QBC Diagnostics Star User manual

QBC STAR™
System Operator’s/Service
Manual
2006/02
QBC D
iagnostics
Inc.
Document Number: L–000867 200 Innovation Blvd., Suite 212
Revision:
A
State College, PA 16803 USA
877.231.3115

QBC Star™ System User’s Manual
ii L–000867(A)
Revi-
sion Date Pages Reason
A
02/06
All
Updates for software version 3.0
QBC, QBC Star, Adams, and Vacutainer are registered trademarks of QBC Diagnostics Inc.
© Copyright
QBC Diagnostics Inc
, 2006. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be repro-
duced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in retrieval systems, or translated into any language or computer
language, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, magnetic, optical, chemical, manual, or

L–000867(A) iii
Preface
otherwise, without the prior written permission of
QBC Diagnostics Inc
, 200 Innovation Blvd., Suite 212
State College, PA, 16803, United States of America.
VS–0226
Contents
1 – Introduction ......................................................................................................................1–1
Intended Use
.......................................................................................................................................
1–1
Principles of the Test
...........................................................................................................................
1–1
System Overview
.................................................................................................................................
1–2
QBC
STAR
Blood Collection Tubes
.............................................................................................
1–2
QBC
STAR
Instrument
...............................................................................................................
1–3
Instrument Self-Testing and Calibration
...............................................................................................
1–4
Manual Structure
................................................................................................................................
1–5
Getting Started
...................................................................................................................................
1–5
Use of this Manual
..............................................................................................................................
1–5
Conventions
........................................................................................................................................
1–6
Symbols Used on the Equipment
................................................................................................
1–6
Notes, Cautions, and Warnings
..................................................................................................
1–6
Summary of Warnings and Cautions
..........................................................................................
1–7
2 – Installation and Setup ......................................................................................................2–1
Unpacking and Setup
..........................................................................................................................
2–1
Electrical Connection
...........................................................................................................................
2–1
QBC
STAR
Specifi cations
.....................................................................................................................
2–2
External Connections
...........................................................................................................................
2–4
Connecting an External Printer
...................................................................................................
2–4
Updating System Software
..................................................................................................................
2–6
System Setup and Utilities
...................................................................................................................
2–6
To Enter Setup Mode
.................................................................................................................
2–6
LCD Contrast
.............................................................................................................................
2–7
Date and Time
...........................................................................................................................
2–7
Disable Auto LCD (Contrast)
......................................................................................................
2–8
Save Data
..................................................................................................................................
2–8
Print Data
..................................................................................................................................
2–8
Shipping Prep.
...........................................................................................................................
2–8
More Options
............................................................................................................................
2–8
3 – Controls and Indicators ....................................................................................................3–1
General Discussion
..............................................................................................................................
3–1
Power Switch
......................................................................................................................................
3–1
“Star” Button
......................................................................................................................................
3–2

QBC Star™ System User’s Manual
iv L–000867(A)
Door Release Latch
..............................................................................................................................
3–2
Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)
.................................................................................................................
3–2
Contents
Printer
.................................................................................................................................................
3–3
Paper Release Lever
...................................................................................................................
3–3
Manual Advance Wheel
.............................................................................................................
3–3
Floppy Disk Drive
.................................................................................................................................
3–4
Floppy Disk Indicator
..................................................................................................................
3–4
Floppy Disk Eject Button
............................................................................................................
3–4
Setup Keypad
......................................................................................................................................
3–5
ESC Key
....................................................................................................................................
3–5

Key
....................................................................................................................................
3–5

Key
....................................................................................................................................
3–5
Key
....................................................................................................................................
3–5
4 – Operation .........................................................................................................................4–1
Summary of Operation Steps
...............................................................................................................
4–1
Turn Instrument Power on
........................................................................................................
4–2
Prepare the QBC
STAR
tube
.......................................................................................................
4–2
Mix the tube
..............................................................................................................................
4–4
Tilt the tube
...............................................................................................................................
4–5
Cap the tube
.............................................................................................................................
4–5
Insert the tube into the instrument
............................................................................................
4–6
Close the instrument door
.........................................................................................................
4–6
Start the test
.............................................................................................................................
4–6
Printing of results
.......................................................................................................................
4–7
Tube Disposal
.........................................................................................................................
4–10
Power Down
............................................................................................................................
4–10
Stopping the Centrifuge
....................................................................................................................
4–10
Emergency Door Unlock
....................................................................................................................
4–10
5 – Performance and Limitations ...........................................................................................5–1
Operating Ranges
................................................................................................................................
5–1
Precision
..............................................................................................................................................
5–1
Accuracy
.............................................................................................................................................
5–2
Interfering Substances
.........................................................................................................................
5–3
Limitations
..........................................................................................................................................
5–4
Expected Values
..................................................................................................................................
5–4
Controls
..............................................................................................................................................
5–5
Internal Quality Control
.............................................................................................................
5–5
Internal Electronic Quality Control Label
.....................................................................................
5–5
Key
Key
Key
Key

