ELITechGroup AEROSPRAY GRAM 7322 Instructions for use

AEROSPRAY®
GRAM
MODEL 7322
Applications
Manual
SLIDE STAINER/ CYTOCENTRIFUGE

ELITechGroup Inc.
370 West 1700 South
Logan, Utah 84321-8212
USA
800 453 2725
[phone]
WWW.ELITECHGROUP.COM

AEROSPRAY®GRAM
SLIDE
STAINER/CYTOCENTRIFUGE
Model 7322
Applications Manual
57-2002-01D

2
©2015 ELITechGroup Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a
retrieval system, or translated into any language (human or computer) in any form, or
by any means whatsoever, without the prior express written permission of
ELITechGroup Inc.
Wescor, Aerospray and Cytopro are trademarks of ELITechGroup Inc.
Other trade names used in this manual are trademarks of their respective owners, used
here for information only.
ELITech Group makes no express or implied warranty regarding this manual, its quality,
performance, or appropriate use regarding any type of specific procedure. ELITech
Group may modify this manual without notice and without implying any obligation or
liability on the part of the company.
Manufactured in the United States of America by:
ELITECHGROUP INC.
370 West 1700 South
Logan, Utah 84321-8212 USA

3
Table of Contents
Section 1
Introduction
1.1 Aerospray Gram Stainer Overview................................................. 6
Using this Manual................................................................. 6
Functional Description ......................................................... 7
Key Features......................................................................... 8
Intended Use ........................................................................ 8
Table 1: General Specifications............................................. 9
Table 2: Performance Specifications..................................... 10
Table 3: Run Time Sequence................................................. 11
Table 4: Approximate Reagent Consumption....................... 11
Table 5: Carousel and Rotor Information ............................. 12
Table 6: Explanation of Symbols........................................... 13
1.2 Instrument Description .................................................................. 15
Figure 1: Front and Right Side Panels................................... 15
Figure 2: Front Panel and Touchscreen ................................ 16
Figure 3: Rear Panel ............................................................. 16
Figure 4: Stainer Bowl Components...................................... 17
Figure 5: Nozzle Diagram ..................................................... 17
Table 7: Preventive Maintenance Kit.................................... 18
Barcode Reader .................................................................... 19
Figure 6: Barcode Reader ..................................................... 19
Other Parts ........................................................................... 19
1.3 Touchscreen and User Interface .................................................... 20
Table 8: Front Panel/Main Screen Function Keys ................. 20
Table 9: System Setup Keys .................................................. 21
Table 10: Maintenance Function Keys.................................. 22
Section 2
Setup and Preparation for Operation
2.1 Instrument Setup ........................................................................... 23
Unpacking and Installing the Stainer.................................... 23
Connecting the Drain Tube and Waste Container................ 24
Connecting Power ................................................................ 24
Installing Standard 500 mL Reagent Bottles......................... 25
Installing the 5 Liter Reagent Bottle ..................................... 26
Installing the Barcode Reader .............................................. 26
2.2 Preparing the Stainer for Operation............................................... 27
Priming Procedures .............................................................. 27
The Clean Cycle .................................................................... 29
Performing Tests .................................................................. 29
Reagent Level Monitoring .................................................... 30
Enabling/Disabling Reagent Level Detect....................... 30
Zeroing the Reagent Level Sensors ................................. 31
Section 3
Controlling and Customizing Stainer Functions
3.1 The System Setup Menu ................................................................ 33
Accessing the System Setup Menu....................................... 33
Creating a Stain Program...................................................... 33
Editing a Stain Program or Adjusting Level Settings ............. 33
Adjusting the Decolorizer Level ...................................... 34
Changing the Program Name......................................... 34
Administrator and User Accounts ........................................ 34
Creating an Administrator Account................................ 34

