Leica BIOSYSTEMS HistoCore BIOCUT User manual

HistoCore BIOCUT
Rotary Microtome
Instructions for Use
English
Order No.: 14 0517 80101 - Revision K
Always keep this manual with the instrument.
Read carefully before working with the instrument.
Version 1.7, Revision K - 01.2022

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HistoCore BIOCUT
The information, numerical data, notes and value judgments contained in this manual represent the
current state of scientific knowledge and state-of-the-art technology as we understand it following
thorough investigation in this field.
We are under no obligation to update the present manual periodically and on an ongoing basis
according to the latest technical developments, nor to provide our customers with additional copies,
updates etc. of this manual.
To the extent permitted in accordance with the national legal system as applicable in each individual
case, we shall not be held liable for erroneous statements, drawings, technical illustrations etc.
contained in this manual. In particular, no liability whatsoever is accepted for any financial loss or
consequential damage caused by or related to compliance with statements or other information in this
manual.
Statements, drawings, illustrations and other information regarding the contents or technical details of
the present Instructions for Use are not to be considered warranted characteristics of our products.
These are determined only by the contract provisions agreed between ourselves and our customers.
Leica reserves the right to change technical specifications as well as manufacturing processes without
prior notice. Only in this way is it possible to continuously improve the technology and manufacturing
techniques used in our products.
This document is protected under copyright laws. All copyrights to this documentation are held by
Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH.
Any reproduction of text and illustrations (or of any parts thereof) by means of print, photocopy,
microfiche, web cam or other methods – including any electronic systems and media – requires express
prior permission in writing by Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH.
For the instrument serial number and year of manufacture, please refer to the nameplate on the back of
the instrument.
Important Note
Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH
Heidelberger Strasse 17 - 19
D-69226 Nussloch
Germany
Tel.: +49 - (0) 6224 - 143 0
Fax: +49 - (0) 6224 - 143 268
Web: www.LeicaBiosystems.com
Assembly contracted to Leica Microsystems Ltd. Shanghai

4Version 1.7, Revision K
Table of Contents
1. Important Information ................................................................................................................................ 7
1.1 Symbols used in the text and their meanings............................................................................................. 7
1.2 Instrument type................................................................................................................................................ 9
1.3 Intended purpose............................................................................................................................................. 9
1.4 Qualification of personnel.............................................................................................................................. 9
2. Safety .......................................................................................................................................................... 10
2.1 Safety notes.................................................................................................................................................... 10
2.2 Warnings......................................................................................................................................................... 10
2.2.1 Markings on the instrument itself............................................................................................................... 11
2.2.2 Transport and installation ............................................................................................................................ 11
2.2.3 Operating the instrument.............................................................................................................................. 12
2.2.4 Cleaning and maintenance .......................................................................................................................... 18
2.3 Integrated protective devices ..................................................................................................................... 19
2.3.1 Locking the handwheel................................................................................................................................. 19
2.3.2 Safety guard on the knife/blade holder...................................................................................................... 20
3. Instrument Components and Specifications........................................................................................ 21
3.1 Overview — instrument components ....................................................................................................... 21
3.2 Instrument specifications............................................................................................................................. 22
3.3 Technical Data............................................................................................................................................... 22
4. Setting up the instrument ........................................................................................................................ 25
4.1 Installation site requirements...................................................................................................................... 25
4.2 Standard delivery - packing list................................................................................................................... 25
4.3 Unpacking and installation........................................................................................................................... 26
4.4 Assembling the handwheel.......................................................................................................................... 29
5. Operation.................................................................................................................................................... 31
5.1 Operating elements and their functions .................................................................................................... 31
5.1.1 Section thickness setting............................................................................................................................. 31
5.1.2 Coarse feed wheel......................................................................................................................................... 31
5.1.3 Specimen retraction...................................................................................................................................... 32
5.1.4 Mechanical trimming function .................................................................................................................... 32
5.1.5 Fine directional specimen holder fixture................................................................................................... 33
5.1.6 Fine adjustment of the force balance......................................................................................................... 34
5.2 Inserting the two-in-one blade holder E.................................................................................................... 36
5.2.1 Setting up the blade holder base................................................................................................................ 36
5.2.2 Inserting the two-in-one blade holder E.................................................................................................... 36
5.3 Adjusting the clearance angle .................................................................................................................... 37
5.4 Inserting the universal cassette clamp...................................................................................................... 37
5.5 Clamping the specimen ................................................................................................................................ 38