L–000867(A) v
Preface
External liquid controls
...............................................................................................................
5–6
Profi ciency Tests
..................................................................................................................................
5–6
Contents
6 – Maintenance .....................................................................................................................6–1
Cleaning
.............................................................................................................................................
6–1
Disinfection
.........................................................................................................................................
6–1
Replacing Printer Paper
........................................................................................................................
6–2
Replacing Fuses
...................................................................................................................................
6–3
7 – Troubleshooting ................................................................................................................7–1
General Problems
................................................................................................................................
7–1
Error Codes and Messages
..................................................................................................................
7–2
G – Glossary .......................................................................................................................... G–1
A – Limited Warranty ............................................................................................................. A–1
B – Parts and Accessories ...................................................................................................... B–1
C – Software Update Log ...................................................................................................... C–1
D – Contacts .......................................................................................................................... D–1
E – Blood Collection and Handling .........................................................................................E–1
General Comments
.............................................................................................................................
E–1
Universal Precautions for Specimen Handling
.......................................................................................
E–1
Venous Blood Collection (Venipuncture)
..............................................................................................
E–2
Supplies E–2
Procedure
..................................................................................................................................
E–2
Collecting Multiple Specimens from a Single Venipuncture
........................................................
E–3
Areas to Avoid When Drawing Venous Specimens
.....................................................................
E–3
Errors to Avoid in Venous Blood Collection
................................................................................
E–4
Capillary Blood Collection
....................................................................................................................
E–4
Supplies E–4
Procedure
..................................................................................................................................
E–4
Avoiding Hemolysis during Capillary Blood Collection
................................................................
E–5

L–000867(A) vii
Preface
F – Bibliography .....................................................................................................................F–1
Figures
Figure Description Page
1 QBC
STAR
Blood Collection Tube
........................................................................................
1–2
2 QBC
STAR
Instrument
.........................................................................................................
1–3
3 Symbols Used on the QBC
STAR
Instrument (rear)
...............................................................
1–6
4 External Connections
..........................................................................................................
2–5
5 Power Switch
......................................................................................................................
3–1
6 QBC
STAR
Controls and Indicators
......................................................................................
3–2
7 Printer Controls
...................................................................................................................
3–3
8 Floppy Disk Drive Controls and Indicators
............................................................................
3–4
9 Setup Keypad
......................................................................................................................
3–5
10 Sample Vial
.........................................................................................................................
4–3
11 Inverting the Sample Vial
.....................................................................................................
4–3
12 Filling a Tube from Venous Blood
........................................................................................
4–3
13 Filling a Tube from Capillary Blood
......................................................................................
4–4
14 Mixing the Tube
..................................................................................................................
4–4
15 Tilting the Tube
...................................................................................................................
4–5
16 Uncapping the Tube
............................................................................................................
4–5
17 Seating the Cap and Float
...................................................................................................
4–5
18 Inserting the Tube into the Instrument
................................................................................
4–6
19 Sample Results Printout
.......................................................................................................
4–9
20 Sample Results Readout
......................................................................................................
4–9
21 Door Unlatch Access Hole
.................................................................................................
4–11
22 Replacing Printer Paper
.......................................................................................................
6–2
23 Replacing Fuses
...................................................................................................................
6–3

QBC STAR™
System User’s Manual
QBC Diagnostics Inc.

