Linistat Linear Stainer Operator Guide Issue 2

© 2007 Thermo Fisher Scientific. All rights reserved. Thermo Shandon Limited is an ISO 9001 and TickIT Accredited Company Thermo Fisher Scientific is the trading name of Thermo Shandon Limited All other trademarks are the property of Thermo Fisher Scientific and its subsidiaries Thermo Fisher Scientific makes every endeavour to ensure that the information contained in its support documentation is correct and clearly stated but does not accept responsibility for any errors or omissions. The development of Thermo Fisher products and services is continuous. Make sure that any published information that you use for reference is up to date and relates to the status of the product. If necessary, check with Thermo Fisher or your local Thermo Fisher representative. This manual may not, in whole or in part, be copied, photocopied, reproduced, translated, or converted to any electronic or machine readable form without prior written consent of Thermo Fisher. All information contained in this manual is proprietary and confidential, and the exclusive property of Thermo Fisher Scientific. This manual is protected by copyright and any reproduction is prohibited. This manual is for use only by the individuals to whom it has been made available by Thermo Fisher Scientific. Contact Addresses Anatomical Pathology Tudor Road, Manor Park Runcorn, Cheshire WA7 1TA, UK Tel: +44 (0)1928 534000 Fax: +44 (0)1928 534001 www.thermoscientific.com/pathology

Anatomical Pathology 4481 Campus Drive, Kalamazoo, MI 49008, USA Tel: 1-800-522-7270 Fax: +1 269-372-2674 www.thermoscientific.com/pathology

The Linistat™ Linear Stainer meets the following CE Mark requirements: In Vitro Diagnostic Directive 98/79/EC Low Voltage Directive 2006/95/EC, as amended by 93/68/EEC

LABORATORY EQUIPMENT 3LVP

The Linistat™ is referred to throughout this document as the Linistat.

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Symbols

The following symbols and conventions are used throughout this manual and on the instrument. this symbol IS USED ON THE EQUIPMENT, OR IN A DOCUMENT, To warn that instructions must be followed FOR SAFE AND correct operation. IF THIS SYMBOL APPEARS ON THE INSTRUMENT, ALWAYS REFER TO THIS OPERATOR GUIDE. This symbol IS USED ON THE EQUIPMENT, OR IN A DOCUMENT, To warn thaT THERE MAY BE A BIOHAZARD ASSOCIATED WITH THE INSTRUMENT. ALWAYS ACT WITH COMMON SENSE AND be AWARE OF THE SAMPLES USED. TAKE SUITABLE PRECAUTIONS. This symbol warns you that surfaces are hot. IF THIS SYMBOL APPEARS ON THE INSTRUMENT, ALWAYS REFER TO THIS OPERATOR GUIDE. This symbol IS USED ON THE EQUIPMENT, OR IN A DOCUMENT, To warn that HARMFUL CHEMICALS ARE USED with THE INSTRUMENT. REFER TO THE MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS FOR THE CHEMICALS USED. ALWAYS ACT WITH COMMON SENSE AND BE AWARE OF LOCAL LABORATORY PROCEDURES. TAKE SUITABLE PRECAUTIONS. Warning A warning is given in the document if there is a danger of personal injury or damage to samples or equipment. Note Notes give more information about a job or instruction but do not form part of the instructions.

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Contents How To Use This Guide

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Chapter 1 Introducing the Linistat

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Identification of Parts System Specification Chapter 2 Daily Operation Start-Up Procedure Staining Method Loading Slides Using the Running Water Feature Chapter 3 Installation and Setup Unpacking Positioning the Linistat Fitting the Pipework Electrical Connection Performance Checks Chapter 4 Troubleshooting Water Circulation System Slide Transportation System

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1 4 5 5 6 9 12 15 15 16 16 19 20 23 23 24

Chapter 5 Cleaning and Maintenance

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Safety Internal Cleaning Cleaning Staining Jars Cleaning the Covers Changing Fuses

