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Instructions for Use Leica AutoStainerXL Automated slide stainer Leica AutoStainerXL, V2.5, English – 01/2017 Order No.: 14 0456 80101 RevH Always keep this manual with the instrument. Read carefully before working with the instrument.
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Leica reserves the right to change technical spec- following thorough investigation in this field. We ifications as well as manufacturing processes are under no obligation to update the present without prior notice.
Table of Contents Important Information ....................... 6 Symbols in the text and their meanings ..................6 Intended use/improper use ......................8 User group ............................. 8 Safety ............................9 General safety notes ........................9 Specific safety notes........................9 Instrument Features ......................... 10 Overview and instrument components ...................
(Fig. 5) or to the illustrations themselves. Instrument type: All information in these Instructions for Use applies only to the Leica Auto- Stainer XL described here. A nameplate indicating the instrument serial number is attached to the rear side of the instrument.
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CE Compliance The CE marking is the manufacturer's declaration that the medical product meets the requirements of the applicable EC directives. Leica AutoStainer XL – Automated slide stainer...
AutoStainer XL. To prevent damage to the instrument and specimens, only those accessories and spare parts that have been authorized by Leica may be installed or used with the instrument. Instructions for Use V 2.5 – 01/2017...
In Europe, the protec- tion device of the potable water installation to be connected is selected in accordance with the specifications of DIN EN 1717:2011-08 (information status August 2013). Leica AutoStainer XL – Automated slide stainer...
Instrument Features General description The AutoStainer XL was developed with the goal of satisfying the quality requirements of modern laboratories: • high specimen throughput, • flexibility, • safety. The AutoStainer XL achieves its high throughput by means of a specimen slide transport system, which allows for simultaneous processing of up to 11 specimen slide holders, each with 30 slides.
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Instrument Features This page is intentionally left blank. Leica AutoStainer XL – Automated slide stainer...
Instrument Features Overview and instrument components Fig. 2 Instructions for Use V 2.5 – 01/2017...
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LED indicator and key for load drawer 34. Power output Exit drawer Cover with cut-outs (for container transportation) LED indicator and key for exit drawer 18a. Schematic diagram of the stations 18b. Cover plate Lock for hood Hood Leica AutoStainer XL – Automated slide stainer...
Standard delivery – packing list To prevent damage to the instrument and specimens, only those accessories and spare parts that have been authorized by Leica may be installed or used with the instrument. Standard delivery: 1 Leica ST5010 basic unit (230-240 V / 50-60 Hz) ..............14 0456 35136 - or - 1 Leica ST5010 basic unit (100-120 V / 50-60 Hz) ..............
Dimensions (W x D x H): ..........109 cm x 67 cm x 51 cm Weight: ......................81 kg Voltages: ..............100 V - 120 V, 50 Hz - 60 Hz 230 V - 240 V, 50 Hz - 60 Hz Leica AutoStainer XL – Automated slide stainer...
Installing the Instrument This chapter provides instructions on how to install the AutoStainer XL. It also includes a diagram and detailed description of the instrument's components. The procedure for replacing the active carbon filter for protection against reagent vapors is outlined as well. Installation site requirements The AutoStainer XL must be installed on a stable bench (dimensions: 1090 mm long, 670 mm deep) with a water tap and drain no more than 3 meters away.
The water filter must be in place when the water hose is con- nected, otherwise water can leak out. Connect the drain hose to the discharge nozzle on the rear side of the instrument. Leica AutoStainer XL – Automated slide stainer...
Installing the Instrument Battery backup – UPS (optional) An interruption of the staining process can be avoided in the event of a tem- porary power failure by connecting an uninterruptible power supply (UPS). A compact UPS can be connected easily as shown in via the power Fig.
To change the filter, remove the cover plate over the filter (see Fig. 2, 18b). Use the straps provided to remove a filter. Put in a new filter and reattach the cover. Oven Put the wax tray on the oven floor. Leica AutoStainer XL – Automated slide stainer...
Operating the Instrument Introduction This chapter describes how to operate AutoStainer XL. It includes informa- tion on how to use the function keys and displays in the control panel. It also describes how to create and edit programs as well as how to stain specimen slides.
The alarm LED (red) indicates that a malfunction has occurred. The power LED (green) signals that the power supply voltage is available (ON/OFF switch and ON/STOP switch are both switched ON). Leica AutoStainer XL – Automated slide stainer...
Operating the Instrument LOAD and EXIT keys and indicators The LOAD and EXIT keys and associated LED indicators are located adjacent to the load and exit drawers. For more information, see pages 35 and Audible signals There are four different audible signals: • Short single beep: Sounds when a key is pressed.
Operating the Instrument Editing programs The AutoStainer XL can store up to 15 programs, numbered consecutively from 1 to 15. Programming is easy. The user is guided through a menu and enters all information via the keypad. A program consists of 25 steps, some of which may be blank. A step consists of the following information: • The step number • The station...
6. Repeat items 4 and 5 until the program is complete. If the specimen slide holder needs to end up in the exit draw- er, enter this as the last step. 7. Save the program (see page 27). Leica AutoStainer XL – Automated slide stainer...
Operating the Instrument 5.4.2 Deleting program steps Information contained in a step may be deleted, leaving a blank step. 1. Select the program (see items 1 to 3 on page 25). 2. Select the step to be deleted (see item 4, page 25).
2. Press [F2] Edit. 3. Press [F1] More. 4. Press [F1] More. 5. Press [F2] Delete. 6. Press [F1] Yes to continue. 7. To save the program (which now contains no steps), see above. Leica AutoStainer XL – Automated slide stainer...
