Quality Control; Quality Control Checks; Self Calibration Errors; Consumables - Cardinal Health CHB-AGS Instructions For Use Manual

Single slide automated gram stainer

Table of Contents

6.4.6 Loading the slide.

When the screen prompt reads Load Slide, lower the slide gently into the cuvette. Load the slide with the specimen side facing out (towards the operator).

NOTE: Do not allow the slide to drop and abruptly hit the "Slide Stop" within the cuvette because the slide can chip or break. Broken glass in the instrument

is not covered under warranty and the customer will be responsible for repairs and shipping. For assistance in the case of a broken slide, call Cardinal Health™

Technical Support serviced by QuickSlide™ at (800) 266-2222 (ext. 2) before attempting to remove any broken glass.

The Single Slide Automated Gram Stainer employs one cuvette for the entire Gram stain process, the crystal violet staining, Gram's iodine fixing, decolorizing,

and safranin counter-staining all takes place within this cuvette.

6.4.7 Press any key on the key pad, except [ * ], to commence the Automated Gram staining. The unit may now be left unattended as the slide is stained.

When the final rinse step has finished, the machine will make an audible alert to notify the operator that the stain is complete and the slide can be removed.

NOTE: Pressing the [ * ] key will abort the Gram stain process and return immediately to the Run Menu.

7.0 QUALITY CONTROL

7.1 Quality Control Checks

The quality and validity of the Gram stain process of the Single Slide Automated Gram Stainer may be periodically verified by staining a slide prepared with any

known sample material. This slide may be stained using exactly the same procedures used for any specimen slide. The processed specimen slide may then be

viewed to confirm proper Gram stain technique and results. Quality Control slides may be purchased from Cardinal Health™ under catalog number CHB-GS-QC.

7.2 Self Calibration Errors

The Single Slide Automated Gram Stainer employs a "self-calibration" test during every staining cycle to verify proper system operation. This test confirms that the

optical sensor response is within a valid specified range. Out-of-Range measurements automatically cause interruption of a staining cycle and operator notification

of the error condition. After problem resolution, staining operations will resume from the point of interruption. This self-check provides additional assurance of

accurate system performance.