Sakura Tissue-Tek Prisma Plus User manual

Tissue-Tek Prisma®Plus
Automated Slide Stainer
Operating Manual
Part Number M01-019E-04
Revison Letter B
Revised 2018-02-01

Introduction
The automated slide stainer DRS series "Tissue-Tek
Prisma® Plus (hereinafter referred to as the "instrument")"
is an instrument that automatically stains paraffin strips,
frozen strips, cells and other tissues pasted on slides.
Read this Operating Manual carefully so that you can fully
utilize the performance of the instrument based on correct
procedures. Since the instrument uses organic solvents,
exercise due caution when operating the instrument.
Manufactured for:
Sakura Finetek U.S.A., Inc. Torrance, CA 90501, USA
Sakura Finetek Europe B.V., 2408 AV Alphen aan den Rijn, NL
Sakura Finetek Japan Co., Ltd. Tokyo, Japan 103-0023
Manufactured by:
Sakura Seiki Co., Ltd. Nagano, Japan

(a)
Table of Contents
Safety Precautions...................................................................................................................................(e)
Explanation of Terms................................................................................................................................(p)
Chapter 1 Basics of the System
Installation Method..................................................................................................................................1-1
Installing the Instrument...................................................................................................................... 1-1
Flow of Installation........................................................................................................................... 1-1
Required Tools.................................................................................................................................1-1
Installation Environment ..................................................................................................................1-1
Checking the Installation Conditions................................................................................................... 1-2
Cecking the Work Area........................................................................................................................ 1-3
Transportation ..................................................................................................................................... 1-3
Unpacking Procedure.......................................................................................................................... 1-4
Unpacking the System.....................................................................................................................1-4
Removing the Securing Members Inside the Instrument ................................................................1-6
Switching the Power-supply Voltage Setting.......................................................................................1-7
Checking the Accessories................................................................................................................... 1-7
Checking the Installation (Securing the Instrument) ...........................................................................1-9
Installing the parts around the instrument...........................................................................................1-9
Installation of Accessories.................................................................................................................1-14
Turning on the Power........................................................................................................................ 1-16
Specification..........................................................................................................................................1-17
Name of Each Part................................................................................................................................1-20
Standard Accessories/Options.............................................................................................................. 1-22
Basics....................................................................................................................................................1-24
Basics on This Instrument.................................................................................................................1-24
Instrument Overview...................................................................................................................... 1-24
Stain Process Modes.....................................................................................................................1-24
User Management by Password ................................................................................................... 1-24
Logon/Logoff Function................................................................................................................... 1-25
Safety Mechanism of the Instrument.............................................................................................1-25
How to Open and Close the Cover/Door.......................................................................................1-25
Handling the Touch-panel Display.................................................................................................1-26
Various Gateways..........................................................................................................................1-27
Relationship of Solution Configurations and Station Numbers......................................................1-29
Explanation of Menu Screens............................................................................................................... 1-32
Stain Process Menu .......................................................................................................................... 1-32
Explanation of Icons in the Stain Process Menu...........................................................................1-33
Utility Menu........................................................................................................................................1-34

