Leica BIOSYSTEMS VT1000 S User manual

VT1000 S
Vibrating-blade microtome
Instructions for Use
English
Order No.: 14 0472 80101 - Revision L
Always keep this manual with the instrument.
Read carefully before working with the instrument.
Version 2.4, Revision L - 11.2019

3
VT1000 S
The information, numerical data, notes and value judgments contained in this Instructions for Use
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 Instructions for Use periodically and on an ongoing
basis according to the latest technical developments, nor to provide our customers with additional
copies, updates etc. of this Instructions for Use.
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 Instructions for Use. 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 Instructions for Use.
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.
Note
Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH
Heidelberger Str. 17 - 19
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 2.4, Revision L
Table of contents
1. Important Information ................................................................................................................................ 5
1.1 Symbols and their meanings.......................................................................................................................... 5
1.2 Instrument model............................................................................................................................................. 8
1.3 Information........................................................................................................................................................ 8
1.4 Qualification of personnel.............................................................................................................................. 8
1.5 Intended use/improper use............................................................................................................................ 8
2. Safety ............................................................................................................................................................ 9
2.1 Safety notes...................................................................................................................................................... 9
2.2 Warnings........................................................................................................................................................... 9
2.3 Safety instructions for handling the instrument....................................................................................... 10
3. Instrument Characteristics .................................................................................................................... 11
3.1 Technical data................................................................................................................................................ 11
3.2 General overview - VT1000 S....................................................................................................................... 12
4. Installation ................................................................................................................................................. 14
4.1 Standard delivery........................................................................................................................................... 14
4.2 Unpacking and setting up the instrument.................................................................................................. 15
5. Operation ................................................................................................................................................... 18
5.1 Installation site requirements...................................................................................................................... 18
5.2 Setting up the instrument............................................................................................................................. 18
5.3 The operating elements and their function - VT1000 S ........................................................................... 20
5.4 Adjusting the amplitude................................................................................................................................ 24
5.5 Working with the VT1000 S on a daily basis.............................................................................................. 24
5.6 Routine daily maintenance and switching off the instrument - VT1000 S............................................ 28
6. Malfunctions: Meaning and Troubleshooting..................................................................................... 29
7. Cleaning and Maintenance .................................................................................................................... 33
7.1 Cleaning the instrument................................................................................................................................ 33
7.2 Changing the fuse.......................................................................................................................................... 34
8. Ordering Information: Spare Parts, Accessory, Consumables......................................................... 35
8.1 Ordering information..................................................................................................................................... 35
8.2 Foot switch...................................................................................................................................................... 35
8.3 Buffer tray....................................................................................................................................................... 36
8.3.1 Double-walled buffer tray S......................................................................................................................... 36
8.4 Magnifier, LED illumination.......................................................................................................................... 37
8.5 Julabo recirculating cooler/chiller FL300.................................................................................................. 38
9. Warranty and Service .............................................................................................................................. 39
10. Decontamination Confirmation.............................................................................................................. 40

5
VT1000 S
Important Information 1
1. Important Information
1.1 Symbols and their meanings
Caution
Leica Biosystems GmbH assumes no liability for consequential loss or damage due to failure to
observe the following instructions, particularly in relation to transportation and package handling,
and failure to observe the instructions for handling the instrument carefully.
Symbol: Title of the symbol: Warning
Description: If this danger is not avoided, then this may result in
death or serious injury.
Symbol: Title of the symbol: Caution
Description: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if
not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
Symbol: Title of the symbol: Note
Description: 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.
Symbol: Title of the symbol: Item number
→"Fig. 7 - 1"Description: Item numbers for numbering illustrations. Numbers in
red refer to item numbers in illustrations.
Symbol: Title of the symbol: Function key
Start Description: Software symbols that have to be pressed on
the input screen are displayed as bold, gray and
underlined text.
Symbol: Title of the symbol: China ROHS
Description: Environmental protection symbol of the China RoHS
directive. The number in the symbol indicates the
"Environment-friendly Use Period" of the product in
years. The symbol is used if a substance restricted
in China is used in excess of the maximum permitted
limit.
Symbol: Title of the symbol: WEEE symbol
Description: The WEEE symbol, indicating separate collection
for WEEE - Waste of electrical and electronic
equipment, consists of the crossed-out wheeled bin
(§ 7 ElektroG).

