System Handling Basics

System Handling Basics

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System Handling Basics

3.1 Work Preparation

Read this chapter carefully before you start working with the analyzer. Always observe the safety
instructions, in order to prevent accidents.
Note
In this manual, the dilution ratios are given as parts of the sample to parts of the resultant
solution. Thus, a dilution ratio of 1:5 means 1 part of the sample diluted with 4 parts of diluent that
results in 5 parts of solution.

3.1.1 Manual Use

Each chapter that describes the operation of the analyzer contains a function section followed by an
example. The function section contains information about key and field functions available in the menu
structure. The example gives clear explanations and instructions.
Example for a function section "Recording of Sample Requests"
SAMPLE NUMBER 12 characters (letters and numbers) are available for the sample number. To
increase the sample number by one for the next request you can select the
automatic increase checkbox in the SYSTEM PARAMETERS menu.
F2 STAT The request displayed on the monitor is marked as an emergency sample
(Stat).

When an example follows the function section, the example describes the method of the procedure. In
this case, the necessary steps to record a patient’s sample and to request a sample test are explained
and illustrated.

Example
Before you start manual recording always enter the sample number at the parameter Sample Number,
otherwise no analysis can be made. Enter further patient data or move directly to test the Request
Samples by pressing the TAB key or by using the mouse.

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3.1.2 Menu structure

The analyzer software is menu driven. All the functions are accessed from the MAIN MENU. The following
diagram shows the main functions.

MAIN MENU
F5 Special Function
F6 Quality Control
F7 Evaluate Samples
F8 Request Samples
F9 Load Samples

F5 SPECIAL FUNCTIONS F6 QUALITY CONTROL F7 EVALUATE SAMPLES

F1 Rotor/System/ISE F4 Program Control F1 Print
F2 Installation F6 Graphic Mode SF2 Clear Res. Buffer
F3 Program F7 Evaluate Samples F3 Blank/Calibrator Info
F4 Service F8 Request Samples SF4 Cancel Request
F6 Quality Control F9 Load Samples F5 Evaluate Disk Samples
F7 Evaluate Samples F10 Main Menu F6 Quality Control
F8 Request Samples F7 Graphic Mode
F9 Load Samples F8 Request Samples
F10 Main menu F9 Load Samples
F10 Main Menu

F8 REQUEST SAMPLES F9 LOAD SAMPLES

F1 Load List F1 Load List
F2 Stat F2 Select Unload
F3 Profile F3 Confirm Unload
F4 Repeat Mode F5 Reagent Info
F5 Prev. samples F6 Quality Control
F6 Forward Sample F7 Evaluate Samples
SF7 Delete F8 Request Samples
AF7 Delete All F9 Update
F8 New Sample F10 Main Menu
F9 Load Samples
F10 Main Menu

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3.1.3 Parts of the screen

1. Status line
2. Input area with functions
3. Function keys F1 to F10

Status line
The information on the status line does not depend on current system operation. The status line shows
following information:
• Status of the analyzer, e.g. Stand-by.
• Run Mode: Mono Mode or Dual Mode.
• Request Buffer: information about the number of samples that is requested but not yet loaded
• Tray Buffer: information about the current number of sample tubes loaded into the analyzer.
• Reagent disc: Name of the selected reagent disc.
• Display mode: the menu in which you are currently working, e.g. M AIN MENU.
• Time and date
• The state of the external interface (RS 232), e.g. On-line.

Input area
To input data and to select the functions and menus use the keyboard or mouse. To read the sample
labels and tests on the barcode tray use the barcode reader.

Function Keys F1 to F10

Information of the specific function of the function keys is on constant display on the monitor. All displays
have a common structure with the Function Keys at the bottom of the monitor.

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3.1.4 Keys
ARROW KEYS Go to another field
TAB Switch between left and right fields
PAGE UP/DOWN, HOME, Scroll through a list
END
ENTER Confirm entry
F1 – F10 Function keys
ALT+F10 Emergency halt
SPACEBAR Select or deselect a checkbox

Note
To stop the whole analyzer, press ALT+F10 simultaneously. This emergency stop is always
possible. The analyzer goes to the Halted state and all current measurements are lost. You can
repeat these measurements afterwards.

3.1.5 Messages
If an error occurs in the analyzer or the operation routine, the analyzer displays an error message on the
monitor. The message is accompanied by an acoustic signal. The message gives information about the
error and, where possible, instructions how to solve it.