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HistoCore BIOCUT
Table of Contents
5.6 Clamping the knife/disposable blade ......................................................................................................... 39
5.7 Trimming the specimen ................................................................................................................................ 42
5.8 Sectioning....................................................................................................................................................... 43
5.9 Changing the specimen or interrupting sectioning ................................................................................. 45
5.10 Finishing the daily routine ............................................................................................................................ 45
6. Optional Accessories............................................................................................................................... 48
6.1 Assembly for fixture for specimen clamps................................................................................................ 48
6.1.1 Rigid fixture for specimen clamps .............................................................................................................. 48
6.1.2 Directional fixture for specimen clamps.................................................................................................... 49
6.1.3 Fine-directional fixture for specimen clamps........................................................................................... 49
6.1.4 Quick clamping system................................................................................................................................. 50
6.2 Specimen clamps and holders.................................................................................................................... 50
6.2.1 Standard specimen clamp ........................................................................................................................... 51
6.2.2 Universal cassette clamp............................................................................................................................. 51
6.2.3 Super cassette clamp................................................................................................................................... 53
6.3 Knife holder base and knife holder............................................................................................................. 54
6.3.1 Two-in-one blade holder E........................................................................................................................... 54
6.3.2 Knife holder base, without lateral displacement feature ....................................................................... 56
6.3.3 Knife holder E with a water trough for low-profile blades ..................................................................... 56
6.3.4 Knife holder N................................................................................................................................................. 57
6.4 Section waste tray......................................................................................................................................... 59
6.5 Backlighting.................................................................................................................................................... 59
6.6 Top tray............................................................................................................................................................ 60
6.7 Universal microscope carrier...................................................................................................................... 60
6.8 Magnifying lens, LED illumination............................................................................................................... 63
6.9 Additional accessories................................................................................................................................. 65
6.10 Ordering information..................................................................................................................................... 73
7. Troubleshooting ........................................................................................................................................ 75
7.1 Possible faults................................................................................................................................................ 75
7.2 Instrument malfunctions............................................................................................................................... 77
7.3 Malfunctions of the two-in-one blade holder E........................................................................................ 78
7.3.1 Replacing the pressure plate....................................................................................................................... 78
7.3.2 Mounting the clamping top onto the segment arc................................................................................... 79
7.4 The setting of the clamping system of the clamp mount on the base plate ........................................ 79
8. Cleaning and Maintenance..................................................................................................................... 80
8.1 Cleaning the instrument................................................................................................................................ 80
8.2 Maintenance instructions............................................................................................................................ 83
8.3 Lubricating the instrument........................................................................................................................... 84

6Version 1.7, Revision K
Table of Contents
9. Warranty and Service .............................................................................................................................. 86
9.1 Warranty ......................................................................................................................................................... 86
9.2 Service information....................................................................................................................................... 86
9.3 Decommissioning and disposal................................................................................................................... 86
10. Decontamination Confirmation.............................................................................................................. 87

7
HistoCore BIOCUT
Important Information 1
1. Important Information
1.1 Symbols used in the text and their meanings
Danger:
Indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death
or serious injury.
Warning:
If this danger is not avoided, then this may result in death or serious injury.
Caution:
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death
or serious injury.
Note:
Indicates a situation with the potential for property damage which, if not avoided,
could result in damage to the machine or something in its vicinity.
Tip:
Gives you tips to simplify your workflow.
Item numbers for numbering illustrations.
→"Fig. 7 - 1"Numbers in red refer to item numbers in illustrations.
Manufacturer
Order number
Serial number
Date of manufacture
Observe the Instructions for Use.
Caution, consult the instructions for use for cautionary information.
In vitro diagnostics (IVD) medical device
The CE marking is the manufacturer's declaration that the medical product meets the
requirements of the applicable EC directives and regulations.
The Country of Origin box defines the Country where the final character
transformation of the product has been performed.
1