4
Section 3
Controlling and Customizing Stainer Functions (continued)
Creating User Accounts .................................................. 34
Managing User Access ................................................... 35
User Login/Logout .......................................................... 35
Using Reagent Information Tracking .................................... 36
Modifying Level Detect Functions ........................................ 37
Changing User Language ...................................................... 37
Setting the Date and Time.................................................... 37
System Log ........................................................................... 38
Accessing Logs................................................................ 38
Exporting Logs ................................................................ 38
Controlling Beeper Alerts ..................................................... 38
QC/Maintenance Tracking.................................................... 39
Enable Stain Slide Tracking............................................. 39
Enable Cyto Slide Tracking.............................................. 40
Enable Manual Entry ...................................................... 40
Enable Preventive Maintenance Tracking ...................... 40
Enable Reagent Tracking................................................ 40
Restoring Software Defaults................................................. 41
3.2 Recording Specimen and Reagent Information.............................. 42
Scanning Slides with the Barcode Reader ............................ 42
Scanning Reagent Bottles with the Barcode Reader ............ 43
Manually Entering Specimen information............................ 44
Manually Entering Reagent Information .............................. 44
3.3 The Help Menu............................................................................... 45
Using Help ............................................................................ 45
Section 4
Operating the Aerospray Gram
4.1 Operating Instructions ................................................................... 46
Suggested Staining Protocol................................................. 46
Performing a Hub Pattern Test............................................. 46
Figure 7: Correct Hub Pattern Test Result .................... 46
Figure 8: Incorrect Hub Pattern Test Result.................. 46
Loading the Carousel............................................................ 47
Figure 9: Loading a 12-Slide Carousel........................... 48
Figure 10: Loading a 30-Slide Carousel......................... 48
Figure 11: Reattaching the Carousel Lid ....................... 48
Using Blocking Slides ............................................................ 49
Figure 12: Using Blocking Slides ................................... 49
Performing a Stain Cycle ...................................................... 49
Unloading the Carousel ........................................................ 50
Monitoring Reagent and Waste Levels................................. 51
Table 11: Reagent Level Detect Display Symbols.......... 51
Replacing a Reagent Bottle .................................................. 52
Emptying the Waste Container ............................................ 52
Section 5
Preventive Maintenance and Safety
5.1 Preventive Maintenance ................................................................ 53
Daily Maintenance/Quality Control (QC) ............................. 53
Weekly Maintenance ........................................................... 53
Monthly Maintenance.......................................................... 54
Using the Preventive Maintenance Log................................ 54
5.2 Storing the Instrument................................................................... 55
Preparing for Long-Term Storage ......................................... 55
5.3 Replacing Fuses .............................................................................. 56

5
Section 5
Preventive Maintenance and Safety (continued)
5.4 Cleaning the Stainer and Carousels................................................ 57
Cleaning Liquid Spills ............................................................ 57
Cleaning Broken Slides ......................................................... 57
5.5 Decontaminating the Stainer and Carousels .................................. 58
Solutions for Decontaminating the Instrument.................... 58
Figure 13: Lid Latch and Locking Pin Hole Locations .... 59
Decontaminating the Instrument......................................... 59
Decontaminating the Reagent D Bottle................................ 60
5.6 Shipping or Disposing of the Stainer or Carousels.......................... 61
Shipping the Instrument....................................................... 61
Disinfection Declaration ............................................... 61
Disposing of the Instrument................................................. 61
Section 6
Nozzle Maintenance and Performance
6.1 Nozzle Disassembly and Cleaning................................................... 62
Nozzle Disassembly .............................................................. 62
Nozzle Cleaning .................................................................... 62
6.2 Nozzle Reassembly......................................................................... 63
6.3 Manual Priming.............................................................................. 64
6.4 Performing the Volume Test .......................................................... 65
Table 12: Volume Test Tolerances ........................................ 65
6.5 Flushing the B-Line ......................................................................... 67
6.6 Performing the Slide Pattern Test .................................................. 68
Figure 14: Correct Slide Pattern Test Result ......................... 68
Figure 15: Incorrect Slide Pattern Test Result....................... 68
Section 7
Solving Problems
7.1 Troubleshooting ............................................................................. 69
Table 13: General Troubleshooting and Diagnosis ............... 69
7.2 Abnormal Staining Results ............................................................. 74
Smear Separation or Cell Loss .............................................. 74
Under-Decolorization ........................................................... 74
Over-Decolorization ............................................................. 74
Old or Weak Cultures ........................................................... 74
7.3 Instrument Malfunction ................................................................. 75
Air or Reagent Leaks............................................................. 75
Reagent Level Detect System Errors .................................... 76
Calibrating the Reagent Level Detect System....................... 77
7.4 Calibrating the Touchscreen........................................................... 79
7.5 Customer Service ........................................................................... 80
Section 8
Cytopro® Cytocentrifuge
8.1 Cytopro Centrifuge Information..................................................... 81
Functional Description ......................................................... 81
Key Features......................................................................... 81
Intended Use ........................................................................ 81
Appendix A: Critical Reagent Components .............................................82
Appendix B: Risk and Safety Phrases ......................................................84
Appendix C: Accessories and Supplies ......................................................... 88