Example:
E12 water running out shows when the analyzer liquid is low. You must fill the water container. The
analyzer will continue the interrupted operation without further consequences. Refer to "Messages" in
chapter 4.

3.2 Start the analyzer for the first time

Warning
Do not install the analyzer yourself. The analyzer must be installed by trained personnel.

After installation and before you can use the analyzer in normal routine operation, several system
adjustments must be made.

3.2.1 Prepare the analyzer

Do following operations in this sequence:
1. Start the analyzer. Refer to 3.2.2.
2. Install PC and analyzer software. Refer to chapter 7.
3. Connect the cooling unit. Refer to chapter 3.2.5.
4. Fill the system with system liquid. Refer to 3.2.6.
5. Set up the system parameters and the run mode. Refer to 3.2.3 and 3.2.4.
6. Program the calibrators. Refer to chapter 5.
7. Load or program the test parameters. Refer to chapter 5.
8. Program the controls. Refer to chapter 5.
9. Define the incompatible tests. Refer to chapter 5.
10. Program the profiles. Refer to chapter 5.
11. Position the reagents. Refer to chapter 5.

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3.2.2 Start the analyzer

1. Set the main switch to ON, located on the
rear panel of the analyzer.
2. Set the PC to ON.
3. Start the analyzer software. The main
menu appears on the monitor.

When the analyzer remains on, but is not active

carrying out processes, the analyzer goes to
Stand-by mode.

4. Set the SYSTEM PARAMETERS and the RUN

MODE menus. You must set these
parameters before you can prepare the
analyzer for the initial routine (e.g.
programming of test parameters and
controls).
5. Fill the analyzer with system liquid. Use
the SPECIAL FUNCTIONS menu.

The analyzer is now ready for operation.

Note
When the analyzer has been switched off after the last routine was finished, you must start a
manual cuvette blank measurement when you switch on the analyzer again the next morning.
You can select this measurement in the SYSTEM PARAMETERS menu.
All data present in the analyzer are stored when the device is switched off.

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3.2.3 Set the System Parameters

1. Select F5 SPECIAL FUNCTIONS, F2
INSTALLATION. The SYSTEM PARAMETERS
menu is shown.
2. Enter the system parameters. Use the
cursor keys or the mouse to select the
parameters. Enter the value and confirm
with ENTER.
Normally enter these parameters only once
before the analyzer goes into operation.
However, you can change the parameters
whenever necessary, e.g. the date format.

Parameters
Language Select the language used.
Lab. Name Type the name of the laboratory. The field is 32 characters in size. The
name is shown on every result printout.
Date Format Select the date format. The date is shown on the monitor and on every
printout:
dd-mmm-yyyy e.g. 13-JUN-2000
mmm-dd-yyyy e.g. JUN-13-2000
dd-mm-yyyy e.g. 13-06-2000
mm-dd-yyyy e.g. 06-13-2000
Sample no. auto incr. : Select the sample counter to automatically increase the sample
number in the REQUEST SAMPLES menu, when patient samples are
recorded. Alphanumeric data is always counted up. The analyzer
counts the sequence e.g. from Az99 up to Ba00.
Automatic Re-run : Select the automatic rerun to automatically schedule a test with the rerun
parameters of the respective test when the defined limits are exceeded. The
rerun applies to the following cases:
• Linearity error
• Absorbance limit error
• Reagent deviation error
• Substrate depletion error
• Prozone error
The rerun is done with the defined rerun parameters. Limits and volumes of
each parameter are set in the SPECIAL FUNCTIONS, PROGRAMMING, TEST
PARAMETERS menu.
Save before clear : The analyzer automatically saves the result data on hard disk before
clearing the main memory.
† All result data will be lost and replaced by new data.
Data in the main memory is automatically deleted if the storage capacity is
exceeded or when reagents have been positioned on the reagent rotor.
You can also manually delete the main memory with ALT+F2 (Clear Result
Buffer) in the EVALUATE SAMPLES menu.
Wavelengths The eight wavelengths of the interference filters, displayed as nanometer

