Milestone HistoDream M User manual

HistoDream M
Semi-automated Microtome
Operator Manual - MM176
MILESTONE
HELPING
PATIENTS

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Thank you for choosing one of our systems and welcome to the increasingly crowded club of Milestone
laboratory instrumentation users.
We feel confident that you will be fully satisfied adding this new device to your laboratory.
We recommend you read this operator manual carefully and always keep it within reach for convenient and
quick referencing.
For any clarification or request for assistance, please contact our representative in your country:
You can also contact us directly at:
Milestone s.r.l.
Via Fatebenefratelli, 1/5
24010 Sorisole (BG) Italy
Tel. +39.035.412 8264
Fax [phone]
Website www.milestonemed.com
e-mail [e-mail]
Read this manual carefully before using the instrument.
MM176-001 - HistoDream M - Operator Manual
2020-11

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INDEX
INDEX................................................................................................................................................................ 4
1. INTRODUCTION........................................................................................................................................ 6
1.1. Simbols used ..................................................................................................................................... 6
1.2. Designated use.................................................................................................................................. 8
1.3. Technical Specifications .................................................................................................................... 8
1.3.1. Instrument specification ............................................................................................................... 9
1.4. Transport and storage conditions...................................................................................................... 9
1.5. Warning information......................................................................................................................... 10
1.6. Instrument label ............................................................................................................................... 11
1.7. Compatible reagents........................................................................................................................ 11
1.8. Waste disposal ................................................................................................................................ 12
1.9. General description.......................................................................................................................... 13
1.9.1. Front........................................................................................................................................... 13
1.9.2. Back........................................................................................................................................... 14
1.10. Display description........................................................................................................................... 15
1.10.1. Button operation in the main screen.................................................................................... 15
1.11. Integrated Safety mechanisms........................................................................................................ 19
1.11.1. Handwheel brake................................................................................................................. 19
1.11.2. Finger-Guard on the disposable blade holder..................................................................... 19
2. INSTALLATION........................................................................................................................................ 21
2.1. Space requirements......................................................................................................................... 21
2.2. Unpacking and check list................................................................................................................. 22
2.3. Handwheel handle mounting........................................................................................................... 24
2.4. Quick release clamp set-up............................................................................................................. 25
2.5. Blade holder set up.......................................................................................................................... 27
2.5.1. Blade holder base...................................................................................................................... 27
2.5.2. Adjustement of the blade holder................................................................................................ 27
2.6. Electrical installation ........................................................................................................................ 29
2.7. Final placement ............................................................................................................................... 30
2.7.1. Cutting settings .......................................................................................................................... 31
2.7.2. System settings.......................................................................................................................... 32
2.7.3. User parameters settings........................................................................................................... 33
3. USE of HistoDream M.............................................................................................................................. 35
3.1. Insert the block with the sample ...................................................................................................... 35
3.2. Insert disposable blades.................................................................................................................. 35
3.2.1. High and low profile blades........................................................................................................ 38
3.3. Trimming of specimen ..................................................................................................................... 39
3.4. Sectioning of specimen.................................................................................................................... 40
3.5. Changing the specimen or sectioning pause................................................................................... 41
4. MAINTENANCE ....................................................................................................................................... 42
4.1. Introduction...................................................................................................................................... 42
4.2. Daily................................................................................................................................................. 42
4.3. Monthly ............................................................................................................................................ 42
4.4. Yearly............................................................................................................................................... 43
5. CLEANING ............................................................................................................................................... 44
5.1. Safety precautions........................................................................................................................... 44
5.2. HistoDream M cleaning up .............................................................................................................. 44
5.2.1. Microtome housing and touchscreen cleaning .......................................................................... 45
5.2.2. Blade holder cleaning ................................................................................................................ 45
5.2.3. Quick release clamp cleaning.................................................................................................... 46
5.3. Customer support intervention/sending the unit to the manufacturer for repairs ............................ 46
6. OPTIONAL PARTS AND SPARE SPARTS............................................................................................. 47
7. RISOLUTION OF ANOMALIES ............................................................................................................... 50
7.1. The instrument does not switch on.................................................................................................. 50
7.2. Application hints............................................................................................................................... 50
7.2.1. Thick/Thin sections .................................................................................................................... 50
7.2.2. Sectioning creates a sound........................................................................................................ 50
7.2.3. Sections have chatter marks...................................................................................................... 51

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7.2.4. Sezions with splits...................................................................................................................... 51
7.3. Alarm messages.............................................................................................................................. 51
7.4. Replacement of fuses...................................................................................................................... 52
The manufacturer reserves the right to change and/or improve specifications without
notice and without incurring in any obligation.

