Drucker Diagnostics QBC 425740 User manual

QBC®Capillary Centrifuge
Operator’s/Service Manual

QBC®Capillary Centrifuge
Operator’s/Service Manual
QBC, QBC Diagnostics, ParaLens, and ParaLens Advance are trademarks
of Drucker Diagnostics. Copyright © 2016 by Drucker Diagnostics, and
Vacutainer is a trademark of Becton, Dickinson, & Company.
4740-020-004 Rev J
IVD

Table of Contents
Section 1 INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................................................1
1.1 INTENDED USE ............................................................................................................................................1
1.2 SUMMARY AND EXPLANATION..................................................................................................................1
1.2.1 QBC Centrifugal Hematology Tests ......................................................................................................1
1.2.2 QBC Malaria Test ..................................................................................................................................2
1.3 PRINCIPLES OF THE PROCEDURES ..........................................................................................................2
1.3.1 QBC Centrifugal Hematology Tests ......................................................................................................2
1.3.2 QBC Malaria Test ..................................................................................................................................3
1.4 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS ................................................................................................................3
1.5 SYMBOL DEFINITIONS ................................................................................................................................3
Section 2 SYSTEM DESCRIPTION.......................................................................................................................4
2.1 COMPONENTS.............................................................................................................................................4
2.2 CENTRIFUGE DESCRIPTION.......................................................................................................................4
2.3 POWER PACK ..............................................................................................................................................5
2.4 SPECIFICATIONS .........................................................................................................................................5
2.4.1 QBC Capillary Centrifuge (part no. 425740)..........................................................................................5
2.4.2 QBC Power Pack (part no. 421763)......................................................................................................5
Section 3 INSTALLATION AND SET-UP..............................................................................................................6
3.1 PACKAGING AND PARTS............................................................................................................................6
3.2 INSTALLATION AND SERVICE.....................................................................................................................6
3.3 CONNECTING POWER UNIT .......................................................................................................................7
3.4 PLACEMENT AND OPERATING ENVIRONMENT........................................................................................7
3.5 ROTOR ASSEMBLY .....................................................................................................................................8
Section 4 CENTRIFUGE OPERATION..................................................................................................................9
4.1 GENERAL PROCEDURES ............................................................................................................................9
4.2 BETWEEN-SPIN TIME DELAY......................................................................................................................9
4.2.1 QBC Centrifugal Hematology Tubes.....................................................................................................9
4.2.2 QBC Malaria Test ................................................................................................................................10
4.3 TUBE LOADING AND BALANCING............................................................................................................10
4.4 EMERGENCY UNLATCHING OF LID .........................................................................................................11
4.5 SPEED/POWER LED MONITORS ..............................................................................................................11
4.6 PRECAUTIONS AND HAZARDS ................................................................................................................12
Section 5 SPECIMEN COLLECTION..................................................................................................................13
5.1 GENERAL....................................................................................................................................................13
5.2 HANDLING PRECAUTIONS........................................................................................................................13
5.3 SPECIMENS FOR QBC HEMATOLOGY TESTS ........................................................................................13
5.4 SPECIMENS FOR QBC MALARIA TEST....................................................................................................14
ii