L–000867(A) 1–1
1 – Introduction
Intended Use
The
QBC STAR
™ Centrifugal Hematology System provides a diagnostic hematology profi le on venous or
capillary blood providing values for:
• Hematocrit
• Hemoglobin
• Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC)
• Platelet count
• White blood cell count
• Granulocyte count (% and number)
• Lymphocyte/monocyte count (% and number)
Principles of the Test
It has been known for many years that the grayish-white layer (buffy coat) that appears above the red
blood cells in a hematocrit tube contained packed layers of leukocytes (white blood cells) and thrombo-
cytes (platelets)
1-5
. The
QBC STAR
Centrifugal Hematology System uses technologies that make it possible
to quantify the buffy coat cells.
When the
QBC STAR
tube is fi lled with blood and placed into the
QBC STAR
instrument, the tube is spun
at a high rate of speed causing the different types of cells in the blood to separate into layers or bands from
the heaviest to the lightest. The
QBC STAR
System uses a special tube designed to enhance the natural sepa-
ration properties of a whole blood sample when it is centrifuged. A special coating in the
QBC STAR
tube
stains the two white blood cell populations (granulocytes appear orange-yellow and lymphocytes/monocytes
appear green) and the platelet layer (platelets appear yellow-orange). The ability to quantify the cells is also
enhanced by the insertion of a precision plastic fl oat into the
QBC STAR
tube that mechanically expands the
buffy coat layers. The hematocrit, white blood cell counts, and platelet count are directly measured from the
cell layers. The fl oat, whose density approximates the buffy coat cells, will also penetrate the red blood cell
layer. The
QBC STAR
hemoglobin measurement is directly related to the density of the red blood cells, and
is based on the depth of penetration of the fl oat into the red blood cell layer. Mean corpuscular hemoglobin
concentration (MCHC) is electronically calculated using the standard formula [(HGB / HCT) * 100]
6, 7
.
The
QBC STAR
tube is also internally coated with anticoagulants that allow collection of capillary blood
directly from a skin puncture site.
The
QBC STAR
System is intended for
in vitro
diagnostic use.
WARNING
CAREFULLY OBSERVE ALL WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS IN THIS MANUAL
AND ON LABELING OF QBC STAR TUBES CONCERNING THE SAFE HANDLING
OF BLOOD AND BLOOD-DERIVED PRODUCTS.

QBC STAR™ System User’s Manual
1–2 L–000867(A)
System Overview
The
QBC STAR
Hematology System is a self-contained, whole blood, automated hematology system. Reported
results include hematocrit, hemoglobin, total white blood cell count, combined lymphocyte and monocyte
count, granulocyte count, platelet count, and Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC). The
test can be performed from either venous or capillary blood specimens. The system is factory preset and
user calibration is NOT required. The system is powered by a universal voltage internal power supply that
plugs directly into an AC power source.
The
QBC STAR
Hematology System performs all tests using the
QBC STAR
tube. The
QBC STAR
tube is
described below. When the
QBC STAR
tube is placed into the instrument, it is automatically centrifuged
and analyzed. The results are computed, displayed, and printed on the internal printer.
QBC STAR Blood Collection Tubes
The
QBC STAR
Tube is a two-component device. The tube assembly represents the fi rst component. It
consists of a precision glass QBC tube and the plastic sleeve that serves as a carrier for the tube. A cap and
fl oat assembly comprise the second component. The fl oat expands the buffy coat region by a factor of ten.
It does this by reducing the cross section area of the tube. See Figure 1.
The
QBC STAR
tube is preassembled and consists of the following components :
• 3” long precision bore glass tube with dried coatings of acridine orange, heparin, K
2
EDTA, potas-
sium oxalate, monoclonal antibody and reagents
• a vented plug at the end of the tube
• a tube carrier
Figure 1 – QBC STAR Blood Collection Tube
Tubes are fi lled by capillary action with 65 to 75 µL of whole blood. (This is the volume when the tube is
fi lled between the 2 fi ll lines marked on the
QBC STAR
tube.) The blood can come directly from a fi ngerstick
or from a Vacutainer™ brand blood collection tube or equivalent (lavender top only). The plug has a vent
allowing air to escape during fi lling of the tube. The vent closes off when the tube is capped.
After the tube assembly is fi lled with blood, the tube is mixed and the cap assembly is placed on the tube.
The cap consists of the following components:
• A precision molded plastic fl oat
• A fl oat holder
•
The cap