8Version 1.7, Revision K
Important Information
1
The UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) marking is a new UK product marking that is
used for goods being placed on the market in Great Britain (England, Wales and
Scotland). It covers most goods which previously required the CE marking.
The package contents are fragile and must be handled with care.
The package must be kept in a dry environment.
Maximum of 3 stacked layers
Indicates the correct upright position of the package.
Indicates the temperature range permitted for transporting the package.
Minimum -29 °C
Maximum +50 °C
Indicates the temperature range permitted for storing the package.
Minimum +5 °C
Maximum +50 °C
Indicates the humidity range permitted for storing and transporting the
package.
minimum 10 % r.H.
maximum 85 % r.H
In the Shockwatch system, the shock dot shows impacts or shocks that are above a
specified intensity through red colouration. Exceeding a defined acceleration (g value)
causes the indicator tube to change colour.
Indicates the item can be recycled where correct facilities exist.

9
HistoCore BIOCUT
Important Information 1
1.2 Instrument type
All information provided in these Instructions for Use applies only to the instrument type indicated on
the title page. A nameplate indicating the instrument serial number is attached at the back side of the
instrument.
1.3 Intended purpose
The HistoCore BIOCUT is a manually operated rotary microtome specifically designed for creating
thin sections of formalin fixed, paraffin embedded human tissue specimens of varying hardness
used for histological medical diagnosis by a pathologist, e.g. for cancer diagnosis. It is intended for
sectioning soft and hard human specimens, as long as they are suitable for being cut manually. The
HistoCore BIOCUT is designed for in vitro diagnostic applications.
Warning
Any use other than the intended use.
Serious injury of persons and/or damage to specimen.
• Follow the intended use described in the Instructions for Use. Any other use of the instrument will
be considered as improper use.
1.4 Qualification of personnel
• The HistoCore BIOCUT must be operated by trained laboratory personnel only. The instrument is
intended for professional use only.
• All laboratory personnel designated to operate this instrument must read these Instructions for Use
carefully and must be familiar with all technical features of the instrument before attempting to
operate it.

10 Version 1.7, Revision K
Safety
2
2. Safety
2.1 Safety notes
The Instructions for Use include important information related to the operating safety and maintenance
of the instrument.
The Instructions for Use are an important part of the product, and must be read carefully prior to startup
and use and must always be kept near the instrument.
This instrument has been built and tested in accordance with the Safety requirements for laboratory
instruments.
To maintain this condition and ensure safe operation, the user must observe all notes and warnings
contained in the Instructions for Use.
The safety and caution notes in this chapter must be observed at all times.
Be sure to read these notes even if you are already familiar with the operation and use of other Leica
Biosystems products.
The Instructions for Use must be appropriately supplemented as required by the existing regulations on
accident prevention and environmental safety in the operator‘s country.
Warning
Protective devices or safety accessories provided by manufacturer have been removed or modified.
Serious injury of persons and/or property damage including specimen damage.
• Never remove or modify any protective devices of the instrument or any accessories. Only service
personnel qualified by Leica Biosystems may repair the instrument and access the instrument's
internal components.
• Before working with the instrument always assure that all protective devices and safety
accessories are in place and fulfill their purpose properly.
Tip
For current information about applicable standards, please refer to the CE Declaration of Conformity
and UKCA Certificates on our Internet site:
http://www.LeicaBiosystems.com
2.2 Warnings
The protective devices installed in this instrument by the manufacturer only constitute the basis for
accident prevention. Operating the instrument safely is, above all, the responsibility of the owner, as
well as the designated personnel who operate, service or clean the instrument.
To ensure trouble-free operation of the instrument, be sure to comply with the following instructions
and warnings.