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1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. Simbols used
The instructions marked with this symbol are important and must be read carefully.
An instruction marked by this WARNING symbol means caution is required. Failure to
follow the instruction may endanger the user or cause damage to the instrument.
An instruction marked with this symbol means caution is required as there is an electric
shock hazard. Carefully follow the instruction in order to prevent this kind of accident.
Biohazard: pay attention when performing a procedure marked with this symbol, as
there is a biological contamination hazard.
Warning sharp element.
Warning crushing of hand/fingers.
CE Logo: this instrument complies with European Community directives.
IVD medical device according to directive 98/79/EC.
Symbol of the European WEEE directive (2002/96/EC):
electric/electronic material –do not dispose of in the environment.
Authorized and qualified customer support personnel only.
Manufacturer.
Fragile.
Specifies the manufacturer’s serial number.
Specifies the manufacturer’s reference code.

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Indicates the manufacturer's batch number.
Indicates the correct position of the packaging during transport.
The mark guarantees the unit is tested according the UL61010-1 and certified by
INTERTEK.
Keep dry
Indicates the temperature range permitted for transporting a package
Tip-n-Tell indicator to monitor that a shipment has been transported and stored in
upright position according to your requirements.
Mechanical shock monitor to indicate if an inappropriate acceleration was applied to
the instrument or material inside the packaging.
Do not stack other boxes on top of this packaging box
Indicates that an item can be recycled where appropriate facilities exist.

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1.2. Designated use
HistoDream M (Microtome) is a semi-motorized rotary microtome, manually operated.
HistoDream M is specially designed for producing thin sections of biological specimens paraffin embedded
which may vary widely in their type of consistency, to allow histological diagnoses. It is used to cut soft and
rigid biological samples, provided they are suitable for manual cutting.
The instrument is suitable for use in histology laboratories and research laboratories.
The choice of accessories and cutting tools also depends on its final use.
HistoDream M instrument is matching the respective In-Vitro-Diagnostic requirements for this type of
instruments and is therefore of proper use for IVD applications.
HistoDream M is a system to be used by trained personnel such as laboratory technicians and biologists.
The instrument is intended for laboratory use (indoor use) only.
Use of the equipment in manners other than specified may void the warranty provided by
the manufacturer.
1.3. Technical Specifications
REF 500300: HistoDream M
- Power supply 100-240V~ 50/60Hz 1ph
- Potenza assorbita: 40VA (35W) maximum Class I
- Power in stand-by 19VA (8W)
- Maximum power consumption: 40J/s (136.5 BTU/h)
- Working temperature : From 10°C (50°F) to 35°C (95°F)
- Humidity (relative): up to 80%, non condensing
- Maximum altitude: 2000m
- Dimensions: Width (including handwheel and handle): 465mm (18.3in)
Width (excluding handwheel and handle): 390mm (15.3in)
Depth (including waste tray): 540mm (21.3in)
Depth (excluding waste tray): 445mm (17.5in)
Height: 298mm (11,7in)
- Total weight: 35kg (77.2lb)
- Sound pressure: <70 dB (A)

