Mission Hb Quality Control & Calibration Guide: Code Chip, Control Solution & QC Testing
Dr Pramod kumar
The Mission Hb Hemoglobin Monitor is a portable point-of-care system designed for rapid hemoglobin testing using capillary or venous whole blood.
Like any quantitative diagnostic testing system, reliable performance depends not only on the meter and test strips but also on correct calibration, quality control, strip handling, specimen collection and testing technique.
This guide explains how quality control works with the Mission Hb system, the role of the code chip, how Mission Hb control strips and control solutions are used, and what laboratories and healthcare professionals should check when QC results are unexpected.
What Is Quality Control in Mission Hb Testing?
Quality control (QC) is a process used to check whether a testing system is performing as expected before relying on patient results.
In practical terms, Mission Hb quality control helps answer an important question:
Is the meter-and-strip testing system functioning correctly?
Quality control may help identify problems involving:
- The Mission Hb meter
- Test strips
- Strip lot or code information
- Storage conditions
- Testing technique
- Environmental conditions
- Instrument performance
QC is particularly important in professional settings such as laboratories, clinics, hospitals, screening centres and other facilities where patient results are used for clinical assessment.
Does the Mission Hb Meter Require Calibration?
The Mission Hb Hemoglobin Monitor is specified by the manufacturer as using automatic calibration.
However, Mission Hb strip packs may also be supplied with a code chip associated with the test strips.
This means users should distinguish between two related but different concepts:
- Calibration: the system's internal process for producing the measurement correctly.
- Code chip: information associated with the compatible strip system or lot that must be handled according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Do not assume that because calibration is automatic, the supplied code chip can be ignored.
What Is the Mission Hb Code Chip?
Mission Hb test strip packs can include a code chip supplied for use with the testing system.
The code chip should remain associated with the corresponding strip pack or lot.
Good practice includes:
- Keeping the code chip with its corresponding strips
- Following the manufacturer's instructions when starting a new strip pack
- Avoiding unnecessary mixing of code chips between different strip lots
- Keeping the strip package insert until the pack has been completely used
- Checking setup when changing to a new lot
Do not use a code chip from another hemoglobin-meter brand or an unrelated Mission testing system.
Mission Hb Automatic Calibration vs Code Chip: What Is the Difference?
| Feature | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Automatic Calibration | Internal system calibration used by the meter for Hb measurement. |
| Code Chip | Supplied component associated with compatible Mission Hb test strips and their setup. |
| Quality Control | Checks whether the meter-and-testing system is performing as expected. |
These functions should not be treated as interchangeable.
What Quality Control Materials Are Available for Mission Hb?
The Mission Hb system includes dedicated quality-control accessories from the manufacturer.
1. Mission Hb Control Strips
Mission Hb Control Strips are designed to help monitor meter performance.
Unlike ordinary Mission Hb test strips used with blood specimens, control strips are specifically intended for checking system operation according to the manufacturer's procedure.
2. Mission Hb Control Solution
Mission Hb Control Solution is available in three levels:
- Level 0
- Level 1
- Level 2
The manufacturer describes control solution as a way to confirm that the meter is working properly.
Always use Mission Hb QC materials according to their current package inserts and applicable laboratory procedures.
Control Strip vs Control Solution: What Is the Difference?
| QC Material | Main Purpose |
|---|---|
| Mission Hb Control Strip | Used to monitor meter performance according to the control-strip procedure. |
| Mission Hb Control Solution | Used as a control material to check whether the meter-and-testing system is performing appropriately. |
| Patient Blood Sample | Used for actual hemoglobin measurement and should not be treated as QC material. |
When Should Mission Hb Quality Control Be Considered?
The exact QC frequency should be determined by the manufacturer's current instructions together with the laboratory's or institution's quality-control policy.
QC may be particularly appropriate when:
- Beginning use of a Mission Hb meter
- Starting a new test-strip lot
- Changing strip packs where required by the testing procedure
- Results appear unexpectedly high or low
- Repeated patient results appear inconsistent
- The meter has been dropped or physically stressed
- Strip storage conditions may have been unsuitable
- The meter has been exposed to questionable environmental conditions
- Repeated test errors occur
- The instrument has not been used for an extended period
- Local laboratory SOP requires scheduled QC
Professional laboratories should follow their documented SOP and applicable regulatory or accreditation requirements rather than relying only on a general online guide.
Mission Hb QC Before Patient Testing
A useful pre-test quality checklist is:
- Confirm the correct Mission Hb meter is being used.
- Confirm the correct Mission Hb test strips are available.
- Check strip expiry.
- Check the opened-canister use period.
- Confirm strips have been stored correctly.
- Check the appropriate code-chip setup.
- Confirm the meter is within its operating conditions.
- Perform QC when required by the manufacturer or laboratory procedure.
Check the Mission Hb Test Strip Before QC
Do not automatically interpret a QC failure as a meter problem.
First inspect the test-strip system.
