Beckman Coulter COULTER ACT 5diff Setup guide

COULTER AC•T 5diff Autoloader
Hematology Analyzer
Operator’s
Training Guide
PN 177196BB (August 2012)
Manufactured for
Beckman Coulter, Inc.
250 S. Kraemer Blvd.
Brea, CA 92821 U.S.A.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
BECKMAN COULTER, INC. URGES ITS CUSTOMERS TO COMPLY WITH ALL NATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY
STANDARDS SUCH AS THE USE OF BARRIER PROTECTION. THIS MAY INCLUDE, BUT IT IS NOT LIMITED TO,
PROTECTIVE EYEWEAR, GLOVES, AND SUITABLE LABORATORY ATTIRE WHEN OPERATING OR MAINTAINING THIS OR
ANY OTHER AUTOMATED LABORATORY ANALYZER.
READ ALL PRODUCT MANUALS AND CONSULT WITH BECKMAN COULTER-TRAINED PERSONNEL BEFORE
ATTEMPTING TO OPERATE INSTRUMENT. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO PERFORM ANY PROCEDURE BEFORE CAREFULLY
READING ALL INSTRUCTIONS. ALWAYS FOLLOW PRODUCT LABELING AND MANUFACTURER’S RECOMMENDATIONS.
IF IN DOUBT AS TO HOW TO PROCEED IN ANY SITUATION, CONTACT YOUR BECKMAN COULTER REPRESENTATIVE.
HAZARDS AND OPERATIONAL PRECAUTIONS AND LIMITATIONS
WARNINGS, CAUTIONS, and IMPORTANTS alert you as follows:
WARNING - Can cause injury.
CAUTION - Can cause damage to the instrument.
IMPORTANT - Can cause misleading results.
WARNING Risk of operator injury if:
r All doors, covers and panels are not closed and secured in place prior to and during instrument operation.
r The integrity of safety interlocks and sensors is compromised.
r Instrument alarms and error messages are not acknowledged and acted upon.
r You contact moving parts.
r You mishandle broken parts.
r Doors, covers and panels are not opened, closed, removed and/or replaced with care.
r Improper tools are used for troubleshooting.
To avoid injury:
r Keep doors, covers and panels closed and secured in place while the instrument is in use.
r Take full advantage of the safety features of the instrument. Do not defeat safety interlocks and sensors.
r Acknowledge and act upon instrument alarms and error messages.
r Keep away from moving parts.
r Report any broken parts to your Beckman Coulter Representative.
r Open/remove and close/replace doors, covers and panels with care.
r Use the proper tools when troubleshooting.
CAUTION System integrity might be compromised and operational failures might occur if:
r This equipment is used in a manner other than specified. Operate the instrument as instructed in the Product Manuals.
r You introduce software that is not authorized by Beckman Coulter into your computer. Only operate your system’s
computer with software authorized by Beckman Coulter.
r You install software that is not an original copyrighted version. Only use software that is an original copyrighted
version to prevent virus contamination.
IMPORTANT If you purchased this product from anyone other than Beckman Coulter or an authorized Beckman Coulter
distributor, and, if it is not presently under a Beckman Coulter service maintenance agreement, Beckman Coulter cannot
guarantee that the product is fitted with the most current mandatory engineering revisions or that you will receive the most
current information bulletins concerning the product. If you purchased this product from a third party and would like
further information concerning this topic, call your Beckman Coulter Representative.

iii
PN 177196BB
REVISION STATUS
Issue A, 10/02
Software version 1.00
Issue B, 4/03
Software version 1.10
Issue BA, 5/10
Software Version 1.10.
Updates were made to the company corporate address.
Issue BB, 08/12
Software Version 1.2.4.
Changes were made to:
r Section 1.5, ANALYZER > D Topic Notes and Tasks, step 3a2
r Removed step 5c under SHUTDOWN PROCEDURE > D Topic Notes and Tasks
r Carryover Check
r Refer to the Hematology Tube List on the BCI website
Note: Changes that are part of the most recent revision are indicated in text by a bar in the
margin of the amended page.
This document applies to the latest software listed and higher versions. When a subsequent software version
changes the information in this document, a new issue will be released to the Beckman Coulter website. For
labeling updates, go to www.beckmancoulter.com and download the most recent manual or system help for
your instrument.

