2-6
Describing the PCS2 Device Components
P/N 85266-30, Manual revision: A
Centrifuge well
The PCS2 centrifuge well is designed with the following components:
Optical bowl sensor
There is an optical sensor located on the upper portion of the centrifuge well. The
sensor is aimed at the core of the bowl and will measure optical reflection as the
various blood components pass in front of the optical beam.
Note: The interface between the optical sensor in the centrifuge well and the
contents of the bowl is often referred to as the “bowl optics readings” and will be
discussed further in the chapter “Understanding a PCS2 Collection Procedure”.
Fluid detector
The PCS2 centrifuge well is equipped with an electronic fluid detection system
designed to detect the presence of liquid. The detector is mounted on the wall of
the centrifuge well. The PCS2 safety system will automatically stop the centrifuge
and the pumps if there is contact between liquid of any sort and the fluid detector.
Figure 2-5, PCS2 centrifuge well components
Centrifuge base
The centrifuge base contains a centrifuge chuck designed to hold the disposable
bowl in place during operation.
When installing a bowl, the operator should exert a downward pressure on the
head of the bowl and ensure that the bowl is completely seated. A suction force
will be created, between the base of the bowl and the chuck, to hold the bowl in
place. The bowl will be completely secured once the operator has locked the
centrifuge lid.
To remove a bowl at the end of a procedure, the operator should open the centri-
fuge lid and pull upward on the bowl.
Warning: The PCS2 device is equipped with a safety feature which will not al-
low the centrifuge to spin if the lid has been improperly closed. It is unlikely that
a properly installed centrifuge bowl will become unaligned as it spins.
If the operator does notice anything unusual, under no circumstances, should
the operator attempt to open the centrifuge lid if the bowl is still spinning. The
operator must ensure that the bowl has come to a complete stop before at-
tempting to open the centrifuge for any reason.
1. Optical bowl sensor
2. Fluid detector
3. Centrifuge chuck
3
2
1