6
SECTION 1
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Aerospray Gram Stainer Overview
Using this Manual
This manual provides instructions to install, operate, and maintain the Aerospray Gram
Stainer/Cytocentrifuge.
The manual is an important part of the product. Read it carefully and completely before
setup and first use of the instrument.
If additional accident prevention and environmental protection requirements exist in
the country of operation, this manual must be supplemented by appropriate
instructions to ensure compliance.
Safety Regulations
This instrument has been built and tested in accordance with safety regulations for
electrical control, regulating, and laboratory devices. In order to maintain this condition
and ensure safe operation, the operator must observe all the instructions and warnings
contained in this manual. For current information about applicable standards, please
refer to the CE Declaration of Conformity included with the documents shipped with this
device.
NOTE: This equipment complies with the emission and immunity requirements described
in the IEC 61236 series.
Understanding Warnings
This manual uses three warning levels to alert you to important information as shown in
the following examples.
WARNING!
A Warning alerts to the possibility of personal injury, death, or other serious adverse
reactions stemming from the use or misuse of this device or its components.
CAUTION:
A Caution alerts to possible problems with the device associated with its use or misuse.
Such problems include device malfunction, failure, damage, damage to the sample, or
damage to other property. Where applicable, a Caution may include precautions to be
taken to avoid the hazard.
NOTE: A Note reinforces or supplies additional information about a topic.
Specific Warnings
Pay particular attention to the following safety precautions. If these safety precautions
are ignored, injury or damage to the instrument may occur. Each individual precaution is
important.
WARNING!
Install the Gram stainer in a well-ventilated area. If ventilation is inadequate, operate
the instrument under a safety hood.

7
SECTION 1
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Aerospray Gram Stainer Overview
WARNING!
Reagents used in the Gram stainer contain moderately hazardous chemicals that
require care in handling. Always use appropriate safety measures including gloves and
eye protection when handling reagents.
WARNING!
Always wear protective clothing and eye protection when using Nozzle Cleaning
Solution (diluted SS-029C). Dispose of used solution properly.
WARNING!
If power is lost while the stainer is running, the lid will remain locked until power is
restored. Do not attempt to open the lid while power is off.
WARNING!
Electrical shock hazard: Do not open this instrument or attempt internal repairs. Refer
servicing to qualified service personnel. Contact Elitech Group service.
CAUTION:
This equipment has been designed and tested to CISPR 11 Class A and FCC Part 15 Class
A. In a domestic environment it may cause radio interference, in which case, you may
need to take measures to mitigate the interference.
CAUTION:
To avoid serious instrument damage, never use reagents other than those supplied by
Elitech Group. Except for deionized or distilled water and approved alcohol, using
reagents not supplied by ElitechGroup may void the warranty.
CAUTION:
Only spare parts supplied or specified by Elitech Group should be used. Using non-
approved parts may affect the performance and safety features of the instrument. If the
equipment is used in a manner not specified by Elitech Group the protection provided
by the equipment may be impaired. If in doubt, contact your Elitech Group
representative.
Functional Description
The Aerospray Gram stainer is designed to Gram stain specimen smears on microscope
slides. A Gram stain aids in the presumptive diagnosis of an illness and gives preliminary
classification of the causative agent.
The chemical mechanism of Gram differentiation is based on the differential cell wall
permeability to the crystal violet-iodine complex. The Gram stain yields a specimen in
which the Gram-positive organisms are colored blue-to-purple and the Gram-negative
organisms are colored pink-to-red.