PN 177196BB
iv
REVISION STATUS

PN 177196BB v
CONTENTS
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS,ii
REVISION STATUS, iii
CONTENTS,v
INTRODUCTION,ix
PURPOSE OF THIS DOCUMENT,ix
TRAINING RESPONSIBILITIES,ix
INSTRUMENT DOCUMENTATION,ix
ABOUT THIS TRAINING GUIDE,x
CONVENTIONS,xi
SAFETY SYMBOLS,xii
1 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT,1-1
1.1 WORKSTATION HARDWARE,1-1
1.2 WORKSTATION SOFTWARE AND THE ONLINE HELP SYSTEM,1-4
1.3 PRINTER,1-9
1.4 BAR-CODE SCANNER (OPTIONAL),1-10
1.5 ANALYZER,1-11
1.6 REAGENTS AND INSTRUMENT WASTE,1-17
2 STARTUP / SHUTDOWN,2-1
2.1 STARTUP PROCEDURE,2-1
2.2 MINI-CLEAN CYCLE,2-4
2.3 AUTO-CLEAN CYCLE,2-5
2.4 SHUTDOWN PROCEDURE,2-6
2.5 SYSTEM POWER DOWN PROCEDURE,2-7
2.6 SYSTEM POWER UP PROCEDURE,2-8
3 SETUP OPTIONS,3-1
3.1 MISCELLANEOUS (OPERATIONAL) SETUP OPTIONS,3-1
3.2 QUALITY ASSURANCE SETUP OPTIONS,3-5
3.3 AUTO FUNCTIONS SETUP OPTIONS,3-7

PN 177196BB
vi
CONTENTS
3.4 SYSTEM SETUP OPTIONS,3-9
3.5 CONFIGURATION SAVE AND RESTORE SETUP OPTIONS,3-13
3.6 OPERATORS SETUP OPTIONS,3-14
3.7 FLAGGING SETS SETUP OPTIONS,3-16
4 QUALITY ASSURANCE,4-1
4.1 SETTING UP OR MODIFYING CELL CONTROL FILES,4-1
4.2 ANALYZING CELL CONTROLS,4-3
4.3 INTERPRETING AND USING CELL CONTROL DATA,4-9
4.4 CONTROL DATA MANAGEMENT,4-13
4.5 INTERLABORATORY QUALITY ASSURANCE (IQAP),4-14
4.6 REPRODUCIBILITY AND CARRYOVER CHECKS,4-15
4.7 SETTING UP XB/XM,4-17
4.8 INTERPRETING AND USING THE XB/XM DATA,4-20
5 CALIBRATION,5-1
5.1 CALIBRATION OVERVIEW,5-1
5.2 PRELIMINARY CALIBRATION CHECKS/PROCEDURES,5-2
5.3 AUTO-CALIBRATION,5-3
5.4 MANUAL CALIBRATION,5-7
6 SAMPLE ANALYSIS,6-1
6.1 SPECIMEN HANDLING,6-1
6.2 SAMPLE IDENTIFICATION,6-3
6.3 PATIENT/SAMPLE INFORMATION,6-6
6.4 WORKFLOW OPTIONS,6-12
6.5 SAMPLE ANALYSIS IN THE AUTOLOADER MODE,6-14
6.6 SAMPLE ANALYSIS IN THE MANUAL MODE,6-16
6.7 RUN-IN-PROGRESS, RESULTS LIST, AND RESULTS SCREENS,6-18
6.8 AUTOMATIC AND MANUAL SPECIMEN RERUNS,6-23
6.9 MANUAL MATCHES,6-24