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1.3.1. Instrument specification
Section thickness setting range: 0.5 - 100µm
Available setting selections: from 0.5µm to 5µm, increments of 0.5µm
from 5µm to 20µm, increments of 1µm
from 20µm to 60µm, increments of 5µm
from 60µm to 100µm, increments of 10µm
Trimming thickness setting range: 1 - 600µm
Available setting selections: from 1µm to 10µm, increments of 1µm
from 10µm to 20µm, increments of 2µm
from 20µm to 50µm, increments of 5µm
from 50µm to 100µm, increments of 10µm
from 100µm to 600µm, increments of 50µm
Specimen feed range: 28mm ±1mm
Vertical stroke length: 72mm ±1mm
Electric coarse feed speeds: Coarse feed forward slow, 300µm/s
Coarse feed forward fast, 800µm/s
Coarse feed backward fast, 1800µm/s
Additional function for forward/reverse in step mode.
Maximum specimen size with:
Standard specimen clamp 55x50 mm: Height: 550mm (21.65in)
Width: 500mm (19,7in)
Clamp for Super Mega cassettes: Height: 680mm (26.77in)
Width: 500mm (19,7in)
Operating modes: Rotational or Rocking (selectable)
Specimen retraction total range: Selectable between 5µm - 250 µm
Default value: 40µm
Optional function that can be deactivated
Blade holder: Two in One for high and low profile blades
Specimen orientation: Specimen orientation X axis maximum +/- 8°
Specimen orientation X axis maximum +/- 8°
Specimen orientation Z axis 360°, when clamp is not fixed
Indication of 0-position by means of click
1.4. Transport and storage conditions
- Transport and storage conditions: From 5°C (41°F) to 50°C (122°F)
Humidity (relative) from 10 to 85%

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1.5. Warning information
DO NOT OPEN THE UNIT'S BODY. Failure to comply with the instructions in the
documentation might lead to a reduction in the device's safety. Should the equipment
not work correctly you are kindly requested to contact the supplier or manufacturer.
Do not remove the instrument, optional parts, panels or cover. Only authorised and
qualified personnel may repair and access the instrument's internal components.
It is important that normal standards for safety and good laboratory practices are
applied. Always use common sense and the best-known laboratory practice when
operating the instrument.
The Competent Authority who owns the instrument has the primary responsibility
for incidents due to operations on the instrument performed without attending
personnel in charge of use or repairs.
Only use the reagents listed in chapter 1.7 to avoid damaging the instrument. Failure
to comply with the instructions might lead to decreased instrument safety.
The instrument must not be used in the presence of flammable gases. Moreover, the
instrument must not be exposed to conditions where hazardous gas concentrations
may occur. The use of naked flames that can cause accidental sparks in the areas
adjacent to the unit is prohibited.
All instrument containers are only suitable for wax and not for other flammable
materials.
The surfaces marked with this symbol or referred to in this instruction manual as hot
can be very hot. Be careful not to burn yourself.
The specimens used during the intended operation of the instrument might be
potentially infectious. For this reason, it is recommended to comply with general
laboratory rules for biological hazard protection.
When working with infectious specimens, comply with all applicable safety
procedures. When working with infected material, adequate safety and disinfection
measures must be taken. Safety clothing must be worn according to the rules and
regulations for handling infected material in each laboratory (e.g. particle mask,
gloves, protective shoe covers). Infected waste must be disposed of according to
relevant regulations.
To avoid the risk of instrument malfunction, it must only be used in a controlled
electromagnetic environment. This means that transmitters such as mobile phones
must not be used in close proximity of the instruments.
In the event of malfunctions and/or servicing, turn off the instrument and contact
your local dealer.
HistoDream M is for use by trained laboratory personnel only.
The user of this instrument must read the following manual carefully and must be
familiar with all aspects of use and safety precautions before starting to use the unit.
The instrument is supplied with replaceable fuses, but their replacement must be carried out by trained and
authorized SERVICE personnel.
If the system still does not function properly, please contact your local authorized and qualified SERVICE
representative or the manufacturer.

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1.6. Instrument label
For the explanations of the symbols, refer to chapter 1.1.
1.7. Compatible reagents
HistoDream M is compatible with all types of histology wax.
Do not use xylene or ethanol-based solvents for the instrument cleaning, paraffin oil or xylene substitutes can
be used to remove traces of paraffin.
For the maintenance and lubrication of the instrument it is recommended the use of special oils.