6Version 2.4, Revision L
Important Information
1
Symbol: Title of the symbol: Manufacturer
Description: Indicates the manufacturer of the medical product.
Symbol: Title of the symbol: Manufacturing date
Description: Indicates the date when the medical device was
manufactured.
Symbol: Title of the symbol: CE Compliance
Description: The CE marking is the manufacturer's declaration
that the medical product meets the requirements of
the applicable EC directives.
Symbol: Title of the symbol: Observe the Instructions for Use
Description: Indicates the need for the user to consult the
instructions for use.
Symbol: Title of the symbol: Order No.
Description: Indicates the manufacturer's catalog number so that
the medical device can be identified.
Symbol: Title of the symbol: Serial number
Description: Indicates the manufacturer's serial number so that a
specific medical device can be identified.
Symbol: Title of the symbol: Fragile, handle with care
Description: Indicates a medical device that can be broken or
damaged if not handled carefully.
Symbol: Title of the symbol: Store dry
Description: Indicates a medical device that needs to be
protected from moisture.
Symbol: Title of the symbol: This way up
Description: Indicates correct upright position of the transport
package.
Symbol: Title of the symbol: Stack limit
Description: The largest number of identical packages allowed to
be stacked; "2" stands for the number of permitted
packages.

7
VT1000 S
Important Information 1
Symbol: Title of the symbol: Temperature limit for transport
Description: Indicates the temperature limits for transport to
which the medical device can be safely exposed.
Symbol: Title of the symbol: Temperature limit for storage
Description: Indicates the temperature limits for storage to which
the medical device can be safely exposed.
Symbol: Title of the symbol: Humidity limitation for transport and storage
Description: Indicates the range of humidity for transport and
storage to which the medical device can be safely
exposed.
Symbol: Title of the symbol: Tilt indicator
Description: Tip-n-Tell indicator to monitor whether the shipment
has been transported and stored in upright position
according to your requirements. With a pitch of
60° or more, the blue quartz sand flows into the
arrow-shaped indicator window and sticks there
permanently.
Improper handling of the shipment is immediately
detectable and can be proven definitively.
Symbol: Title of the symbol: Shockdot Impact Indicator
Description: In the Shockwatch system, a shock dot shows
shocks or impacts that are above a specified
intensity through red coloration. Exceeding a defined
acceleration (g value) causes the indicator tube to
change color.
Symbol: Title of the symbol: Recycling
Description: Indicates, that the item can be recycled where
correct facilities exist.

8Version 2.4, Revision L
Important Information
1
Symbol: Title of the symbol: Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM)
Description: The Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM) indicates a
device’s compliance with applicable ACMA technical
standards of New Zealand and Australia - that is, for
telecommunications, radio communications, EMC
and EME.
1.2 Instrument model
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 to the rear side of the
instrument.
1.3 Information
When making inquiries, please specify correctly:
• Instrument model
• Serial number
1.4 Qualification of personnel
The VT1000 S should 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.
1.5 Intended use/improper use
The VT1000 S is used for sectioning in the fields of medicine, biology and industry, and is especially
designed for sectioning fixed or unfixed fresh tissue in a buffer solution.
Warning
The VT1000 S may be used for research purposes only. Sections made using the VT1000 S must NOT
be used for diagnostics!
The instrument must be used exclusively according to the instructions contained in these Instructions
for Use.
Any other use of the instrument is considered improper.