PN 177196BB vii
CONTENTS
7 DATA MANAGEMENT AND REVIEW,7-1
7.1 DATA MANAGEMENT,7-1
7.2 DATA ANALYSIS - AN OVERVIEW OF THE DILUTIONS AND
MEASUREMENTS,7-3
7.3 DATA ANALYSIS - MEASUREMENT PRINCIPLES,7-9
7.4 DATA ANALYSIS REVIEW - WBC PARAMETERS,7-15
7.5 DATA ANALYSIS REVIEW - RBC PARAMETERS,7-21
7.6 DATA ANALYSIS REVIEW - PLATELET PARAMETERS,7-27
8 SYSTEM DIAGNOSTICS AND MAINTENANCE,8-1
8.1 ACCESSING AND IDENTIFYING ANALYZER HARDWARE COMPONENTS,8-1
8.2 RECOGNIZING NORMAL INSTRUMENT OPERATION - CYCLE
DESCRIPTION,8-7
8.3 BASIC TROUBLESHOOTING TECHNIQUES,8-16
8.4 SYSTEM MESSAGE TABLES AND OTHER TROUBLESHOOTING TOOLS,8-19
8.5 PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE,8-22
9 SUMMARY AND QUICK REFERENCE MASTERS,9-1
9.1 SUMMARY PAGES,9-1
9.2 QUICK REFERENCES PAGES,9-1
9.3 CONTENTS,9-1
TRAINING CHECKLIST,1
ACCOUNT INFORMATION,1
PURPOSE,1
INSTRUCTIONS,1
CHECKLIST,1
TRADEMARKS,1

PN 177196BB
viii
CONTENTS

PN 177196BB ix
INTRODUCTION
PURPOSE OF THIS DOCUMENT
This document provides an authorized trainer with corporately accepted training materials
for instructing a new Operator in the correct use and operation of a COULTER AC•T 5diff
Autoloader (AL) hematology analyzer.
TRAINING RESPONSIBILITIES
Beckman Coulter’s Responsibility
Beckman Coulter is responsible for instructing a Key Operator in the correct use and
operation of the AC•T 5diff AL hematology analyzer.
Our goal is to provide your laboratory with high quality training that best fits your
laboratory’s needs. This means the emphasis given to each topic in this Training Guide may
differ, with some topics needing to be covered more thoroughly than others.
Key Operator’s Responsibility
It is the Key Operator’s responsibility to train all other Operators in the laboratory. Once
trained by an authorized Beckman Coulter trainer, the Key Operator is authorized to use and
make copies of any of the material in this Training Guide as needed for training other
laboratory personnel.
INSTRUMENT DOCUMENTATION
The Training Guide is part of a document set provided with your instrument. The Training
Guide references the following documents whenever appropriate, to help the trainee become
familiar with their contents and to use them as needed.
r Instructions for Use, PN 4277367, provides information about the function of the AC•T
5diff AL instrument and describes how to:
t Get started using the instrument.
t Operate the instrument safely.
t Run controls and samples.
t Review results.
t Do special maintenance procedures, such as cleaning, replacing, or adjusting an
instrument component.
t Troubleshoot problems.
t Power down and power up the instrument.
t Customize the instrument’s setup.
The Instructions for Use is accessed using the AC•T 5diff AL Online Help system. The
printed version is by order. Contact your Beckman Coulter Representative if you want to
order a printed copy of this manual.

