Section 5: Maintenance; General Cleaning; Daily Cleaning; Cleaning The Platen - Siemens Hematek Operating Manual

Section 5: Maintenance

The Hematek Slide Stainer is a precision instrument, designed to provide trouble-free
operation with a minimum of maintenance.
BIOHAZARD
Wear personal protective equipment. Use universal precautions. Refer to Appendix A,
page A-1 for recommended precautions when working with biohazardous materials.

General Cleaning

Keep the exterior surfaces of the instrument free of dust at all times. If needed, the exterior
may be cleaned using a damp cloth and mild detergent. A small amount of methanol may
be used to clean stain from the instrument.

Daily Cleaning

It is vitally important to clean the platen and tubing at least once each day in order to
maintain consistently high quality staining results. It is also important to empty the waste
tank at the end of each day.

Cleaning the Platen

After staining a large number of blood smears, precipitated stain solution tends to
accumulate in the mixing grooves of the platen. This precipitate must be removed at
regular intervals. Daily cleaning of the platen is imperative; after each run is optimal.
Cleaning is especially important if bone marrow slides have been stained because the fat
droplets can leave a greasy residue on the platen. Use the following procedure to clean the
platen:
1. Turn the instrument off.
2. Carefully flood the working area of the platen with methanol.
Avoid splashing the methanol.
CAUTION
Always wipe the platen from right to left. Damage to the position or shape of the sensing
switch fingers may result from not following recommended cleaning practices. Check the
position of the fingers after cleaning as described in step 5 of Check and Correct
Instrument Operation Prior to Pump Volume Adjustment on page 6-15.
Section 5: Maintenance, Page 5—3