Beckman Coulter EPICS XL-MCL Operating instructions

COULTER® EPICS® XL™ Flow Cytometer
COULTER EPICS XL-MCL™ Flow Cytometer
SYSTEM II™ Software Special Procedures
and Troubleshooting
TM
CYTOMETER
LASER
SAMPLE FLOW
LOW
READY
ON
MED HIGH
FS
SS
AUX
FL4
FL3
FL1
FL2
®
PN 4237296CA (September 2010)
Beckman Coulter, Inc.
250 S. Kraemer Blvd.
Brea, CA 92821

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
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.
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.
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 4237296CA
REVISION STATUS
Initial Issue, 1/96
SYSTEM II Software, Version 1.0. Initial issue for customer distribution.
Issue B, 12/98
Complete revision. SYSTEM II Software, Version 3.0. Includes new quality control features,
patient report export feature, and user-defined run time reports.
Issue C, 6/03
Changes were made to change the company name from Coulter Corporation to Beckman
Coulter Inc.
Issue CA, 09/10
Updates were made to the company corporate address.
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.

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REVISION STATUS

PN 4237296CA v
CONTENTS
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, ii
REVISION STATUS, iii
INTRODUCTION, ix
USING YOUR XL AND XL-MCL FLOW CYTOMETER MANUALS, ix
ABOUT THIS MANUAL, ix
CONVENTIONS, x
ICONS, x
1 CLEANING PROCEDURES,1-1
1.1 WHAT THIS CHAPTER EXPLAINS,1-1
1.2 CLEANING THE AIR FILTERS,1-1
Prepare to Clean the Air Filters,1-2
Rinse and Return the Air Filters,1-3
1.3 IDLE MODE,1-4
1.4 REMOVING THE REAGENT CONTAINERS,1-5
1.5 CLEANING THE SHEATH CONTAINER,1-7
1.6 CLEANING THE CLEANING AGENT CONTAINER,1-9
1.7 REPLACING THE REAGENT CONTAINERS,1-11
1.8 CLEANING THE VACUUM TRAP,1-12
Prepare to Clean VAC TRAP,1-12
Find and Pull Out VAC TRAP,1-14
Rinse and Return VAC TRAP to its Bracket,1-15
1.9 CLEANING THE SAMPLING SYSTEM,1-18
When to Clean the Sampling System,1-18
Routine Cleaning Procedure,1-18
Manual Mode Procedure (XL and XL-MCL Flow Cytometers),1-19
Auto Mode Procedure (XL-MCL Flow Cytometer Only),1-21
Testing for Residual Stain,1-22
Sample Head and Probe Cleaning Procedure,1-22
Manual Mode Procedure (XL and XL-MCL Flow Cytometers),1-22
Auto Mode Procedure (XL-MCL Flow Cytometer Only),1-23
Vacuum Line Cleaning Procedure,1-24
Auto Mode Procedure (XL-MCL Flow Cytometer Only),1-24
Manual Mode Procedure (XL and XL-MCL Flow Cytometers),1-25
2 REPLACE/ADJUST PROCEDURES,2-1
2.1 WHAT THIS CHAPTER EXPLAINS,2-1

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CONTENTS
2.2 REPLACING REAGENTS,2-1
About the Reagent Containers,2-1
2.3 FILLING THE SHEATH CONTAINER,2-2
2.4 VENTING AIR BUBBLES,2-5
2.5 FILLING THE CLEANING AGENT CONTAINER,2-7
2.6 EMPTYING THE WASTE CONTAINER,2-10
2.7 REPLACING THE SHEATH FILTER,2-13
2.8 REPLACING THE MANUAL SAMPLE HEAD,2-15
2.9 ADJUSTING THE SYSTEM PRESSURE,2-18
2.10 POSITIONING THE NEUTRAL DENSITY FILTER,2-20
2.11 RESETTING THE CIRCUIT BREAKERS,2-22
3 TROUBLESHOOTING,3-1
3.1 LEVEL SENSE INDICATORS,3-1
Cleanse Low,3-1
Sheath Low,3-1
Waste Full,3-1
To Print the Carousel Summary Report,3-1
3.2 ERROR MESSAGE LOG,3-2
Searching the Error Message Log,3-2
3.3 ERROR MESSAGES,3-3
About the Error Messages Table,3-3
A BAR-CODE OPTIONS,A-1
A.1 BAR-CODE READER,A-1
A.2 BAR-CODE PRINTER,A-1
Bar-Code Printer Switch Settings,A-2
B QC MAINTENANCE SCREEN,B-1
B.1 WORKING WITH THE QC MAINTENANCE SCREEN,B-1
Accessing the Screen,B-1
Printing the Screen,B-2
B.2 EDITING THE MAINTENANCE SCREEN (OPERATOR LEVEL),B-2
Assigning An Operator ID To A Colored Box,B-2
Making an Entry,B-3
Erasing an Entry,B-3
B.3 EDITING THE MAINTENANCE SCREEN (SUPERVISOR LEVEL),B-4