Table of Contents
(continued)
Section 6 CENTRIFUGATION PROCEDURES...................................................................................................15
6.1 MATERIALS PROVIDED .............................................................................................................................15
6.2 MATERIALS REQUIRED BUT NOT PROVIDED .........................................................................................15
6.2.1 QBC Centrifugal Hematology Tests ....................................................................................................15
6.2.2 QBC Malaria Test ................................................................................................................................15
6.3 TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENTS .............................................................................................................15
6.4 CENTRIFUGATION INSTRUCTIONS..........................................................................................................16
6.4.1 Affixing Identification Labels ...............................................................................................................16
6.4.2 Loading and Balancing Rotor..............................................................................................................16
6.4.3 Centrifugation Procedures ..................................................................................................................16
6.4.4 Testing Time ........................................................................................................................................17
Section 7 LIMITATIONS OF PROCEDURES......................................................................................................18
7.1 QBC CENTRIFUGAL HEMATOLOGY TESTS.............................................................................................18
7.2 QBC MALARIA TEST..................................................................................................................................18
Section 8 CALIBRATION CHECKS ....................................................................................................................19
8.1 CHECKING ROTOR SPEED .......................................................................................................................19
8.2 CHECKING TIMER ACCURACY.................................................................................................................19
Section 9 MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE .........................................................................................................20
9.1 GENERAL CLEANING.................................................................................................................................20
9.2 ROTOR MAINTENANCE .............................................................................................................................20
9.2.1 Periodic Inspection..............................................................................................................................20
9.2.2 Rotor Cleaning Procedures .................................................................................................................21
9.3 RELEASING LID LATCH .............................................................................................................................22
9.4 TROUBLESHOOTING.................................................................................................................................23
9.5 PARTS LIST ................................................................................................................................................25
WARRANTY..........................................................................................................................................................26
iii

iv

Section 1
INTRODUCTION
1.1 INTENDED USE
The QBC Capillary Centrifuge (Figure 1-1) is an ultra-compact instrument, designed to spin down blood
specimens for QBC centrifugal hematology tests or the QBC Malaria Test.
1.2 SUMMARY AND EXPLANATION
1.2.1 QBC Centrifugal Hematology Tests
QBC centrifugal hematology tests are based on
a high-precision glass capillary tube containing an
equally precise plastic float. When the tube is filled
with blood, sealed, and centrifuged at high speed for
five minutes, the float is buoyed by the packed red
cells, automatically positioning the float within the
buffy coat layer, between the packed red cells and the
plasma. QBC tubes for hematology are produced in a
standard design (which contain an unassembled float
and tube closure).
Under centrifugation, blood cells in the buffy coat
layer separate according to their densities, forming
visibly discrete bands as shown in Figure 1-2. Platelets
constitute the topmost band, lymphocytes and
monocytes the center band, while granulocytes, the
heaviest band, form immediately above the packed
red cells.
Figure 1-1. QBC Capillary Centrifuge, Model 425740.
1
Figure 1-2. Cell layers in
Centrifuged QBC Hematology Tube.
PLASMA
RED CELLS
AROUND FLOAT
WHITE CELLS
(LYMPHOCYTES/
MONOCYTES/
GRANULOCYTES)
RED
CELLS
STOPPER
PLATELET LAYER
FLOAT

1.2.1 QBC Centrifugal Hematology Tests (continued)
Coated reagents in the QBC blood tube enhance the visual separation between cell layers and provide differential
staining so that tubes can be read by non-automatic and automatic QBC analyzers.
1.2.2 QBC Malaria Test
The centrifugal test for detecting malaria parasites is based on a high precision glass capillary tube containing
an equally precise plastic float. When the blood-filled tube is centrifuged at high speed for five minutes, the float
is buoyed by the packed red cells, automatically positioning the float within the buffy coat layer, between the
packed red cells and the plasma.
During centrifugation, blood cells in the buffy coat separate according to their densities, forming visibly discrete
bands (Figure 1-3). Platelets constitute the topmost layer, lymphocytes and monocytes the middle layer, and
granulocytes, being the heaviest of the buffy coat cells, concentrate immediately above the packed red cells.
Reagents coated in the QBC Malaria Test tube promote separation and metachromatic staining of these cells.
Examination of the centrifuged blood under a fluorescence microscope, or a light microscope with the QBC
ParaLens AdvanceTM LED fluorescence microscope attachment, readily permits the detection of malaria in
the infected cells and plasma. Direct malaria detection by the QBC Test method is therefore more rapid than
conventional blood-film microscopy.
1.3 PRINCIPLES OF THE PROCEDURES
1.3.1 QBC Centrifugal Hematology Tests
The QBC Capillary Centrifuge is designed to spin up to 20 QBC blood tubes at the force-time requirements
needed to produce optimally packed cell layers for cell counting and analyses. QBC blood tubes are 75 mm glass
tubes, internally coated with potassium oxalate, acridine orange, anticoagulants, and an agglutinating agent. The
tubes are sealed with a plastic closure or rubber stopper and contain a precision-molded float within the blood-
filled tube. Rotor speed and timing of the centrifuge are computer controlled for maximum consistency in the
formation of packed cell layers in spun QBC tubes.
GRANULOCYTE LAYER
LYMPHOCYTE/MONOCYTE LAYER
SECONDARY MALARIA
DETECTION ZONE Blue Fill Lines
(55-65 µL)
White Label
Lines
PRIMARY MALARIA
DETECTION ZONE
LIGHT RED CELLS
(AROUND FLOAT)
DARK RED
CELLS
PLATELET LAYER
PLASMA
FLOAT
Figure 1-3. Differentiated Cell Layers
in Spun QBC Malaria Test.
2

