Section 3: Operating Instructions; General Guidelines For Optimal Staining; Operating Procedures; Start The Instrument - Siemens Hematek Operating Manual

Section 3: Operating Instructions

Following initial installation (see Section 2: Installation), the Hematek Slide Stainer is
ready for routine operation. Carefully read this section before beginning any slide staining.

General Guidelines for Optimal Staining

• Use high quality slides. Do not use slides of variable thickness. Bevel-edged slides
should not be used, as they may break in the instrument.
• Make sure the blood smears are thoroughly dry before placing on the instrument for
staining.
• Clean the stain tubing with methanol after each run, especially if the Slide Stainer is not
to be used for one hour or more.
• Keep the staining grooves and guide rails clean, as instructed in Cleaning the Platen on
page 5-3. Use only methanol to clean.
• Change the pump tubing and underplaten tubing on a routine basis. Refer to
Replacement of the Pump Tubing on page 6-7 and Replacement of the Underplaten
Tubing on page 6-11 for recommended frequency.
• Check the alignment of the sensing switch fingers, as instructed in step 5 of Check and
Correct Instrument Operation Prior to Pump Volume Adjustment on page 6-15.

Operating Procedures

CAUTION
Use Hematek Stain Paks only. Other solutions may contain non-dissolved or particulate
materials.

Start the Instrument

1. Turn the instrument on by pressing the
power module at the rear of the instrument, to the
The green
will begin to slowly revolve.
NOTE:
When the Hematek Stain Pak contains sufficient reagents to stain only about 20 slides, the
yellow
Pak. Refer to Stain Pak Replacement on page 3-7.
Section 3: Operating Instructions, Page 3—3
light will illuminate, the fan will start, and the conveyor spirals
POWER
light will illuminate to indicate the need for replacement of the Stain
LOW STAIN
switch, located on the left side of the
ON / OFF
position.
ON