Piccolo® xpress

On-The-Spot Chemistry Results in minutes

 

The Piccolo xpress is a compact, portable clinical chemistry system designed for on-site patient testing. Roughly the size of a shoebox, health care providers use the easy to follow color touch screen commands to perform routine multi-chemistry panels. 0.1cc of whole blood, serum or plasma is added directly to the patented 8-cm diameter single use plastic disc containing the liquid diluent and dry reagents. The disc is placed in the analyzer drawer where centrifugal and capillary forces are used to mix the reagents and sample in the disc. The Piccolo xpress monitors the reagent reactions simultaneously using nine wavelengths, calculates the results from the absorbance data and reports the results. The Piccolo xpress self-calibrates with each run and the on-board continuous intelligent Quality Control (iQCT) monitors the analyzer, reagent reactions and sample to ensure chemistry and instrument integrity. This assures you the highest quality and accuracy in results. Results are ready in approximately 12 minutes with a “hard copy” report suitable for the patient file or transferred to a computer, printer or an LIS/EMR. This enables you to rapidly obtain critical diagnostic information at point of care. The easy-to-use, maintenance-free system requires no special training to operate.

 

Piccolo® xpress Features & Benefits

On the spot lab results

The Piccolo xpress delivers routine multi-chemistry and electrolyte test results quickly and easily in virtually any treatment setting,

  • A fully automated system with walk away operation
  • Uses a small sample size (0.1cc of whole blood, serum or plasma)
  • No sample pre-treatment is needed
  • Results are available in approximately 12 minutes.
  • The built in intelligent Quality Control meets CLIA and NCCLS requirements for daily control testing
  • The Piccolo xpress delivers up to 24 individual tests including CLIA-waived lipids, liver enzymes and glucose monitoring
  • Results are provided in a “hard copy” self-adhesive report or can be quickly transferred to a printer, computer or data management system, enabling physicians to rapidly obtain critical diagnostic information at the point-of-care

Small on Space. Big on Accuracy.

Compact and portable, the Piccolo xpressT is easy to incorporate into your clinical setting, yet provides the precision and accuracy comparable to larger, more expensive laboratory analyzers.

  • Small footprint measures 32.4 cm (12.75 in.) x 15.2 cm (6 in.) x 20.3 cm (8 in.)
  • Portable and lightweight with carrying handle only weighs 11.2 pounds
  • The advanced technology uses centrifugal and capillary forces to mix diluent, reagents and sample in a self-contained, disposable disc lessening opportunities for procedural errors
  • On-board intelligent Quality Control system performs continuous QC checks during the complete analytical process to ensure accurate results
  • Bar coded self-contained reagent discs are self-calibrating and monitors panel information
  • Multi- analyte panel results include alpha-numeric patient information, analyte concentrations, reference ranges, sample integrity indices and QC performance
  • Operator security capabilities limit non-user entry
  • Peer reviewed studies support performance
  • Bidirectional communication USB ports transmit data to external peripherals.
  • Stores up to 5000 patient and control results on-board

Easy Operation

The Piccolo xpress procedure is quick and easy to perform.

 

Piccolo operation is as Simple as 1-2-3

Step 1: Add Sample

Simply collect 0.1cc of whole blood, serum or plasma, and transfer it to the self-contained reagent disc. The single use, disposable disc contains all the reagents and diluent necessary to perform a complete fixed multi-test panel.

 

Step 2: Insert Disc

Follow the touch screen commands. Place the disc into the analyzer drawer, enter requested information and the Piccolo xpress does the rest. In approximately 12 minutes, results are ready!

 

Step 3: Read Results

Complete panel results including patient demographics, chemistry concentrations, reference ranges, sample integrity indices and iQC are available on the full color display, printed on a self-adhesive print out, transmitted to an external printer, computer or LIS/EMR system. The Piccolo Xpress analyzer will store on-board up to 5000 patient and quality control results.

 

 

 

  • No special operating skills are needed to run the Piccolo xpress
  • Easy to use color touch screen guides the operator through the process
  • Flexible alpha – numeric data entry options and analyzer settings
  • Self-contained, disposable reagent discs are easy to handle
  • Every reagent disc automatically self-calibrates
  • Integrated intelligent Quality Control (iQC) checks performance and accuracy
  • Requires very little maintenance
  • DeltaSigma provides on-going service and support
  • Operates from line or 15-volt battery power
  • Direct compatibility supported with USB peripherals including bar code readers, keyboards, personal computers and printers.
  • CD Software makes testing upgrades easy

 

Panel Descriptions and Package Inserts

Piccolo xpress panels are configured to aid in disease diagnosis or monitor disease treatment. Each panel is a self-contained plastic disc with reagents. Intelligent Quality Control and bar coded calibration are built in to each reagent disc.

 

 

The Piccolo® menu of chemistry tests is the most comprehensive available on the market today.

There are 31 tests in all, and 16 complete chemistry panels. 11 of these panels are CLIA waived for easy and convenient operation. This menu represents over 90% of the routine tests ordered by physician offices.   *Calculated test value.

