BIOLABO Diagnostics KENZA 240 TX, User Manual, Page: 7 / 56

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Scanning is performed on each reading cuvette, with all the available wavelengths, thus allowing the multi-
chromatic reading. The reading cuvettes are kept at a temperature of 37°C by means of a single resista nce
which heats the cuvette compartment. These are maintained at a temperature of 37°C by the air circulat ing
between the rotor walls.
1.3 Sampling system
The sampling system uses the SIP & DIP method, which uses only one probe to take in and dispense the
reagents and the samples. The system is composed of a diluter module with a 1 ml syringe pump for taking
in and dispensing, a three-way solenoid valve and a system for preheating the refrigerating reagent.
The sampling sequence is really simple; the system takes in the volume of reagent and the volume of the
sample as specified in the method parameters and dispenses everything into one of the reading cuvettes.
Mixing is obtained by means of further intake and dispensing of the reagent-sample solution in the cuvette.
In case of methods that use two reagents, the second reagent is added into the reading cuvette after a set
time present in the parameters.
The reagent’s preheating system is necessary as the reagents, in their carousel, are kept at a lower
temperature than room temperature in order to slow down the deterioration of the reagent.
1.4 Reagents Carousel
The reagents carousel provides 30 positions which can be used for single and dual reagent containers, in
order to ensure that at least 30 online reagents are always available, both single and dual reagents. Using
30 dual containers, it is possible to use up to 60 different reagents. The carousel is cooled at a temperature
which is about 8-10°C lower than room temperature.
1.5 Diluter Module
The diluter module is designed to achieve a sampling precision of 1 µl thanks to the special design of the
worm screw which guides the movement of the piston. The three-way solenoid valve used represents a
special model, important features being its long life and efficiency.
1.6 Sample tray
The samples tray is conceived for great flexibility of use. The positions available allow the user to have up to
40 samples in secondary cups or in primary tubes (12 x 100 type) and 10 calibrators and/or control sera in
secondary cups. If the Barcode Reader Unit (optional) is present, it is possible to receive confirmation of the
positions of the samples in the primary tube and the related patient data, shown on the barcode applied to
the tube itself.
1.7 Reading Cuvettes Carousel
This part of the instrument contains 50 plastic cuvettes. The chemical reactions and measurement of optical
density are performed in it. A heated band attached to the walls of the cuvette carousel keeps the
temperature stable at 37°C with variations within 0 .5°C, while an automatic washing station allows the re-use
of all reading cuvettes with an average shelf-life of about 6 months.
1.8 Computing system
The computing system is structured through two different CPUs (Central Processing Unit). The first CPU is
built into the instrument and manages all the mechanical and robotic functions, while for the high level
management and user interface, an external computer is used, which communicates with the KENZA 240
internal CPU through a serial cable.
The software operates on Windows system and is perfectly compatible with Windows NT, 2000, XP or Vista.