Vetlyte Machine keeps breaking down!

Re: Vetlyte Machine keeps breaking down!

Sal the 1st — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 18:52:43 GMT

for vetstat thats what I use now

but honestly the vetlyte if you can keep it happy is really ok - I have used about 4 different vetlytes at various practices and yes there have been problems - but then any machine can throw an epi now and again, persevere, treat them well and look after them and they will do you proud

I dislike the lasercyte machine ( I dont have one where I am now) - the error messages used to drive me mad - but when you look closer into the error messages it isnt always the machine at fault . You get people who try and get it to drink in a part clotted sample, insufficient sample and other variations, they dont look after its basic needs and expect it to behave like an angel and get all upset when it doesnt play ball.

If you want a blood machine you can really swear at and be justified pick a Menarini

Re: Vetlyte Machine keeps breaking down!

Nick Shackleton — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 17:34:58 GMT

I find that the Idexx Vetstat is a lot less temperamental and requires less maintenance. It's portable so therefore can be used away from lab ie in ICU or theatre for those complicated cases.

different cassettes are available depending on what kind of tests require running. I have used both machines and really do prefer the VetStat not just because it is more reliable but also more tests can be performed

http://www.idexx.co.uk/animalhealth/analysers/vetstat/

Re: Vetlyte Machine keeps breaking down!

NIckie — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 17:05:23 GMT

Don't worry your not the only one out there, I think I know the name of most of the staff at idexx! Regular maintenance makes a big difference but they still are very temp]ramental.

Re: Vetlyte Machine keeps breaking down!

Laura Samuel — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 14:23:35 GMT

Thank you all for your comments, they have helped alot.

I am now the lucky person looking after the machine, performing all the maintainece checks etc (fun for me) :o)

Re: Vetlyte Machine keeps breaking down!

Mrs Dot Dot — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 23:05:04 GMT

They are very sensitive souls, vetlyte machines..... abit like vets! ... need buttering up, talking nicely to, not being physically and mentally abused, placed in the right position and they 'don't like change'!

You are not meant to place them too near plug sockets, get their wires tangled up with others, make sure they are on a completely flat surface, they don't like being moved at all, in any direction, dont like being to close to a microscopes, most definately don't like being slapped if they are not working properly and they like a regular maintenance programme.

We follow these little rules and at the moment... touch wood! ... they seem to work!

Re: Vetlyte Machine keeps breaking down!

Karen Lea — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 22:35:01 GMT

I totally agree with Sal, you need one dedicated person who does daily, weekly, monthly, 6 monthly checks, use a tick sheet when a job is due & then done!! or photocopy the maintenance record at the back of the operators manual, if not already doing so!!!

Re: Vetlyte Machine keeps breaking down!

Sal the 1st — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 22:22:03 GMT

yes they are very sensitive - they hate being sworn at!

Is it maybe feeling neglected?

but seriously biggest problems I have encountered with them are when the fluid packs are not changed regularly enough, the electrodes are allowed to dry out, they dont get cleaned often enough and people use gel tubes with them and they just get clogged up and die. They also really dislike interruptions to the power supply

Daily cleans and weekly cleans are not optional with this machine.

If you can get one person in the practice who will love it get them to take care of it on a regular basis and it will repay the attention and care by doing what is asked of it. - I have found this really works nine times out of ten

Re: Vetlyte Machine keeps breaking down!

leebee78 — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 22:08:03 GMT

Yes we have had constant problems for years with our vetlyte machine - it is apparently a very sensitive machine!!

Touch wood ours has been ok recently.

Good luck with yours.