1.3.1 QBC Centrifugal Hematology Tests (continued)
For technical assistance with QBC hematology tests contact: [phone] (toll free); [phone]
Drucker Diagnostics
168 Bradford Drive, Port Matilda, PA 16870 U.S.A.
1.3.2 QBC Malaria Test
The QBC Capillary Centrifuge is designed to spin up to 20 QBC Malaria Test tubes at the force-time requirements
needed to cause the infected cells to concentrate in a narrow area of the tube for easy identification. The QBC
Malaria Test is a 75 mm glass capillary tube, internally coated with potassium oxalate, acridine orange stain
and anticoagulants. Expansion of the separated cell layers is achieved with a plastic float, which is inserted into
the tube prior to centrifugation. Rotor speed and timing of the centrifuge are computer controlled for consistent
performance. For malaria detection in the centrifuged sample, the tube is examined under a fluorescence
microscope or the ParaLens Advance, in the region between the light red blood cells and granulocytes and
lymphocytes/monocytes, where the parasites are most abundant.
For technical assistance with the QBC Malaria Test contact: [phone] (toll free); [phone]
Drucker Diagnostics
168 Bradford Drive, Port Matilda, PA 16870 U.S.A.
1.4 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Always observe good laboratory procedures when handling patient specimens.
Consult Section 4.6 of this manual for detailed safety precautions.
IMPORTANT: The coating ingredients in QBC tubes for hematology differ from those in the QBC Malaria Test
tubes. Accordingly, do not interchange QBC hematology tubes with QBC Malaria Test tubes, since erroneous
test results will be obtained.
1.5 SYMBOL DEFINITIONS
Direct Current (non-alternating)
Not for use in the presence of flammable gases.
Attention! Read the attached note!
WARNING
BLOOD SPECIMENS USED FOR THESE PROCEDURES MAY CONTAIN THE
HEPATITIS B AND C VIRUS, HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS (HIV),
OR OTHER INFECTIOUS DISEASES. HANDLE BLOOD AS A POTENTIAL
BIOHAZARD CAPABLE OF TRANSMITTING INFECTION. ALWAYS WEAR
GLOVES AND OTHER APPROPRIATE BLOOD BARRIER PROTECTION
WHEN COLLECTING AND PREPARING BLOOD.
WARNING
QBC TUBES ARE MADE OF GLASS. EXERCISE
CARE WHEN HANDLING AND PREPARING TUBES
TO PREVENT BREAKAGE AND POSSIBLE INJURY.
3