9
VT1000 S
Safety 2
2. Safety
Warning
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
products.
2.1 Safety notes
These Instructions for Use includes important information related to the operating safety and
maintenance of the instrument.
The Operating Manual is 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 electrical
equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use.
To maintain this condition and ensure safe operation, the user must observe all notes and warnings
contained in these Instructions for Use.
The current EC Declarations of Conformity can be found on the Internet: www.LeicaBiosystems.com
Note
These 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
The protective devices located on the instrument and the accessories must not be removed or
modified. The instrument must only be opened and repaired by service technicians authorized by
Leica.
2.2 Warnings
The safety 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, make sure to comply with the following instructions
and warnings.

10 Version 2.4, Revision L
Safety
2
2.3 Safety instructions for handling the instrument
Danger
Caution
Extremely sharp blades pose risk of injury when touched!
Caution
Fresh tissue poses risk of infection!
Caution
When not in use, cover magnifier with corresponding lid to avoid risk of fire.
Warning
Avoid touching live parts under any circumstances!
Proper handling
• Be sure to handle knives and blades very cautiously!
• Never touch the cutting edge of knives and blades!
• Do not leave knives, blades and bladed knife holders unprotected.
• All appropriate safety precautions must be met to avoid the risk of infection.
• Protective clothing according to safety regulations for "Working with harmful substances" (Safety
mask, gloves, protective clothing) must be worn!
• Cover the magnifier during work breaks as it may act as a burning glass when not covered!
• In case of emergency, press the red EMERGENCY STOP switch (at the right side of the instrument).
To release the switch, turn it in the direction of the arrow.
• The instrument may be opened by authorized service personnel only.
• Before removing the cover, ensure that the instrument is unplugged.

11
VT1000 S
Instrument Characteristics 3
3. Instrument Characteristics
3.1 Technical data
General data
Sectioning frequency (± 10 %) 0 - 100 Hz
Amplitude adjustable in 5 steps: 0.2; 0.4; 0.6; 0.8; 1 mm
Sectioning speed (± 10 %) 0.025 - 2.5 mm/s
Return stroke speed (± 10 %) 5 mm/s
Total vertical specimen stroke 15 mm (motorized)
Sectioning range 1 - 40 mm (adjustable)
Specimen retraction 0 - 999 μm (adjustable; can be deactivated)
Maximum specimen size:
with standard knife holder 33 x 40 mm
Specimen orientation 330°
Section thickness selection 1 - 999 μm, in 1-μm steps
Magnifier, assy. (standard accessory of the
configured instrument)
2 x magnification
Ambient conditions
Operating temperature range min. 5 °C to max. 40 °C
Relative humidity max. 80 %
Height up to 2000 m above sea level
Electrical data
Rated voltage range (± 10 %) 100 V - 240 V
Nominal frequency (± 10 %) 50 - 60 Hz
Power draw 50 VA
Mains fuse T 1.25 A
Pollution degree 2
Overvoltage installation category II
Overload protection yes
Internal current limiter of electronics yes
Dimensions
L x W x H 480 mm x 360 mm x 200 mm
Height with magnifier support 285 mm
Weight:
(without magnifier support) 17 kg
(magnifier support only) 2 kg
(total) 19 kg

12 Version 2.4, Revision L
Instrument Characteristics
3
3.2 General overview - VT1000 S
Fig. 1
7
8
1
2
3
4
5
6
9
10
1Fixture for magnifier support 6Buffer tray S
2Control panel 7Magnifier support
3EMERGENCY STOP switch (not visible here) 8Magnifier
4Cutting head 9Module Hi-Power spot, LED 1000 (optional)
5Knife holder 10 Module LED Hi-Power spots, 2-arm
(optional)
2 3 4
Fig. 2
1
5
1EMERGENCY STOP button 3Connecting socket for power cord
2Fixing device for drain tube 4Power switch
5Connection for foot switch, 9-pole

