Sakura Tissue-Tek TEC 6 User manual

Tissue-Tek®TEC™ 6
Cryo and Embedding Module
Ensure
Quick Reference Guide
The Tissue-Tek®TECTM 6 is an instrument that is
designedfor thepurpose of manuallyembedding human
and animal tissue specimens in paraffin. The system
consists of two modules: the cryo and embedding
module. The instrument, as part of the histopathology
process, is intended to facilitate the in vitro examination
of human and animal tissue for morphology changes by
a pathologist.
This Quick Reference Guide contains information about
day-to-day use, maintenance and cleaning. For more
detailed information we refer to the most recent
Operating Manual of this instrument.
All users should be trained for the use of the Sakura
instruments. The Sakura User Training is a training to
ensure that new and existing users of a Sakura
instrument have the knowledge and skills to operate and
maintain the instrument in a proper way.
Daily operations
As every pathology laboratory has their own embedding
protocols, this document will only focus on the steps
taken to enable the instrument to suit those various
needs without explaining how to embed tissue samples.
Note: Ensure that the paraffin within the paraffin
chamber is melted before use.
The instrument has two different modes: Manual and
Automatic. The current setting is indicated by a blue
(manual) or green (automatic) bar in the top of the
display screen.
Manual mode:
To activate the system, simply press the “Cryo” and
“Heat” button. Keep in mind that there will be a 4 hour
preparation phase and that during this time the system
will not be operational.
Version : 2019-1

Automatic mode:
The instrument will activate automatically and start with
the preparation phase four hours before the set start
time to ensure paraffin melts sufficiently.
If the Auto Cryo box is checked, the Cryo module will
also activate when the Embedding module starts.
In both modes the status of the instrument is indicated
by different colours and shown in the screen display.
Grey: The system is inactive.
Blue (cold) and Yellow (warm): The system is active.
Red: An error occurred and needs attention.
When an error occurs, a notification is displayed on
screen along with a buzzer sound. In some cases
intervention from an engineer is required.
Each individual temperature on the system can be
adjusted by selecting the number on the display screen,
change the value, confirm and wait for the system to
adjust.
If required, the system has a quick heat option that
raises the instrument by 5°C. When pressed again this
mode is cancelled.
Note: When the instrument is adjusting to the new
temperature, indicated by the blinking number on the
screen, the system is not operational.
Manual mode:
When everything is embedded, simply press the “Cryo”
and “Heat”button in the main display screen to switch
the instrument to standby.
Automatic mode:
This mode will automatically put the instrument in
standby at programmed times. This can be overruled by
using the “Hibernate”or “Extend”button.
Hibernate will put the instrument in standby earlier then
what was set.
Extend will keep the instrument active even when the
programmed end time is reached.

Maintenance
After use:
Module surfaces
Switch off the power of both modules and wait
till the cryo module reaches room temperature.
Remove attached paraffin with the plastic
scraper and lint-free paper. Water droplets can
also be removed with lint-free paper. In addition
cotton swabs can be used to clean the grooves
in the hot plate. Do not use organic solvents as
these may deteriorate parts of the instrument.
Warming chambers
The paraffin within the tray gradually becomes
dirty over time while holding cassettes and
should be refreshed after use. Remove the lid
from the chamber and take out the hot tray.
Discard the paraffin and wash the tray with
warm water (70°C). Wipe with a lint-free paper.
Waste tray
Access paraffin is collected in the waste tray
over time and should be discarded frequently.
Take out both waste trays from the embedding
module and use the scraper to remove the
paraffin. Replace the trays to their original
positions.
On condition:
Forceps holders
Foreign matters that end up in the forceps wells
may attach to the forceps and find their way into
a paraffin block. To clean the holders, place a
forceps within the well and start to solidify the
paraffin. To cool the paraffin, go to the main
menu and select the option “Cleaning Mode”.
The heaters of the wells will stop and the
temperature will be shown on screen. When
40°C is reached the system will give the user a
notification. By pressing “Heat”the paraffin
inside the well will slowly start to warm up
enabling the user to take out the forceps with
the hardened paraffin plug in which all the
debris is caught.
On condition:
Cold spot
Remove paraffin using the scraper and lint-free
paper.
Finger plate
Remove paraffin at or around the finger plate
using the scraper or cotton swabs.
Paraffin chamber
Over time, foreign matters may enter and built
up in the paraffin chamber. Cleaning this
chamber is recommended when the paraffin
level is low. Place a container under the
dispenser and press the finger plate to drain all
paraffin from the chamber. Be aware the
dispensing stops after one minute, push the
plate again to continue when required. Clean
the hot interior with the scraper wrapped in lint-
free paper to get rid of the foreign matter.
Remove the strainer and wash it in warm water
(70°C).
Ensure the strainer is completely dry when
placing it back in the paraffin chamber.
Wrist rest cushions
Remove paraffin attached to the cushions and
rinse with warm water at 70°C or below.
Display screen
Before cleaning the display, prevent function
buttons being pressed by locking the display.
Gently remove paraffin attached to the screen
surface using the scraper wrapped in lint free
paper. Unlock the display again by pressing the
“Lock Display” button.
Yearly:
Preventative maintenance
Preventative maintenance is performed by a
Sakura representative or a qualified service
engineer.

Maintenance task
Frequency
Module surfaces
After use
Warming chambers
After use
Waste tray
After use
Forceps holders
On condition
Cold spot
On condition
Finger plate
On condition
Paraffin chamber
On condition
Wrist rest cushions
On condition
Display screen
On condition
Preventative maintenance
Yearly
Do not use Xylene (substitutes) for cleaning the modules.