Section 2
SYSTEM DESCRIPTION
2.1 COMPONENTS
The QBC Capillary Centrifuge is shipped with an external plug-in power pack that supplies the required direct
current (D.C.) voltage to power the motor, circuit board and other internal systems of the instrument.
2.2 CENTRIFUGE DESCRIPTION
The QBC Capillary Centrifuge is a compact, low-profile unit measuring less than 13 centimeters (5.1 in.) high
with cover down, and housed in a sturdy plastic case. As shown in Figure 2-1, the centrifuge incorporates a
20-place rotor, mounted to the shaft of a brushless D.C. motor. In addition to shock-mounting of the motor to
minimize vibration, the centrifuge rests on four suction feet for added stability. A protective metal cover, which
threads onto the motor shaft, keeps the spinning tubes snugly in place on the rotor. The hinged top lid with safety
latch provides a housing or shield around the rotor during operation.
Electrical power to the centrifuge is controlled by a momentary ON/OFF power button located on the front
deck. Before the motor will start, the top lid must be closed and latched. Once a spin cycle has started, a safety
interlock prevents the lid from being opened until the rotor brakes to a stop. The spin cycle is controlled by an
electronic timer on the main circuit board. Spin time is fixed at 5 min.
4
Lid Latch
Lid Assembly
Power
Input Cable
Rotor Cover
Rotor
Head Nut
Safety
Interlock
Switch
ON/OFF
Button
Green
Speed LED
Yellow
Power LED
Figure 2-1. Features and Controls of QBC Capillary Centrifuge.

2.2 CENTRIFUGE DESCRIPTION (Continued)
A green light emitting diode (LED) for “SPEED” and a yellow LED for “POWER” adjacent to the “ON/OFF” button
provide visual indicators of power circuit status. Condition of each LED (On, Off, or Flashing) based on the status
of power, lid latching, rotor speed, etc., is described in Sections 4.5 and 9.5.
2.3 POWER PACK
The Power Pack for the QBC Capillary Centrifuge is a table-top, 130 watt, switched-mode power supply, with a
universal input range (100-240 VAC) and a 48 VDC output.
2.4 SPECIFICATIONS
2.4.1 QBC Capillary Centrifuge
¨ Rotor Capacity: 1 to 20 QBC tubes.
¨Rotor Speed: 12,000 rpm ± 80 rpm.
¨Nominal Relative Centrifugal Force (RCF): 14,387 x g.
¨Timer: Electronic, 300 s spin, 15-20 s deceleration.
¨Electro-Mechanical Safety Interlock: Lid must be closed and latched
before motor can be energized. Lid remains locked until rotor stops.
¨Operating Temperatures:
• For QBC Hematology: 20 to 32 ºC (68 to 90 ºF).*
• For Parasite Detection: 16 to 37 ºC (60 to 99 ºF).*
¨Functional Range:
• Centrifuge Operation: 2 to 40 ºC (36 to 104 ºF).*
¨Operating Relative Humidity: 0% to 80% for temperatures between +2 and 31 ºC,
derating linearly to 50% between 31 and 40 ºC.
¨Non-Operating Storage Temperature Limits: -26 to 66 ºC (-15 to 150 ºF)
¨Weight (with rotor and cover installed): 2.8 kg (6.2 lbs).
¨Dimensions (with lid closed) 23.5 cm W x 29.8 cm D x 12.7 cm H. (9.25 in. W x 11.75 in. D x 5 in. H.)
¨Transient Overvoltage Category I.
¨Indoor or under-cover use only.
¨Pollution Degree II.
¨Electrical: 48 VDC ± 3 VDC, 2.7 ADC Maximum, Steady State.
2.4.2 QBC Power Pack
The power supply accompanying or sold with the QBC Capillary Centrifuge is recognized under UL 60950-1; CSA
C22.2 No. 60950-1; 2006/95/EC Low Voltage Directive and 2004/108/EC EMC Directive.
¨ Input: 100-240 VAC, 47-63 Hz
¨Output: 48 ± 3 VDC, 2.7 amp
¨DC Output Cord
¨AC Line Cord (unassembled):
• Standard Cord: 2.3 m (7.5 ft)
• Continental European Cord: 2.5 m (8.2 ft)
*For temperature specifications: consult the package insert of the disposables in use in your laboratory.
5