Operating the Instrument 5.4.7 Copying a program This function is used to copy a program into another program number. 1. Select a corresponding program (see items 1 and 2 on page 25). 2. Press [F1] Copy. If an empty program has been selected, a corresponding mes- sage appears in the display.
A message appears in the display to inform you of whether or not the programs are compatible. 7. If the programs are not compatible, an explanation will be given. Press [F4] to continue. 8. Repeat items 5 and 6 to check the compatibility with other programs. Leica AutoStainer XL – Automated slide stainer...
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Operating the Instrument 9. Press [F4] to return to the program selected under item 1. In many cases, incompatibility of staining protocols can be traced to assignment of the wash stations. Therefore, these stations can be selected by the user. Appendix 3 gives some examples of staining protocols that are compatible with each other.
4. Press [F4] to return to the SetUp screen. The new oven setting will now be displayed. 5. Press [F4] to return to the Main Menu. Leica AutoStainer XL – Automated slide stainer...
Operating the Instrument Up/down movement (dips) The number of times the specimen slide holder moves up and down (dips) after being inserted into a station can be set OFF, in the range 1 - 20 or continuous. If continuous movement was selected, then only one specimen slide holder from the instrument can be processed at a time.
Then the specimen slides are stained according to the program selected for the respective holder. Different programs may be used simultaneously, provided they are compatible. The method for checking compatibility is described on page Leica AutoStainer XL – Automated slide stainer...
Operating the Instrument 5.9.1 Reagent containers Reagent containers can be individually removed for filling. Each container holds 450 ml. The filling level mark is on the inside. After being filled, they are put in the instrument at the position designated for this in the corresponding programs.
4. To load additional specimen slide holders, repeat items 2 and 3. If the instrument is in the midst of processing a specimen slide holder, there may be a delay before processing of ad- ditional holders begins. Leica AutoStainer XL – Automated slide stainer...
Operating the Instrument 5.9.5 Unloading specimen slide holders from the exit drawer When a specimen slide holder is in the exit station, the [EXIT] LED will be on and the beeper will sound every 30 seconds. To unload from the exit drawer: 1.
4. Press [F4] Main Menu to return to the Main Menu. You may now edit programs not currently in use or change the general instrument parameters (SetUp). To resume staining, press [F1] in the Main Menu. Leica AutoStainer XL – Automated slide stainer...
Operating the Instrument 5.9.8 Aborting the processing of a specimen slide holder To abort the processing of a specimen slide holder: 1. Press [F4] Pause in the Staining screen. 2. Press [F2] Abort rack. 3. Using the keys, select the station containing the holder for which you want to abort processing.
6.1.3 Specimen slide holders Clean with household or laboratory detergent as needed. 6.1.4 Oven Regularly check the wax tray on the oven floor and clean it if you find exces- sive wax residue. Leica AutoStainer XL – Automated slide stainer...
Error messages and troubleshooting Introduction The AutoStainer XL has a system that continually monitors the instrument's functions and displays a corresponding error message if any errors occur. If a minor error occurs during staining, the instrument will first attempt to correct the problem on its own. If this is unsuccessful, then a message appears and the instrument waits for the user to rectify the problem.
The specimen slide holder could have separated from the hook. Remedy the Remove obstruction and replace rack on hook problem (e.g., the reagent container is inserted incorrectly) and put the holder back on the hook. Leica AutoStainer XL – Automated slide stainer...
Error messages and troubleshooting More information and warnings 7.2.1 During staining Either the program in question contains no steps, or it consists only of blank Program (x) cannot be steps or steps with the time set to 0. used for staining The program in question is incompatible with a program assigned to one (mul- Program (x) is not com- tiple) specimen slide holder(s), which is (are) currently being processed.
Program (x) is in use for A program that is currently being used for staining cannot be altered. Copy the program to another program number and then edit it. staining and cannot be altered Leica AutoStainer XL – Automated slide stainer...
Error messages and troubleshooting 7.2.3 During SetUp SetUp lost. Default Programs and settings of the instrument parameters have been lost and must SetUp used. be reentered. Battery backed RAM The internal memory has to be replaced. Contact the after-sales service re- Failure! Service is sponsible for you.
The instrument or parts of the instrument must be disposed of according to existing applicable, local regulations. To prevent damage to the instrument and specimens, only those accessories and spare parts that have been authorized by Leica may be installed or used with the instrument. Leica AutoStainer XL – Automated slide stainer...
Glossary CURSOR A flashing cursor appears on the LCD under the parameters that the user can change. DISPLACEMENT The amount of REAGENT transferred by the SPECIMEN SLIDE HOLDER from one STATION to another. EXACT The IMMERSION TIME is kept at 1 second, exactly as programmed. IMMERSION EXIT DRAWER Drawer into which the instrument inserts the SPECIMEN SLIDE HOLDER for...
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STAINING STATION Part on the inside of the instrument, where part of the STAINING occurs. STEP Defined by the STATION, IMMERSION TIME and time accuracy for a certain process in the STAINING process. Leica AutoStainer XL – Automated slide stainer...
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Glossary TRANSFER ARM Device that moves in the x-, y- and z-directions for PICKING UP or LOWERING, MOVING UP/DOWN (DIPPING) and TRANSPORTING the SPECIMEN SLIDE HOLDERS from STATION to STATION. UNHOOK Process in which the TRANSPORT ARM separates from the SPECIMEN SLIDE HOLDER after the LOWERING or after the IMMERSION PROCESSES.