Beckman Coulter TQ-Prep Service manual

COULTER®TQ-Prep™ Workstation
Reference
PN 4237395AA (June 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 4237395AA
REVISION STATUS
Issue A, 8/97
Software Version 1.1.
Issue AA, 06/10
Software Version 1.1.
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.

PN 4237395AA
iv
REVISION STATUS

PN 4237395AA -v
CONTENTS
1.1 COULTER TQ-Prep Workstation, 1-1
1.2 Sample Processing Area, 1-2
1.3 Reagent Storage Area with OPTION Reagent, 1-4
3.1 Carousel Home and Tube Loading Positions, 3-1
LEGAL NOTICES, 2
REVISION STATUS, iii
CONTENTS, v
INTRODUCTION, ix
HOW TO USE YOUR COULTER TQ-PREP WORKSTATION MANUALS, ix
ABOUT THE REFERENCE MANUAL, x
CONVENTIONS, x
1 USE AND FUNCTION, 1-1
1.1 INTENDED USE, 1-1
1.2 METHOD HISTORY, 1-1
1.3 SYSTEM COMPONENTS, 1-2
Sample Processing Area, 1-2
Carousel, 1-2
Indexing Base, 1-2
Dispensing Head, 1-2
Tube Detector, 1-3
Tube Lifter/Vortex Mixer, 1-3
Reagent Delivery System, 1-3
Electronics, 1-3
Reagent Storage and Dispense Area, 1-3
Touch Screen, 1-4
1.4 OPTIONS, 1-4
LALS OPTION, 1-4
1.5 REAGENTS, 1-4
Reagent A, 1-4
Reagent B, 1-4
Reagent C, 1-5
OPTION Reagent, 1-5
1.6 MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS (MSDS), 1-5

PN 4237395AA
-vi
CONTENTS
2 INSTALLATION,2-1
2.1 SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS, 2-1
Space and Accessibility, 2-1
Electrical Input, 2-1
Ambient Temperature and Humidity, 2-1
Ventilation, 2-1
2.2 COULTER REPRESENTATIVE, 2-2
Delivery Inspection, 2-2
Operator Certification, 2-2
2.3 CUSTOMER INSTALLATION, 2-2
Inspecting After Delivery, 2-2
Unpacking and Checking Instrument, 2-3
Connecting the OPTION Reagent Container, 2-6
Connecting the Reagent A, B, and C Containers, 2-9
Connecting the WASTE Container, 2-14
Powering On the Instrument, 2-17
Checking Carousel Alignment, 2-19
Priming and Preparing the Instrument for Use, 2-21
3 OPERATION PRINCIPLES, 3-1
3.1 GENERAL PRINCIPLES, 3-1
3.2 NORMAL SAMPLE FLOW, 3-1
3.3 TYPES OF PRIMING, 3-2
User-Requested, 3-2
New Reagent, 3-3
Automatic, 3-3

PN 4237395AA -vii
CONTENTS
4 SPECIFICATIONS/CHARACTERISTICS, 4-1
4.1 PHYSICAL SPECIFICATIONS, 4-1
Dimensions, 4-1
Power, 4-1
Installation Category, 4-1
Input, 4-1
Consumption, 4-1
Noise, 4-1
Ambient Operating Temperature, 4-1
Humidity, 4-1
Recommended Reagents, 4-1
Reagent Usage, 4-2
Anticoagulant, 4-2
Specimen Type, 4-2
Sample Size, 4-2
Tube Size, 4-2
Mixing Speed, 4-2
Throughput, 4-2
Sample Processing Time, 4-2
4.2 PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS, 4-3
Accuracy of Delivery Volume of Distilled Water, 4-3
Precision (Reproducibility), 4-3
Calibration, 4-3
4.3 PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS, 4-3
ALOGSHEETS,A-1
B OPERATOR CERTIFICATION PROCEDURE, B-1
B.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE, B-1
B.2 OPERATOR CERTIFICATION PROCEDURE, B-1
B.3 PIPET CALIBRATION PROCEDURE, B-1
With Air-Displacement Pipet (Reverse Mode), B-2
With Positive-Displacement Pipet, B-6
B.4 TQ-PREP WORKSTATION PRECISION PROCEDURE, B-10
REFERENCES, REFERENCES-1
GLOSSARY, GLOSSARY-1
TRADEMARKS, 7
COULTER TQ-Prep Workstation Documentation, 8