Section 3
INSTALLATION AND SET-UP
3.1 PACKAGING AND PARTS
The QBC Capillary Centrifuge and Power Pack are shipped in a single container, together with the following parts,
test accessories and instructions (Figure 3-1):
• Rotor Cover Assembly • Head Nut Wrench
• Two Power Pack Line Cords (see below) • Rotor Removal Wire
• Operating Instructions (this Manual)
Note: For use of the centrifuge in Continental Europe, an alternate line cord is provided with the Power Pack.
Select the appropriate line cord and discard the unused cord.
3.2 INSTALLATION AND SERVICE
For first-time users of the QBC System, a representative of Drucker Diagnostics or your local QBC System
distributor will normally install the required equipment; the installer will also train operating personnel in proper
use of the equipment. If necessary, contact your nearest Drucker Diagnostics office to arrange for installation
service.
6
Figure 3-1. QBC Capillary Centrifuge, Showing Parts and Accessories.
(Note: Centrifuge is supplied with rotor installed.)

7
3.3 CONNECTING POWER UNIT
Be sure the Power Pack is not plugged in. Connect the power pack output cable plug to the power input cable on
the right side of the centrifuge (Figure 3-2). Using the appropriate line cord (Figure 3-3), connect the female plug
to the receptacle in the side of the Power Pack and the male plug to a grounded AC power receptacle.
3.4 PLACEMENT AND OPERATING EQUIPMENT
Place the centrifuge on a smooth, level working surface in a location where it will not be exposed to direct
sunlight. Centrifugations in direct sunlight can elevate the rotor compartment temperature and may adversely
affect the formation of readable cell layers in QBC blood tubes. For stability, be sure the unit rests on its suction
feet.
Mark an envelope 300 mm (~12 inches) wider than the body of the centrifuge around the area in which the
centrifuge is to be used. Keep all personnel and hazardous materials outside this envelope when the centrifuge
is operating.
CAUTION
To avoid electrical hazards and equipment damage, connect the power cord
only to grounded receptacles delivering the voltage and frequency specified
on the data plate of the power supply, with a switch or other means of circuit
disconnection located outside the clearance envelope defined in Section 3.4
of this manual. When only a 2-wire receptacle and/or an unswitched line is
available, have the receptacle and/or the supply line modified by a qualified
service technician, in accordance with applicable electrical codes, to conform
to this note.
Figure 3-2. Connecting Power Pack Output
Cable to Centrifuge Power Input Cable
Figure 3-3. Power Pack and AC Line Cord

8
3.4 PLACEMENT AND OPERATING EQUIPMENT (continued)
Be sure to keep the operating area within the temperatures listed below.
• For QBC Centrifugal Hematology tests: operating temperature should be maintained
at 20 to 32 ºC (68 to 90 ºF) to assure proper cell layering in QBC blood tubes.
• For QBC Malaria Test: operating temperature should be maintained
at 16 to 37 ºC (60 to 99 ºF) to assure the concentration of parasitic organisms.
3.5 ROTOR ASSEMBLY
The QBC Capillary Centrifuge is shipped with
the rotor assembly completely installed.
If the rotor is removed, for example for
cleaning (see Section 9.2), it can be
reinstalled as follows:
a) Position the rotor so that the slots
on the underside of the rotor hub
are aligned with the drive pin in
the motor shaft (Figure 3-4).
b) Press the rotor down until the drive
pin is seated in the hub slots and
3-5 threads of the shaft protrude
above the hub, about 6 mm (¼”).
c) Thread the head nut onto the shaft finger-tight,
by turning it clockwise. Tighten with a light
torque using the head nut wrench supplied with
the centrifuge (Figure 3-5). DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN.
Turn nut 1-2 tube positions to tighten.
CAUTION
TO PREVENT DAMAGE TO ROTOR COVER
AND CENTRIFUGE LID, BE SURE ROTOR
IS CORRECTLY SEATED ON DRIVE PIN.
WARNING
IF THIS EQUIPMENT IS USED IN A MANNER INCONSISTENT WITH THE
MANUFACTURER’S SPECIFICATIONS, THE PROTECTION AGAINST
HAZARDS THIS DEVICE PROVIDES MAY BE IMPAIRED.
Rotor
Rotor
Hub Slots
Drive Pin
Motor
Shaft
3-5
protruding
shaft threads
Figure 3-4. Installing Rotor Assembly.
Figure 3-5. Tightening Rotor
with Head Nut Wrench