11
HistoCore BIOCUT
Safety 2
2.2.1 Markings on the instrument itself
Warning
Failure to follow the correct operating instructions (as defined in the Instructions for Use) of the
corresponding markings and warning triangles on the instrument.
Serious injury of persons and/or damage to instrument, accessories or specimen.
• Pay attention to the markings on the instrument and strictly follow operating instructions
described in the Instructions for Use when operating or replacing the item marked.
2.2.2 Transport and installation
Warning
Accessories/instrument falling out of the package during unpacking.
Serious injury of persons and/or property damage.
• Be careful when unpacking the instrument.
• Once unpacked, the instrument must be moved only in an upright position.
• Thoroughly follow the instructions given in the Unpacking Instructions attached at the outside of
the package or the actions described in the Instructions for Use.
Warning
Instrument is lifted inappropriately.
Serious injury of persons and/or property damage.
• When lifting the instrument touch it only at the lifting points described in the Instructions for Use
and Unpacking Instructions (base plate at the front and under the instrument on the back).
• Never lift the instrument by the handwheel grip, coarse feed wheel, object head or the knob for
setting the section thickness.
• Always remove the section waste tray before transporting the instrument.
Warning
Careless moving of the instrument.
Serious injury of hands and/or fingers due to getting crushed between instrument and working
surface.
• When moving the instrument, touch it only at the lifting points described in the Instructions for Use
and Unpacking Instructions (base plate at the front and under the instrument on the back).
• Thoroughly pay attention that hands do not get between instrument and working surface.
Warning
Instrument not positioned safely with all 4 feet on an appropriate laboratory table.
Serious injury of persons and/or property damage.
• Put the instrument only on a stable, vibration free laboratory table with horizontal, flat table top.
Ground needs to be vibration-free as far as possible.
• Always make sure that all 4 feet are positioned completely on the laboratory table.
• If the instrument has been potentially moved by other persons (for example for servicing) always
double-check correct positioning.

12 Version 1.7, Revision K
Safety
2
Warning
Knife/blade holder falling off the instrument.
Serious injury of persons and/or property damage.
• If the knife/blade holder is not fixed, for example, during installation or cleaning, pay special
attention that the blade holder is not falling off.
• Whenever possible, fix the knife/blade holder to avoid falling off.
Warning
Section waste tray falling down after it has been detached.
Injury of persons.
• Work especially carefully when detaching the section waste tray and put it in a safe place.
Warning
Oil is spilled and not cleaned-up immediately.
Serious injury of persons, for example, by slipping and getting in contact with dangerous parts like
the knife/blade of the instrument.
• Always make sure that no oil is spilled.
• If oil has been spilled, clean it up immediately, thoroughly and completely.
Warning
Paraffin waste falls on the floor and is not cleaned-up.
Serious injury of persons, for example, by slipping and stumbling into the knife/blade.
• Always clean up paraffin waste before it spreads, becomes slippery, and becomes a hazard.
• Wear appropriate shoes.
Caution
Accessories/components loosening/damaged during transportation.
Property damage or delayed diagnosis.
• The packaging has the ShockDot Impact Indicator, that indicates improper transport. When the
instrument is delivered, check this first. If the indicator is triggered, the package was not handled
as prescribed. In this case, please mark the shipping documents accordingly and check the
shipment for damage.
2.2.3 Operating the instrument
Danger
Explosive hazard.
Death or Serious injury of persons, and/or property damage.
• Never operate the instrument in rooms with an explosive hazard.

13
HistoCore BIOCUT
Safety 2
Warning
Personnel with insufficient qualification working with the instrument.
Serious injury of persons and/or specimen damage can occur when specimen approaches knife/
blade due to inappropriate operator actions, for example, because object head may drop onto knife
holder when handwheel is unlocked.
• Always make sure that only laboratory personnel with dedicated and sufficient training and
qualification operates the instrument.
• Always make sure that all laboratory personnel designated to operate this instrument has read
these Instructions for Use carefully and is familiar with all technical features of the instrument
before start working with it.
Warning
Protective devices or safety accessories provided by manufacturer have been removed or modified.
Serious injury of persons and/or property damage including specimen damage.
• Never remove or modify any protective devices of the instrument or any accessories. Only service
personnel qualified by Leica Biosystems may repair the instrument and access the instrument's
internal components.
• Before working with the instrument always assure that all protective devices and safety
accessories are in place and fulfill their purpose properly.
Warning
Personal protective equipment is not used.
Injury of persons.
• When working with microtomes, personal safety precautions must always be taken. It is
mandatory to wear work safety shoes, safety gloves, a mask and safety goggles.
Warning
Knives or blades are handled and/or disposed in an inappropriate manner.
Serious injury of persons due to contact with extremely sharp knife/blade.
• Work especially thoroughly and carefully when handling the knife/blade.
• Always wear dedicated clothes (including cut-resistant gloves) when handling knife/blade.
• Dispose knives and blades always in a safe place (for example, dedicated knife case) and an
appropriate manner that ensures that people cannot get hurt.
• Never place a knife anywhere with the cutting edge facing upwards and never try to catch a
falling knife!
• Always clamp the specimen BEFORE mounting and clamping the knife/blade.
Warning
Knife/Blade was not removed when knife/blade holder was uninstalled from the microtome.
Serious injury of persons due to contact with extremely sharp knife/blade.
• Before uninstalling the knife/blade holder from the microtome always make sure to detach the
knife/blade wearing cut-resistant gloves and store the knife/blade in a safe place.