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1.8. Waste disposal
This instrument is an in-vitro medical device and it is installed in a laboratory where there are specimens and
other biological tissue. For your safety, it is therefore required to clean and disinfect the instrument prior to
coming into contact with it. It is also required to wear gloves when operating the system.
Should this instrument be returned to Milestone S.r.l., the unit must be cleaned and disinfected before shipping
it. Non-disinfected devices shall not be accepted and you will be contacted to pay the relevant disinfection
costs. Refer to chapter 5.3.
International health standards require that biohazard material be shipped in standard containers (risk of
sanctions).
After the final shutdown of the instrument, it is recommended to contact a local recycling company for disposal,
in accordance with applicable national regulations.
Removal of equipment in use for disposal:
1. Switch off the instrument and disconnect the unit.
2. Clean and disinfect all parts of the equipment according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
3. Dispose of all electric and electronic parts of the equipment
Complying with directive 2012/19/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 4 July 2012 on waste
electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE), the separate collection environmental managed of equipment is
mandatory.
It is necessary to return the used equipment to the distributor or to inquire about the presence of a local
empowered system for collection and disposal of WEEE.
The in-observance of Directive 2012/19/EC or of the local law which acknowledge it can have potential effects
on the environment and human health.
This symbol indicates separate collection
for electrical and electronic materials
If additional requirements on accident prevention and environmental protection exist in the country of
operation, this instruction manual must be supplemented by appropriate instructions to ensure compliance
with such requirements.
Do not remove the frame panels of the instrument during cleaning up operations.
Disconnect the power supply before any operation.
Do not use water directly on the instrument or at high-pressure to clean the unit.
For safety reasons, any operation without the personal protective equipment must be
avoided.

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1.9. General description
1.9.1. Front
1. Touch screen display
2. Blade holder with finger guard protection
3. Blade holder base
4. Antistatic residue collection tray
5. Volano brake
6. Volano
7. Area for tools storage
8. Orienting specimen head
9. Quick Release Clamp
10.Clamping lever
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
10

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1.9.2. Back
1. Rear panel
2. Labels
3. Fuses
4. Groove to raise the instrument
5. Main switch
6. Power connection
1
2
4
5
3
6

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1.10.Display description
Milestone HistoDream M is operated by a screen with an easy to use interface; the size and inclination of the
display allow for easy and effortless parameters selection and increase user safety.
All parameters and functions are available in the main screen: sectioning mode, section and trimming
thickness, sections counter, sections sum, remaining travel, retraction, electric coarse feed speeds and
memory function.
1.10.1. Button operation in the main screen
Some buttons are only informative, while other have a specific function. See table below:
BUTTON
FUNZIONE
RETRACTION status
RETRACTION status
Red: when the retraction function is activated, the horizontal bar turns red
during the block rising phase.
Refer to chapter 2.7.1 for explanation of the retraction function.
White: when the retraction function is activated, the horizontal bar turns
white during the block descent phase, therefore during the cut.
RETRACTION bar
It is a progress bar which represents the position of the specimen along the
possible horizontal travel path (specimen feed range).
When the specimen head is to the far-most rear position and has the full
range of horizontal travel, the progress bar indication is all red.
When moving forward with the specimen head the remaining travel is
decreasing and thus the red indication at the progress bar is also decreasing
proportionally.
When only 1000μm are left, an audible alarm sounds and the yellow square
flashes.
When the limit of 0μm is reached, the “INFORMATION field” box flashes.

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BUTTON
FUNZIONE
Above and below the progress bar there are two little square fields which
will flash in yellow when the rear or front limits will be reached (0μm for the
forward position and 28000μm for the back position).
INFORMATION field
In this field, one of three possible information can be set (refer to chapter
2.7.1):
1. RT=Remaining Travel
RT is the remaining distance (µm) from the current position on the feed path
up to the front-end limit. In a situation where the Remaining Travel is below
1000μm (1mm), there will be in the Information field a flashing indication of
the Remaining Travel value and an acoustic alarm, moreover the little
square field will flash in yellow.
2. SC=Section Counter
SC is counting each movement of the handwheel which triggers a sectioning
(or trimming) feed.
In continuous mode every revolution of the handwheel is counted.
In rocking mode every change of direction of the handwheel is counted.
Refer to chapter 2.7.1 for the explanation of the continuous and rocking
functions.
3. SS=Section Sum
SS is the summing up of the SC numbers multiplied by the sectioning or
trimming feed values which apply at the respective actions (µm).
If the INFORMATION function is disabled, no notification is displayed in the
INFORMATION field.
RESET
RESET button, next to the right of the indication field reset at 0 the SS and
SC values.
FAST FORWARD
A horizontal fast forward movement of the specimen takes place as long as
the button is pressed. Fast forward, 800µm/s.
SLOW FORWARD
A horizontal slow forward movement of the specimen takes place as long
as the button is pressed. Slow forward, 300µm/s.