(b)
Explanation of Icons in the Utility Menu .......................................................................................1-34
Edit Menu .........................................................................................................................................1-35
Explanation of Icons in the Edit Menu...........................................................................................1-35
System Setup........................................................................................................................................1-36
System Setup....................................................................................................................................1-36
Setting Date and Time....................................................................................................................... 1-38
Entering Year .................................................................................................................................1-38
Entering Month .............................................................................................................................. 1-38
Entering Day..................................................................................................................................1-38
Entering Hours and Minutes..........................................................................................................1-38
am/pm............................................................................................................................................1-38
Setting User IDs, Passwords and Accessible Functions...................................................................1-39
Setting an ID..................................................................................................................................1-39
Setting a Password........................................................................................................................1-39
Setting Accessible Functions.........................................................................................................1-40
Stain Process.................................................................................................................................1-40
Utility..............................................................................................................................................1-40
Edit................................................................................................................................................. 1-40
Fume Filter Management..................................................................................................................1-41
Whether or Not to Use Fume Filter Management..........................................................................1-41
Setting a Time Limit.......................................................................................................................1-41
Resetting the Actual Time..............................................................................................................1-41
Adjusting the Water Flow................................................................................................................... 1-42
Export Data...........................................................................................................................................1-43
Names of Files Exported to a CF Card..........................................................................................1-44
Chapter 2 Operating Procedure
Operating Procedure............................................................................................................................... 2-1
Flow of Stain Process Operation.........................................................................................................2-1
Flow of Stain Process Operation.....................................................................................................2-1
Preparation for Stain Process ............................................................................................................. 2-2
Opening the Water Supply............................................................................................................... 2-2
Logging On to the Instrument..........................................................................................................2-2
Selecting and Saving a Solution Configuration and Setting Solutions................................................ 2-3
Setting Slides into Baskets..................................................................................................................2-4
Start of Stain Process.......................................................................................................................... 2-5
Operations Permitted during Stain Process........................................................................................2-7
Adding a Basket............................................................................................................................... 2-7
Setting Priority Start.........................................................................................................................2-8
Checking the End Station Status.....................................................................................................2-8
Checking the Staining Status.............................................................................................................. 2-9
Menu Operations Permitted during Staining Process ...................................................................2-10
Pausing and Aborting Stain Process ............................................................................................. 2-11
Removing a Basket during Stain Process ..................................................................................... 2-12

(c)
End of Stain Process.........................................................................................................................2-12
Removing Stained Baskets............................................................................................................2-12
End of Operation ............................................................................................................................... 2-12
How to Start Stain Process by Specifying the Start and End Steps .................................................2-13
Setting a Solution Configuration ...........................................................................................................2-15
Creating a New Solution Configuration.............................................................................................2-15
Saving a Staining Program Name .................................................................................................2-15
Setting Up a Solution Configuration ..............................................................................................2-16
Setting an Edit Solution Configuration...........................................................................................2-17
Mix Parameter Setup.....................................................................................................................2-20
Enhanced Wash Parameter Setup ................................................................................................ 2-20
Basket Lifting Speed and Water Wash Cycle Time Parameter Setup...........................................2-21
Temperature Settings.....................................................................................................................2-21
Editing a Solution Configuration........................................................................................................ 2-22
Copying a Solution Configuration......................................................................................................2-22
Editing a Solution Name.................................................................................................................... 2-23
Creating and Editing a Solution Name ..........................................................................................2-23
Copying a Solution Name..............................................................................................................2-24
Setting a Staining Program................................................................................................................... 2-25
Creating a New Staining Program.....................................................................................................2-25
Saving a Staining Program Name .................................................................................................2-25
Creating a Staining Program .........................................................................................................2-26
Editing a Staining Program................................................................................................................2-31
Copying a Staining Program .............................................................................................................2-32
Checking a Staining Program............................................................................................................2-33
How to Use the Bar Code Reader, and It's Function (Options)............................................................2-34
Overview............................................................................................................................................2-34
Applicable Solutions..........................................................................................................................2-34
How to Use Sakura Staining Solutions .............................................................................................2-34
Editing a Solution Configuration ....................................................................................................2-34
How to Enter Sakura Solution Bar Code Data...............................................................................2-35
How to Use Sakura Staining Kit........................................................................................................2-36
Editing a Solution Configuration ....................................................................................................2-36
How to Enter Kit Component Solution Bar Code Data..................................................................2-37
Resetting the Solution Usage Information......................................................................................... 2-39
Outputting Process Report................................................................................................................2-40
Solution Usage Information Report ...............................................................................................2-40
Process Report..............................................................................................................................2-41
Solution Configuration Report........................................................................................................2-42
Barcode History Report .................................................................................................................2-43
Deleting a Solution Configuration/Staining Program/Solution Name/Process Report......................2-44
Deleting a Solution Configuration..................................................................................................2-44
Deleting a Staining Program..........................................................................................................2-45
Deleting a Solution Name..............................................................................................................2-45
Deleting a Process Report.............................................................................................................2-45

