Testing The Detector Using Qa Test Samples - Thermo Scientific APEX 100 User Manual

Learning the QA Test
In our example, during the testing phase, the shift supervisor uses three different test
samples of a contaminated test product (in our example, rectangular packets that mimic
the shape and size of salted butter), as follows.
• Sample A
A ferrous contaminant (test ball) in the leading edge of the packet.
• Sample B
A ferrous contaminant (test ball) in the middle of the packet.
• Sample C
A ferrous contaminant (test ball) in the trailing edge of the packet.
Each sample is passed through the search head three times, for two reasons. First, this
allows the detector to average the three peak-signal and phase-angle values, increasing
accuracy and precision; and second, if the APEX detects contaminants three times in a
row, you can be confident it is working properly.

Testing the Detector Using QA Test Samples

1) Make sure no real product is on the conveyor. If it is not running already, start the
conveyor. Make sure the Quality Test function is highlighted.
Quality Test
2) Press the Go button and page 1 of the quality-assurance-test (QAT) menu appears.
QA Test – Calibrate test samples
This screen shows icons representing the three test samples (Sample A, Sample B, and
Sample C) that you will use during the testing process.
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Page 198 Thermo Scientific APEX User's Guide