9
Section 4
CENTRIFUGE OPERATION
4.1 GENERAL PROCEDURES
Before starting the QBC Capillary Centrifuge, be sure the rotor cover is installed and the lid is closed and latched.
The centrifuge will not start unless the lid is latched.
• To start the 5-min spin, press and release the
”ON/OFF” button on the front deck of the centrifuge
(Figure 4-1). The rotor will begin accelerating until it
stabilizes at the design speed. See Section 4.5 for
sequencing of ‘POWER’ and ‘SPEED’ indicator lights.
• Spin time is fixed at 5 min and is not adjustable. After 5-min spin, 15-20 s are required for the rotor to
decelerate to a full stop, at which time the lid latch unlocks.
• To stop the centrifuge any time during a spin, press and release the “ON/OFF” button. Note: After
completing any spin cycle (full or interrupted) the timer is automatically reset to zero.
4.2 BETWEEN-SPIN TIME DELAY
Since the QBC test method depends upon proper cell layering in the hematology and QBC Malaria Test tubes,
blood sampled must be protected from excessive heat buildup in the rotor compartment, which may adversely
affect cell layer formation. Accordingly, between successive spins be sure to wait the appropriate time specified
below. IMPORTANT: During each between-spin rest, be sure the rotor cover is removed and the rotor empty.
4.2.1 QBC Hematology Tubes
• If room temperature is 24 ºC or less (≤ 75 ºF), wait 1 min between spins.
• If room temperature is 25 - 28ºC (75 - 82 ºF), wait 3 min between spins.
• If room temperature is 29 - 30ºC (84 - 86 ºF), refer to the table below.
• If room temperature is 31 - 32 ºC (88 - 90 ºF), wait 30 min between spins.
Note: During QBC Hematology tests using standard QBC tubes, room temperature should not
exceed 32 ºC (90 ºF).*
*Important: For room temperature specifications: consult the package insert of the disposables in use in your laboratory.
CAUTION
TO PREVENT PERSONAL INJURY OR
DAMAGE, NEVER LEAN ON, PICK UP,
OR TILT THE CENTRIFUGE WHILE IT IS
OPERATING. NEVER REMAIN WITHIN
THE CLEARANCE ENVELOPE DEFINED
IN SECTION 3.4 OF THIS MANUAL
LONGER THAN NECESSARY FOR
OPERATIONAL REASONS.
Between
1st & 2nd Spins
Between
2nd & 3rd Spins
Between
3rd & 4th Spins
Between
4th & 5th Spins Above 5 Spins
3 min. 6 min. 9 min. 12 min. 15 min.
Figure 4-1. Detail of ON/OFF Button
and POWER/SPEED LED’s.

10
4.2 BETWEEN-SPIN TIME DELAY (continued)
4.2.2 QBC Malaria Test
• If room temperature is less than 33 ºC (< 91 ºF), wait 1 min between spins.
• If room temperature is 33 - 35 ºC (91 - 95 ºF), wait 3 min between spins.
• If room temperature is 36 - 37 ºC (97 - 99 ºF):
- With 1 to 5 consecutive spins, wait 6 min between spins.
- With consecutive spins above 5, wait 9 min between spins.
Note: During use of QBC Malaria Test, room temperature should not exceed 37 ºC (99 ºF).
4.3 TUBE LOADING AND BALANCING
The top lid is spring-loaded and is automatically
released when the Power switch of the centrifuge
is off, provided the Power Pack is on and connected
to the centrifuge. When a spin cycle is completed,
the latch releases after a momentary delay and the
lid pops up (Figure 4-2).
Place tubes on the rotor in a balanced array, with
the tube closures against the outer rim of the rotor. To
maintain balance, insert the tubes consecutively, starting at
slot #1.
When spinning an odd number of tubes (e.g., three),
BE SURE TO BALANCE THE ROTOR BY PLACING AN
UNFILLED QBC TUBE IN THE OPPOSITE SLOT
(e.g., #4 as shown in Figure 4-3). Use a closure and a float
in the balance tube.
Figure 4-2. Spring-Loaded Lid Latch Mechanism
Figure 4-3. Typical Placement of Blood
and Balance Tubes.