PN 177196BB
x
INTRODUCTION
ABOUT THIS TRAINING GUIDE
r Host Transmission Specification, PN 4277065, defines the information needed to
program the transmission interface between the AC•T 5diff AL hematology analyzer and
your laboratory’s host computer. The printed version is available by order. Contact your
Beckman Coulter Representative if you want to order a printed copy of this manual.
ABOUT THIS TRAINING GUIDE
Scope
This training guide is designed to support AC•T 5diff AL hematology analyzer training. It
provides the trainer with the opportunity to customize the training experience to best fit the
individual trainee and laboratory. Since trainee experience levels and laboratory needs differ,
this training outline is designed with flexibility in mind.
Topics
The materials in this guide support the training of eight main topics:
r Topic 1 Getting to Know Your Instrument
r Topic 2 Startup/Shutdown
r Topic 3 Set Up Options
r Topic 4 Quality Assurance
r Topic 5 Calibration
r Topic 6 Sample Analysis
r Topic 7 Data Management and Review
r Topic 8 System Diagnostics and Maintenance
Each main topic is further divided into several related topics (subjects) that may be included,
as needed, in your training. Each of these smaller topics includes four elements:
A Objectives. Lists the objectives the trainee is expected to meet at the completion of the topic.
B References. Lists the sections in the customer documentation where the topic is covered.
These references can be used by the trainer to prepare for teaching the topic and could be
assigned to the trainee as prerequisite or review reading.
C Special Instructions. Lists the instrument conditions that must be met, supplies needed
(when applicable), and other tips to the trainer for completing the topic.
D Topic Notes and Tasks. Lists the key facts that should be covered and suggests tasks to
promote or reinforce learning the topic material.

PN 177196BB xi
INTRODUCTION
CONVENTIONS
Organization
The eight main topics contained in the Operator’s Training Guide are part of a larger
organization that includes four basic types of information.
Introduction. Describes the format of the Training Guide and how it is meant to be used.
Topics (Chapters 1 - 8). This is the heart of the document. It provides the trainer with document
references, key facts about the topic, and suggested tasks to help them teach the trainee how
to operate the instrument correctly. It can also be used as a review by the trained Operator. It
is not, however, designed to be used as a self-study by an untrained Operator.
Summary and Quick Reference Pages. Contains master copies of Summary pages and Quick
Reference pages for use by the Key Operator in the laboratory after training is completed.
Training Checklist. Provides a method for documenting the specific training an Operator
receives.
Summary Pages
Routine operational tasks detailed in the Instructions for Use manual are abbreviated and
included in the Training Guide as summary pages. Each summary page is an individual,
stand-alone document that is designed for use in the laboratory both as a training aid and as a
reference tool for the trained Operator.
Training Checklist
The Training Checklist provides the trainer with an official method to document the
completion of training on the AC•T 5diff AL hematology analyzer.
When the training process is completed, we recommend that both the trainer and trainee sign
the Training Checklist to show agreement that the trainee is sufficiently trained on the topic
or tasks covered.
CONVENTIONS
This training guide uses the following conventions:
r Instructions assume Operator is using the mouse for navigation. Click means use the left
button on the mouse to select a screen item.
r Bold font indicates a software option, such as Startup.
rttbetween menu items indicates the software path to a specific function or screen, such
as “Click tt to access the Miscellaneous Setup screen.”
r Italics font indicates screen text displayed on the instrument, such as Insert Tube.
r Information that is to be typed is in Courier font such as type the password 123.
r ëindicates a key on the keyboard such as Û.
t Press ëindicates the Operator needs to press and release the key.
t Press ë+ë indicates the Operator needs to press and hold the first key listed, then
press the next key.