PN 4237395AA
-viii
CONTENTS

PN 4237395AA -9
1.1 COULTER TQ-Prep Workstation, 1-1
1.2 Sample Processing Area, 1-2
1.3 Reagent Storage Area with OPTION Reagent, 1-4
3.1 Carousel Home and Tube Loading Positions, 3-1

PN 4237395AA -ix
INTRODUCTION
This introductory section contains the following topics:
r How to use your COULTER®TQ-Prep™ Workstation manuals
r About the Reference manual
r Conventions
HOW TO USE YOUR COULTER TQ-PREP WORKSTATION MANUALS
Use the Reference manual for in-depth information about:
r What the instrument does
r The methods it uses
r Its specifications
r Information about installation.
A Master Index is included at the back of the Reference manual, which lists entries from the
entire documentation set.
Use the Operator’s Guide for the day-to-day running of your instrument:
r To run a gravimetric validation test
r To clean, to replace or adjust a component
r To troubleshoot the instrument.
Read the Controls and Indicators chapter to become familiar with the different parts of your
system. Then go through the detailed step-by-step procedures of daily startup, processing
samples and shutdown. The calibration chapter contains the gravimetric validation and
precision tests. The remaining chapters contain the cleaning, replacement and adjustment
procedures and troubleshooting tables. A Master Index is included at the back, which lists
entries from the entire documentation set.
Use the Operating Summary after you are trained and familiar with using the system. It
contains:
r A brief summary of the daily startup, sample processing and shutdown procedures
r Descriptions of the touch screen symbols.
See the Documentation page on the back cover of this manual for the contents of each
manual. It can help you to determine which manual contains the information that you need.

PN 4237395AA
-x
INTRODUCTION
ABOUT THE REFERENCE MANUAL
ABOUT THE REFERENCE MANUAL
Your TQ-Prep Workstation Reference manual is a source of information on what the system
does.
This information is organized as follows:
S Chapter 1, Use and Function
Contains the intended use of the instrument, a brief history of the methods used, the
reagents used and a short description of the major components and options.
S Chapter 2, Installation
Contains the instrument requirements and instructions on how to install the instrument.
S Chapter 3, Operation Principles
Contains the description of the normal sample flow on the instrument.
S Chapter 4, Specifications/Characteristics
Details the instrument and performance specifications and the performance
characteristics.
S Appendices
The appendices provide reference material on the following topics:
r Log Sheets
r Operator Certification.
S References
References used throughout the manuals.
S Glossary
Definitions of words, abbreviations and acronyms used throughout the manuals.
S Index
This is a Master Index that contains entries from all manuals in the documentation set.
CONVENTIONS
r All figures showing reagent containers on the software screens or in the instrument
include the OPTION reagent.
r Within text and instructions, buttons and icons appear as they do on the touch screen:
t Button - example:
t Troubleshooting icon - example:

PN 4237395AA 1-1
1
1USE AND FUNCTION
1.1 INTENDED USE
The COULTER TQ-Prep Workstation, Figure 1.1, is a general purpose laboratory instrument
used with the COULTER ImmunoPrep Reagent System to prepare leukocytes from whole
blood for quantitative immunofluorescence measurements on optical flow cytometers. The
system is intended For In Vitro Diagnostic Use.
Figure 1.1 COULTER TQ-Prep Workstation
1.2 METHOD HISTORY
The ability to classify human white cells based on their expression of cell surface antigens has
provided investigators with valuable diagnostic and prognostic information.1, 2
Historical methods of isolating leukocytes for immunofluorescence include whole-blood
lysing techniques and density gradient separation techniques.3
Such commercially available procedures require washing the sample to remove unbound
antibody and debris. The repeated trauma of mixing, vortexing and centrifugation can
selectively damage malignant or "activated" cells. In addition, nonrandom cell loss can occur
by adherence to containers or failure to form a complete pellet during centrifugation.4Most
procedures are labor intensive, require exacting technique and become unmanageable when
processing large numbers of samples.
In 1987, the COULTER ImmunoPrep™ Reagent System and Q-Prep™ Workstation were
introduced for rapid, automated, whole-blood preparation for immunophenotyping and are
widely used in a variety of flow cytometry laboratories today.5, 6Then in 1992, the COULTER
ImmunoPrep Reagent System and Multi-Q-Prep™ Workstation were introduced, extending
the Q-Prep system automated preparation of whole blood from one sample at a time to up to
32 samples per batch.
The TQ-Prep Workstation automatically prepares 32 sample batches, like the Multi-Q-Prep
Workstation, but is designed for laboratories with high-workload requirements.