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values.
Only change this parameter if new filters have been installed.
Automatic evaluation : The analyzer automatically prints out all results. Invalid results are
marked as Reject.
† The analyzer blocks the patient’s results with one or more error
messages, until you accept or reject these results in the EVALUATE
SAMPLES menu. The results are then printed out.
Automatic blank time The time (hh:mm) at which the analyzer will do every day an automatic
blank measurement of the cuvette rotor. Enter the hours, press ENTER,
enter the minutes and press ENTER again.
This measurement is only possible when the analyzer is in stand-by mode.
If the analyzer is switched off, you must start this measurement manually
each day.
It is recommended to do this measurement before the daily routine. After
the measurement the analyzer prints a list with the following information:
• Blank date/time
• Blank results
• Number of days left up to the calibration of the respective method
• Number of days left up to the next needle rinse
• Number of days left up to the next system cleaning
If you do not do this measurement, the analyzer can continue to run. In
case of an expired calibration, the analyzer will use the last calibration data
until a new calibration is executed.
Max. cuvet blank SD The maximum standard deviation tolerated by the analyzer in a blank
measurement of the cuvette rotor. The recommended value is 0.0200. If this
deviation is exceeded, an error message is printed out together with the
rotor blank results.
Needle rinse interval The interval in days, at which you do a needle rinsing.
0: No needle rinsing
1: The rinsing must be done each day
2: The number of days after which rinsing must be done
It is recommended to enter 7 days and to perform the rinsing at the end of
the working week. Activate the Needle Rinse function in the ROTOR/SYSTEM
menu.
Print only perf. tests Only available when using report set-up, -Only prints the tests and the test
results, if you request the tests in the request sample menu.

Keys
F10 Go to the SPECIAL FUNCTIONS menu.

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3.2.4 Set the Run Mode

Note
All existing requests are cancelled when you change the run mode. The reagent positions must
be defined separately for both modes. Also the result memory is cleared when changing modes.

1. Select F5 SPECIAL FUNCTIONS, F2

INSTALLATION.
2. Select Run Mode.
3. Press ENTER or TAB.

Keys
ALT+F9 Toggles between Run Mode.
F10 Go to the SPECIAL FUNCTIONS menu.

3.2.5 Install the Cooling Unit

Caution
Check the cooling unit for the correct voltage before you connect the cooling unit.
Never let the cooling unit pump run dry, because this will damage the pump.

The additional external cooling unit of the

analyzer guarantees necessary cooling for
loaded reagents. The cooling unit operates with
a sealed cycle technology. The cooling unit
requires virtually no maintenance. Unit and
coolant are free from CFC.
Fill the unit with coolant and demineralised or
distilled water before you put the analyzer in
operation. Only refill the coolant in large
intervals, since the coolant circulates in a
closed liquid cycle. Refill the liquid if the LED
flashes and/or an acoustic signal is heard.

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1. Attach the connection tubing to the cooling

unit and analyzer as shown in the figure.
2. Install the power cable to the back of the
unit. The unit can run with either 110 or
230 V (device-dependent).

3. Switch on both switches on the front of the

cooling unit before you switch on the
analyzer.

Recommendations to ensure a steady cooling

of the reagent rotor:
• Constantly keep the unit in stand-by mode.
• Cover the unloaded rotor positions with the
supplied caps.

3.2.6 Fill/Remove System Liquid

To prepare the analyzer for operation, you must
fill the entire liquid system with water.
Use this menu to make sure that the analyzer is
filled with water. Also use this menu when you
must remove water from the analyzer, e.g. for
transport purposes.
Fill the water container with 25 ml of system
liquid and 10 l of distilled or de-ionized water.
Use water with a conductivity of less than 30 µS
and a microbial count of less than 10 CFU/ml.
For transport preparation empty the analyzer
liquid container and the waste container(s).

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Fill System
1. Select F5 SPECIAL FUNCTION, F1 ROTOR SYSTEM, FILL/EMPTY SYSTEM. Follow the instructions
displayed on the screen.
2. Press F1 FILL SYSTEM, to start filling the analyzer with system liquid.
3. When the filling is complete, make sure that the tubing (e.g. tubing of sample probe or reagent
probe) is filled with system liquid without air bubbles.
4. If you detect any air bubbles, press F1 to repeat the procedure.

Empty System
1. Remove the system liquid hose from the water container.
2. Select F5 SPECIAL FUNCTION, F1 ROTOR SYSTEM, FILL/EMPTY SYSTEM. Follow the instructions
displayed on the screen.
3. Press F2 EMPTY SYSTEM to empty the analyzer for transport.
4. Make sure that there is no system liquid left in the tubing.
5. If necessary, press F2 to restart the emptying. The remaining waste must be removed after the
procedure has been completed.