14 Version 1.7, Revision K
Safety
2
Warning
The operator grabs into the knife/blade due to inappropriate working procedure.
Serious injury of persons when putting the specimen in place if knife/blade has been installed
before.
• Prior to uploading the specimen on the microtome, make sure that the cutting edge has been
covered by the safety guard and the hand wheel locking mechanism has been activated. Once
the operator wants to upload the specimen as well as inserting a knife/blade, always upload the
specimen block before mounting and clamping the knife/blade.
Warning
The operator installs two knives/blades on the knife/blade holder.
Serious injury of persons due to contact with extremely sharp knives and/or blades.
• Do not clamp two knives/blades on the knife holder/blade holder. Install the knife/blade in the
center of the knife/blade holder. Knives/blades must not exceed the edge of the knife/blade
holder.
Warning
Too thick or thin blade used in the two-in-one blade holder.
Sample impaired.
• Use a blade with a maximum thickness of less than 0.322mm and a minimum thickness of more
than 0.246mm.
• The recommended compatible blade is listed in Optional Accessories (→P. 48 – 6. Optional
Accessories).
Warning
The blade is not installed completely parallel to the upper edge of the pressure plate due to excess
paraffin, uncleaned inserts, etc..
When using the lateral movement function, failure to install the blade parallel to the pressure plate
may result in poor sectioning results. For example, if a section is too thick or thin, chattering within
the section, in the worst-case scenario, may damage the specimen.
• Do not continue the sectioning when getting unsatisfying section results.
• Re-install the blade and make sure that it is parallel to the upper edge of the pressure plate.
• Always check the parallelism between the blade and pressure plate after moving the blade using
the lateral movement function.
• Ensure there is no paraffin waste and the insert is clean before use.
Warning
The knife/blade is installed before the knife/blade holder and the knife/blade holder base are installed
on the instrument.
Serious injury of persons due to contact with extremely sharp knives and/or blades.
• Prior to inserting the knife/blade, both the knife/blade holder and the knife/blade holder base must
be installed on the microtome.

15
HistoCore BIOCUT
Safety 2
Warning
Knife/blade is not covered with the appropriate guard when not sectioning specimen.
Serious injury of persons.
• Always cover the knife/blade edge with the appropriate guard prior to any manipulation of knife/
blade or specimen clamp, prior to changing the specimen and during all work breaks.
Warning
Knife/blade stored in inappropriate manner.
Serious injury of persons, for example due to unexpected fall off.
• Always store the knife/blade in an appropriate place when not using it, for example, store it in the
dedicated knife case.
• Never place a knife anywhere with the cutting edge facing upwards and never try to catch a
falling knife.
Warning
Uploading or unloading the specimen on the microtome without appropriate clothes and in an
inappropriate manner.
Operator can get cut and injured which can lead to serious consequences.
• Always use cut resistant safety gloves when handling the specimen within the microtome.
• Lock the handwheel and cover the knife edge with the safety guard prior to any manipulation of
the specimen clamp and prior to changing the specimen.
Warning
Specimen is oriented in retraction phase.
Specimen damage due to re-orienting the specimen in retraction phase.
• Specimen blocks must not be oriented during the retraction phase. If a block is oriented during
retraction, the block will advance by the retraction value plus the selected section thickness
before the next section. This may cause damage to both specimen and knife/blade.
Warning
Working with the instrument and brittle specimen without appropriate protective clothes.
Serious injury of persons by splinters while cutting brittle specimen.
• Always wear appropriate protective clothes (including safety goggles) and work especially
carefully when cutting brittle specimen.