PN 4237395AA
1-2
USE AND FUNCTION
SYSTEM COMPONENTS
1.3 SYSTEM COMPONENTS
The system has three main work areas:
r Sample processing area
r Reagent storage and dispense area
r Touch screen.
Sample Processing Area
See Figure 1.2. The sample processing area consists of a 32-tube capacity removable carousel,
an indexing base, dispensing head with tube detector, sensing and sequencing devices, a tube
lifter/vortex mixer, a reagent delivery system and electronics. The lid to the sample processing
area has a safety interlock switch so sample processing can only occur with the lid closed.
Figure 1.2 Sample Processing Area
Carousel
Two sample carousels, each with a handle and 32-test tube slots, are provided with each unit.
The key located on the carousel aligns with the hub key on the indexing base to correctly
position the carousel for sample processing.
Indexing Base
The indexing base moves the carousel to its home position and moves the carousel during
sequential sample processing.
Dispensing Head
The retractable dispensing head adds a precise amount of multiple reagents to the sample.
7395020A
CAROUSEL
HUB KEY
DISPENSING HEAD/
TUBE DETECTOR
TUBE LIFTER/
VORTEX MIXER
INDEXING
BASE
KEY
This label is to
notify you that a
biohazardous
condition can exist
in this area if
blood is spilled
SAMPLE
PROCESSING
AREA LID

PN 4237395AA 1-3
USE AND FUNCTION
SYSTEM COMPONENTS 1
Tube Detector
The tube detector is an optical flag switch located within the dispensing head that senses the
presence of a test tube in a carousel at the reagent dispense position.
Tube Lifter/Vortex Mixer
The tube lifter/vortex mixer uniformly first lifts the tube up into the dispensing head, then
mixes reagents in the sample.
Reagent Delivery System
Three (or four if you have the LALS OPTION) syringes dispense reagents to the dispensing
head via Teflon®tubing.
Electronics
The system microprocessor (386) assembly controls the touch screen, disk drive, power
indicator, beeping device, and an internal communication link to the Control Interface card.
A microcontroller, located on the Control Interface card, controls the motors, sensors,
syringes, the cover/lid interlock switches, reagent level sense probes and an internal
communication link to the system microprocessor assembly.
A universal input power module supplies all the necessary dc voltages to the system
components.
Reagent Storage and Dispense Area
The reagent storage and dispense area is covered and located behind the sample processing
area. See Figure 1.3. It contains:
r Storage tray for Reagent A, Reagent B, Reagent C, OPTION reagent (optional) and
WASTE containers.
r Cap assemblies.
t The three (or four) reagent cap assemblies are attached by tubing to their
corresponding syringes.
t The WASTE cap assembly is attached by tubing directly to the dispensing head.
t The Reagent A, B, and C, and the WASTE cap assemblies have liquid level sensors.
r Three dispensing syringes (or four if you have the LALS OPTION).

PN 4237395AA
1-4
USE AND FUNCTION
OPTIONS
Figure 1.3 Reagent Storage Area with OPTION Reagent
Touch Screen
The touch screen is the user interface on the instrument. You press a displayed button on the
touch screen to request a function.
1.4 OPTIONS
LALS OPTION
This option is for use on flow cytometers that measure a low angle of forward scatter (FALS)
light. The LALS OPTION includes a dispensing syringe, tubing and an OPTION reagent
container.
1.5 REAGENTS
Coulter recommends the use of the following reagents or their equivalents. The TQ-Prep
Workstation is designed for use with the ImmunoPrep Reagent System. All stated
performance characteristics in this manual are based on the use of the TQ-Prep Workstation
with these reagents. Refer to the reagents’ package insert for detailed information before using
the reagents.
Reagent A
ImmunoPrep A, a lysing reagent, causes simultaneous rapid destruction of the erythrocytes
while leaving the leukocytes intact.
Reagent B
ImmunoPrep B, a stabilizing reagent, stops the action of the lysing reagent (ImmunoPrep A).
SYRINGES
LEVEL SENSE
CABLE CONNECTORS
REAGENT
STORAGE
TRAY
7395019A
OPTION REAGENT
(WHITE FITTING)
WASTE
(RED FITTING)
ImmunoPrep A
(
GREEN FITTING
)
ImmunoPrep B
(
BLUE FITTING
)
ImmunoPrep C
(
YELLOW FITTING
)