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CONTENTS
Making Or Deleting An Entry,B-4
B.4 CHANGING THE PASSWORD (SUPERVISOR LEVEL),B-5
INDEX,INDEX-1
TRADEMARKS

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CONTENTS

PN 4237296CA ix
INTRODUCTION
This introductory section contains the following topics:
r Using your COULTER EPICS XL and XL-MCL Flow Cytometer manuals
r About this Manual
r Conventions
r Icons.
USING YOUR XL AND XL-MCL FLOW CYTOMETER MANUALS
Use the Reference manual for in-depth information on the principles of flow cytometry,
information about what your instrument does, the methods it uses, its specifications, and
information on installation, safety, and system options.
Use the Getting Started manual to become familiar with the controls and indicators for your
system and to learn about protocols, regions, panels, and the basic skills you need to operate
the system. This manual also has an overview of the software.
Use the Operator’s Guide for the day-to-day running of your instrument. Go through the
detailed step-by-step procedures of startup, quality control (QC), running samples, analyzing
data, printing reports, reviewing QC data, and shutdown.
Use the Data Management manual for instructions on how to export, save, copy, move,
archive, and delete files. It also has information about the types of files your system creates
and uses, instructions for working with QC features, and instructions for setting up the report
template that you need to create your patient reports.
Use the Special Procedures and Troubleshooting manual to clean, replace, or adjust a
component of the instrument. The Troubleshooting tables and error messages appear at the
back of the manual.
Use the Operating Summary as a quick reference for basic procedures.
Use the Master Index to easily locate a topic in any of your manuals.
Use the User's Comment Card in the Reference manual to give us your comments about the
manual and ways to improve it.
ABOUT THIS MANUAL
Your EPICS XL and XL-MCL Flow Cytometer Special Procedures and Troubleshooting
manual describes how to clean, replace or adjust a component of the system. The
Troubleshooting tables appear at the back of the manual.
This information is organized as follows:
s Chapter 1, Cleaning Procedures
Provides procedures for cleaning parts of the system.
s Chapter 2, Replace/Adjust Procedures
Provides procedures for replacing or adjusting parts.
s Chapter 3, Troubleshooting
Describes how to troubleshoot the system with the error messages that appear on the screen.
s Appendices
The appendices provide reference material on the following topics:

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INTRODUCTION
CONVENTIONS
r Bar-Code Options
QC Maintenance Screen
s Index
Use the Index to easily locate specific information in this manual.
CONVENTIONS
This manual uses the following conventions:
Throughout this manual your EPICS XL or XL-MCL flow cytometer is referred to as the
system.
Italics indicate screen messages.
Bold indicates a menu item.
Courier font indicates text you have to type using the keyboard.
ëindicates a key (such as Û).
ë+ë indicates that the two keys listed (such as Þ+Ê) are linked for a specific function
and must be pressed in this sequence:
1. Press down on the first key listed and while continuing to press it, press down on the
second key listed.
2. Release both keys at the same time.
ëëindicates to press and release the first key listed then press and release the next key
listed. For example, YÛ.
File tt Save Select the Save item on the File menu.
[OKAY] Use the mouse to click on the screen button labeled [OKAY].
Éthrough Ô Special function keys.
ICONS
Press and release the left mouse
button. Operational check.
Turn on the system at the
computer. Turn off the system at the
computer.
Open the Power Supply door. Power Supply.
Call your Coulter
Representative.

