Siemens Hematek, Operating Manual

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Section 1: Introduction, Page 1—7
Platen
The platen spans the entire front of the instrument, between the conveyor spirals. The
outside ridges of the platen are elevated guide rails, which give support to the slides as
they are moved along the platen. It is a precision-machined component made from a high-
performance plastic polymer material and is designed specifically for two main functions:
1. It maintains the exact volumes of the required solutions within a capillary space
between the platen and the slide.
2. It provides a mixing system for the stain and buffer.
The platen also provides the necessary time interval after the rinsing step for proper drying
of the slides before they are deposited in the slide drawer. A trough around the perimeter
of the platen allows for drainage of used solutions into the waste tank below.
Slide Drying System
The dryer is a blower type fan that runs continuously when the instrument is in operation.
The airflow serves to cool the mechanical components inside the Slide Stainer, as well as
to dry the slides.
Slide Drawer
The slide drawer is located below the left end of the platen. It receives the slides as they
drop from the platen after being stained, rinsed, and dried. The drawer will hold 100
slides. See Figure 1-4.
Slide Transport and Staining System .
Waste Tank
The waste tank is located underneath the platen and collects used and overflow staining
solutions. The waste tank should be emptied and rinsed once each day and whenever a
new Stain Pak is installed. Refer to Section 5:
Maintenance for more information.