PN 4237395AA 1-5
USE AND FUNCTION
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS (MSDS) 1
Reagent C
ImmunoPrep C, a fixing reagent, fixes the cell membranes. This preserves the form and
structure of the leukocytes.
OPTION Reagent
Use distilled or deionized water as the OPTION reagent if your system has the LALS OPTION.
This reagent is for use on flow cytometers to allow the measurement of a low angle of forward
scatter light.
1.6 MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS (MSDS)
To obtain an MSDS for Coulter reagents used on the TQ-Prep Workstation:
1. In the USA, either call Coulter Customer Operations (800-526-7694) or write to:
Coulter Corporation
Attn: MSDS Requests
P.O. Box 169015
Miami, FL 33116-9015
2. Outside the USA, contact your local Coulter Representative.

PN 4237395AA
1-6
USE AND FUNCTION
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS (MSDS)

PN 4237395AA 2-1
2
2INSTALLATION
Your Coulter Representative will install the system; however, in some cases, you will be
instructed to install your system.
2.1 SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
The system is intended for installation and operation in a conventional clinical laboratory
setting. Determine the system location before installation of the system. Consider the
following special requirements.
Space and Accessibility
In addition to the space required for the instrument, consider:
r Comfortable working height
r Access to the rear and left side of the instrument for maintenance and service. Allow
t At least 15 cm (6 in.) of space behind instrument for air flow. Only 7.5 cm (3 in.) if
the instrument is in a safety cabinet/laminar flow hood.
t At least 15 cm (6 in.) above instrument to lift sample processing area lid.
t Adequate space on the right side for access to power and screen contrast controls.
t Adequate space on the left side to remove reagent cover and replace reagent
containers. If your instrument is located in a safety cabinet/laminar flow hood, you
can remove the reagent cover permanently.
Electrical Input
CAUTION Do not use an extension cord. Overheating, melting and burning of the extension cord can occur if
you use an extension cord. Plug the power cord directly into an electrical outlet. Position the instrument
close enough to an electrical outlet so you do not need to use an extension cord.
This system requires:
r An independent, protected circuit.
r A ground path capable of carrying the full current of the circuit (confirmed third-wire,
earth ground).
r A transient-protected outlet.
Ambient Temperature and Humidity
Operate the system in a room with a temperature of 10 to 35°C (50 to 95°F) and relative
humidity of 30 to 85%, without condensation.
Ventilation
Position instrument ventilation fans at least 15 cm (6 in.) away from walls or obstructions
that could interfere with air flow. If in a safety cabinet/laminar flow hood, position instrument
ventilation fans 7.5 cm (3 in.) away from the back wall.

PN 4237395AA
2-2
INSTALLATION
COULTER REPRESENTATIVE
2.2 COULTER REPRESENTATIVE
Delivery Inspection
CAUTION Possible instrument damage could occur if you improperly uncrate the instrument, install it or set
it up. If you have not been directed to install the instrument, keep the instrument in its packaging until your
Coulter Representative uncrates it for installation and set up.
Your instrument is tested before it is shipped from the factory. International symbols and
special handling instructions printed on the cartons tell the carrier how to handle this
electronic instrument.
Carefully inspect all cartons when they arrive. If you see any sign of mishandling or damage,
file a claim with the carrier immediately. If the instrument is insured separately, file a claim
with the insurance company.
Operator Certification
After the system is installed, each operator should perform the Operator Certification
procedure in Appendix B before running samples.
2.3 CUSTOMER INSTALLATION
Inspecting After Delivery
CAUTION Possible instrument damage could occur if you improperly uncrate the instrument, install it or set
it up incorrectly. If you have been directed to install the instrument, follow the customer installation
instructions exactly, to set up your instrument.
Your instrument is tested before it is shipped from the factory. International symbols and
special handling instructions printed on the cartons tell the carrier how to handle this
electronic instrument.
Carefully inspect all cartons when they arrive. If you see any sign of mishandling or damage,
file a claim with the carrier immediately. If the instrument is insured separately, file a claim
with the insurance company.

PN 4237395AA 2-3
INSTALLATION
CUSTOMER INSTALLATION 2
Unpacking and Checking Instrument
1Open the carton and remove the
instrument.
Note: It is easier if two people lift the
instrument out of the carton.
2Remove the foam packing material,
unwrap the plastic packing and set the
instrument on a flat surface.