• info@nimapartners.com
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NIMA Partners Gluten Manual

Disclaimer 

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Warning

NIMA Partners test results are only representative of the sample tested and is not a guarantee of the entire dish. Use of this product should not replace education, medical advice, compliance with food labeling and adherence to avoidance strategies. Failure to use this product in accordance with the instructions could result in serious injury or death. Read full directions in this manual before use.

 

Product Limitations 

NIMA Partners is another tool to help you understand if there is gluten in your food. NIMA Partners has been developed and validated to test food items only (both solids & liquids). NIMA Partners has not been validated on medication, cosmetics or non food items. NIMA Partners only tests the sample that is in the device and therefore, NIMA Partners does not guarantee that your entire item or dish is gluten-free. Please use your best judgement when choosing what to consume.

 

How does NIMA Partners Gluten Sensor work?

With the NIMA Partners sensor, we have taken a complex laboratory style test and shrunk it into a simple, portable device. Closing the capsule prepares the food sample for mixing and testing. Our antibody chemistry then detects if there is gluten protein present in the sample. Finally, our sensor reads the result. All of this allows you to feel more confident in your decision-making about what to eat. NIMA Partners should always be used in conjunction with clear advocacy for gluten free options and your better judgement. Your understanding of what the NIMA Partners Gluten Sensor can and cannot test (see below) and how to sample (see below) is critical for accurate and reliable results. NIMA Partners sensor is intended to give you an additional data point and level of comfort when eating but is not a guarantee as we can only provide a result for the sample being tested. It is still your responsibility to do everything you can to let waitstaff know your needs, to ask friends to prepare gluten free meals, to purchase items that are clearly gluten free, and to advocate for yourself. Whether or not you wish to eat something will be up to you.

We encourage everyone to download the NIMA Partners app for iOS or Android and pair your NIMA Partners device so you can access your test history, receive firmware updates for improved device performance, and share your results with the growing community! 

 

Gluten Science

NIMA Partners chemistry is antibody based. The NIMA Partners Research & Development (R&D) team developed a pair of antibodies specifically for the detection of gluten. There are existing gluten antibodies on the market, but none of them were sufficient to meet the speed, sensitivity and specificity requirements that we needed for the NIMA Partners sensor. The NIMA Partners 13F6 and 14G11 antibodies bind to a gluten protein called the 33-mer fragment, which is known as the ‘toxic’ portion of the protein that causes an auto-immune response. 

 

Testing Limitations

Do Not Test

Based on internal lab testing, the NIMA Partners Gluten Sensor may incorrectly show a ‘Smile’ message when testing the following items:

  • Fermented foods such as beer
  • Hydrolyzed foods such as soy sauce and malt extract/ flavoring
  • Alcohol
  • Pure Xanthan or Guar Gum

The above list may change.

Here is a full list of foods NIMA Partners research and development (R&D) team has tested and any special testing recommendations and ongoing updates to the Do-Not-Test list. 

 

How to Turn on/off 
How To Turn Your NIMA Sensor On and Off

 

How to Store capsules 

Capsule Storage Tips
Store capsules between 32°F (0°C) and 90°F (32°C). Capsules can only be used once. Please discard old capsules in the trash. Check the expiration date on the back of the capsule.

 

How to Sample

Since NIMA Partners cannot guarantee your entire plate is free from a particular allergen, it’s important to try and get a representative sample to test. In order to try and get a representative sample, it is recommended to test multiple points from across your plate – being careful not to overfill the capsule. Testing multiple points in a single test capsule or using multiple capsules if needed will help in identifying contamination. If an item is ordered with a gluten substitute, it is recommended to test the item that was replaced or the most likely point where contact may have occurred (grill marks, cut marks, etc.)

 

How to Prepare a Sample

Most liquid and solid food samples can be put in a capsule as-is. However, to ensure an accurate test, some manipulation might be helpful for special types of food.

 

Thick / Dense Foods
Thick samples such as nut butters and fudge should be tested with 1:1 dilution of water to prevent clogging and slow flow. If thick samples are not manipulated, they may yield a false negative.

Dry / Powdery Foods
Spices and flours should be tested at a lower weight (less than teaspoon) and with 1:1 dilution with water. 