8
SECTION 1
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Aerospray Gram Stainer Overview
Key Features
The key features of the Aerospray Gram stainer are:
•Minimized reagent consumption
•Rapid staining
•Barcode scanner for tracking specimens and reagents
•Reagent and specimen traceability
•User traceability
•Administrator password
•Interactive touchscreen display
•Multiple languages
•High volume staining productivity (12 or 30 slides per stain cycle)
•Automatic clean cycle to purge each reagent spray nozzle (except D) with approved
alcohol
•Nine operator-selected decolorizer levels
•Separate reservoir, delivery tube, pump, and spray nozzle for each reagent
•Operator-selectable automatic alcohol fixation function to fix specimens
•Reagent and waste level monitoring
•Log files
•Limited programmability
The correct accessory must be used for each function. The Cytopro® Cytocentrifuge Rotor is
available as an option offering additional features. See Section 8 for more information.
Intended Use
The Aerospray Gram stainer is an in vitro diagnostic medical device for professional use
only. The Gram stainer has been designed to perform automated Gram staining of pure
strain isolate smears and other specimens with microorganisms for in vitro diagnostics
with Elitech Group Gram reagents only.

9
SECTION 1
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Aerospray Gram Stainer Overview
Table 1: General Specifications
Category
Characteristics
Slide Carousel Capacity
1 to 12 or 1 to 30, depending on carousel
Carousel Rotation Speed
Reagent application 20 rpm (5%)
Slide Drying 950 rpm (5%)
Cytocentrifuge Rotor Speed
100 to 2000 rpm (5%), User Programmable
Reagent Consumption
Refer to Approximate Reagent Consumption Table 4
Operating Time
Refer to Cycle Time, Table 3
Display
7 in. WVGA (800 x 480 pixels) TFT
Touch Screen Controls
Numeric and alpha-numeric programming keys
Drain Connection
Connector on rear panel accepts male connector
attached to vinyl drain tube. 1.8 meters (6 ft.) length
supplied
Ventilation
Air is exhausted from the stainer via a female ½ inch SAE
pipe thread fitting
Dimensions
Width
Height (lid closed)
Depth
Height (lid open)
57 cm (22 in.)
25 cm (10 in.)
54 cm (21 in.)
58 cm (23 in.)
Weight
15.8 kg (34.83 lb)
Electrical Requirements
100 to 240 VAC (10%) @ 50 to 60 Hz
Power Consumption
200 Watts maximum
Fuses
2.0 Amp time-lag (Type T) (5 x 20 mm) (2 required).
Manufactured by Littlefuse (Part No. 218002) or
Bussman (Part No. GDC-2A)
Ambient Temperature
Operating
Storage
15 to 30 C (59 to 86 °F)
-10 to 50 C (14 to 122 °F)
Relative Humidity
≤ 80% non-condensing
Altitude
≤ 2000 m (≤6562 ft.)