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BUTTON
FUNZIONE
STEPS FORWARD
A stepwise forward movement of the specimen takes place each time the
button is pressed. The size of the step depends on the pre-selections of the
SECT or TRIM values which are active at that moment.
STEP BACKWARD
A stepwise backward movement of the specimen takes place each time the
button is pressed. The size of the step depends on the pre-selections of the
SECT or TRIM values which are active at that moment.
FAST BACKWARD
A horizontal fast backward movement of the specimen takes place as long
as the button is pressed. If the button is pressed for longer than 3 seconds,
the function will become a continuous mode (arrows turn red) until the rear
limit of the travel range is reached.
Fast backward, 1800µm/s.
STOP
When the coarse feed movement is in continuous mode, for example
COARSE FEED FAST BACKWARD, it will be indicated by a red colour of
the sign STOP. The movement can be stopped at any time by pressing
STOP.
MEMORY
The MEMORY function is useful to memorize a set-up position when
uniform blocks will be cut in a series.
After having determined an adequate trim position just press the MEM
button for 2 sec: a red underline confirming that the current position is
memorized.
When trim or sectioning is performed, the specimen holder will advance and
leave the memory position, the MEM button will have a blank underline.
When finishing with a specimen block and before having inserted a new
block, just press MEM again and the coarse feed will automatically move
backwards to the stored memory position as indicated by the red underline
MEMORY with DISTANCE
In the MENU screen it is possible to activate the distance function (refer to
chapter 2.7.1).
When activated the MEM button appears with an underline and an upper
line. The MEM position setting is the same as described above.
If the MEMORY with DISTANCE function is active, when the sectioning of
a sample is finished, at the MEM button pressing, the coarse feed will now
move backwards to a position which is behind the stored MEM position.
This position is the safest position to change the specimen block.
It is indicated by a red line above the MEM symbol.
After block change, pressing MEM again moves the block to the formerly
stored MEM position again and it is indicated by the red underline.
SECTIONING and
TRIMMING
SECT or TRIM buttons allow to select between cutting functions:
-SECT: sectioning
-TRIM: trimming
By pressing the respective button it will be highlighted in a white filed and
with red writing.
Under the buttons there is a column with the possible thickness values: the
selected value is always shown in the middle of the column of values and is
also highlighted in a white field in red colour.
To select other values, press either the buttons with the UP or DOWN
arrows. All possible values will roll up or down while the middle value always
will be the one which is selected.

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BUTTON
FUNZIONE
SAFETY LOCK
and SETTINGS access
The touchscreen can be locked by pressing the MENU button for 3 seconds.
The unlocking is done by a simple movement of the handwheel as indicated
in the message shown on the screen:

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1.11.Integrated Safety mechanisms
1.11.1. Handwheel brake
The handwheel can be locked at any position by operating the brake mechanism.
On the right side of the instrument there is a lever:
- pulling it towards the operator, the movement of the handwheel stops
- by pushing it away from the operator, the movement of the handwheel is released
1.11.2. Finger-Guard on the disposable blade holder
The finger-guard (indicated by the red arrow) is a safety tool to protect the user from unintended contact to the
disposable blade and its protruding cutting edge.
In its protecting position, the fingerguard is swivelled upwards to cover the cutting edge.
This position should be applied in all situations besides actual sectioning.
In its non-protecting position, the fingerguard is swivelled downwards. This position should be applied only
while actual sectioning is ongoing, like shown in the following images:
Warning sharp element.
Warning crushing of hand/fingers.
LEVA NEAR
HANDWHEEL LOCKED
LEVER AWAY
HANDWHEEL UNLOCKED

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