Panel CLIA Waived Tests
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel Yes ALB, ALP, ALT, AST, BUN, Ca, Cl-,CRE, eGFR* GLU, K+, Na+, TBIL, tCO2, TP
Basic Metabolic Panel Yes BUN, Ca, CRE, eGFR*, GLU, Cl-, K+, Na+, tCO2
Lipid Panel Yes CHOL, HDL, CHOL/HDL*, LDL*, TRIG, VLDL*, nHDLc*
Lipid Panel Plus Yes CHOL, HDL, CHOL/HDL*, LDL*, TRIG, VLDL*, GLU, ALT, AST, nHDLc*
Liver Panel Plus Yes ALB, ALP, ALT, AST, AMY, TBIL, TP, GGT
Electrolyte Panel Yes Cl-, K+, Na+, tCO2
General Chemistry 13 Yes ALB, ALP, ALT, AMY, AST, BUN, Ca, CRE, eGFR*, GGT, GLU, TBIL, TP, UA
General Chemistry 6 Yes ALT, AST, CRE, eGFR*, GLU, BUN, GGT
Renal Function Panel Yes ALB, BUN, Ca, CRE, eGFR*, GLU, Cl-, K+, Na+, tCO2 PHOS
MetLyte 8 Yes Cl-, K+, Na+, tCO2, BUN, CK, CRE, eGFR*, GLU
Kidney Check Yes BUN, CRE, eGFR*
Hepatic Function Panel No ALB, ALP, ALT, AST, DBIL, TBIL, TP
Basic Metabolic Panel Plus No BUN, Ca, CRE, eGFR*, GLU, Cl-, K+, Na+, tCO2, Mg, LDH
MetLyte Plus CRP No Cl-, K+, Na+, tCO2, BUN, CK, CRE, CRP, eGFR*, GLU
BioChemistry Panel Plus No ALB, ALP, ALT, AMY, AST, BUN, Ca, CRE, CRP, eGFR*, GGT, GLU, TP, UA
MetLac 12 No ALB, BUN, Ca, Cl-, CRE, eGFR*, GLU, K+, LAC, Mg, Na+,Phos, tCO2
AmLyte 13 No ALB, ALT, AMY, AST, BUN, Ca, CK, CRE, CRP, eGFR*, GLU, K+, Na+, TBIL
(For International Use Only. Not for United States Use)

 

FAQ

  • Can the analyzer be connected to an external computer, printer, LIS or EMR?

The Piccolo xpress can be connected to an external computer or printer. Sample results, control results, and status reports are automatically transmitted through the USB port of the analyzer every time they are calculated or prepared. Popular terminal emulation software, such as Windows 95 HyperTerminal may be used to collect the data from the Piccolo. The Piccolo xpress supports the ASTM E 1394-97 communications protocol. The data can be transferred to many commercially available data management programs.

  • Can expired discs be used in the Piccolo xpress?

No. The analyzer has a built-in sensor to determine if the disc has expired. If it has, the analyzer will cancel the run and display a Code 13 error message. 

  • What is the shelf life of the reagent discs?

The shelf life of a reagent disc ranges from 6-18 months depending on the type of disc (see package for expiration date). DeltaSigma recommends that the discs be stored refrigerated at 2-8° C (36-46° F) and used directly from the refrigerator. Reagent discs stored above 8° C will degrade faster throughout their shelf life. 

 

  • Do discs require warm-up time before use?

No. We recommend that discs be used one at a time directly from the refrigerator for optimal performance. 

  • Can discs be frozen and used later?

No, discs MUST NOT be frozen. Reagent discs MUST be refrigerated at 2-8° C (36-46° F). 

  • What types of samples can be used with the Piccolo xpress?

Lithium-heparin whole blood, lithium-heparin plasma, or serum. Do not use EDTA as an anti-coagulant. 

  • What is the proper order of sample collection when filling multiple tubes?
  • What are the power requirements needed to operate the analyzer?
  1. Red top tubes (plain, no additive).
  2. Green top tubes (lithium heparin).
  3. Lavender top tubes (EDTA additive).

The analyzer requires 100-240 volts AC, 50-60 Hz or 15 volts DC, 5.0A. 

  • Is surge protection or an uninterruptible power supply required for the Piccolo xpress?

DeltaSigma recommends that the Piccolo be plugged into a surge protector designed for use with a computer. DeltaSigma recommends the use of an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) if the Piccolo will be used in an area prone to electrical surges or power outages. UPS with surge protection may be purchased through DeltaSigma if desired. 

  • What do the black symbols on the results print out mean?

The three black symbols mean that the results for that particular chemistry were suppressed. The analyzer is designed to give accurate results. If the analyzer is unable to give accurate results, it will suppress those results rather than print them. Collect a new sample and re-run the test. If results for the second sample are suppressed,

  • Should controls be run on the Piccolo xpress?

DeltaSigma recommends control testing as follows: at least every 30 days, whenever laboratory conditions have changed significantly, when training or re-training personnel is indicated, when test results do not match patient symptoms or clinical findings. Please see Section 2.4, “Testing Procedure and Interpretation of Results,” in the Piccolo Operator Manual. (see also iQC document for further information.)

The controls are analyzed the same as the patient samples; the only difference is that the results are stored in a memory separate from the sample results memory. It makes recalling control results easier. See Section 6, “Calibration and Quality Control,” in the Piccolo xpress Operator’s Manual.