10
SECTION 1
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Aerospray Gram Stainer Overview
Table 1: General Specifications (continued)
Table 2: Performance Specifications
Category
Characteristics
Reagent Spray Nozzles
Each reagent has a separate spray nozzle to
dispense the correct amount of reagent.
Reagents
NOTE: Use only ElitechGroup reagents, with diluents as
specified for ElitechGroup concentrated reagents. REF
numbers for this stainer start with one of the
following: SS-041 or SS-141.
A - Decolorizer
B - Iodine
C - Crystal violet
D - Deionized or distilled water
Note:Deionized or distilled water is not provided by
Elitech Group and must be obtained locally. Water
should be filtered (0.2 micron inline filter) to remove
bacteria and particulates.
E –“Approved” ethanol, methanol, or reagent alcohol
Note: Approved ethanol or methanol must be 99.5%
pure.
Note: Approved reagent alcohol must meet the
following specifications:
• Greater than 90% ethanol
• Approximately 10% isopropyl alcohol or methanol
• Less than 0.5% water
• No ketones
Stain Settings
Nine operator-selected decolorizer levels
Three crystal violet and iodine settings: low, medium,
and high
Fixation settings: off, normal, and high
Category
Characteristics
Pollution Degree
2
Heat Dissipation
Maximum
Average During Staining
Average While Idle
256 Btu/hour
34 Btu/hour
10 Btu/hour
Maximum Sound Emission
72 dB

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SECTION 1
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Aerospray Gram Stainer Overview
Table 3: Run Time Sequence
NOTE: Table 3 represents a typical timing sequence for this instrument, presented for general
reference only. Actual cycle times may vary.
DECOLORIZER-3
EVENT SEQUENCE
(SECONDS)
(SECONDS)
12–Slide
30-Slide
Start-Up
7
7
(1)
Fixation (Pump E) (optional) - Normal
(66)
(69)
1
Crystal Violet (Pump C) - Medium
55.5
58.5
2
Wash (Pump D)
26
39
3
Iodine (Pump B)
49.5
52.5
4
Wash (Pump D)
32
54
5
Decolorizer (Pump A)
53.5
59.5
6
Wash (Pump D)
28.5
46.5
7
High Speed Dry
49
49
(Minutes)
(Minutes)
Total without
alcohol fixation
5.0
6.1
With fixation
6.1
7.25
Table 4: Approximate Reagent Consumption
[(mL) Decolorizer-3]
12 Slide Carousel
30 Slide Carousel
Clean Cycle
Reagent A
Decolorizer
6.04
9.63
0
Reagent B
Iodine
6.0
9.0
0
Reagent C
Crystal Violet
5.75
8.75
0
Reagent D
Deionized or
Distilled Water
57.0
108.0
0
Reagent E
Alcohol
(optional fixation)
3.3
(3.3)
3.3
(4.95)
40.0

12
SECTION 1
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Aerospray Gram Stainer Overview
Table 5: Carousel and Rotor Information
Only the following slide staining carousels or cytocentrifuge rotor can be used in this instrument.
Each should be used following the instructions in this manual or the Cytopro Applications Manual
(RP-452).
Rotor/Carousel
Maximum
rpm
Maximum Capacity
Maximum
Sample
Volume
Elitech Group 12-Slide Carousel (AC-188)
1000 rpm
12 each, 26 mm x 76 mm
(1 x 3 inch) microscope
slides
N/A
Elitech Group 30-slide Carousel (AC-189)
1000 rpm
30 each, 26 mm x 76 mm
(1 x 3 inch) microscope
slides
N/A
Cytopro Cytocentrifuge Rotor (AC-160)
2000 rpm
8 each, standard
chambers, plus slides
8 each, Cytopro Magnum
chambers, plus slides
Up to 600 µL*
Up to 6 mL*
*Do not overfill cytocentrifuge chambers. See Cytopro Applications Manual or Methods Manual
for detailed instructions and warnings.