L–000867(A) 1–3
1 – Introduction
Placing the cap on the tube performs two actions simultaneously:
• It seals the tube carrier
• It inserts the fl oat into the
QBC STAR
tube
The density of the fl oat is matched to the density of the buffy coat so that it centers itself in that region.
The fl oat expands the buffy coat by a factor of ten during centrifugation.
If a tube breaks during centrifugation, blood and glass are fully contained within the capped tube carrier. This
design provides a high degree of user and instrument protection from exposure to blood and aerosols.
QBC STAR Instrument
The
QBC STAR
Instrument is a compact, portable, centrifugal hematology analyzer. The instrument contains
a single tube centrifuge for sample mixing and for separating the blood into the various cell populations.
Analysis of the sample occurs in the centrifuge rotor while the centrifuge is running. See Figure 2.
A single fi lled
QBC STAR
tube is placed into the rotor, the door is closed, and the “Star” button pressed
to start the test process. The centrifuge cycle mixes and then separates the blood into distinct cell layers.
The instrument initially spins slowly for 8 to 12 seconds typically (up to 30 seconds) allowing the blood in
the tube to mix. Once mixing is done, the centrifuge accelerates to a higher speed which is maintained for
4
3
/
4
/4 /
minutes. This stage separates the blood cell populations into distinct packed cell bands. After the cell
populations have been separated, the centrifuge decelerates to measure the band lengths. Analysis of the
tube occurs at the illumination/read station. This station consists of a dual light source and optical detector
system.
Figure 2 – QBC STAR Instrument

QBC STAR™ System User’s Manual
1–4 L–000867(A)
Hematological results are shown on the Liquid Crystal Display. Results are also automatically printed by the
internal thermal printer onto a 2.25-inch paper tape.
The instrument contains the following subsystems:
• The centrifuge for mixing and separating the blood sample
• An embedded microprocessor for machine control, blood sample analysis, and communications
• Memory to store the operating system and application software
• A 3.5” fl oppy drive for software updates
• An internal printer
• A Liquid Crystal Display to show results, prompts, and messages
• Data ports for communication with optional external devices such as a LIS computer or PC, keyboard,
bar code wand, full-size external printer
Instrument Self-Testing and Calibration
Whenever instrument power is turned on (or once every 8 hours if power is left on continuously), the sys-
tem software performs a self-test to verify proper operation. The self-test checks such things as: centrifuge
motor at various speeds, emission fi lter assembly, optics assembly, light source, xenon fl ash lamp, timing
control, optical clarity and focus, internal printer, rotor timing, setup keypad. An internal quality control
label and rotor timing target are fi xed in place on the rotor assembly. These items help the system verify
that the optical measurement and centrifuge subsystems are functioning properly. See paragraph 2 on
Internal Quality Control. Printout occurs automatically.
The instrument runs a built-in calibration check every time a sample is processed. Sample integrity checks
include: statistical matching of bandlengths; ratios and absolute values for signal levels; ratios that are
used to evaluate the quality of interfaces; measurement of fl oat length; verifi cation of optics and sensors;
measurement and evaluation of sample fi ll volume. Additional tests performed as part of each assay cycle
include centrifuge speed and electro-optical verifi cation. Results are reported on tube tests only if all veri-
fi cation and integrity tests pass.
The power on self-test and sample integrity tests provide verifi cation of instrument parameters such as
timing, speed, disposable integrity, reagent stability, etc.
In addition to these checks, the system monitors the temperature inside and outside the instrument before
and during each test. The system will not allow operation of the instrument if the temperature is higher
than 40° C. This threshold insures that the sample temperature does not exceed 45° C during the assay
(when temperatures can rise).
Although the QBC STAR instrument contains a centrifuge, it is not necessary to periodically test the rotor.
Centrifuge speed measurements are verifi ed each time a sample is processed.
If any part of the self-testing or calibration process fails, a message is displayed and printed. Confi rmation
of the success of self-tests is provided by the “Ready” message. In addition, each results printout indicates
the outcome of electronic QC. If the calibration tests fail, an error message is reported.