16 Version 1.7, Revision K
Safety
2
Warning
Wrong fine adjustment of the force balance.
Serious injury of the operator due to contact with knife and/or specimen damage.
• Before working with the instrument, always double-check that the fine adjustment of the force
balance is properly set.
• If fine adjustment is not properly set, do not work with the instrument but perform a readjustment.
For details, refer to chapter "Fine adjustment of the force balance".
• Especially after changing accessories at the object head, perform a fine adjustment of the force
balance immediately.
Warning
Insufficient frame conditions for sectioning.
Specimen damage or poor sectioning results, for example, sections alternating in thickness,
compressed, folded or stripped sections.
• Do not continue sectioning if you recognize insufficient sections results.
• Make sure that all prerequisites for appropriate sectioning are met. Refer to the troubleshooting
section of these Instructions for Use for further details.
• If you do not have sufficient knowledge in regards of troubleshooting insufficient sectioning
results consult persons who do have that knowledge, for example, application experts of Leica
Biosystems.
Warning
Wheel turn direction of coarse feed incorrectly selected.
Specimen damage.
• Always assure that you have selected the correct turn direction of the coarse feed wheel by
checking the setting of the coarse feed wheel direction at the rear side of the instrument.
Warning
Turn the handwheel counterclockwise.
People injury/Damage to specimen.
• Do not turn the handwheel counterclockwise, which may lead to handwheel locking mechanism
malfunction.
Warning
The handwheel is unlocked and the object head drops into knife/blade holder.
People injury/Damage to specimen.
• Except sectioning phase, the handwheel must be locked at all times.

17
HistoCore BIOCUT
Safety 2
Warning
In the manual sectioning mode, the user cuts the specimen block by rotating the handwheel at a very
high speed.
It may lead to poor sectioning quality and even damage the specimen.
• In the manual sectioning mode, the rotation speed of the handwheel shall be no more than 60 rpm.
Warning
The rotation speed of the handwheel does not suit the hardness of the specimen.
Instrument damage and possibly specimen damage.
• The rotation speed of the handwheel must be adapted to suit the hardness of the specimen. For
harder specimens, use a slower speed.
Warning
The handwheel brake lever is not used properly, and the handwheel cannot be braked.
Serious injury of instrument/persons, or specimen damage.
• The handwheel brake lever must be exactly in the locked position. If the handwheel brake lever is
moved beyond this point, it is possible that the handwheel is no longer braked.
Warning
Fingers put between the specimen and the knife/blade after the handwheel is released when doing
fast manual trimming.
Operator can get cut and injured due to the turning of the handwheel when it is unlocked.
• Do not put fingers between the specimen and the knife/blade during trimming and sectioning.
Caution
After the knife/blade holder is laterally displaced, the specimen is not retracted and retrimmed.
Specimen damage.
• Retract the object head and retrim the specimen block each time after laterally displacing the
knife/blade holder.
Caution
Rotating the handwheel and the coarse feed wheel at the same time.
Specimen damage.
• Do not turn the coarse feed wheel whilst rotating the handwheel.
Caution
The feather key is lost when mounting the handwheel.
The instrument cannot be used, and it may cause the delay of diagnosis.
• Before assembling the handwheel, check the feather key and make sure that it is in the
handwheel shaft.

18 Version 1.7, Revision K
Safety
2
Note
Accessories and components experience corrosion due to using corrosive/strongly acidic/alkaline
reagent or solvent with the instrument or accessories, such as decalcified solution that contains
acid, ammonium hydroxide that contains alkali, etc.
Accessories can malfunction.
• Avoid corrosive/strongly acidic/alkaline reagent or solvent dripping onto the instrument surface or
accessories.
• If such reagent or solvent has dripped onto the instrument surface or accessories, wipe off the
residue and dry the accessories sufficiently as soon as possible.
• If such reagent or solvent is used frequently, carry out a thorough daily cleaning of the blade
holder, the universal cassette clamp (UCC), and other accessories if necessary.
2.2.4 Cleaning and maintenance
Warning
The liquids go into the interior of the instrument.
Serious injury of instrument/persons.
• Ensure that liquids do not enter the interior of the instrument during operation and maintenance.
Warning
Wiping the knife in the wrong direction during cleaning.
Serious injury of persons.
• Always wipe the knife from the back of the knife to the cutting edge.
Warning
During cleaning knife/blade holder, remove the parts from the drying chamber (65 °C).
Scalding hazard.
• Wear heat insulating gloves when removing the parts from the drying chamber (65 °C).
Caution
Use of improper solvents or cleaners, or sharp/hard tools to clean the instrument or accessories.
Potential instrument malfunction or delay of diagnosis.
• Do not use any solvents containing acetone or xylene for cleaning the instrument.
• When using cleaners, please comply with the safety instructions of the manufacturer and the
laboratory safety regulations.
• Never use a sharp or hard tool to scrape the instrument surface.
• Never soak the accessories in any cleaning solvent or water.
• Clean steel knives using an alcohol-based solution or acetone.
• For cleaning and removal of paraffin, do not use xylene or cleaning fluids containing alcohol (for
example glass cleaner).