Check:
- Correct Mission Hb strip
- Correct strip lot
- Printed expiry date
- Date the canister was opened where applicable
- Storage temperature
- Exposure to humidity
- Physical strip damage
- Contamination
- Code-chip setup
Mission Hb strips should generally be stored at approximately 2°C to 30°C with relative humidity within the manufacturer's specified limits.
For detailed storage information, read the Mission Hb Strip Expiry & Storage Guide.
Mission Hb Strip Shelf Life Matters for QC
The manufacturer specifies a shelf life of up to approximately:
- 2 years for an unopened strip canister
- 3 months after opening the canister
The printed expiry date and current product instructions must still be followed.
Do not use an apparently successful QC result as justification for routinely using strips beyond the manufacturer's stated expiry or opened-canister period.
Mission Hb Control Solution Storage and Expiry
Quality-control material also has its own stability period.
Manufacturer product information lists Mission Hb control solution with approximately:
- 6 months unopened
- 30 days after opening
Always verify the current label and control-solution package insert before use because the instructions supplied with the specific product take priority.
Recording the date a control bottle is opened can help laboratories prevent accidental use beyond its permitted opened-bottle period.
How to Organise Mission Hb QC in a Laboratory
A professional testing area should ideally maintain a simple QC record for the Mission Hb system.
Useful information can include:
- Date and time of QC test
- Meter identification
- Test-strip lot number
- Strip expiry date
- Control lot number
- Control level
- Control expiry date
- QC result
- Expected acceptable range where applicable
- Pass or fail status
- Operator initials or ID
- Corrective action if QC fails
This makes it easier to investigate testing problems later.
What Should You Do If Mission Hb QC Fails?
If a quality-control result is outside the expected range or otherwise fails the required QC procedure, do not immediately continue routine patient testing without investigating the cause.
Use a structured troubleshooting process.
Step 1: Repeat the QC Procedure Carefully
Review the instructions and repeat the control according to the manufacturer's procedure where appropriate.
Make sure:
- The correct QC material is being used
- The QC material is within expiry
- The QC material has been stored correctly
- The control material was handled properly
- The correct test strips are being used
Step 2: Check the Test Strips
Verify:
- Expiry
- Opened-canister period
- Storage
- Lot number
- Physical condition
- Code-chip setup
Step 3: Check the Meter
Inspect:
- Battery condition
- Strip insertion area
- Physical damage
- Contamination
- Operating temperature
Step 4: Check Environmental Conditions
The Mission Hb meter is specified for operation at approximately:
10°C to 40°C
with relative humidity within the manufacturer's specified operating range.
Very hot, cold or humid environments may interfere with correct system operation.
Step 5: Stop Patient Testing If QC Cannot Be Resolved
If QC continues to fail after appropriate checks, professional users should follow their laboratory SOP, investigate further and contact the appropriate technical or product support channel where necessary.
Patient results should not simply be accepted from a testing system that has unresolved QC failure.
Do Not “Adjust” a Mission Hb Patient Result to Make QC Pass
A failed QC result should lead to investigation of the testing system.
Do not:
- Mathematically alter patient Hb results
- Create your own correction factor
- Ignore repeated QC failures
- Continue testing simply because results appear clinically reasonable
- Change code-chip information arbitrarily
Identify and correct the underlying cause instead.
Why New Strip Lots Deserve Attention
When moving from one strip lot to another, laboratories should maintain clear lot identification and follow the manufacturer's instructions and their own QC procedure.
Keep:
- New and old lots clearly separated
- Corresponding code components organised
- Expiry dates documented
- Opening dates recorded where appropriate
This reduces the risk of mixing components from different packs.
Can Mission Hb Control Solution Be Used Instead of Blood?
Control solution is a quality-control material.
It is not a patient specimen and should not be interpreted as a patient's hemoglobin result.
Its purpose is to help verify testing-system performance according to the manufacturer's QC procedure.
Can You Use Another Brand's Hb Control Solution?
Do not assume that control solutions from different hemoglobin systems are interchangeable.
Quality-control material is designed for use with specific testing systems and procedures.
For Mission Hb, use the appropriate Mission Hb control materials specified by the manufacturer.
Mission Hb Control Strips Are Not Patient Test Strips
This is an important distinction.
Mission Hb Test Strips are used with whole-blood specimens for Hb measurement.
Mission Hb Control Strips are QC accessories used to monitor meter performance.
Do not substitute one for the other.