PN 177196BB
xii
INTRODUCTION
SAFETY SYMBOLS
r A Note: (in bold font) prefaces supplemental information.
r An ATTENTION (in bold font) prefaces information that is important to remember or
helpful when doing a procedure.
r indicates a suggested task for the trainer or the trainee.
r Instrument or system is sometimes used to refer to the AC•T 5diff Autoloader
hematology analyzer (meaning both Analyzer and Workstation).
r AL refers to autoloader.
r Main card refers to the main circuit board (card) in the instrument.
r RBC bath is sometimes referred to as RBC/Plt bath.
r The terms “screen” and “window” are used interchangeably.
r AC•T 5diff Rinse reagent is sometimes referred to as Rinse.
r AC•T 5diff Fix reagent is sometimes referred to as Fix.
r AC•T 5diff Hgb Lyse reagent is sometimes referred to as Hgb Lyse.
r AC•T 5diff WBC Lyse reagent is sometimes referred to as WBC Lyse.
r AC•T 5diff Diluent reagent is sometimes referred to as Diluent.
SAFETY SYMBOLS
Safety symbols alert you to potentially dangerous conditions. These symbols, together with
text, apply to specific procedures and appear as needed in the Summary pages and before
applicable topic task throughout this training guide.
Symbol Warning Condition Action
Biohazard. Consider all materials
(specimens, reagents, controls, and
calibrators, and so forth) and areas these
materials come into contact with as being
potentially infectious.
Wear standard laboratory attire and follow
safe laboratory procedures when handling
any material in the laboratory.
Probe hazard. The probe is sharp and may
contain biohazardous materials, such as
controls and calibrators.
Avoid any unnecessary contact with the
probe and probe area.
Electrical shock hazard.Possibility of
electrical shock when instrument is plugged
into the power source.
Before continuing, unplug the Analyzer
from the electrical outlet.
Conditional hazard. Possibility of a hazard
based on specific conditions.
Pay close attention to the information
provided when you see this symbol.

!

PN 177196BB 1-1
1
1GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT
1.1 WORKSTATION HARDWARE
A Objectives
When you have completed this topic, you will be able to:
B Locate and name the four major components of the computer system.
B Locate and explain the function of specific keys on the keyboard.
B Explain how to use the mouse to navigate through the software.
B References
1. In the Online Help System or the Instructions for Use manual, refer to Heading 11.10
COMPONENT LOCATIONS.
2. Refer to the User’s manual for the monitor for any monitor adjustments.
C Special Instructions
1. The instrument must be powered up.
2. Any screen except the log-in screen can be displayed.
D Topic Notes and Tasks
1. The Workstation is one of four main components in the AC•T 5diff AL system.
Point out the Analyzer, Workstation, Printer, and the optional Bar-Code Scanner if you
have not already done so.
2. The function of the Workstation is to:
a. Control and monitor instrument operation.
b. Display, store, output, and allow recall of sample results.
c. Store and graph control results for the Quality Assurance program.
d. Automatically calculate new calibration factors.
e. Allow bidirectional communication with a host computer.
3. You must not use the instrument’s Workstation as a personal computer.
4. The Workstation hardware refers to the physical components of the computer.
5. Identify the following Workstation hardware:
a. Computer
b. Monitor
c. Keyboard
d. Mouse

PN 177196BB
1-2
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT
WORKSTATION HARDWARE
6. The computer houses the software program and communicates with the Analyzer.
a. Point out the power ON/OFF switch and the indicator that lights when power is on.
b. Identify the three drives: the hard drive indicator and symbol, the CD-ROM drive,
and the diskette (floppy) drive.
c. Identify the connections on the back of the computer.
Note: The computer configuration used in this laboratory may not match the one
shown in the Instructions for Use manual.
7. The computer uses the monitor to display information.
a. Point out the power ON/OFF switch and the indicator that lights when power is on.
b. Point out the screen adjustment controls. Refer to the User’s manual supplied with
the computer system to make any adjustments.
8. The keyboard is the interface between the Operator and the computer.
a. Determine if the trainee is already familiar with computer keyboards.
1) If the trainee is familiar with computer keyboards, just point out that the
keyboard on this instrument is standard.
2) If the trainee is not familiar with computer keyboards:
a) Review the keyboard layout and keys information below.
b) Emphasize hands-on experience on the keyboard during the rest of the
training.
b. The keyboard shipped with the instrument has a standard layout and keys.
1) Alphanumeric keys:
a) Are configured in a standard typewriter keyboard layout.
b) Consist of all standard alphanumeric keys plus a handful of special
computer keys and symbols.
2) Ùcan a be used to move from field to field on some windows.
3) Úworks like the Shift Lock key on a typewriter.
a) When it is on, pressing any alphabet key on the keyboard produces an
uppercase letter.
b) It only shifts the letter keys; all other keys on the keyboard remain the
same.
4) Numeric keypad:
a) Contains the numbers 0 through 9, plus the period, an Ûkey, and
various mathematical symbols.
b) Can expedite manual entry of patient ID numbers and certain quality
control entries.
5) ê controls operation of the numeric keypad
a) Locate light that lights when Num Lock is on.
b) When Num Lock is on, the numeric keypad produces numbers.
c) Workstation keyboard is designed to be used with the Num Lock on.
d) When Num Lock is off, the numeric keypad doubles as a cursor keypad.