19
HistoCore BIOCUT
Safety 2
Caution
During cleaning, the parts of blade holders are mixed up.
Poor section quality.
• Do not mix up blade holders during cleaning.
2.3 Integrated protective devices
Warning
Protective devices or safety accessories provided by manufacturer have been removed or modified.
Serious injury of persons and/or property damage including specimen damage.
• Never remove or modify any protective devices of the instrument or any accessories. Only service
personnel qualified by Leica Biosystems may repair the instrument and access the instrument's
internal components.
• Before working with the instrument always assure that all protective devices and safety
accessories are in place and fulfill their purpose properly.
2.3.1 Locking the handwheel
Fig. 1
3
1
2
4
5
There are two ways of locking the handwheel (→"Fig. 1-1"):
• Using the handwheel brake lever (→"Fig. 1-3") on the right side of the microtome base plate, the
handwheel can be braked in any position.
1. To brake, rotate the handwheel brake lever in a counterclockwise direction to position (→"Fig.
1-4").
Warning
The handwheel brake lever is not used properly, and the handwheel cannot be braked.
Serious injury of instrument/persons, or specimen damage.
• The handwheel brake lever must be exactly in the locked position. If the handwheel brake lever
is moved beyond this point, it is possible that the handwheel is no longer braked.

20 Version 1.7, Revision K
Safety
2
2. To unlock the handwheel, turn the handwheel brake lever (→"Fig. 1-3") back to its original
position (→"Fig. 1-5").
• Using the handwheel locking mechanism (→"Fig. 1-2") on the top of the handwheel, the handwheel
can be braked in the 12 o'clock position.
1. To lock the handwheel, press the handwheel locking mechanism (→"Fig. 1-2") outwards and
continue to turn clockwise the handwheel slowly until it locks exactly in the 12 o'clock position.
2. To unlock the handwheel, turn the handwheel locking mechanism (→"Fig. 1-2") inwards.
Tip
When using both brake systems at the same time, always move the handwheel brake lever (→"Fig.
1-3") to position (→"Fig. 1-5") first. Otherwise, it may be not be possible to release the handwheel
locking mechanism (→"Fig. 1-2").
2.3.2 Safety guard on the knife/blade holder
Each knife holder is equipped with a tightly mounted safety guard (→"Fig. 2-1") (→"Fig. 3-1"). This
makes it possible to cover completely the cutting edge in every knife or blade position.
Fig. 2
1
2
2
Knife holder N
The safety guard (→"Fig. 2-1") of the knife holder
N can be easily positioned via two handles
(→"Fig. 2-2"). To cover the knife edge, push both
cover strips of the safety guard to the center.
Fig. 3
1
2
3Two-in-one blade holder E for high and low
profile blades
The safety guard on the two-in-one blade holder
E consists of a red foldaway handle (→"Fig. 3-1").
To cover the cutting edge, fold the safety guard
handle upwards as illustrated in (→"Fig. 3").
Tip
The clamping levers on the two-in-one blade holder E are not interchangeable. The two clamping
levers (→"Fig. 3-2") (→"Fig. 3-3") must remain in the position shown at all times, as otherwise isolated
malfunctions of the two-in-one blade holder E can occur. The clamping lever for the blade (→"Fig.
3-2") is at the right side, the clamping lever for the lateral displacement (→"Fig. 3-3") is at left side.