13
VT1000 S
Instrument Characteristics 3
Fig. 3
1
2
3
4
5
6
8
9
10
12
11
13
14
15
7
1Rotary knob for sectioning speed 8Rotary knob for sectioning frequency
2Button for maximum advance speed 9LED mode indication: "Totalized section
thickness"
3Indication of selected section thickness or
totalized section thickness in μm
10 LED mode indication: "Section thickness"
4+/- selection button for section thickness (1 -
999 μm selectable), retraction and/or volume
11 CLR-Clear button
5Button for setting the limit stops of the
sectioning window
12 DISP-Programming button
6Start button for single / continuous sectioning
stroke
13 Selector button "Single/continuous stroke"
(LEDs indicate selected mode)
7Pause button - stops sectioning process 14 Toggle switch "Buffer tray height
adjustment" (LEDs indicate limit positions)
15 Toggle switch for knife forward and return
stroke

14 Version 2.4, Revision L
Installation
4
4. Installation
4.1 Standard delivery
Qty Designation Order No.
Basic instrument 14 0472 35612
1 Silicon tube 14 0462 27513
1 set of replacement fuses 2 x T 1.25 A 14 6943 01251
1 toolset:
1 Allen key, No. 2.5 14 0194 13195
1 Allen key, No. 8.0 14 0194 04792
1 Manipulator 14 0462 28930
1 Microtome protective cover 14 0212 04091
1 Instructions for Use printed (English, with Language CD 14 0472 80200) 14 0472 80001
VT1000 S complete configuration 14 0472 35613
VT1000 S basic instrument 14 0472 35612
Specimen discs S, non orientable 14 0463 27404
Buffer tray S 14 0462 30132
5 Countersunk screw, M 5 x 8 14 2101 77121
2 Hose clamps 14 0481 41952
Knife holder S – for injector and razor blades 14 0462 30131
Hexagon key w/handle, size 3 14 0194 04764
1 Bottle of Cyanoacrylate adhesive 14 0371 27414
Magnifier assy. (magnifier glass & carrier) 14 0462 31191
The country specific power cord needs to be ordered separately. Please find a list of all power cords
available for your device on our website www.LeicaBiosystems.com within the product section.
Note
When ordering additional accessories, compare the parts received with the parts ordered. If the
parts received do not match your order, contact the sales company responsible for your order
immediately.

15
VT1000 S
Installation 4
4.2 Unpacking and setting up the instrument
Note
The packaging has two indicators, ShockDot Impact Indicator and Tilt Indicator, that indicate
improper transport. When the instrument is delivered, check these first. If one of the indicators
is triggered, the package was not handled as prescribed. In this case, please mark the shipping
documents accordingly and check the shipment for damage.
1
2
3
4
5
6
Fig. 4
• Remove the packing strap and the adhesive
• tape (→Fig. 4-1).
• Remove the carton lid (→Fig. 4-2).
• Take out the accessory carton (→Fig. 4-3).
• Take Allen key No. 8 out of the accessory
carton and put it aside for later use.
• Remove the fixing carton (→Fig. 4-4).
• Remove the outer carton wall (→Fig. 4-5).
• Lift the instrument out of the carton by the
carrying straps (→Fig. 4-6)and place it on a
suitable stable laboratory table.

16 Version 2.4, Revision L
Installation
4
Fig. 5
1
3
2• Tilt the instrument including the baseplate
(→Fig. 5) - hold the instrument with one
hand on the recess (→Fig. 5-2)for the buffer
tray! NEVER lift or hold it by the cutting head
(→Fig. 5-3)! Unscrew the screw (→Fig. 5-1)
using the size 8 Allen key provided and remove
the base plate.
Fig. 6
• Using both hands at the sides (→Fig. 6), grasp
the bottom of the instrument and carefully place
it on a suitable laboratory table.
Note
Compare with the attached packing list to make sure the delivery is complete.
Note
The transport carton and included retaining elements should be kept in case a return shipment is
necessary later. To return the instrument, follow the instructions above in reverse order.

