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Section 4: Operating the Stainer
NOTE:
If the Hub Pattern Test result is incorrect, clean the nozzle orifice with the nozzle brush provided in
the Nozzle Maintenance Kit or disassemble nozzle and clean all pieces (Section 6).
Loading the Carousel
CAUTION:
Never load chipped or cracked slides into the instrument. Slides in poor condition may break
during the staining cycle. If a slide breaks in the bowl, see Cleaning Broken Slides (Section 5.4).
CAUTION:
Keep small ferrous metal objects away from the lab bench. These objects can be attracted to the
magnets on the bottom of the carousel and cause damage if spun free during instrument operation.
CAUTION:
Load slides in balanced pairs. If staining an odd number of slides, use a blank slide to balance the
carousel.
NOTE:
Load the carousel with similar specimens for a similar level of staining. There is no guarantee of
staining performance when dissimilar specimens are used.
1. Remove the carousel from the bowl and place it on a solid, level surface.
2. Remove the carousel lid by pressing the button and lifting the lid.
3. If Slide Tracking is enabled, press
Load Slides.
◊
If using the barcode reader, scan each specimen slide barcode before
loading it into the carousel. Slide Tracking must be enabled from the
System Setup menu. See Enable Stain Slide Tracking (Section 3.1).
◊
If entering slide information manually, follow the instructions in
Section 3.2.
4.
Insert the slides into the carousel with the first slide in position 1.
◊
Load slides in balanced pairs (directly opposite one another) to balance
the carousel. If staining an odd number of slides, use a blank slide to
balance the carousel.
◊
If there are empty slots in the carousel, use blocking slides to prevent
overspray (see below).
◊
When using a 12-Slide carousel, load slides with the label end to the
outside of the carousel.
◊
When using a 30-Slide carousel, load slides with the label end towards
the hub (center). If the label end is to the outside, the spray does not get
all the way to the hub because of the smaller corridor.
◊
Always load slides with the specimen facing clockwise.
◊ Always place the first slide in position 1, the second in position 2, and so
on.
NOTE:
A warning will sound during the staining cycle if the carousel is unbalanced.