4.3 TUBE LOADING AND BALANCING (continued)
Before closing the lid, INSTALL THE ROTOR
COVER. To secure the cover, turn the cover
knob clockwise onto the motor shaft
(Figure 4-4). Continue turning the knob until
the cover is snug. DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN.
4.4 EMERGENCY UNLATCHING OF LID
An electric interlock prevents the operator from manually opening the centrifuge lid once it is closed and latched.
In case the latched lid must be opened, and the cover was installed over the rotor, press the ON/OFF button
twice to start and stop the Centrifuge. The lid will then open.
In case the latched lid must be opened, but the rotor cover was inadvertently left off, DO NOT attempt to start
and stop the centrifuge with the ON/OFF button; instead, unplug the Power Pack and wait for the yellow LED to
turn off. Plug the Power Pack back in. This will disengage the electric latch interlock and cause the lid to open.
Note: For procedures on opening the lid in the event that main power to the centrifuge is lost through a fuse or
main electrical failure, see Section 9.3.
4.5 SPEED/POWER LED MONITORS
The yellow ‘POWER’ and green ‘SPEED’ LED lights are used for monitoring the status of the centrifuge. When
both lights are on steadily, the centrifuge is at design speed (12,000 ± 80 rpm). When the yellow light is on steadily
but the green light is flashing, the centrifuge is below (but accelerating to) design speed; and when both lights are
flashing the unit is above design speed. If speed exceeds 14,800 rpm, the centrifuge will automatically shut down.
A detailed table of LED Status Indicators is presented in Section 9.5, TROUBLESHOOTING.
CAUTION
NEVER ATTEMPT TO CENTRIFUGE
QBC TUBES UNLESS THE COVER
IS INSTALLED OVER THE ROTOR,
SINCE TUBE BREAKAGE AND LOSS
OF SAMPLE WILL OCCUR.
11
Figure 4-4. Tightening Knob of Rotor Cover.

4.6 PRECAUTIONS AND HAZARDS
The QBC Capillary Centrifuge is intended for in vitro diagnostic tests. In order to obtain properly centrifuged
specimens and to avoid damage or hazards, the basic operating precautions below should be observed.
• For smooth operation and long service life, always place blood tubes on the rotor in a balanced array.
• Always install the rotor cover before closing the top lid.
• Never attempt to override the lid safety interlock.
• Never attempt to pick up or move the centrifuge while the rotor is spinning.
• ”Universal Precautions”1should be followed in handling all items contaminated with blood or other body fluids.
• Exercise care when using QBC tubes. The tubes are made of glass and may break, possibly causing injury
and exposure.
• If a tube breaks, carefully remove broken glass with a hemostat or other device, using puncture-resistant
utility gloves, and dispose of properly.
• Disinfect rotor after a tube break. See Section 9.2.2.
• For continued safety, periodically inspect the rotor for signs of wear or defects as described in Section 9.2
of this manual.
• Blood products and other biological materials should always be disposed of in accordance with laws,
regulations, and institutional guidelines applicable to your facility.
1Recommendations for Prevention of HIV Transmission in Health Care Settings. MMWR 1987; 36 (Supplement #25).
12