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Appendix A Spares and Accessories Instruments Spare Parts Accessories

31 31 31 32

Appendix B Packing Instructions

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Appendix C Declaration of Conformity

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Index

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How To Use This Guide Introduction The Linistat Linear Stainer is designed for use in laboratories by operators familiar with staining techniques and laboratory equipment. Before operating this instrument, users should have read and understood the Safety Section of the Safety and Warranty Booklet (A79910001). Chapter 1

Introducing the Linistat This chapter gives a tour of the instrument and its features. It describes the different parts of the instrument and gives information with regards to the system specifications and interfacing techniques.

Chapter 2

Daily Operation This chapter explains the operating techniques required for day-to-day use of this Linistat instrument.

Chapter 3

Installation and Setup This chapter provides all the information required to safely unpack, install and setup the Linistat instrument.

Chapter 4

Troubleshooting This chapter is designed to help users identify and fix commonly encountered problems.

Chapter 5

Cleaning and Maintenance This chapter give advice on safe cleaning procedures as well as basic user maintenance methods.

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Chapter 1 Introducing the Linistat

Identification of Parts

The following diagrams identify the different components of the Linistat. 1

3

2

4

5

Figure 1-1. Front view of the Linistat.

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3

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Chapter 1 - Introducing the Linistat

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Figure 1-2. Rear view of the Linistat. Item 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Description Instrument Cover Slide Transportation System Staining Jar Power Switch Water Flow Control Power Connector Fuse Water Drain Connector Water Inlet Connector

Table 1-3. List of parts for the Linistat.

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Chapter 1 - Introducing the Linistat

Slide Clip

1 3

2

4

1 7

6

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Figure 1-4. Slide clip for use with the Linistat. Item 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Description Lower Jaw Upper Jaw Slide Release Counter-weight Rail Guide Pivot Chain Insert

Figure 1-5. List of features of the slide clip.

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Chapter 1 - Introducing the Linistat

System Specification

The following tables show the Technical Specifications for the Linistat. Height Length Width Weight

190 mm (7½ in) 260 mm (10¼ in) – Clearance 640 mm (25 in) 190 mm (7½ in) 7.3 kg (16.3 lbs)

Table 1-6. Linistat system mechanical specification. Voltage Frequency Power Fuses

110 - 120 Vac 220 - 240 Vac 60 Hz 50 Hz 300 VA (Max.) T 2.5 A T 1.25 A

Table 1-7. Linistat system electrical specification. Warning - For indoor use only Temperature +5°C to +40°C (+41°F to +104°F) (Operating Limits) Temperature -25°C to +55°C (-13°F to 131°F) (Storage) +70°C (158°F) for short exposure Relative Humidity Max. 80% RH up to 31°C Decreasing linearly to 50% RH at 40°C Altitude Up to 2,000 m (6,500 ft) Pollution Degree 2 Over Voltage Category II Table 1-8. General environmental specification.

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Chapter 2 Daily Operation

Start-Up Procedure

To start-up the Linistat: •

Raise the Instrument Cover to allow access to the Power Switch.

•

Switch the Power Switch to the ON ( I ) position.

•

The Power Switch will light up and the chain of the Slide Transportation System will begin to move.

Warning To avoid injury, ensure that nothing is obstructing the movement of the chain before turning the power on.

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Chapter 2 - Daily Operation

Staining Method

How to Determine a Staining Sequence The Linistat uses a constantly moving Transportation System to move slides through a predetermined sequence of reagents. Exposure to reagents is a major factor in determining the staining quality. There are two methods of controlling the exposure to reagents, which can be used either independently or together to tailor a sequence to give the desired effect. Warning The following control techniques do not refer to any particular cases or reagents, and use generic examples. They do not take into account real-life factors such as reagent carryover, temperature effects or any other factors which may affect staining. Therefore, all staining sequences should be thoroughly tested before being used on irreplaceable specimens. Immersion Time The Linistat instrument allows a single slide to be immersed in a reagent for 20 seconds. The addition of extra Staining Jars full of exactly the same reagents will result in extended immersion time. Example 3 consecutive jars of Reagent ‘A’ on the Linistat will equate to an immersion time of 1 minute. Note Staining Jars are available in single and double widths to facilitate this control method.

