Biochem Machines

Re: Biochem Machines

Vicky RVN — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 23:14:52 GMT

We use Idexx Vettest and Vetlyte. Work fine, and easy to use.

Re: Biochem Machines

hissycat — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 21:52:15 GMT

lots of clambering round the back of the hefty machine and 'flushing the tubes'!!

Re: Biochem Machines

Sal the 1st — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 21:34:11 GMT

hence my comments if it is well maintained and actually works! Maintenance can be time consuming and very frustrating

Re: Biochem Machines

Emma Greene — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 21:20:56 GMT

We've got a synermed and are just in the process of changing to Idexx. Had loads of problems with it, and takes ages (lots of swearing!) to get the reagents to a state where the results are vaguely valid. Vet test is the back up machine and has always been fine.

Re: Biochem Machines

Sal the 1st — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 21:11:45 GMT

Synermed - you are right, can be a swine to get used to but once you get the hang of it not that bad (if your machine is well maintained and actually works)

Re: Biochem Machines

vanessa — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 21:05:39 GMT

We also use the Vettest and Vetlyte machines. They're v.easy to use and getting results. On the odd occasion we've needed tech support they've been helpful. We have had to send our Vettest machine off for repair a couple of times but they always send a replacement to use whilst ours is in the "garage"

Re: Biochem Machines

Saskia Quinn — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 21:02:34 GMT

[quote user="Gillian Mostyn"]

We've had this (long) discussion before so I won't start it up again - but in-house bloods are a mixed blessing. Done properly, with correct machines, maintained well, using correctly matched equipment and regular QC, it is an expensive but very useful in-house commodity. And probably essential in emergency practice. However, if not done well, it is a good way for a practice to make lots of profit but with poor quality results. As a local 'GP' I am happy to send my bloods to an external lab, wait up to 24hrs for reliable results and not have nurses tied up with machines all day! I don't expect my local GP surgery to run my bloods - and am happy if I get my results within a week!!! At least our clients don't wait that long!

[/quote]

hehe lol Gillian! I fear I may have been on of the contributors to that thread!!

Re: Biochem Machines

hissycat — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 21:02:07 GMT

Used to use Synermed wet chemistry biochem machine which was hard to get used to but generally was pretty good. Think I ended up prefering it to the slide/rota based machines. I havn't yet heard of a reliable electrolyte machine! maybe there aren't any out there...

Re: Biochem Machines

Claire Cameron — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 21:00:31 GMT

[quote user="Gillian Mostyn"]

[/quote]

I agree totally. I have to admit i've just been spoilt so not had to live without then not having one was a bit weird having to wait for bloods

Re: Biochem Machines

Gillian Mostyn — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 20:59:32 GMT

Re: Biochem Machines

Claire Cameron — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 20:52:41 GMT

first opinion and some referral & OOH.

i dunno lol probably because i've always been lucky enough to have a blood machine in practice. clearly ive been spoilt.

Re: Biochem Machines

Gillian Mostyn — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 20:50:18 GMT

[quote user="MissVetNurse"]BUT they never had blood machines until now - I have no idea how they coped!?[/quote]

Why? What type of clinic is it? (OOH emergencies, first opinion, referral?) Just curious why you are so amazed that a vets could manage without having in-house biochem/haem?

Re: Biochem Machines

Sal the 1st — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 20:45:18 GMT

Menarini - eek, but maybe it is only me that runs at the name - great when it works and an absolute b when it doesnt - tech support whats that then? problems? yup! unless the machine I was using was one of those Friday specials.

Re: Biochem Machines

Emma Clark — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 20:03:15 GMT

We use the idexx vet test, lasercyte and vetlyte at work....the vet test for the biochem we never really have any issues with, occasionally a jammed slide but on the whole works well without problems. The vetlyte and the lasercyte on the other hand give us no end of problems!!!!!!

Re: Biochem Machines

Claire Cameron — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 19:34:53 GMT

Hiya

I've always used Idexx VetTest, VetLyte and the haematology one (cant remember its name but Idexx)

But my new practice has just got Menarini machines? I've never heard of them before, pretty straight forward to use so the introductory talks showed (but you know what reps are like!!!)

Not had much experience with them yet as I only work at that practice 1:4 weekends but the other girls love the machines BUT they never had blood machines until now - I have no idea how they coped!? so they've not had much experience with others to compare/

Anyone else used these?

Re: Biochem Machines

Saskia Quinn — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 19:07:45 GMT

we have the Idexx vet test. Have been using it for years so am very familiar with it, hasnt caused any major problems.

Now on that subject, how do you guys prepare you slides to analyse? General Health profiles from Idexx are normally kept in the freezer, would you use them straight from the freezer or let them sit out for a while?

Re: Biochem Machines

johannapage — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 16:49:15 GMT

we have the catalyst for biochem...you know my feelings on it

we have the lasercyte for haematology and their coag dx and snapshot machines as well, got a deal from idexx in return for the vet test

Re: Biochem Machines

lskm 23 — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 16:09:59 GMT

Hi, we use the Vet scan 2 along with HM5 haematology machine. They come from QCR, which I think stands for Quality Clinical reagents. Find this very easy to use.