L–000867(A) 1–5
1 – Introduction
Manual Structure
This user’s manual contains the following sections:
Section 1 – Introduction
– provides an overview of the
QBC STAR
hematology system, its major com-
ponents, and its uses in the laboratory. An overview of this manual’s structure and conventions is
also included.
Section 2 – Installation and Setup
– gives specifi cations for installation of the
QBC STAR
system and
instructions for instrument installation and setup.
Section 3 – Controls and Indicators
– explains the use and meaning of all controls and indicators of the
system.
Section 4 – Operation
– provides instructions for routine operation.
Section 5 – Performance and Limitations
– provides information on instrument performance, such as
operating ranges, precision, accuracy, interfering substances, expected values, etc.
Section 6 – Maintenance
– explains all user system maintenance.
Section 7 – Troubleshooting
– provides a convenient guide identifying errors and suggesting corrective
actions.
The
Glossary explains several terms used in this manual, as well as abbreviations.
The
Appendices
contain supplemental information, such as warranty, list of parts and accessories, a
software update form, a listing of Becton Dickinson international contacts, specimen collection,
and bibliography.
Getting Started
The
QBC STAR
system has been designed and tested for ease of use. However, before you begin to use
the instrument, you will fi nd it advantageous to familiarize yourself with the material in this manual, es-
pecially:
•
Be sure to read the Summary of Warnings and Cautions on page 1–7.
•
Refer to the material in Section 2 – Installation and Setup for information on where to place the
instrument and how to set it up for operation.
•
Read Section 3 – Controls and Indicators. It explains the lights, readouts, buttons, switches, etc.
that are found on the instrument.
•
Read Section 4 – Operation. It tells you how to perform routine system operations.
Use of this Manual
This user’s manual is designed as a reference tool for personnel who operate the
QBC STAR
Hematology
System on a regular basis. Every attempt has been made to include all information which would be needed
during normal use and maintenance of the system. Should a question arise which is not answered in this
manual, please contact the following (USA):

Technical Services 1–866–265–1486
C
ontact(s) are listed in Appendix D.
You can send in your comments or recommendations on this user’s manual on the postage-paid Reader
Comment Card at the end of the manual. If you prefer, you can send e-mail to [email protected]
Other documentation that may be of interest includes:

QBC STAR™ System User’s Manual
1–6 L–000867(A)
QBC STAR
Tube Package Insert
– This document contains important information on specimen prepa-
Tube Package Insert – This document contains important information on specimen prepa- Tube Package Insert
ration and the use, storage, and limitations of the tubes. A package insert is included with each box of
tubes, and is available upon request from QBC Diagnostics Inc.
QBC STAR
Tube Quick Reference Guide
– This document contains a summary of steps for preparing
venous and capillary specimens and testing them on the
QBC STAR
instrument.
Conventions
Symbols Used on the Equipment
The following symbols appear on the back of the
QBC STAR
instrumet
Figure 3 – Symbols Used on the QBC STAR Instrument (rear)
Top fi gure: Left: Symbol for electrical hazard; Right: Symbol for “refer to accompanying documenta-
tion” (specifi cally, the user’s manual) for instructions; Bottom fi gure: Symbol for fuse
Notes, Cautions, and Warnings
Throughout this manual, important information is presented in boxes offset from the regular text, and is
labeled as either a NOTE, CAUTION, or WARNING. These messages are formatted as shown below and
bear the following meaning:
NOTE
Important information about system use worthy of special attention is pre-
sented as a NOTE.
CAUTION
Information on an activity that potentially could cause damage to the instru-
ment or system is presented as a CAUTION.
WARNING
INFORMATION ON AN ACTIVITY THAT POTENTIALLY COULD CAUSE INJURY TO
THE USER IS PRESENTED AS A WARNING.
F
250 V 3.15A
!