17
VT1000 S
Installation 4
Assembling the drain tube
• Bottom of the instrument (→Fig. 7).
• Connect the drain tube (→Fig. 7) to the bottom of the instrument (→Fig. 7-1).
• Ensure that the loose end of the drain tube is closed tightly with the matching stopper.
• Secure the loose end of the drain tube in the holder at the rear of the instrument (→Fig. 7-2).
Fig. 7
1
2
Assembling the magnifier support and foot switch (optional)
• The magnifier support (→Fig. 8-1)is packaged separately.
• Set it on the instrument as shown in (→Fig. 8).
• Attach the optional foot switch.
• Securely plug the foot switch into the 9-pin socket (→Fig. 8-2).
Fig. 8
2
1
Note
When transporting the instrument, always do so WITHOUT the magnifier support!

18 Version 2.4, Revision L
Operation
5
5. Operation
5.1 Installation site requirements
The place of installation must meet the following requirements:
• The instrument is designed for indoor use only.
• The power plug must be freely and easily accessible.
• Power supply at a distance no greater than the length of the power cable (3m) – an extension cable
must not be used.
• Level installation location,
• Substrate as free of vibration as possible,
• Relative humidity should not exceed 80 %
• Room temperature consistently between +5 °C and +40 °C
• Avoid vibrations, direct sunlight, and large temperature fluctuations!
Warning
The instrument may not be operated in hazardous locations.
Warning
The instrument MUST be connected to a grounded power socket. Use only a provided power cable
that is intended for the local power supply.
5.2 Setting up the instrument
Note
The instrument MUST be connected to a grounded power socket. Use only a provided power cable
that is intended for the local power supply.
Warning
The instrument MUST be set up so that the power plug and switch are free and easily accessible at
all times!
Note
The VT1000 S is equipped with a autoranging power supply to cover voltages from 100 V to 240 V.
After switching on the main switch, the instrument carries out an initial startup run: The blade returns
to the rear starting position after a short forward movement.

19
VT1000 S
Operation 5
1. Put the main switch at the back of the instrument to the OFF position.
2. Make sure the power cable is connected correctly to the instrument.
3. Attach the magnifier support.
4. Insert the buffer tray.
5. Insert the knife holder.
6. Insert a blade into the knife holder.
7. Connect the magnifier support with Module LED Hi-Power spots, 2-arm, as shown in (→Fig. 9).
Insert plug (→Fig. 9-1)of the Module LED Hi-Power spots, 2-arm, into socket (→Fig. 9-2)at
the Module Hi-Power spot, LED 1000.
Fig. 9
1
2
8. Connect the optional foot switch at the rear of the instrument.
9. Plug the power cable into the wall socket.
10. Switch the instrument on (main switch).

20 Version 2.4, Revision L
Operation
5
5.3 The operating elements and their function - VT1000 S
Caution
Practice working with the controls without a blade holder inserted. Only insert the knife holder when
you are completely familiar with all control functions.
Fig. 10
1
SPEED 10-speed rotating potentiometer with scale
Scale setting mm/s Function:
0 0.00
0.5 0.025
1 0.050
2 0.075
3 0.125
4 0.175
5 0.225
6 0.40
7 0.65
8 0.90
9 1.30
10 2.50
Continuous knife feed adjustment from
0.05 - 2.5 mm/s:
Knife return stroke is performed at constant
speed of 5 mm/s.
The additional locking lever (→Fig. 10-1)
(lever in 12 o'clock position) prevents the
speed setting from being accidentally changed
while sectioning is in progress.
Fig. 11
FREQ Rotary knob with scale from 0 to 10
Scale setting Hz Function:
0 0
0.5 8
1 10
2 20
3 30
4 40
5 50
6 60
7 70
8 80
9 90
10 100
Continuous adjustment of knife sectioning
frequency (vibration) from 8 - 100 Hz.