Appendix B: Maintenance

Introduction

This chapter deals with:

− the preventive maintenance operations performed by bioMérieux
technicians or a qualified person trained by bioMérieux,

− the routine maintenance operations which should be performed by the

user.

The following topics are covered in this chapter:

♦ Preventive maintenance .......................................................................... 8-10

♦ User maintenance.................................................................................... 8-11
♦ Decontamination of the mini VIDAS blue ................................................. 8-13
♦ Decontamination of the mini VIDAS......................................................... 8-21
♦ Using the quality control test .................................................................... 8-27
♦ Cleaning the computer screen and keypad.............................................. 8-27
♦ Cleaning the bar code reader .................................................................. 8-27

mini VIDAS® Procedures Manual 8-9

Appendix B: Maintenance
Preventive maintenance

Preventive maintenance

Optimum performance of the mini VIDAS (within the limits of bioMérieux

specifications) depends on the preventive maintenance being performed by
bioMérieux technicians or a qualified person trained by bioMérieux only, as
part of a maintenance contract.
The list of maintenance operations and their frequency is available from
bioMérieux.

IMPORTANT! As well as the user maintenance operations described in this manual,

periodic preventive maintenance must be performed by bioMérieux.

®
8-10 mini VIDAS Procedures Manual
 Appendix B: Maintenance
User maintenance

User maintenance

6
DANGER! Any break in the grounding protective conductor inside or outside the
equipment or disconnection of the protective ground terminal may
render the equipment dangerous. Deliberate interruption of such
conductors is forbidden.

After opening, if it is imperative to switch the instrument on, any

adjustment, servicing or repair should be performed by a qualified
technician, well aware of the possible risks.
7
During a storm, never connect cables to the keyboards, screens, printer
or telephones, or lightning conductors to the transmission lines.

Tools required for maintenance

No specific tools are required for preventive maintenance of 8

mini VIDAS.

∗ The basic equipment and products required are:

− sponges (Part no. 99 087)
− a flat screw-driver,
− a screwdriver for recessed head screws,
(only concerns mini VIDAS blue),
− disposable powderless gloves (latex type), 9
− Dacron® swabs (Part no. 30 531),
− demineralized water,
− a bleach solution containing 0.5-0.6% active chlorine (5.5 to 6.6 g/l sodium
hypochlorite). This solution should be prepared in demineralized water.
− curved forceps,
® TM TM
− normal laboratory detergent solutions (7X , Alconox , Liquinox or
equivalent) used according to the manufacturers recommendations.
10

mini VIDAS® Procedures Manual 8-11

Appendix B: Maintenance
User maintenance

Summary of user maintenance operations

Frequency WEEKLY MONTHLY AS REQUIRED

(W) (M) (B)
Instrument

ANALYZER • Cleaning of: • Decontamination of: • Decontamination of:

− SPR block. − strip preparation trays − strip preparation trays
(for mini VIDAS blue) (for mini VIDAS blue)
− reagent strip trays, − reagent strip trays,
− plastic trays. − plastic trays.
(in the event of accidental contamination)

• Checking of pipette • Cleaning of:

mechanisms using the − the screen,

bioMérieux SA quality − the keypad.
control test .
Bar code reader • Clean the window.

Note: To check the pipette mechanisms, follow the instructions in the reagent package insert.
To analyze the results, refer to the card included in the reagent kit which indicates the
acceptable ranges for each lot.

IMPORTANT! All the panels of the instrument should be cleaned regularly using a weak
detergent diluted in water.

Do not use hot water (maximum temperature: 60°C) to clean the

instrument bodywork and removable parts (e.g. plastic trays, strip
preparation tray).

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 Appendix B: Maintenance
Decontamination of the mini VIDAS blue

Decontamination of the mini VIDAS blue

Decontamination involves:
∗ Routine decontamination which should be performed on a periodic basis.
∗ Cleaning of accidental spills (accidental contamination), which should be dealt
with immediately. 6

DANGER! Turn the mini VIDAS power switch to "OFF" and then disconnect the
power cord.
Use POWDERLESS disposable gloves.
This operation must be performed once all assays are completed.
Do not allow disinfectant solution to spill into the instrument.

Cleaning the SPR block

7
(w e e k l y )

DANGER! This operation must be performed once all assays are completed.
Use POWDERLESS disposable gloves.
Do not allow disinfectant solution to spill into the instrument.
8
To clean the SPR® block the section needs to be fully open.

