iSTAT Machine Guide: How It Works and What It Tests For

In critical care, seconds can be the difference between life and loss. When a patient’s condition changes suddenly, clinicians need answers then and there, not in 30 minutes when the lab report arrives. That’s where the iSTAT machine steps in, turning a small drop of blood into life-saving data in just minutes.

This portable lab device is more than just convenient. It is seen as a clinical game-changer. From emergency rooms and ICUs to ambulances and remote clinics, the Abbott iSTAT system has transformed point-of-care testing into a fast, accurate and dependable process.

The evolving world of medicine is moving toward faster, more accessible diagnostics. Handheld diagnostics like the iSTAT machine have become a vital part of this shift. They give medical teams immediate access to critical lab results without relying on centralized testing.

Diamond Diagnostics supplies the Abbott i-STAT 1 BGA Analyzer, a compact point-of-care testing analyzer manufactured by Abbott Diagnostics.

The Abbott iSTAT system combines advanced technology with portability. It allows clinicians to perform blood analyzer tests directly at the patient’s side.

Not only does it improve patient outcomes, but it also streamlines clinical workflows. This is especially so in time-sensitive situations such as cardiac events, respiratory distress or trauma cases.

At Diamond Diagnostics, each refurbished iSTAT analyzer undergoes a meticulous Down-To-Frame® restoration process, ensuring high performance, analytical accuracy and extended service life. 

In addition, we also offer tailored maintenance plans to maximize reliability, providing complete support for healthcare providers who depend on iSTAT device technology.

What Is the iSTAT Machine?

At its core, the iSTAT machine is a portable blood analyzer designed to deliver accurate lab-quality results at the point of care. About the size of a cordless phone and weighing less than a pound, it is battery-powered and easy to operate.

The Abbott iSTAT system uses single-use test cartridges, each programmed for a specific panel or parameter set. The process is simple: collect a small blood sample, insert it into the cartridge and place the cartridge in the analyzer. Within roughly two minutes, results are displayed on the screen.

Because of its portability, the iSTAT device is used across a variety of settings:

• Emergency departments
• Intensive care units
• Operating rooms
• Ambulances and medical transport
• Field hospitals and disaster relief zones
• Remote clinics with limited lab infrastructure

How the iSTAT Machine Works

Step 1: Sample Collection

A small blood sample, typically 2 to 3 drops, is drawn via fingerstick, venous, or arterial collection. This low-volume requirement minimizes patient discomfort and speeds up the process.

Step 2: Cartridge Insertion

Each test type has a dedicated cartridge containing microfluidic channels, chemical reagents and sensors. The collected sample is dispensed into the cartridge’s sample well.

Step 3: Automated Processing

Once inserted into the iSTAT machine, the cartridge is sealed and analyzed. Sensors within the cartridge measure specific analytes through electrochemical and optical detection methods.

Step 4: Results Display

Within about two minutes, the results appear on the device’s display. Depending on the facility’s setup, data can be recorded, printed or transmitted to an electronic medical record system.

What It Tests For

The iSTAT device offers a broad menu of tests which makes it suitable for a variety of medical disciplines. Key testing capabilities include:

Blood Gases

• pH
• Partial pressure of oxygen (pO₂)
• Partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO₂)
• Bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻)
• Base excess
• Oxygen saturation (sO₂)

Electrolytes

• Sodium (Na⁺)
• Potassium (K⁺)
• Chloride (Cl⁻)
• Ionized calcium (iCa²⁺)

Chemistries and Metabolites

• Glucose
• Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
• Creatinine
• Lactate

Hematology Parameters

• Hemoglobin
• Hematocrit

Cardiac and Coagulation Markers

• Troponin I
• CK-MB
• Prothrombin time/International normalized ratio (PT/INR)
• Activated clotting time (ACT)

This versatility means the Abbott iSTAT system can assist in diagnosing and monitoring conditions ranging from electrolyte imbalances and kidney function issues to cardiac events and respiratory failure.

Advantages of iSTAT as a Portable Lab Device

Speed and Immediacy

Traditional lab tests can take 30 minutes or more from collection to reporting. The iSTAT machine delivers results in under 2 minutes, enabling faster decision-making in emergencies.

Portability and Usability

Weighing less than a pound, the device can be carried in the hospital or beyond. It operates on batteries or an AC power supply and its intuitive design means minimal training is required.

Versatility Across Care Settings

From rural clinics to advanced tertiary hospitals, the iSTAT device adapts to the clinical environment. Its menu covers critical tests for cardiology, nephrology, emergency medicine and surgery.

Improved Workflow Efficiency

By reducing the need to transport samples to a central lab, the iSTAT machine frees up staff and speeds up treatment initiation.

Ensuring Accuracy & Maintenance

1. Best Practices for Accuracy

• Store cartridges under recommended conditions.
• Follow correct sample collection and handling procedures.
• Perform regular quality control checks using control solutions.

1. Routine Maintenance

The iSTAT machine requires minimal maintenance. However, cleaning the exterior, ensuring cartridge slot integrity and checking battery levels are essential for reliability.

1. Refurbishment and Longevity

When serviced by trusted providers like Diamond Diagnostics, refurbished iSTAT analyzers undergo a Down-To-Frame® restoration process. This includes disassembly, replacement of worn components, recalibration and comprehensive performance verification. This process ensures that the analyzer meets manufacturer specifications.

Integrating iSTAT with Lab-Based Analyzers

While the iSTAT machine excels in rapid diagnostics, it doesn’t replace high-throughput blood analyzers in central labs. Instead, it works best as part of an integrated diagnostic strategy:

• iSTAT machine for urgent, bedside testing.
• Central lab analyzers (e.g. Beckman AU480 or AU680) for comprehensive panels, large batch runs, and specialized testing.

This combination allows clinicians to act immediately while still benefiting from the breadth and depth of full lab analysis.

Conclusion

The iSTAT machine is more than just a diagnostic tool: it’s a lifeline for modern healthcare teams who need answers without delay. This handheld blood analyzer combines portability, accuracy and speed, enabling clinicians to perform critical tests at the bedside without interrupting patient care.

From a crowded emergency department to a remote field hospital or even an ambulance in transit, the Abbott iSTAT system delivers lab-quality results exactly where they are needed. 

Its ability to analyze blood gases, electrolytes and key chemistries within minutes enhances patient care by making it an essential component of any point-of-care testing strategy.

As a portable lab device, it can be integrated into daily workflows and proves to be a smart investment. It not only accelerates diagnosis but also empowers healthcare providers to make faster, more confident clinical decisions. 

When paired with expert refurbishment, maintenance and training services from trusted providers like Diamond Diagnostics, the iSTAT device offers long-term reliability and cost efficiency.

In an industry where every second matters, the iSTAT machine stands out as a proven solution that bridges the gap between patient and lab. It ensures that healthcare professionals have the right information, at the right time, to deliver the best possible care - anywhere it’s needed.