(d)
Action to Be Taken upon Power Outage...............................................................................................2-46
Power Recovery Operation...............................................................................................................2-46
Action to Be Taken upon Error..............................................................................................................2-47
Error Handling ...................................................................................................................................2-47
Errors with a Number..................................................................................................................... 2-47
Other Errors...................................................................................................................................2-47
Chapter 3 Maintenance and Inspection
Daily Inspection and Cleaning ................................................................................................................ 3-1
Inspection and Cleaning Methods.......................................................................................................3-1
Cleaning the Solution Reservoirs and Baskets ............................................................................... 3-1
Cleaning the Drying Stations........................................................................................................... 3-1
Cleaning the Heating Stations.........................................................................................................3-1
Replacing Activated Carbon Filters ................................................................................................. 3-2
Cleaning the Arm Holder and Basket Adapter................................................................................. 3-2
Cleaning the Water Supply Strainer ................................................................................................3-3
Cleaning the Cabinet....................................................................................................................... 3-3
Cleaning the Wash Station Nozzle.................................................................................................. 3-4
Cleaning the Drain Hose.................................................................................................................. 3-4
Chapter 4 Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting ...................................................................................................................................... 4-1
Error Codes Displayed during System Operation...............................................................................4-1
Instrument Conditions and Recovery Actions .....................................................................................4-7

(e)
Safety Precautions
Designation of "Instrument Control Manager"
●Operation of the instrument requires expert knowledge of the target application, method of use, and so
on. So that the instrument can be used correctly and safely, designate a "Instrument Control Manager."
●When the instrument is delivered, the Instrument Control Manager should receive explanation on the
handling of the instrument directly from our sales representative.
* Before using the instrument, read "Safety Precautions" to ensure the correct use of the instrument.
* The cautionary instructions provided herein are intended to ensure that the instrument will be used
safely in a manner preventing operator from injury and property damage.
* In this manual, instructions pertaining to different levels of potential hazards are classified as and
indicated under , , and .
The definition of each hazard is defined below.
pertains to a potential hazard where failure to observe the specified instruction may result in death or
serious injury of the operator or other person.
pertains to a potential hazard where failure to observe the specified instruction may result in a serious
injury of the operator or other person.
pertains to a potential hazard where failure to observe the specified instruction may result in damage to
this instrument or other property, or affect the process results.
pertains to an item to pay attention to or other useful information.
* The symbols used on the labels attached to the instrument are explained.
The labels bearing one of the following symbols provide particularly important information you must
know in order to ensure safety of the operator, improve work efficiency and protect the instrument from
damage. Be sure to check these labels and understand the specified instructions before commencing
your work.
A label bearing this symbol specifies an action that must be taken. Always follow the instructions.
A label bearing this symbol specifies a prohibited item. Always follow the instructions.
A label bearing this symbol specifies a precaution. Wrong handling against the instruction may
potentially expose the operator to danger or result in damage to the instrument. Always follow
the instructions.
A label bearing this symbol is provided near a high-temperature area. Exercise caution against
burns caused by high temperatures.

Safety Precautions
(f)
WARNING
●Read the unpacking instructions carefully before unpacking the instrument.
When removing the instrument from the pallet, two or more persons should work together because
the instrument weighs 150 kg. When removing the instrument from the pallet this way, indicate so in
the shipping document and inspect the cargo for damage. As a rule, the instrument is
unpacked/installed by Sakura Finetek or our local representative.
●Those who have experience operating a Sakura Finetek product or products other than the
instrument must also read this manual. Also, those who will be operating the instrument
should receive training first.
Sakura Finetek will assume no responsibility for any accident that may result from an accident
caused by operating the instrument without reading this manual first. If the instrument is operated in
a manner not specified in this document, the protective functions of the equipment may be lost.
●Do not apply unnecessary external forces on the instrument and accessories.
The instrument may malfunction or cause accidents.
●Avoid connecting the instrument to a transformer not manufactured by Sakura Finetek.
When moving the instrument to a region where different voltage is used, contact the Sakura Finetek
Technical Support representative or local representative.
●Safety mechanisms installed in the instrument only represent the minimum measures taken
to prevent accidents. The responsibility for safe operation of the instrument lies primarily
with the owner of the instrument, and persons in charge who operate the instrument.
●Do not use the instrument, if damaged, even when operating it is possible.
Injury or electric shock may result.
●Should the instrument malfunction, turn off the power and disconnect the power plug from
the power outlet. If processing is still in progress, immediately protect the tissues.
Should malfunction occur, turn off the power and contact the Sakura Finetek Technical Support
representative or local representative. Disconnecting the power plug also cuts off the main power
supply. When installing the instrument, select a place where the power outlet is not concealed and
the power plug can be disconnected any time in case of emergency.
●Do not disassemble or modify the instrument.
The instrument may malfunction or cause accident, thus creating a dangerous situation.
●Only the specified solutions can be used with this instrument.
If any other solution is used, processing may not be performed properly and fire or failure may
result.
●Do not wet the instrument.
If areas other than those instructed by "Daily Inspection and Care" get wet, current leak may occur
and cause fire or electric shock. If wetted, the board, power switch, CF card and CF card slot,
connection parts of various terminals art located on the right side of the instrument may cause
instrument failure or data damage.
If the terminal connection part LAN or bar code terminal is not used, put a protective cap over it.