PN 177196BB 1-3
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT
WORKSTATION HARDWARE 1
6) Cursor control keys move the cursor.
a) Arrow keys, èæçé, move the cursor bidirectionally, a line at a time.
b) äand åmove the cursor up or down by a full page.
c) âand ãmove the cursor to the beginning or the end of a file.
7) ßplaces a space in a line of characters.
8) Û
a) Key is used mainly to select a highlighted menu option.
b) Keyboard has two Ûkeys; both work identically.
9) Ýand Þare modifier keys that have no action by themselves but can be
used in conjunction with other keys to initiate special operations.
10) Õallows you to print whatever is currently displayed on the screen.
9. The mouse is the principle navigation tool on the instrument.
a. Determine if the trainee is already familiar with using a mouse.
1) If the trainee is familiar with using a mouse, just point out that with the
AC•T 5diff AL software, the Operator only uses the left mouse button.
2) If the trainee is not familiar with using a mouse:
a) Using the information below, explain/demonstrate how a mouse works.
b) Emphasize hands-on experience using the mouse during the rest of the
training.
b. When using a mouse for navigation:
1) Moving the mouse on the table top moves the mouse pointer on the screen.
2) Pressing and releasing the left button on the mouse selects whatever is under
the pointer, or if in a field on the screen, anchors the cursor in the field.
a) Pressing and releasing the left button is referred to as clicking.
b) If you are directed to “click” ( ) an item it means you should move the
mouse cursor over that item and press and release the left mouse button.
3) Placing the cursor on a slider and then pressing and holding the left mouse
button allows you to move the slider for as long as you hold down the button.
c. To see the function name of a specific icon, move the mouse cursor over the icon
without clicking the mouse button until the text appears.

PN 177196BB
1-4
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT
WORKSTATION SOFTWARE AND THE ONLINE HELP SYSTEM
1.2 WORKSTATION SOFTWARE AND THE ONLINE HELP SYSTEM
A Objectives
When you have completed this topic, you will be able to:
B Log out from the Workstation.
B Log into the Workstation correctly.
B Locate the Generic toolbar and identify each icon.
B Locate the Contextual toolbar and identify each icon.
B Use the mouse to navigate from the Main Menu screen to sub menus.
B Use the tabs, buttons, fields, check-boxes, drop-down menus, scrollable lists, and scroll
bars in the Workstation software as needed.
B Access and use the Online Help system as needed.
B Access and use the Instructions for Use manual.
B References
1. In the Online Help System or the Instructions for Use manual, refer to:
r Heading 5.5 LOGGING ON (IF SYSTEM IS ALREADY POWERED UP)
r Heading 5.11 SOFTWARE SCREENS
r Heading 5.12 MENU PATH
r Heading 5.13 WORKING WITH THE SOFTWARE
r Heading 5.10 USING YOUR AC•T 5diff AL HEMATOLOGY ANALYZER OPERATOR MANUALS
CD-ROM
2. In Chapter 9, SUMMARY AND QUICK REFERENCE MASTERS, of this Training Guide,
locate and make a copy of the:
r SOFTWARE ICONS AND MENUS PATHS QUICK REFERENCE.
r ONLINE HELP SYSTEM.
C Special Instructions
1. The instrument must be powered up.
2. Any screen except the log-in screen can be displayed.
D Topic Notes and Tasks
1. The Workstation software refers to the sequence of detailed instructions (called a
program) that directs the computer to perform certain actions.
a. The Workstation software is based on the Microsoft®Windows-NT™ operating
system.
b. Familiarity with Windows conventions and use is beneficial but not required.