∗ To do this,
• Open the section door slightly.
• Pull the safety latch towards you and then fully open the section door.

10

Fig. 8-1: Opening the section fully

®
mini VIDAS Procedures Manual 8-13
 Appendix B: Maintenance
Decontamination of the mini VIDAS blue

• Open the door of the section containing the SPR block.

• Using a Dacron swab moistened with a detergent solution, carefully clean
the interior of each SPR sleeve (see figure below).

Fig. 8-2: Cleaning the SPR block

• Repeat the previous operation using a new Dacron swab moistened with a
bleach solution containing 0.5-0.6% active chlorine (5.5 to 6.6 g/l sodium
hypochlorite). This solution should be prepared in demineralized water.

• Allow the bleach solution to react for 10 minutes.

• Rinse each SPR sleeve using a new Dacron swab moistened with
demineralized water.

• Using curved forceps, moisten a sponge with detergent and swab the rear
of the SPR block, pushing each SPR sleeve individually back towards the
interior of the section (see figure below).

Fig. 8-3: Cleaning the rear of the SPR block

8-14 mini VIDAS® Procedures Manual

 Appendix B: Maintenance
Decontamination of the mini VIDAS blue

• Repeat the previous operation using a new sponge moistened with a bleach
solution containing 0.5-0.6% active chlorine (5.5 to 6.6 g/l sodium
hypochlorite). This solution should be prepared in demineralized water.

• Allow the bleach solution to react for 10 minutes.

• Moisten a sponge with demineralized water. Holding the sponge with curved 6
forceps rinse the SPR sleeves.
• Close the SPR block door.
CAUTION! Do not clean the seals situated above the SPR block (see figure opposite)
as they do not require cleaning other than when preventive maintenance is
performed by the bioMérieux Field Service Engineer.
In the event of accidental spills or contamination, it is imperative that you
call bioMérieux Technical Assistance. Any handling of the seals may affect
the performance of your instrument. 7

10

mini VIDAS® Procedures Manual 8-15

 Appendix B: Maintenance
Decontamination of the mini VIDAS blue

C le an i ng t h e st r ip pre pa rat i on t ra y
(monthly)

• Lift the handle on the strip preparation tray ① and tilt the tray forwards ②.
The strip preparation tray will open.

Fig. 8-4: Opening the strip preparation tray

• Using curved forceps and a sponge moistened with a detergent, carefully

clean the front of the strip preparation tray ③ and the 6 channels ④ by
sliding the sponge along each one (see the figure below).

④
③

Fig. 8-5: Cleaning the strip preparation tray

• Repeat the previous operation using a new sponge moistened with a bleach
solution containing 0.5-0.6% active chlorine (5.5 to 6.6 g/l sodium
hypochlorite). This solution should be prepared in demineralized water.
• Allow the bleach solution to react for 10 minutes.
• Carefully rinse using curved forceps and a new sponge moistened with
demineralized water.

8-16 mini VIDAS® Procedures Manual

 Appendix B: Maintenance
Decontamination of the mini VIDAS blue

Cleaning the reagent strip trays

(monthly)

• Raise the strip preparation tray until it is in its upright position.

• Use a suitable screwdriver to remove the 2 screws ① located under the
strip preparation tray.
• Open the strip preparation tray by tilting it forwards. 6

8
①
Fig. 8-6: Dismantling the strip preparation tray

• With one hand (finger and thumb), grasp the 2 tabs inside the strip
preparation tray, squeeze gently and pull forwards to remove the tray (see
the figure below).

Fig. 8-7: Removing the strip preparation tray 10

This gives access to the reagent strip tray.

mini VIDAS® Procedures Manual 8-17

 Appendix B: Maintenance
Decontamination of the mini VIDAS blue

• Manually pull the reagent strip trays ② to their outermost position (see figure
below).

Fig. 8-8: Cleaning the reagent strip trays

• Moisten a sponge in the detergent solution. Holding the sponge with curved
forceps, carefully clean the 6 channels of the reagent strip tray by sliding the
sponge along each channel.
• Repeat the previous operation using a new sponge moistened with a bleach
solution containing 0.5-0.6% active chlorine (5.5 to 6.6 g/l sodium
hypochlorite). This solution should be prepared in demineralized water.
• Allow the bleach solution to react for 10 minutes.
• Moisten a new sponge with demineralized water. Holding the sponge with
curved forceps, rinse each tray.

