Now you’ll learn how to take a reading using the Pronto.

Before taking a blood sample, make sure the client or Authorized Representative has signed the Rights & Obligations form giving you permission to perform bloodwork. Without permission, you cannot perform the hemoglobin test. This paperwork is often signed when the client checks in at the time of the appointment. Once you have chosen the appropriate sensor and connected it to the “Patient Cable” on the Pronto device, place it on the participant’s finger or thumb as appropriate. Turn the device on. It will go through a self-test and verify all front panel indicators light up and a tone will be heard indicating it is ready to use. The display will show the sensor uses remaining.

Be sure the participant is seated, calm, and breathing normally. Changes in heart rate can cause problems with the test, so choose a relaxed setting where participants are less likely to be stressed. Pronto tests do not have to be conducted in a lab. If the sensor is not placed correctly, the display will show “SENS OFF”. When the sensor is placed correctly, it will automatically begin to take the reading. You will see circling zeros that indicate the Pronto is initializing the sensor. Then, dashes will flash and the Perfusion Index (PI) will display.

Press the SpHb button to switch the display to show the total hemoglobin reading. If you need to monitor the Perfusion Index (PI) during the test, you may press the Up or Down arrows to switch between the two readings. The participant must be still long enough for a successful reading. The spot check progress indicator will light up to show you the test progress. When the meter is completely lit, a tone will sound and the test is over!

The time to complete a test will vary depending on the Perfusion Index and interactions discussed in the Troubleshooting section that follows. The time for readings may be affected by the quality of the signal and by brightly light rooms (shielding the sensor with hand or a sheet of paper is recommended). If the display shows “SENS OFF” at any time during the reading, you must start over.

Once the test has completed, the total hemoglobin reading will display while you have the sensor connected. After you disconnect the sensor, you may still view the result for 5 minutes by pressing the SpHb button. The machine does not save the readings, so be sure to record the reading right away. If the yellow light is on, or if there is no hemoglobin result, then the test was not successful and you will have to repeat it. If you get a value that is outside the “normal” range, make a referral per your agency policy.