3.2.7 Operation Prerequisites

Observe the following prerequisites before going into operation.
Warning
Always observe the common safety precautions (rubber gloves, splash-protection).

Caution
Check the cooling unit for the correct voltage before you connect the cooling unit.
Never let the cooling unit pump run dry, because this will damage the pump.

Power supply, Connect the system cables correctly. Switch on the analyzer. The monitor
system stand-by mode must show the Standby mode.
(as needed)
Cooling unit Fill the cooling unit correctly with coolant. Install the tubing of the analyzer
unit correctly. Switch on the cooling unit. Regularly check the liquid level
visually.
System parameters Select the INSTALLATION menu, RUN MODE submenu. Make all necessary
settings. Change the parameters in the SYSTEM PARAMETERS accordingly, if
(first installation and
another printout is required or if a host computer is connected to the
as needed)
analyzer.
Liquid system Fill the liquid system of the analyzer with system liquid, when the system is
put into operation for the first time. Use the FILL/EMPTY SYSTEM menu.
(first installation)
Programming calibrators Program the calibrators to be used by the system in the CALIBRATORS menu.
(first installation and
as needed)
Programming controls Program the controls in the CONTROLS menu.
(first installation and
as needed)

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Programming test Load or program all parameters that are regularly used by the analyzer. Use
parameters the TEST PARAMETERS menu. This also applies to new tests that must be
added. The programming instructions (e.g. test method, volumes, units etc.)
(first installation and
are explained in the method sheets of the reagents.
new parameters)
Incompatibility of tests Certain tests must not be run in succession, since the danger of carry-over
is very high. Select the tests not to be run in succession in the TEST
(first installation and
INCOMPATIBILITY menu.
new parameters)
Reagent positioning and All reagent positions on the reagent rotor that are currently used must be
reagent volume programmed in the analyzer. Use the INSTALLATION menu.
(daily and as needed) In order to avoid delays in routine operation, it is recommended to check the
volumes of the loaded reagents daily (Reagent Info).
If the analyzer is run both in the Mono Mode and in the Dual Mode, the
required reagent positions must be programmed separately for both modes
(REAGENT POSITION MONO MODE menu and REAGENT POSITION DUAL MODE
menu).
Programming profiles Select the profiles in the PROFILES menu, if you want to use profiles for the
recording of patient samples.
(as needed)
If the analyzer is run both in the Mono Mode and in the Dual Mode, the
required profiles must be programmed separately for both modes (REAGENT
POSITION MONO MODE menu and REAGENT POSITION DUAL MODE menu).
Water/Waste container It is recommended to empty the waste container and to fill the water
container before you start the daily work. Thus you avoid interruption of the
(daily)
routine work.
The analyzer stops the operation, if the water level is too low or the waste
water too high. The analyzer continues again when the required liquids are
filled up or emptied.
Cuvette blank Do a cuvette rotor blank measurement once every day. This measurement is
measurement carried out automatically, if the respective settings have been made in the
SYSTEM PARAMETERS menu.
(daily)
For this purpose, the system has to be in stand-by mode. Use the BLANK
ROTOR menu for a manual start of the analyzer.
Sample preparation and In order to facilitate the work and to avoid interruption of the routine, the
safety precautions received samples must be prepared according to the respective lab
organization instructions.
(daily)

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3.2.8 Checklist for Routine Operation

You can use the following list to check whether all prerequisites for operation of the Vitalab analyzer and
the optional ISE unit are fulfilled.

 Are all cables correctly connected to the Voltage cables, tubing to cooling unit,
System ? communication cables, etc.
 Is the system switched on? Analyzer unit, computer and cooling unit: all
switches “On”.
 Are all necessary parameters defined? Run mode, language, print output type and
host connection (if applicable).
 Is the liquid system filled with system
liquid?
 Were all work helps set as required? Increase of sample number, automatic rerun,
automatic result evaluation, automatic cuvette
rotor blank, profiles.
 Were all necessary test parameters Photometry.
programmed?
 Are all reagents correctly positioned? Reagent rotor.
 Were all required calibrators defined?
 Were all required test controls defined?
 Were the incompatible tests defined?
 Has the cuvette rotor blank been carried Cuvette Blank report.
out?
 Is a sufficient amount of system liquid in Water container, syringes.
the system?
 Has the waste container been emptied? Waste container(s).
 Was formation of foam avoided during Reagent bottles.
reagent preparation?
 Was formation of foam avoided during Sample tubes.
sample preparation?

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