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Section 7: Solving Problems
Problem
Solution
Abnormal staining on entire surface of all slides. Check the reagent level on the display and/
or in the reagent bottles.
Make sure the external reagent dip tubes are
securely attached to each bottle (Section 2.1).
Open the lid and verify that each reagent pump is primed, by
pressing the corresponding prime button. The nozzle should
immediately spray a fine mist of reagent. There should be no
sputtering or hissing sounds indicating air in the reagent lines.
Watch the external tubes for air bubbles. Air bubbles
indicate inadequate priming or possibly an air or reagent
leak in the system. Air in any reagent line will cause poor
staining. Refer to Section 6.6 for more information.
Check nozzle performance using the Slide Pattern (Section
6.6) and Volume Tests (Section 6.4). If necessary, clean
nozzle(s) using the procedures in Section 6.1.
Verify that the vent hole in each reagent dip tube bottle
adapter is free of obstructions (this small vent hole is
found in the bottle adapter of each reagent line).
When staining a full carousel (9 or more slides for the 12-Slide
carousel or 17 or more for the 30-Slide carousel), make
certain the stainer was not programmed for fewer slides.
If staining a partial load, load the slides in the correct positions
as indicated by the markings on the carousel (see Section 4.1).
Review sample and slide preparation procedures in Appendix E.
Abnormal staining on entire surface of
some slides, while other slides from
the same carousel appear normal.
Make certain that all position magnets are still attached to
the bottom of the carousel. Make certain the stainer was
not programmed for fewer slides than was loaded.
If the stainer is programmed for a partial load, load
the slides in the correct positions as indicated by the
markings on the carousel (see Section 4.1).
Verify that each reagent pump is primed by opening the lid
and pressing the corresponding prime button. The nozzle
should immediately spray a fine mist of reagent. There
should be no sputtering or hissing sounds to indicate the
presence of air in the reagent lines (see Section 7.3).
Review sample and slide preparation procedures in Appendix E.
Streaks or bands of discoloration
on one or more slides.
Check nozzle spray pattern according to the procedures in
Sections 4.1 and 6.6. This type of discoloration is usually caused
by debris or reagent precipitate clogging the spray nozzle orifice.
Clean any nozzle that exhibits a poor spray pattern.
Cells are washing off slides.
Do not use pre-wash option. Use poly-L-lysine
(SS-118) coated slides.
Review sample and slide preparation procedures in Appendix E.
Call ELITechGroup for information on slide quality.