Section 5
SPECIMEN COLLECTION
5.1 GENERAL
The QBC Capillary Centrifuge is designed for the preparation of specimen tubes for QBC hematology and the
QBC Malaria Test. Detailed directions on blood collection, preparation, and stability for each type of test are
contained in the package insert supplied with QBC hematology tubes and the QBC Malaria Test. Handling
precautions and collection procedures are summarized below.
5.2 HANDLING PRECAUTIONS
• Exercise good laboratory procedures when collecting and handling patient specimens.
• Be sure to clean the skin area with an antiseptic agent; dry the area with a sterile wipe. Puncture only with a
sterile lancet.
• Always use sterile needles and collection tubes.
5.3 SPECIMENS FOR QBC HEMATOLOGY TESTS
Venous blood for QBC hematology test analysis can be collected in Vacutainer™ brand tubes containing EDTA
anticoagulant. QBC tubes for venous blood are filled by means of a semi-automatic pipetter supplied with the
QBC System. QBC capillary-blood tubes are pre-coated with anticoagulants and are filled with blood directly
from a finger puncture.
After filling with blood, the tubes are sealed with a rubber stopper or plastic closure. The float in QBC tubes
expands the buffy-coat cell layers during centrifugation, as previously described.
Stability: For stability specifications, consult the package insert of the disposables in use in your laboratory.
WARNING
BLOOD SPECIMENS USED FOR THESE PROCEDURES MAY CONTAIN THE
HEPATITIS B AND C VIRUS, HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS (HIV),
OR OTHER INFECTIOUS DISEASES. HANDLE BLOOD AS A POTENTIAL
BIOHAZARD CAPABLE OF TRANSMITTING INFECTION. ALWAYS WEAR
GLOVES AND OTHER APPROPRIATE BLOOD BARRIER PROTECTION
WHEN COLLECTING AND PREPARING BLOOD.
13

5.4 SPECIMENS FOR QBC MALARIA TEST
Collect capillary blood from the finger or foot, directly into the QBC Malaria Test tube; or draw venous blood and
collect into the tube. Fill the tube with 55 to 65 µL of blood. QBC Malaria Test tubes are pre-coated with sodium
heparin and dipotassium EDTA anticoagulants.
Stability: Centrifuge the blood-filled QBC Malaria Test tubes as soon as possible after filling. See 6.4.4 for
extended stability of the QBC Malaria Test prior to microscopic examination.
14

Section 6
CENTRIFUGATION PROCEDURES
6.1 MATERIALS PROVIDED
The QBC Capillary Centrifuge is designed to spin up to 20 QBC-type blood tubes over a fixed time of 5 min. The
centrifuge is supplied with a Power Pack and the test accessories listed in Section 3.1.
6.2 MATERIALS REQUIRED BUT NOT PROVIDED
6.2.1 QBC Hematology Tests
In addition to a QBC Reader or Analyzer, the following disposables and test accessories are required for QBC
hematology tests:
Accessory Part No.
• QBC Venous Tubes (Box of 100) 424240
• QBC Venous Tubes (Box of 1000) 424237
• QBC Capillary Tubes (Box of 100) 424241
• QBC Capillary Tubes (Box of 1000) 424238
• 1.8 mm Blade Lancets (Box of 100) 420000
• 2.3 mm Blade Lancets (Box of 100) 420001
• Work Station 424226
• Sterile wipes
6.2.2 QBC Malaria Test
The following disposables and test accessories are required for the QBC Malaria Test:
Accessory Part No.
• QBC Malaria Test (Box of 100) 253037
• QBC Malaria Test (Box of 1000) 253005
• QBC ParaLens Advance with 60x Objective 424331
• QBC Microscope 424294
• Work Station 424226
• Sterile wipes
6.3 TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENTS
For QBC Hematology Tests*: Optimum results are obtained when the laboratory temperature is maintained
between 20 to 32 ºC (68 to 90 ºF).* To avoid excessive heating of blood tubes during spinning, locate the
centrifuge away from direct sunlight.
For QBC Malaria Test: Optimum results are obtained when test procedures are performed at temperatures
between 16 to 37 ºC (60 to 99 ºF).
*IMPORTANT: For room temperature specifications: Consult the package insert of the disposables in use in your laboratory.
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