Cholestech LDX
Cholestech · Model LDX
Lab-accurate quality. Meets all relevant National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) guidelines. Certified for total and HDL cholesterol by the CDC's Cholesterol Reference Method. Laboratory Network (CRMLN). Immediate feedback for on-the-spot care decisions. CLIA-waived. Tests require only a simple fingerstick. Fast, easy 3-step procedure. CHD risk assessment. Easy and inexpensive software upgrades for new tests. Small, lightweight design for versatility and portability. System includes an easy-to-use printer, providing multiple copies of results. Tests reimbursable by Medicare and various private payors.
Key tips
- ·Run QC controls before trusting any repair - an analyzer that passes self-test can still report clinically wrong results.
- ·Rule out a reagent lot change before opening the instrument - it can look exactly like a hardware fault.
- ·Centrifuge rotors have a hard retirement age/cycle limit regardless of visible condition - don't eyeball it.
Typical Failure Modes
Compiled for this model from its own documentation and established engineering knowledge for this equipment class - not from a verified service record. Confirm against the manufacturer's service manual.
Assay / QC failure across a channel or the whole system
HighSymptoms: Controls out of range, calibration fails, flagged results, drift over a shift.
Root cause: Reagent or cuvette issue, lamp ageing, a probe / mixer / wash-station fault, or ISE-module problems.
Sample / reagent probe clog or crash
MediumSymptoms: Short aspiration, no dispense, clot detection, probe-position error.
Root cause: Clogged or bent probe, or a clot in the sample.
Cuvette / reaction-rotor fault
MediumSymptoms: High cuvette blanks, non-uniform results by position, rotor-drive error.
Root cause: Worn / scratched cuvettes or a wash fault, or a rotor-drive fault.
ISE module fault (Na / K / Cl)
MediumSymptoms: Electrolyte results biased or noisy, ISE calibration fails.
Root cause: Aged ISE electrodes / reference, or a pinch-valve / tubing fault.
Water / vacuum / pressure system fault
MediumSymptoms: Multiple station alarms, priming failures, poor wash.
Root cause: Water / DI supply quality, a pump, or a vacuum / pressure regulator.
Serviceable Parts & Consumables
Serviceable items for this model, compiled from its documentation and engineering knowledge for this equipment class. Service class and relative cost are estimates, not manufacturer figures; no part numbers are given. Confirm intervals and pricing against the manufacturer.
Sample / reagent probes
Class Periodic replacementRel. cost $$R&R Moderate
Photometer lamp
Class Frequent wear itemRel. cost $$R&R Moderate
Reaction cuvettes / segment
Class Frequent wear itemRel. cost $$R&R Easy
ISE electrodes (Na / K / Cl) & reference
Class Frequent wear itemRel. cost $$R&R Fairly easy
Peristaltic / pinch-valve tubing
Class Frequent wear itemRel. cost $R&R Moderate
| Part | Service class | Relative cost | R&R difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sample / reagent probes | Periodic replacement | $$ | Moderate |
| Photometer lamp | Frequent wear item | $$ | Moderate |
| Reaction cuvettes / segment | Frequent wear item | $$ | Easy |
| ISE electrodes (Na / K / Cl) & reference | Frequent wear item | $$ | Fairly easy |
| Peristaltic / pinch-valve tubing | Frequent wear item | $ | Moderate |
Relative cost: $ lowest · $$$$ highest service-part cost for this equipment class. Not a price.
PM Checklist
Preventive-maintenance tasks typical of this equipment class. Perform to the manufacturer's procedure and your facility's policy - this is general reference, not a schedule for this specific unit.
- ·Daily QC controls run and reviewed
- ·Calibration verification per assay
- ·Routine cleaning and decontamination
- ·Scheduled reagent-path and pump-tubing maintenance
Troubleshooting Approach
A starting sequence for this model, compiled from its documentation and engineering knowledge for this equipment class. Follow the manufacturer's service documentation for the actual procedure.
Symptom: Assay or QC failure
- Run fresh controls at all levels.
- Confirm reagents are in date, correctly loaded and mixed.
- Run the photometer check and replace the lamp if energy is low.
- Clean the probes, mixers and wash stations.
- Recalibrate the affected assay / ISE module and re-run QC.
Symptom: Probe clog or crash
- Inspect the probe for a bend or blockage and clear it.
- Run the fluidics prime / wash cycle.
- Check for a clot in the sample.
- Verify liquid-level sensing and probe positioning.
- Replace the probe if aspiration is still short.
Technical Specs
- Length
- 21 cm
- Width
- 12 cm
Typical Location
Where this class of equipment is typically deployed - general reference, not this unit's own placement record.
- Central / core laboratory
- Point-of-care testing stations
- Blood bank
- Microbiology lab
Documents & Manuals
Safety & Recalls
Synced live from the FDA openFDA API.
- RECALL
Test results are high, outside of control material upper limit specification. Results could be as high as 15%.
Related calculators
From BioLab, for work done with this kind of equipment.
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