Brightly Colored Foods
Bright foods can interfere with the sensor’s ability to read the result. These foods should also be mixed with water to dilute the coloring. In addition to sample manipulation, ensure your sample is the appropriate size. That size is approximately .3g or approximately the size of a pea. Light or fluffy foods (such as puffed cereal) samples 

Here is a full list of foods NIMA Partners research and development (R&D) team has tested and any special testing recommendations. 

See a recent test 

 

 See the Last Test Result From Your NIMA Sensor

 

Interpret the Results

Smile

No gluten detected in the sample tested. NIMA Partners is optimized to detect 20 ppm or above of gluten with high sensitivity. In some food matrices, NIMA Partners will also detect lower levels of gluten. 

 

NIMA Sensor Gluten Found Icon

Gluten Found

Gluten detected in the sample tested. Things to consider after receiving a Gluten Found result:

  1. Is your device firmware up to date? The newest firmware will ensure your device is functioning at optimal levels.
  2. NIMA Partners will give a Gluten Found if any detectable gluten is found. The device is optimized for 20 ppm and above but has detected levels below in lab testing of some foods. For packaged food labeled gluten free, the level of gluten could be present at a level that is technically acceptable for the labeling standard being used.
  3. Consider everything you know about the item being tested:
    A.) Are you at a restaurant? Have you eaten there before? Do you trust the staff?
    B.) Is the packaged food labeled in any way? Gluten-free? Certified gluten-free? What’s the brand? What does their website say about their quality control measures? Have you eaten the item before?
    C.) Here are some additional conversations starters to use at restaurants and with packaged food companies. You can also contact us for further help! technicalsupport@nimapartners.com 

 

No Test Result Icon

No Test Result

NIMA Partners was unable to give you a conclusive result. NIMA Partners may have had difficulty providing a result because of the sample size, food type, chemistry or a mechanical issue. Click here to see tips on how to ensure a successful test. 

 

Capsule Error Icon

Capsule Error

The NIMA Partners sensor has had an issue with the capsule being tested. Confirm that

  1. The capsule was not used for a previous test
  2. The expiration date has not passed
  3. There is nothing inside the NIMA Partners sensor that may be obstructing the inside of the front window – use a clean cloth to wipe the inside of NIMA Partners sensor as well as the outside of the capsule. If all conditions are met, re-run capsule. If an error still occurs, run a new test with a new capsule. 

 

Update Your Firmware

NIMA Partners is designed to run most optimally with the latest over-the-air updates, which can be accessed through a firmware update through the NIMA Partners mobile app on Android and iOS. To update, download the NIMA Partners app, create an account and login. When prompted, pair your device to the app. Navigate to the map page. If a firmware update is available, a banner will prompt you to update.

 

Best Practices for Use

  • Leave capsules wrapped until you are ready to use them.
  • Capsules have an expiration date of 6 months from production. Once capsules arrive, they are usually good for 2-5 months. Do not use capsules beyond the expiration date listed.
  • Store capsules in a temperate environment. Ongoing exposure to extreme heat and cold will damage the integrity of the test. Capsules should not be exposed to heat above 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius) or below 32 degrees Fahrenheit (Zero degrees Celsius) for prolonged periods of time. Do not regularly store capsules in a hot car or freezer.
  • Wash hands before testing to help avoid cross contamination.
  • Wipe outside of capsule clean of excess food and liquid before placing in the NIMA Partners sensor.
  • Use a fresh capsule for every test. Reusing a capsule will result in an error.
  • For best results (and avoiding test failures) you may need to crush, chop, or shred your food samples.
  • Do not ingest test liquid or consume food sample from capsule after testing.
  • Do not re-open the capsule after use. Throw capsule away. Not currently recyclable.
  • Wash hands with soap if you come in contact with testing fluid. 

 

Other NIMA Partners Display Icons 

Push To Start Icon

 

NIMA Partners logo: Push to Start

Powering on screen. This will only display for 15 seconds. A quick press will start the test. If no tests are being run, NIMA Partners will automatically turn off. Don’t worry, there is no need to turn NIMA Partners off as this will happen automatically. 

 

Bluetooth Icon

 

Bluetooth Symbol: Ready to Pair

Signals NIMA Partners is ready to be paired with your Bluetooth enabled mobile device. To reset your Bluetooth and have your NIMA Partners in pairing mode, from power off, press and hold the button for 5 seconds. 

