67
67
Section 6: Nozzle Maintenance and Performance
6.5 Line Flush
The Line Flush is a semi-automated procedure for cleaning the reagent lines. The Line Flush allows
flushing the D line, the A and B lines, or all three lines at the same time. Follow the screen prompts as the
sequence progresses. Once the process is started and sequences past the first step, the remaining Line
Flush sequence must be completed before continuing with normal staining operations.
Recommendation is to perform the Line Flush procedure annually to help prevent nozzle plugging or when
troubleshooting a staining issue. This procedure requires the nozzle maintenance kit.
NOTE:
The Line Flush procedure requires a minimum of 1 hour and at least 300 mL of SS-029 (diluted SS-
029C) nozzle cleaning solution.
NOTE:
A carousel must be in place during the procedure or the instrument will generate an error and abort
the procedure.
From the Maintenance menu, press
Line Flush.
Line Flush Step 1
1.
Select the desired line or lines to be flushed (D, A and B, or both).
2.
Remove the DF, ABCE nozzle, or both, depending upon the desired line flush.
3.
Load 500 mL of DI water for each line(s) that is being flushed.
4. Insert an empty carousel and close the lid.
5. Press
Start
. The instrument pumps approximately 400 mL of water through the line(s). A status bar
indicates progress and automatically advances to the next step.
Line Flush Step 2
1. Remove the remaining DI water.
2. Load at least 300 mL of the prepared cleaning solution (diluted SS-029C) for each line(s) that is being
flushed.
3. Press
Continue
. The instrument pumps approximately 200 mL of the prepared cleaning solution
through the line(s) and then starts a 60-minute countdown timer.
4. After the timer completes, automatically advances to the next step (the instrument may remain idle up
to a maximum of 12 hours).
Line Flush Step 3
1. Remove the remaining cleaning solution.
2.
Load 500 mL of DI water for each line(s) that is being flushed.
3. Press
Continue
. The instrument pumps approximately 400 mL of water through the line(s). A status
bar indicates progress and automatically advances to the next step.
Line Flush Step 4
1. Remove the remaining DI water.
2. Load at least 300 mL of the correct reagent for each position.
3. Press
Continue
. The instrument pumps approximately 200 mL of the reagent(s) through the line(s)
and automatically advances to the next step.
Line Flush Step 5
1. Reinstall the nozzle(s).
2. Press
Continue
. The stainer primes the line(s) and returns to the Main menu.