• Push the reagent strip trays back in until they engage the tray drive
mechanism.
You will feel a slight resistance during engagement.

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 Appendix B: Maintenance
Decontamination of the mini VIDAS blue

Cleaning the plastic trays

( m o n t h l y o r i n t h e e ve n t o f a c c i d e n t a l s p i l l s )

• Remove the plastic tray ③ that sits underneath each reagent strip tray by
sliding it towards you (see figure below). 6

Fig. 8-9: Cleaning the plastic tray 8

• Clean each tray with a sponge moistened with a detergent solution.

• Repeat the previous operation using a new sponge moistened with a bleach
solution containing 0.5-0.6% active chlorine (5.5 to 6.6 g/l sodium
hypochlorite). This solution should be prepared in demineralized water.
• Allow the bleach solution to react for 10 minutes.
9
• Moisten a new sponge with demineralized water. Holding the sponge with
curved forceps, rinse each tray.
• Carefully replace each tray . The edges of the tray must fit into the plastic
grooves on each side.

IMPORTANT! The tray must slide BELOW the electric wire that is underneath the
reagent strip tray.
10

mini VIDAS® Procedures Manual 8-19

 Appendix B: Maintenance
Decontamination of the mini VIDAS blue

R e a s s e m b l i n g t h e s t r i p p r e p a r a t i o n t r a y a n d p ow e r i n g o n t h e a n a l y t i c a l mo d u l e

Reassembling the strip preparation tray

CAUTION! Wait until all the parts are dry before reassembling them.

• Slide the strip preparation tray into its housing.

A “click” indicates that the tray has been properly reassembled.

• Raise the strip preparation tray until it is in its upright position and screw
the 2 screws back into place.
• Slide the strip preparation tray downwards.

CAUTION! The mini VIDAS blue should not be used when the strip preparation tray is
not in place.

P ow e r i n g o n t h e a n a l y t i c a l m o d u l e

• Reconnect the module to the power supply.

• Turn the power switch to the "ON" position.
• Allow the module to warm up for 45 minutes.
• Turn the power switch to the "OFF" position.
• Wait for approximately 1 minute and turn the power switch to the "ON"
position.
• Wait for the module to reset (approximately 10 minutes) before attempting to
use it again.

IMPORTANT! Discard the sponges and swabs according to acceptable procedures for
biohazardous material.

8-20 mini VIDAS® Procedures Manual

 Appendix B: Maintenance
Decontamination of the mini VIDAS

Decontamination of the mini VIDAS

Decontamination involves:
∗ Routine decontamination which should be performed on a periodic basis.
∗ Cleaning of accidental spills (accidental contamination), which should be dealt
with immediately. 6

DANGER! Turn the mini VIDAS power switch to "OFF" and then disconnect the
power cord.
Use POWDERLESS disposable gloves.
This operation must be performed once all assays are completed.
Do not allow disinfectant solution to spill into the instrument.
7

Cleaning the SPR block

(w e e k l y )

DANGER! This operation must be performed once all assays are completed.
Use POWDERLESS disposable gloves. 8
Do not allow disinfectant solution to spill into the instrument.

• Open the door of the section containing the SPR block.

• Using a Dacron swab moistened with a detergent solution, carefully clean
the interior of each SPR sleeve (see figure below).

10
Fig. 8-10: Cleaning the SPR block

®
mini VIDAS Procedures Manual 8-21
Appendix B: Maintenance
Decontamination of the mini VIDAS

• Repeat the previous operation using a new Dacron swab moistened with a
bleach solution containing 0.5-0.6% active chlorine (5.5 to 6.6 g/l sodium
hypochlorite). This solution should be prepared in demineralized water.

• Allow the bleach solution to react for 10 minutes.

• Rinse each SPR sleeve using a new Dacron swab moistened with
demineralized water.

• Using curved forceps, moisten a sponge with detergent and swab the rear
of the SPR block, pushing each SPR sleeve individually back towards the
interior of the section (see figure below).

Fig. 8-11: Cleaning the rear of the SPR block

• Repeat the previous operation using a new sponge moistened with a bleach
solution containing 0.5-0.6% active chlorine (5.5 to 6.6 g/l sodium
hypochlorite). This solution should be prepared in demineralized water.
• Allow the bleach solution to react for 10 minutes.
• Moisten a sponge with demineralized water. Holding the sponge with curved
forceps rinse the SPR sleeves.

• Close the SPR block door.