 

Push To Start Icon

Push to Start

Push the button to turn NIMA Partners on, then push button one more time to start a test. Capsule must be fully inserted.

 

Running a Test Icon

Running a Test

NIMA Partners is running a test. This icon indicates something is happening. Might be accompanied by a noise – this means NIMA Partners is processing your food. There is a progress bar to indicate how far into the test you are. 

 

Stand Up Icon

Stand Up

Place NIMA Partners upright on a flat surface when running a test. Too much movement of NIMA partners during testing may cause a failure. 

 

Insert Capsule Icon

Insert Capsule

NIMA Partners does not recognize or detect a capsule to test. Confirm the capsule top is fully closed. If it’s not, the capsule will not click into place. A fully closed capsule shows no purple ring and the cap should be flush with the body. Confirm the capsule is fully inserted into the NIMA Partners sensor. You should feel it click when it’s properly inserted. 

 

Tighten Capsule Icon

 

Tighten Capsule
This result will display on the NIMA Partners sensor when the capsule top does not appear to be fully closed and flush. If you see this message, remove the capsule and try to further tighten the cap. The last few millimeters can be difficult – especially if the capsule has been overfilled or if the food is especially dense. The purple ring should not be visible and the top of the capsule should be flush with the body. Once the cap is closed and aligned, re-insert the capsule and try to run the test again.

 

Low Battery

Battery needs to be charged. See the “Battery” section under “Maintenance” for more information on battery life.


Maintenance

Cleaning
Both the inside and outside of the sensor can be cleaned with a damp cloth. At no time should the NIMA Partners sensor be rinsed or submerged under or in water. Don’t get moisture in any openings or use aerosol sprays, solvents, or abrasives. 

 

 Charge Battery Icon

CHARGE BATTERY 

Battery life

NIMA Partners arrives charged. On average, battery charge lasts around 40 tests. Battery will last around 3 months if no tests are being run and NIMA Partners sensor is off. Device will turn off automatically if not being used. From a completely dead battery, NIMA Partners will take 1 hour and 15 minutes to fully charge. The NIMA Partners sensor is charged via the USB micro connector. You can plug the NIMA Partners sensor to any USB 1.0 or 2.0 micro charger or directly into a USB port on your computer. The sensor is compliant to USB 1.0 and 2.0 current limitations and will not draw more than 300mA of current at its maximum charge rate. If NIMA Partners sensor battery runs out during a test, you will be unable to remove the capsule until the sensor is once again charged. Once charged, you will need to push the button to complete the test prior to being able to remove the capsule.

 

Storage temperature

Sensor and capsules should be stored in a temperate environment. Heat above 90 degrees Fahrenheit can cause damage. Don’t expose your NIMA Partners to extreme heat or cold. To avoid potential issues, do not store in a vehicle during hot or cold temperatures.

 

Durability

Handle NIMA Partners Gluten Sensor with care. Our sensor contains sensitive electronic components, including a battery, and can be damaged or cause injury if dropped, burned, bent, crushed, or if it comes in contact with liquid. Do not use a damaged NIMA Partners sensor. 

 

Additional Information

Did you receive Nima as a gift?
Please contact us to ensure we have your email address so you will receive all our email tips and tricks for new device owners as well as our weekly community. If you have additional questions about NIMA Partners or how it works, please visit our support center.

 

Want to learn more about the science behind NIMA Partners?
Please visit our science page

 

For Our Customers in Canada

Industry Canada Disclaimer

This device complies with Industry Canada Licence-exempt RSSs. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device. Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d’Industrie Canada applicables aux appareils radio exempts de licence. L’exploitation est autorisée aux deux conditions suivantes : (1) l’appareil ne doit pas produire de brouillage, et (2) l’utilisateur de l’appareil doit accepter tout brouillage radioé lectrique subi, même si le brouillage est susceptible d’en compromettre le fonctionnement.

 

Industry Canada E-label Instructions

To access the electronic e-label: From an off-position press and hold the front button for 5 seconds. The “Ready To Pair” screen will be displayed which will be followed by the IC registration number and the model name [PMN] and number [HVIN]. 

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