L–000867(A) 1–7
1 – Introduction
Summary of Warnings and Cautions
Carefully observe all warnings and precautions in this manual and on labeling of
QBC STAR
tubes concern-
ing the safe handling of blood and blood-derived products.
If the equipment is used in a manner not specifi ed by the manufacturer, the protection provided by the
equipment may be impaired.
Do not, under any circumstances, remove the ground prong from the instrument power plug.
Blood and body fl uids may contain the Hepatitis B virus (HBV), Hepatitis C virus (HCV), human immunode-
fi ciency virus (HIV), or other disease-causing agents. Handle all patient specimens as potential biohazards
capable of transmitting infection. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including laboratory
gloves, when collecting, handling, and processing blood and body fl uids.
In addition to wearing gloves, the use of disposable lab coats or gowns and protective glasses or goggles
is recommended when working around the INSTRUMENT.
ACRIDINE ORANGE REAGENT MAY BE TOXIC; DO NOT INGEST. AVOID CONTACT WITH SKIN, EYES, AND
CLOTHING.
If a tube breaks in the unit, carefully remove THE TUBE with a hemostat or other device, using puncture
resistant utility gloves. CONTACT TECHNICAL SERVICES FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
Do not handle the
QBC STAR
tube by the glass collection end of the tube.
Do not use any
QBC STAR
tube if any part of the carrier or tube is chipped or cracked.
The user should not perform any servicing except as specifi cally stated in this manual. Refer other problems
to trained personnel, or return the instrument to QBC Diagnostics for repair.
Turn instrument power off and unplug the power cord before servicing.
Do not immerse the
QBC STAR
instrument in water or other liquid.
Before BEGINNING to change the fuses, MAKE SURE THE UNIT’S POWER IS TURNED OFF AND disconnect
the instrument POWER CORD from the POWER SOURCE.
Do not attempt to move the instrument rotor by hand. Moving the rotor manually can cause damage to
the instrument.

L–000867(A) 2–1
2 – Installation and Setup
Unpacking and Setup
The
QBC STAR
instrument weighs approximately 30 pounds. Use caution when lifting and moving the
instrument.
Carefully unpack the
QBC STAR
instrument, noting any damage to the shipping carton. If damage is ob-
served, notify the carrier immediately. After unpacking, remove the instrument from the plastic bag, and
place it on a level, stable, working surface free of holes.
Remove the packaging material (cardboard and foam block) from inside the instrument door.
A clearance envelope should be marked 11.8 in. (300 mm) from each side of the unit. The operator should
not stand within the clearance envelope longer than necessary for operational purposes.
Proceed with electrical connection, described below.
Electrical Connection
Connect the female end of the power cord to the
QBC STAR
instrument (see Figure 4). Connect the male
end of the power cord to the main AC power source. To avoid electrical shock, connect the power cord
only to an approved power source such as a 3-wire grounded receptacle. If a 2-wire receptacle is all that
is present, have it replaced with a properly grounded 3-wire receptacle in accordance with the National
Electrical Code.
WARNINGS
IF THE EQUIPMENT IS USED IN A MANNER NOT SPECIFIED BY THE MANUFAC-
TURER, THE PROTECTION PROVIDED BY THE EQUIPMENT MAY BE IMPAIRED.
DO NOT, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, REMOVE THE GROUND PRONG FROM
THE INSTRUMENT POWER PLUG.
Should the power cord or plug become cracked, frayed, broken or otherwise damaged, replace them im-
mediately (see Appendix B for part number).
Never attempt to override electrical safety interlocks of the instrument.

QBC STAR™ System User’s Manual
2–2 L–000867(A)
QBC STAR Specifi cations
Physical Specifi cations
Height
(loading door open)
16.3 in (41.4 cm)
Width
16 in (40.6 cm)
Depth
16.3 in (41.4cm)
Weight
30 lb (13.6 kg)
Clearance
11.8 in (30 cm)
Electrical Specifi cations
Voltage
100 – 240 VAC ±10%
Frequency
47 – 63 Hz
Current
less than 4 amperes
Power
185 watts nominal; 285 watts peak,
293 BTU @ 3 tests per hour

L–000867(A) 2–3
2 – Installation and Setup
Environmental Specifi cations
Non-Operating Storage
Temperature
–20° C – 65° C
Humidity
10% – 95% non-condensing
Operating
Temperature
16° C – 32° C unrestricted (
at 32° C – 37° C
use may be limited by instrument temperature
shutdown or some results may be suppressed)
Humidity
10% – 95% non-condensing
Ambient Light
15 – 150 ft candles
Noise
< 70 db @ 3 ft
Altitude
Up to 2,000 m
Surface Inclination
2º any direction without restraint; 10º any
direction with restraint
Decontamination
Temperature
65° C for 24 hours
Surface
10% dilution of Household bleach solution
IEC 664 Pollution Degree
Category 2
IEC 663 Installation
Category II