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SECTION 1
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Aerospray Gram Stainer Overview
Table 6: Explanation of Symbols
Alternating Current (AC)
Authorized Representative in the European Community
Batch Code
Biological Hazards (Biological Risks)
Catalog Number (Model Number)
Caution, Consult Accompanying Documents (Attention, see instructions for use)
CE Mark, product meets the essential requirements designated in Annex I of the
In Vitro Device Directive (IVDD) 98/79/EC.
Consult Instructions For Use
Do Not Reuse
Do not use if package is damaged
Fragile, Handle with Care
Fuse
General Symbol for Recovery, Recyclable
In vitro Diagnostic Device (In vitro Diagnostic Medical Device)
Keep away from sunlight (Keep away from heat)
Manufacturer
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment
Reagent stable after opening for number of months specified

14
SECTION 1
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Aerospray Gram Stainer Overview
Table 6: Explanation of Symbols (continued)
I
“On” (Power)
O
“Off” (Power)
Environment Friendly Use Period
Serial Number
Temperature Limitation –indicates high and low limits (Normal room
temperatures are specified for all Elitech Group Reagents.)
Use By
Volume Control
General Warning, Caution, Risk of Danger
Warning, Biological Hazard
Corrosive
Environment Hazard
Flammable
Harmful/Irritant
Oxidant
Toxic
Product to be used for manual cleaning only. Do not pump product through
instrument.

15
SECTION 1
INTRODUCTION
1.2 Instrument Description
Figure 1: Front and Right Side Panels
1–30-slide Carousel
2–12-slide Carousel
3–Lid with Safety Lock
4–Bowl
5–Front Panel with Touch Screen Display
6–Right Side Panel with Label Indicating Reagent Positions:
•A- Decolorizer
•B- Iodine
•C - Crystal Violet
•D- Deionized or Distilled Water
•E - Approved Alcohol
7–Reagent Tray
1
2
3
A B C D E
5
4
7
6

16
SECTION 1
INTRODUCTION
1.2 Instrument Description
Figure 2: Front Panel and Touchscreen
1–Standby/Ready Button
2–Touch Screen
The front panel features an interactive touchscreen display. Refer to Touchscreen and
User Interface (Section 1.3, Table 8) for more information.
Figure 3: Rear Panel
1 –Level Detect Connection for Reagent D (deionized or distilled water)
2 –USB Ports
3 –Network Ethernet Connection
4 –Exhaust Vent
5 –Rear Panel Label
6 –Biohazard Warning Label
7–Waste Tube Connection
8 –Level Detection Connection for Waste Container
9 –Power Switch
10 –Fuse Door
11 –Power Cord Connection
12 –Model/Serial Number Label
1
2
1
5
6
12
2 2
34
8
7
11 10 9

17
SECTION 1
INTRODUCTION
1.2 Instrument Description
Figure 4: Stainer Bowl Components
1 –Nozzle DF(Deionized or Distilled Water, front)
2 –Nozzle A (Decolorizer)
3 –Nozzle B (Iodine)
4 –Nozzle C (Crystal Violet)
5 –Nozzle E (Approved Alcohol)
6 –Nozzle DR(Deionized or Distilled Water, rear)
7 –Drive Hub
Figure 5: Nozzle Diagram
1 –Nozzle Insert
2 –Compression Screw
3 –Swirl Cone
4 –Nozzle Housing
7
6 5 4 3 2 1
1
2
3
4

18
SECTION 1
INTRODUCTION
1.2 Instrument Description
Table 7: Preventive Maintenance Kit
Component
Name
Description
Manual Priming Tool
Primes air-locked pumps
Silicon Grease
Lubricates the nozzle threads for
easy assembly
Nozzle Wire
Cleans nozzle housing orifices
Nozzle Cleaning Strainer
Strains the nozzle parts to prevent
them from going down a drain
Nozzle Tool
Unscrews nozzles from the stainer
bowl
Nozzle Wrench
Disassembles the nozzle
Nozzle Brush
Cleans nozzles without removing
them from the stainer