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BACTEC") 9 0 5 0 System User's Manual
Figure 3 — Main S t a t u s
Screen
1.3.1 B u i l t -in-Test (Patent Pending)
The system software is designed to continuously monitor the electrical and op-
tical performance of all stations simultaneously.This functionality, called BIT (for
Built-in-Test), automatically monitors each station every ten minutes for basic
operational characteristics.These tests continually verify that signal output for
each station is within design limits; this includes both empty stations and stations
with ongoing vials.
Two different signal levels are used to verify operation o f the station over the
established signal range.Tests are performed on dark readings (the output from
the station when its excitation LEDs are off) and on fluorescence unit readings
(the output from the station when a vial is present and the excitation LEDs are
on).
Dark readings are evaluated to be below a maximum established range.When
they exceed that range, the software declares the station in error. High dark
readings may indicate a light leak in the cabinet or an electrical failure within the
instrument.
Fluorescence unit readings are evaluated to be within a specified maximum and
minimum range which has been established for the instrument during calibration
at the factory. Should an out of range reading occur, the software declares that
station in error.This may occur due to an electrical or optical component failure.
Additionally, the fluorescence readings are evaluated for consistency while vials
are in stations. If consecutive fluorescence unit readings vary by more than a
predetermined amount, the station is declared in error.This feature determines
the stability and the acceptability of a station for use during protocol.
These protection features verify that calibration has been maintained for all sta-
tions within the system, and insure that the user is alerted of electronic or opti-
cal changes or failures which may be significant enough to affect results.
The function of BIT can be demonstrated by entering a vial into the instrument,
and then removing that vial from the station without scanning it out.The result-
ing error is the response of the BIT function.The user may resolve the error by
using the resolve errors soft key.
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