QBC STAR™ System User’s Manual
2–4 L–000867(A)
Reporting Ranges
Parameter
Lower Limit
Upper Limit
Notes
Hematocrit (Hct)
15 %
65 %
Hemoglobin (Hgb)
5.0 g/dL
20.0 g/dL
MCHC
25.0 g/dL
37.3 g/dL
White Blood Cells
(WBC)
1.6 x 10
9
/L
99.9 x 10
9
/L
Granulocytes
0.8 x
10
9
/L
70.0 x 10
9
/L
% Granulocytes
1%
99%
Lymph/Mono
0.8 x
10
9
/L
99.9 x 10
9
/L
% Lymph/Mono
1%
99%
Platelets
20 x
10
9
/L
999 x
10
9
/L
External Connections
The following external connections are located on the rear of the
QBC STAR
instrument, and are shown
in Figure 4:
• AC power input
•
Serial Port for connecting the instrument to a Laboratory Information System (LIS) or PC
• Barcode Scanner Port for connecting a barcode scanner
• Parallel Port for connecting a full-size printer
• Keyboard Port for connecting a full-size keyboard
Connecting an External Printer
You can attach a full-size external printer to the QBC STAR instrument to print results on standard letter
or A4 size paper. You may print either in black-and-white or color. If you enable color printing, errors and
out-of-range parameters are printed in red ink.
You can also leave the internal instrument printer enabled even if you attach an external printer. If you do,
results print on the internal printer fi rst. Press the “Star” button to reprint results on the external printer.
For information on what makes and models of printers can be used, contact QBC Diagnostics Technical
Services.

L–000867(A) 2–5
2 – Installation and Setup
Figure 4 – External Connections
On Left: AC power connection; On Right: Top to Bottom: Serial Port connection; Bar-
code Port connection; Parallel Port connection; Keyboard Port connection.
Required Materials:
• Compatible external printer
• Standard Centronics parallel printer cable (or IEEE 1284 Centronics parallel printer cable), 10 ft or
less
• 8½” x 11” (letter) or A4 paper (no envelopes, labels, or custom sizes of paper)
How to attach an external printer:
1
Unpack and set up the printer according to the manufacturer’s operating instructions.
2
Connect the printer to the QBC STAR instrument’s printer (parallel) port (see Figure 4) using the
cable specifi ed above.
3
Verify that any printer cartridges are installed and that the correct size paper is present.
4
Turn on power to the QBC STAR instrument
fi rst
.
5
Turn on power to the external printer
second
.
6
Go to the printer setup menu (see below,
More Options
) and make sure you: a) disable the internal
printer if you do not want to continue using it; b) enable the external printer; and c) enable or dis-
able color printing.
7
When turning power off, turn off the printer
fi rst, then the QBC STAR instrument.

QBC STAR™ System User’s Manual
2–6 L–000867(A)
Updating System Software
Updated versions of the
QBC STAR
Hematology System software may be provided to you from time to time.
You should install new software as soon as you receive it. You should also log the update on the form in
Appendix C of this manual. Updated software is provided on 3
1
/
2
/2 /
” fl oppy disk, labeled “
QBC STAR
Software,
Version y.yyz.” (“Y.yy” is the actual software version number and “z” is the revision letter.)
To install a software update:
1 Be sure the instrument is empty (no tube in the rotor).
2
Turn the instrument power off.
3 Flip the fl oppy disk access door down. Insert the software update disk in the fl oppy disk drive. Insert
the disk with the shutter fi rst and with the label facing upward.
4 Turn the power on.
The updated system software loads automatically. When it is complete, remove the software update disk
and store it in a safe place in case the software ever has to be installed again.
System Setup and Utilities
Before using the
QBC STAR
instrument for sample testing, you should review system setup parameters to
see if they are suitable for your laboratory. These parameters include:
•
LCD Contrast
•
Date and Time
•
Disable Auto L(CD)C(ontrast)
•
More Options (includes Set Language and time format, Internal/External Printer, SI Units)
In addition, several utility functions can be performed through Setup. These utilities are:
•
Save Data
•
Print Data
•
Shipping Prep.
Any changes to confi guration parameters are in effect from the time of the change forward. Also note that
any changes you make cannot be “cancelled” per se – if you change a value, you must manually change
the new value back to its previous state.
To Enter Setup Mode
1 Lift and pull back the printer access panel.
2 Insure the instrument door is closed and latched.
3 Turn on instrument power with the power switch on the rear of the instrument (Figure 5).
4 After the instrument completes a self-check and the door unlocks, press the ESC key on the
setup keypad.
5 A menu appears listing all the setup functions: