TETANOSTOP®

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

Tetanus is a serious disease, leading to prolonged hospitalisation with sequelae which may lead to death (30% of cases). This infectious disease is due to the exotoxin produced by Clostridium tetani. This ubiquitous gram-positive anaerobic bacillus is occasionally present in animal digestive tracts, persists in animal droppings and in the ground in a very resisting sporulated form. In the case of wounding, it penetrates within the body. Then, the tetanus toxin blocks neurotransmitter release which leads to muscular contractions and spasms.

Since the disease confers no immunity, vaccination is the only prevention. Immuno protection is proven by measuring anti-tetanus antibody concentration. 

The TETANOSTOP® by PHARMA Southern Africa test is a rapid immunodiagnostic test for the assessment of anti tetanus antibodies from finger prick whole blood samples. In the case of negative results, a common vaccination against tetanus is enough to rebuild protection.

WHEN SHOULD THE TEST BE PERFORMED?

The test should be performed at any time of day. Generally immunological protection is effective for 10 years. The test can be used in normal conditions to check that the protection from a previous vaccination is still effective (i.e. a few years) or with the same aim but in case of emergency with a few hours of being wounded.

WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO IF THE RESULT IS POSITIVE?

If the result is positive, it means that the anti tetanus toxin antibodies are present in a sufficient quantity to ensure protection in the case of wounding. It is recommended to perform the test regularly if the vaccination was done more than 5 years ago.

INCLUDED IN KIT

A sealed aluminum pouch containing:

• 1 test device, 1 plastic pipette and 1 desiccant bag (Only open the protective pouch when you are ready to use the test. The desiccant bag should not be used.).
• 1 sterile lancet for blood sampling.
• 1 dropper bottle of 1 mL of diluent.
• 1 instruction leaflet.
• 1 alcohol pad.

HOW TO USE

Testing procedure always starts with a good preparation. Place the content of the box on a clean, dry and flat surface (e.g. table). Then the testing follows:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly. Use soap and warm water. Dry your hand with clean towel.
2. Prepare the test device and the pipette. Take them out from the protective pouch (tear at the notch) and place them in the reach of your hands (you will need them later). Discard the desiccant bag.
3. Prepare the lancet. Hold the lancet without touching the trigger button. Unlock the lancet cap twisting it off 1⁄4 turn until you feel it separates from the lancet and then continue twisting it (2-3 rotations). Don’t pull just twist and discard the cap when finished.
4. Clean the end of the middle finger or ring finger with the alcohol pad. Rub the chosen finger towards the tip for 10 to 15 seconds to enhance the blood flow.
5. Press platform firmly against the lateral side of the previously cleaned finger, and press the release trigger button.
6. The tip will automatically retract into the body of the device.
7. Rub the finger’s end to obtain enough whole blood sample.
8. Without pressing the bulb, put in contact the plastic pipette with the blood sample. The blood migrates into the pipette through capillarity to the line indicated on the pipette. You may rub again your finger to obtain more blood if the line is not reached. As far as possible, avoid air bubbles.
9. Put the blood collected with the pipette into the sample well of the device, by pressing on the pipette bulb.
10. Wait 30-40 sec for the blood being totally absorbed into the sample well. Unscrew the blue cap of the diluent dropper bottle (leave the white cap tightly screwed) and add the diluent as follows: Hold the diluent dropper bottle vertically and slowly add exactly 4 drops in the sample well of the device with an interval of 2-3 seconds between each drop.
11. Read the result within 10 minutes. Do not interpret after 15 minutes.

Click here to view the patient information leaflet.