PN 4237296CA xi
INTRODUCTION
ICONS

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INTRODUCTION
ICONS

PN 4237296CA 1-1
1
1CLEANING PROCEDURES
1.1 WHAT THIS CHAPTER EXPLAINS
This chapter explains how to clean the:
r Air filters (weekly) after the shutdown procedure
r Sheath fluid container (monthly) and cleaning agent container (every 60 days)
r VACuum TRAP (VAC TRAP) on the Power Supply (as needed).
For daily cleaning procedures, see the Shutdown chapter in the Operator's Guide.
1.2 CLEANING THE AIR FILTERS
The instrument has five air filters. They
are located on the:
r Cytometer Back Panel
r Power Supply, Inside Front Door
r Power Supply, Back Panel
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CLEANING PROCEDURES
CLEANING THE AIR FILTERS
Prepare to Clean the Air Filters
1.
Turn off the system at the computer.
2. Pull off each filter cover. Even
though the covers look like they are
screwed in, they are not.
Thefiltercoversaremadeofflexible
plastic; they snap out when you pull
them. Grab a segment of the grille
between your thumb and index
finger and then pull.
3. Pinch and pull out each filter.
Handle them gently to avoid
damaging them.
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PN 4237296CA 1-3
CLEANING PROCEDURES
CLEANING THE AIR FILTERS 1
Rinse and Return the Air Filters
1. Rinse each filter in water b, and
then wring it out c.
2. Set each filter aside and let it dry
out for about 30 minutes. Use paper
towels to check that each filter is
completely dry.
3. Return each filter to its holder;
replace any torn ones.
4. Put each filter cover back on.
2
1
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1-4
CLEANING PROCEDURES
IDLE MODE
1.3 IDLE MODE
5.
Turn on the system at the computer.
6. Record that the air filters were
cleaned on the QC Maintenance
screen. See Appendix B for
instructions.
7. Do you want to use the
instrument?
Yes No
Dothestartupprocedure
in the Operator’s Guide. You are done.
To clean or fill the reagent containers
you need to put the Cytometer in the
Idle mode.
To put the Cytometer in the Idle mode,
press the RUN button.
You cannot open the reagent drawer
unless the Cytometer is in the Idle mode;
that is, when:
r A level sense indicator is glowing
(not flashing) red, or
r The indicator in the Cytometer
RUN button is flashing green.
The reagent drawer sits in a self-locking
track. Pull open the drawer until it stops.
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CLEANING PROCEDURES
REMOVING THE REAGENT CONTAINERS 1
1.4 REMOVING THE REAGENT CONTAINERS
Remove and clean the sheath fluid container once a month.
Remove and clean the cleaning agent container every 60 days.
Clean the reagent containers when the instrument indicates that the sheath fluid or cleaning
agent is low, before you refill them.
If you replace a reagent container, clean it before using it.
To remove either reagent container:
1.
2. Remove the Cytometer center front
panel.
3. Pull open the reagent drawer.
Is the instrument in the Idle
mode?
Yes No
Go to
step 2. Press the RUN button. The indicator in the
button flashes green.
Wait about 10 seconds for
the Cytometer to
depressurize.
TM

PN 4237296CA
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CLEANING PROCEDURES
REMOVING THE REAGENT CONTAINERS
4. Disconnect the tubing on the top of
the container by pushing in on the
metal clips on the connectors.
5. Pull open the reagent drawer all the
way so you can disconnect the
sensor at the back of the drawer by
sliding its sleeve out.
The sensor for the sheath container
(shown here) is on the right; for the
cleaning agent container, on the left.
6. Remove the container from the
drawer, unscrew the cap and empty
the container as completely as
possible (sheath container is
shown).
7. Clean up any spills or debris in the
drawer.
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CLEANING PROCEDURES
CLEANING THE SHEATH CONTAINER 1
1.5 CLEANING THE SHEATH CONTAINER
IMPORTANT Misleading results could occur if you contaminate the sheath fluid container. Be careful not to
contaminate the sheath fluid container. Do not let your fingers, paper towels, or other objects touch the
inside of the container or the inside of its cap.
Remove and clean the sheath fluid
container once a month.
Follow the steps in Heading 1.4,
Removing the Reagent Containers, and
then:
1. Fill the sheath container with 100
to 200 mL of fresh IsoFlow™
sheath fluid. (Do not use any other
type of sheath fluid.)
2. Screw the cap back on and then
swirl the sheath fluid in the
container, rinsing all surfaces.
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CLEANING PROCEDURES
CLEANING THE SHEATH CONTAINER
3. Empty the container as completely
as possible.
4. Replace the sheath container as
instructed in Heading 1.7,
Replacing the Reagent Containers.
5. Record that the sheath fluid
container was cleaned on the QC
Maintenance screen. See Appendix
B for instructions.
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