horiba ABX MICROS ES60, User Manual

Page: 179 / 200

Maintenance & Troubleshooting
User Manual - RAB237AEN 7–31
5. Troubleshooting
◆
Is the power cable correctly connected to the instrument?
◆
Does an ERROR message display in the status area?
5.1. Overview
Your ABX Micros ES60 OT/CT may occasionally require troubleshooting if:
◆
System operations are faulty.
◆
The background count is unacceptably high.
◆
Your quality control values are out-of-range, or patient results are suspicious (e.g. consistently
high RBC counts, or the inability to verify results by manual methods).
◆
Precision is poor.
◆
Calibration is drifting.
5.2. Problem identification
The first step in any troubleshooting session is to identify the source of the system malfunction:
◆
System operation
◆
Precision
◆
Quality control
◆
Calibration
◆
These steps should be carried out in sequence as described below.
5.2.1. System operations
◆
The ABX Micros ES60 OT/CT software identifies most of the mechanical or hydraulic problems. A
mechanical problem gives an alarm message and stops the current cycle in progress.
◆
A hydraulic problem can be noted by parameter and/or morphology flags. The waste sensor also
gives an error message if a hydraulic problem exists.
◆
If this is the case, power OFF then ON the system and run a startup.
◆
If the problem persists during or after startup, identify the source of the malfunction and initiate
the appropriate troubleshooting procedures.
5.2.2. Reagents
◆
If your background count is unacceptable, quality control values are out-of-range, or your patient
results are suspicious, reagent deterioration or contamination may be suspected.
◆
Replace your reagents (See 3.5. Reagent installation, page 7-13 ) and perform a concentrated
cleaning procedure (See 3.3.5. Concentrated cleaning, page 7-9 ).
◆
If the background count is acceptable, but the quality control values are still out-of-range or
patient results are still suspicious, continue with the indentification procedure. If replacing the
reagents performing a concentrated cleaning procedure does not correct the background count
problem, call your local HORIBA ABX Technical Support Representative for further instructions.
5.2.3. Precision
◆
In order to verify the precision of the instrument, it is recommended to run a fresh, normal whole
blood sample 10 times, mixing between each analysis cycle.
◆
After all 10 runs are complete, calculate the coefficient of variation percentage (CV%).
◆
Compare the CV% results with those listed (See Section 2, Tab.2-9 Precision (Repeatability), page
2-10 ).
◆
If the precision of any parameter is not within these specifications, identify the out-of-range
parameter(s) and initiate appropriate troubleshooting procedures.
Before coming to the conclusion that the instrument has malfunctioned and
needs repair, check the following points of operation. After checking these
points and verifying that the problem still occurs, contact your local HORIBA
ABX Technical Support Representative for further assistance.