Sorry if this thread doesn't go here. Okay, this seems like a weird question, but my supervisor is pressing the issue: does it say anywhere (documentation) that you can incubate gel-card microtubes multiple times without removing the foil and have them be still good to use? I scoured the Instructions For Use and could not find anything with that kind of wording. It also doesn't state the contrary neither. I called Ortho tech-support and they stated something along the lines that "There have been no studies that have tested incubating multiple times before use." Mind you, I've had rotations at other, larger labs that use the gel system. IMO, it seems obvious that you can incubate them a few times before use. Why else would they be designed as such? Honestly, I don't think I'm going to find such documentation anywhere. This lab is going to be switching to the gel system for the first time and Joint Commission is right around the corner. Bottom line: I need a little help explaining to my sup that they're going to be okay and they're chasing red herrings. Tactfully of course! :D :D :D Thanks!!
Thank you everyone for responding!! We're using a manual system. The Ortho cards do state that they should be stored at either room-temp or in a refrigerator. I think I may get in touch with our reference laboratory myself. Would the validation process be that hard for the manual method? Maybe just incubate the card six to ten times and set it up with weak positive controls and compare the results to a non-incubated card? Sounds like fun times ahead!