Quality Control vs Calibration vs Patient Testing
| Process | What It Checks | Patient Result? |
|---|---|---|
| Calibration | Measurement-system calibration | No |
| Code Chip Setup | Correct strip-system or lot-related setup | No |
| Quality Control | Checks testing-system performance | No |
| Patient Testing | Measures Hb from capillary or venous whole blood | Yes |
Mission Hb Professional QC Checklist
Before accepting patient results, professional users can check:
- ✓ Correct Mission Hb meter
- ✓ Correct Mission Hb test strips
- ✓ Correct strip lot identified
- ✓ Code chip handled according to instructions
- ✓ Strips within expiry
- ✓ Opened-canister period valid
- ✓ Strips stored at 2°C–30°C
- ✓ Meter operating within 10°C–40°C
- ✓ QC material within expiry
- ✓ Opened QC material within permitted use period
- ✓ QC result acceptable according to the applicable procedure
- ✓ QC results documented where required
Mission Hb Technical Specifications Relevant to QC
| Specification | Mission Hb |
|---|---|
| Calibration | Automatic |
| Method | Reflectance photometry |
| Detection principle | Methemoglobin |
| Sample volume | Approximately 10 µL |
| Sample type | Capillary or venous whole blood |
| Test time | Under 15 seconds |
| Hb range | 4.5–25.6 g/dL |
| Within-run precision CV | ≤3% |
| Total precision CV | ≤3% |
| Meter operating temperature | 10°C–40°C |
| Strip storage | 2°C–30°C |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Mission Hb require manual calibration?
The manufacturer specifies Mission Hb as using automatic calibration. However, compatible strip packs may include a code chip that must still be handled according to the manufacturer's instructions.
What is the Mission Hb code chip used for?
The code chip is supplied as part of the Mission Hb strip system. Keep it associated with the corresponding strip materials and follow the manufacturer's setup instructions.
Does Mission Hb have quality-control material?
Yes. Mission Hb quality-control accessories include control strips and control solution.
How many Mission Hb control-solution levels are available?
The manufacturer lists three control-solution levels: Level 0, Level 1 and Level 2.
What are Mission Hb control strips used for?
Mission Hb Control Strips are used to monitor meter performance according to the manufacturer's procedure.
Can I use another brand's hemoglobin control solution?
Do not assume controls from different Hb systems are interchangeable. Use quality-control material specified for the Mission Hb system.
What should I do if Mission Hb QC fails?
Check the control material, test strips, expiry, storage, code-chip setup, meter condition and environmental conditions. If QC continues to fail, stop routine patient testing and follow the applicable laboratory procedure or manufacturer support process.
Should QC be performed every day?
The appropriate frequency depends on the current manufacturer's instructions, laboratory SOP and applicable quality or regulatory requirements. Avoid creating an arbitrary QC schedule that conflicts with those procedures.
How long can Mission Hb control solution be used after opening?
Manufacturer product information lists approximately 30 days after opening, subject to the current product label, expiry date, storage conditions and package insert.
How long can an opened Mission Hb strip canister be used?
The manufacturer currently specifies approximately 3 months after opening, subject to the printed expiry and correct storage.
Can a patient result be accepted when QC has repeatedly failed?
Unresolved QC failure should be investigated before routine patient results from the system are relied upon. Professional users should follow their laboratory or institutional procedure.
Related Mission Hb Guides
Mission Hb Hemoglobin Monitor & Test Strips – Complete Guide
Read the complete Mission Hb guide
How to Use Mission Hb Hemoglobin Monitor
Read the step-by-step Mission Hb usage guide
Mission Hb Test Strip Compatibility Guide
Check Mission Hb strip compatibility
Mission Hb Troubleshooting Guide
Troubleshoot Mission Hb testing problems
Mission Hb Accuracy vs Laboratory CBC
Understand Mission Hb accuracy and laboratory comparison
Mission Hb Capillary vs Venous Blood
Compare capillary and venous specimens for Mission Hb
Mission Hb Products Available from Microsidd
Mission Hb Hemoglobin Monitor with 10 Strips
Portable point-of-care hemoglobin testing system for capillary or venous whole blood.
View Mission Hb Hemoglobin Monitor with 10 Strips
Mission Hb Hemoglobin Test Strips – 50 Strips
Compatible refill strips for the Mission Hb Hemoglobin Monitor.
View Mission Hb Test Strips – 50 Strips
Mission Hb Monitor with 50-Strip Refill Combo
Mission Hb meter together with a larger quantity of compatible refill strips.
View Mission Hb Monitor + 50-Strip Combo
Important Note
This article provides general educational information about Mission Hb calibration and quality control. Professional laboratories and healthcare facilities should always follow the latest manufacturer instructions, control-material inserts, institutional SOPs and applicable laboratory quality requirements.
Quality control does not replace correct specimen collection, test-strip storage, testing technique or appropriate clinical interpretation.
Buy Genuine Mission Hb Products from Microsidd.com
Microsidd supplies Mission Hb hemoglobin meters, compatible Mission Hb test strips and other diagnostic products for laboratories, clinics, healthcare professionals and individual users.
Before ordering, verify the exact meter model, strip compatibility, pack size and product specifications.
This product is non-returnable and non-exchangeable.
Please verify the brand, model, compatibility, pack size and product specifications before placing your order.
For laboratory reagents, customers should specifically verify the test parameter, methodology, analyser compatibility, reagent configuration and pack size 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 any claim regarding an incorrect product received.