PN 177196BB 1-5
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT
WORKSTATION SOFTWARE AND THE ONLINE HELP SYSTEM 1
2. A login name is required for all users to access the Workstation software program; a
password is required for some.
a. When the software is first installed, the system is set up with default user names for
the three access groups.
1) The Operator group default user name is Opr1.
a) The Operator group has the most limited access to the software. They do
not have access to setup screens, calibration, or certain service diagnostics.
b) Someone in the Operator group does not require a password unless their
Supervisor sets the instrument up that way.
2) The Supervisor group default user name is Supervisor.
a) The Supervisor group has access to everything except certain service
diagnostics.
b) Someone in the Supervisor group must use a password.
c) The default password is 123.
3) The Service group default user name is Service.
a) Service has full software access.
b) Someone in the Service group must use a password.
c) The Service group is reserved for Beckman Coulter Representatives and
anyone who has completed the Beckman Coulter authorized service
training on this instrument.
b. A unique login name for each user is recommended so that instrument events can
be traced back to the Operator.
1) Adding users names to the system is part of the instrument setup.
2) If it is not done yet, have the trainee use the default user name and password
for the Supervisor group now and set up new users later.
c. Walk the trainee through logging out and then logging back in using their user
name and password. (DO NOT power down at this time.)
1) If any screen other than the Main Menu is displayed, click until the Main
Menu screen is displayed.
2) From the Main Menu screen, click to exit the AC•T 5diff AL software.
3) When the message, Do you want to quit the AcT 5diff AL software? appears, click
. The existing user is logged off and the Login screen appears.
4) Point out the Login screen elements.
a) The Login Name drop-down menu and the Password field for logging in.
b) The Disable Autoloader check box that allows you to disable the
Autoloader mode in case of a malfunction and operate in the Manual
mode only.
c) The three icons. On this screen, exits the Windows NT operating
system.
d) The AC•T 5diff AL software restrictions and the version currently in use.

PN 177196BB
1-6
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT
WORKSTATION SOFTWARE AND THE ONLINE HELP SYSTEM
5) Log into the system and click . The Main Menu screen is displayed and
the instrument goes through a hardware reset. Note the message at the bottom
of the screen.
3. Describe the Workstation screen elements.
a. The header at the top of the screen supplies the name of the screen.
1) Currently it says AcT 5diff AL because the main software screen is displayed.
2) This screen is commonly referred to as as the Main Menu screen.
b. The status bar at the bottom of the screen supplies the date, time, software version,
and Operator’s name.
1) If the instrument is engaged in an activity other than processing samples, the
status bar displays the name of the activity.
2) For Startup, Shutdown, manual Prime, and Calibration, the status bar also
displays a progress indicator.
c. Two toolbars (groups of icons that launch functions or screens) are present on every
screen, the Generic toolbar and the Contextual toolbar.
1) The Generic toolbar is located on the right side of every screen.
a) This toolbar contains the most frequently used functions and the main
cycle launch functions.
b) Have the trainee pass the mouse pointer over each icon on the Generic
toolbar and read its name.
c) Briefly describe the function of that icon.
d) Reassure the trainee that they will learn the icons’ functions as they use
them and they do not have to memorize them.
Icon Function
Stops the Analyzer at a time you specify (immediately, after a cycle is
completed, or after cassette analysis is completed).
Flashes when a problem is detected and opens the Alarm screen when you
click the flashing icon.
Launches the Worklist screen and closes all others.
The number of samples to be processed is shown below the icon.
Starts analyzing the samples in the loaded cassette.
Flashes after you run a manual (stat) sample while the Autoloader mode is
in progress.
Allows you to run a manual (stat) sample.
Displays the Results screen; flashes when results have been placed on the
Match screen.
The number of results in the list is shown under the Results icon.
Displays the Archive screen.

