,
- time, and
- ID information.
The system also provides a Mini USB interface for compatible data-transfer workflows.
Step 12: Remove and Dispose of the Used Strip
Quikchek Plus Hb Test Strips are single-use diagnostic consumables.
After testing:
- remove the used strip according to the meter instructions,
- do not reuse the strip,
- dispose of the blood-exposed strip appropriately, and
- dispose of the lancet or other blood-contact consumables according to applicable procedures.
Treat used blood-testing materials as potentially biohazardous.
Quikchek Plus Testing Process at a Glance
| Step | What to Do |
|---|---|
| 1 | Confirm Quikchek Plus Hb strip compatibility |
| 2 | Check strip expiry and condition |
| 3 | Prepare the meter |
| 4 | Insert a fresh compatible Hb strip |
| 5 | Prepare capillary or venous whole blood |
| 6 | Apply approximately 10 µL specimen |
| 7 | Wait less than approximately 15 seconds |
| 8 | Read Hb + calculated Hct |
| 9 | Record result where required |
| 10 | Dispose of the used strip safely |
Common Quikchek Plus Testing Mistakes to Avoid
Using the Wrong Hb Strip
Do not substitute Mission, TrueHb or another Hb strip.
Use compatible Quikchek Plus Hb Test Strips.
Using an Expired Strip
Always check the expiry printed on the current strip pack.
Using a Damaged Strip
Discard strips that are visibly damaged or contaminated.
Insufficient Blood Specimen
The system requires approximately 10 µL of whole blood. Follow the strip instructions for correct specimen application.
Applying the Specimen Incorrectly
Apply blood only to the intended sample area and according to the manufacturer's procedure.
Removing the Strip Before the Test Is Complete
Allow the meter to complete its analysis before handling or removing the strip.
Poor Strip Storage
Incorrectly stored diagnostic strips may become unsuitable even before their printed expiry date.
How to Get Consistent Quikchek Plus Testing
For reliable routine operation:
- use only the correct compatible strips,
- follow the manufacturer's specimen requirements,
- use the required sample volume,
- keep strips properly stored,
- check expiry before use,
- operate the meter within its specified environmental range,
- keep the meter and strip port clean according to its maintenance instructions, and
- follow quality-control procedures applicable to the testing environment.
Capillary Blood vs Venous Blood
The Quikchek Plus system supports both capillary and venous whole blood, but the specimens are collected differently.
| Specimen | Typical Context |
|---|---|
| Capillary whole blood | Fingertip / point-of-care sampling where appropriate |
| Venous whole blood | Professionally collected blood specimen |
Always use the collection procedure specified for the actual specimen and testing environment.
Can You Reuse a Quikchek Plus Hb Strip?
No.
Each strip is intended for a single Hb test.
After blood has been applied and the test completed, discard the strip.
Do not attempt to wash, dry or reuse it.
Can You Add More Blood to the Same Strip?
Do not assume that additional specimen can be added after an inadequate application.
Follow the current manufacturer's instructions for sample application. If the test is unsuccessful because of an inadequate or incorrect specimen, use a fresh strip where instructed rather than improvising a re-dosing procedure from another meter system.
What If the Meter Does Not Recognise the Strip?
Check:
- the exact meter model,
- strip compatibility,
- strip insertion direction,
- strip expiry,
- physical strip condition, and
- any required calibration or lot setup.
Do not force the strip into the meter.
For compatibility troubleshooting:
Quikchek Plus Hb Test Strip Compatibility Guide →
What If the Result Seems Unexpected?
Before assuming that an unexpected result represents a change in health, consider whether the test was performed correctly.
Check:
- correct strip compatibility,
- strip expiry,
- strip storage,
- sample volume,
- specimen application,
- meter operating conditions, and
- applicable quality-control procedures.
If a result remains unexpected or is clinically concerning, follow the appropriate professional testing and clinical evaluation process rather than making treatment decisions from this guide.
How to Store Quikchek Plus Hb Test Strips
Keep the strips according to the storage instructions supplied with the current manufacturer pack.
General principles include:
- keep strips in their original container,
- close the container promptly after removing a strip,
- protect strips from unsuitable heat and moisture,
- do not use expired strips, and
- do not use visibly damaged strips.
For complete guidance:
Quikchek Plus Hb Strips Expiry & Storage Guide →
Should a Control Test Be Performed?
Quality-control procedures should follow the manufacturer's instructions and the requirements of the healthcare facility or testing programme.
Control testing may be relevant when checking system performance, introducing new supplies or investigating unexpected results, depending on the current manufacturer procedure.
A control solution result is a system-performance check and is not a patient's hemoglobin result.
Who Should Operate the Quikchek Plus Hb Meter?
The Quikchek Plus system is designed for appropriate hemoglobin point-of-care testing workflows.
Users should be familiar with:
- blood-sampling procedures,
- infection-control practices,
- meter operation,
- test-strip handling,
- quality control, and
- appropriate result documentation and interpretation procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I use the Quikchek Plus Hb Meter?
Insert a compatible Quikchek Plus Hb strip, obtain the specified whole-blood sample, apply approximately 10 µL according to the manufacturer's procedure and allow the meter to analyse the test.
How much blood is required?
Approximately 10 µL of whole blood.
How long does the test take?
Less than approximately 15 seconds.
What does the meter display?
It displays quantitative hemoglobin and an applicable calculated hematocrit value.
Can fingertip blood be used?
The system supports appropriately collected capillary whole blood.
Can venous blood be used?
Yes. The current system also supports appropriately collected venous whole blood.
Which strips should be used?
Use compatible Quikchek Plus Hb Test Strips.
Can I reuse a test strip?
No. The strips are single-use diagnostic consumables.
Can Mission Hb strips be used?
Do not substitute Mission strips for Quikchek Plus Hb strips.
Can TrueHb strips be used?
No. TrueHb is a separate meter-and-strip platform.
Can I use a glucose strip?
No. Glucose strips measure a different analyte and are not compatible.
What should I do if I get an unexpected result?
Check the testing procedure, strip compatibility, expiry, storage, sample application and meter conditions. Clinically concerning or persistently unexpected results should be evaluated through the appropriate professional healthcare process.
Related Quikchek Plus Guides
- Quikchek Plus Hb Meter & Test Strips Complete Guide
- Quikchek Plus Hb Test Strip Compatibility Guide
- Quikchek Plus Hb Strips Expiry & Storage Guide
- Quikchek Plus vs Mission vs TrueHb Comparison
- Hemoglobin Meters & Test Strips Complete Guide
Shop Quikchek Plus Hb Meter & Strips
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Safety and compatibility notice: Use only the correct Quikchek Plus Hb Test Strips and follow the current meter and strip instructions. Blood-contact materials should be handled and disposed of according to appropriate infection-control and waste procedures.
Medical information notice: This guide explains the general operating workflow of the Quikchek Plus Hb system. It does not interpret an individual's hemoglobin result, diagnose anemia, recommend testing frequency or replace the current manufacturer manual, professional training or clinical assessment.