8-22 mini VIDAS® Procedures Manual

 Appendix B: Maintenance
Decontamination of the mini VIDAS

CAUTION! Do not clean the seals situated above the SPR block (see figure opposite)
as they do not require cleaning other than when preventive maintenance is
performed by the bioMérieux Field Service Engineer.
In the event of accidental spills or contamination, it is imperative that you
call bioMérieux Technical Assistance. Any handling of the seals may affect
the performance of your instrument.
6

Cleaning the reagent strip trays

(monthly)
• Remove the screws from the front panel of the module below the reagent 8
strip trays and pull the panel off (see figure below).
Make sure you do not let go of the front panel when removing it (it is
not equipped with a cord connecting it to the mini VIDAS to prevent it
from falling).

10

Fig. 8-12: Removing the front panel

mini VIDAS® Procedures Manual 8-23

Appendix B: Maintenance
Decontamination of the mini VIDAS

• Manually pull the reagent strip trays ② to their outermost position (see figure
below).

Fig. 8-13: Cleaning the reagent strip trays

• Moisten a sponge in the detergent solution. Holding the sponge with curved
forceps, carefully clean the 6 channels of the reagent strip tray by sliding the
sponge along each channel.
• Repeat the previous operation using a new sponge moistened with a bleach
solution containing 0.5-0.6% active chlorine (5.5 to 6.6 g/l sodium
hypochlorite). This solution should be prepared in demineralized water.
• Allow the bleach solution to react for 10 minutes.
• Moisten a new sponge with demineralized water. Holding the sponge with
curved forceps, rinse each tray.

• Push the reagent strip trays back in until they engage the tray drive
mechanism
You will feel a slight resistance during engagement

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 Appendix B: Maintenance
Decontamination of the mini VIDAS

Cleaning the plastic tray

( m o n t h l y o r i n t h e e ve n t o f a c c i d e n t a l s p i l l s )

• Remove the plastic tray ③ that sits underneath each reagent strip tray by
sliding it towards you (see figure below).
6

Fig. 8-14: Cleaning the plastic tray

8
• Clean each tray with a sponge moistened with a detergent solution.
• Repeat the previous operation using a new sponge moistened with a bleach
solution containing 0.5-0.6% active chlorine (5.5 to 6.6 g/l sodium
hypochlorite). This solution should be prepared in demineralized water.
• Allow the bleach solution to react for 10 minutes.
• Moisten a new sponge with demineralized water. Holding the sponge with 9
curved forceps, rinse each tray.

• Carefully replace each tray . The edges of the tray must fit into the plastic
grooves on each side.

IMPORTANT! The tray must slide BELOW the electric wire that is underneath the
reagent strip tray.

10

mini VIDAS® Procedures Manual 8-25

Appendix B: Maintenance
Decontamination of the mini VIDAS

R e p l a c i n g t h e f r o n t p a n e l a n d p o w e r i n g o n t h e a n a l y t i c a l mo d u l e

Replacing the front panel

• Screw the front panel back into place (see figure below).

Fig. 8-15: Replacing the front panel

P ow e r i n g o n t h e a n a l y t i c a l m o d u l e

• Reconnect the module to the power supply.

• Turn the power switch to the "ON" position.
• Leave the module warm up for 45 minutes.
• Turn the power switch to the "OFF" position.
• Wait for approximately 1 minute and turn the power switch to the "ON"
position.
• Wait for the module to reset (approximately 10 minutes) before attempting to
use it again.

IMPORTANT! Discard the sponges and swabs according to acceptable procedures for
biohazardous material.

8-26 mini VIDAS® Procedures Manual

 Appendix B: Maintenance
Using the quality control test

Using the quality control test

(monthly)

The mini VIDAS quality control test is a simple and rapid technique for testing 6
the pipette mechanisms of the mini VIDAS for correct operation.
This test must be performed at least once a month, at the time of preventive
maintenance or anytime that a pipetting problem is suspected.

∗ For further information on the test principle, refer to package insert included in
the kit.
You must read the package insert carefully before performing the test.

Cleaning the computer screen and keypad

(as required)
• Turn the mini VIDAS power switch to the "OFF" position.
8
• Clean the screen with a dry antistatic cloth or, if necessary, use a soft cloth
moistened with a special product for cleaning screens.
• Turn the power switch to the "ON" position.

9
Cleaning the bar code reader
(as required)
• Clean the reader window using a soft cloth.
.

10

mini VIDAS® Procedures Manual 8-27