PN 177196BB 1-7
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT
WORKSTATION SOFTWARE AND THE ONLINE HELP SYSTEM 1
2) The Contextual toolbar is located across the bottom of every screen.
a) This toolbar allows you to manage the screen information, display the help
information, and exit the screen.
b) Have the trainee pass the mouse pointer over each icon on the Contextual
toolbar and read its name.
c) Briefly describe the function of that icon.
d) Reassure the trainee that they will learn the icons’ functions as they use
them and they do not have to memorize them.
3) If an icon on the Generic toolbar or the Contextual toolbar is grayed out, it
means that that function is unavailable on that particular screen.
d. The central part of the screen is where the software menu or information screens are
displayed.
1) The Main Menu screen is the hub of the software. Most of the other software
screens are accessed through the options on this screen.
a) Have the trainee pass the mouse pointer over each icon on the Generic
toolbar and read its name.
b) Briefly describe the function of that icon.
2) If an icon on the Main Menu screen is greyed out, it means that that function is
not available to the user group currently logged in.
Icon Function
Opens the Online Help.
Prints data to a Printer or transmits data to the Host computer.
Displays details.
Allows you to add information.
Deletes data.
Allows editing.
Saves information or validates an action.
Cancels unsaved changes or actions.
Exits from the Main Menu screen to the Login screen.
Note: On all other screens, this location is occupied by a return icon. You
will see it on the next screen discussed in this topic.

PN 177196BB
1-8
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT
WORKSTATION SOFTWARE AND THE ONLINE HELP SYSTEM
3) Have the trainee click to access the Quality Assurance menu.
a) Note the pale gray icon in the upper left corner of the screen. This shows
the icon selected to display this screen.
b) The return icon, , returns you to the previous screen.
4) While still on the Quality Assurance screen, have the trainee click to
access the Online Help system, and explain/show the various ways of accessing
information in the Online Help.
a) Note that the Help information is for the screen currently displayed.
b) The Online Help System is an electronic book with pages marked to open
at the appropriate place for each screen.
c) A navigation bar under the book text allows you to move forward and
backward through the text.
d) Tabs on the left side of the screen allow access to several navigation tools:
an expandable table of contents, an index, a search feature that highlights
its hits, and a place to list favorites topics.
e) on the Navigation bar allows you to access the Help-on-Help topic
which fully describes how to use the Online Help System.
Icon Function
Initiates the Startup cycle. The Startup procedure is covered under
Heading 2.1, STARTUP PROCEDURE, in this Training Guide.
Opens the Run-in-Progress screen which allows you to view the results for
the last sample analyzed.
Opens the Setup screen which allows you to define system settings. The
Setup options are covered in Chapter 3 of this Training Guide.
Opens the Reagents screen which allows you to view the existing reagent
levels and to change reagents. Reagents are covered under Heading 1.6,
REAGENTS AND INSTRUMENT WASTE, in this Training Guide.
Opens the Logs screen which allows you to view log entries made by the
system. Each Log screen is covered with its relevant topic in this Training
guide. For example, the Reagent Log is covered under Heading 1.6,
REAGENTS AND INSTRUMENT WASTE.
Opens the Diagnostics screen which allows you to perform diagnostic
functions. Diagnostic options are covered in Chapter 8 of this Training
Guide.
Opens the Quality Assurance screen which allows you to run various QA
functions. The Quality Assurance options are covered in Chapter 4 of this
Training Guide.
Initiates the Shutdown cycle. The Shutdown procedure is covered under
Heading 2.4, SHUTDOWN PROCEDURE, in this Training Guide.