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Chapter 2 - Daily Operation

Reagent Concentration The concentration of a reagent will also affect the amount of exposure. The following graph illustrates the approximate relationship between reagent concentration and equivalent time spent immersed in the reagent. 100 Reagent Concentration (%)

90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

18

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Approx. Equivalent Immersion Time (s)

Figure 2-1. Concentration vs. Time Graph for the Linistat Combining Both Control Methods In order to fine-tune a sequence it may be necessary to combine both control methods. Example An equivalent immersion time of 50 seconds in Reagent ‘A’ at 100% concentration is required using the Linistat instrument. A Possible Solution Two single width jars (or one double width jar) at 100% concentration (40 seconds), followed by one single width jar at 50% concentration (10 seconds).

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Chapter 2 - Daily Operation

Note The number of possible solutions for this example are numerous, and some may work better than others. It is recommended that any procedure be thoroughly tested before use. Filling Staining Jars with Reagents Warning Turn off the water flow before removing Staining Jars or Rinse Jars. •

Once the Staining Procedure has been established, arrange the empty Staining Jars and Rinse Jars as required in the instrument.

•

Carefully fill each Staining Jar with the appropriate reagent.

•

Each Staining Jar should contain approximately 125ml of reagent.

Note Double width Staining Jars are available and should contain approximately 250ml of reagent.

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Chapter 2 - Daily Operation

Loading Slides

Loading Slides into Slide Clips •

Push down on the Slide Release lever to increase the separation between the Upper and Lower Jaws.

Figure 2-2. Separating the Upper and Lower Jaws. •

Insert the Slide so that it sits securely in the recesses in the Jaws.

Figure 2-3. Inserting the Slide. Warning Slides should fit easily into the recesses in the Jaws. If the slides do not fit easily use a thinner slide - do not modify the Jaws or force the slide as this may cause injury or damage.

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Chapter 2 - Daily Operation

•

Allow the Jaws to grip the Slide by letting go of the Slide Release lever.

Figure 2-4. Slide held securely by clip. Loading Slide Clips onto the Slide Transportation System •

Load Slide Clips as instructed above.

•

Orient the Slide Clip so that the Slide is towards the rear of the instrument.

•

Push the Chain Insert between any two Pins on the chain at the input end of the instrument.

Pin

Location Rail

Figure 2-5. Attaching a slide clip to the transportation system. Note Ensure the Rail Guide fits around the Location Rail.

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Pin

•

Chapter 2 - Daily Operation

When correctly fitted, the SlideLocation Clip should be free to tilt Rail up and down as shown.

Figure 2-6. Loaded slide clip showing correct range of movement.

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Chapter 2 - Daily Operation

Using the Running Water Feature

The Linistat has a Running Water Wash feature which allows some of the staining stations to become running water stations. Table 2-7 shows the number of stations that the Linistat allows to be used as running water stations. Total No. of Stns

No. of Running Water Stns.

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Table 2-7. Possible number of running water stations. Note The pipework to the Water Inlet, Drain (and Overflow if fitted) Connectors must be correctly installed to use the Running Water Feature. Turning the Water On • Turn the Water Flow Control knob anti-clockwise to start the water flow. Adjusting the Water Flow Rate The flow rate of the water can be altered using the Water Flow Control knob as shown.

INCREASE FLOW

DECREASE FLOW

Figure 2-8. Operation of the water flow control knob. Note Turning the Water Flow Control knob clockwise all the way will turn off the water flow.

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