Safety Precautions
(g)
WARNING
●A wrong operation may stop or interrupt the tissue processing.
Be careful not to let unauthorized personnel manipulate or tamper with the instrument while
operating.
A wrong operation may stop or interrupt the tissue processing. (If the power is turned off by
unauthorized personnel, the stain process may be interrupted and the staining problems may occur.
Arrange the work environment so that only the operators with expert knowledge can use the
instrument. (Also consider using external alarms, etc., just in case.)
●Do not bring fire sources close to the instrument.
The instrument uses organic solvents that may ignite upon contact with fire.
●Do not let foreign matter go inside the instrument.
If water, metal, paper or other foreign matter enters the air inlets (to the fan, etc.), fire, electric shock,
injury of the user, instrument failure, etc., may occur. If foreign matter entered the instrument,
immediately stop the instrument and contact the Sakura Finetek Technical Support representative or
local representative.
●Do not operate the instrument while wearing metal accessories.
Conductors (metal pen, accessories, etc.) worn on your body may contact the instrument and cause
electric shock.
●Do not block the intake/exhaust ports and air inlet around the instrument.
Do not block the intake/exhaust ports (air inlets) with a wall or object or use the instrument in a poorly
ventilated place or with the dustproof covers still attached, because heat will be trapped in the
instrument and cause the capacity of the instrument to drop, while fire, accident, failure, etc., may also
occur due to abnormal overheating.
●Periodically check the power cord and cables and power outlet for damage and accumulation
of dust.
Foreign particle and dust accumulating on the power outlet may cause fire. Clean the power outlet
periodically.
●Do not let tissue with flammable solvent attached go inside the drying station.
Deposited flammable solvent may be heated by the drying station and vaporize, causing fire or
explosion.
●Do not install the instrument in a place used as a living area.
If a common area is used, an exhaust system is required. Provide electrostatic discharge protection
in the installation location.
●Install the instrument indoors. Do not place the instrument in a location exposed to direct
sunlight, snow or rain.
This product is specified for indoor use, so do not use it outdoors. Ultraviolet rays and high
temperature may damage the instrument. Never use the instrument while exposing it to snow or rain
because it may cause electric shock or short-circuit.

Safety Precautions
(h)
WARNING
●Unplug the power cord from the power outlet and store it while the instrument is not in use.
For safety, if the instrument will not be used for an extended period of time, clean each part
and store the instrument in a place free from humidity and from dust and foreign matter.
Using the instrument in a humid place, place exposed to oil smoke or steam, or dusty place, may
cause its parts to deteriorate, short-circuit, fire, etc. The installation humidity range is 30 to 85% (non-
condensing). If you wish to install the instrument in a special place, consult the Sakura Finetek
Technical Support representative or local representative.
●If dews are formed on the instrument, do not turn on the power.
If the power is turned on while dews are formed on the instrument, current leak may occur and cause
fire or electric shock. Do not connect the instrument to a power-supply facility until dews have
evaporated and the instrument has become completely dry.
●Do not operate the power plug and switches with a wet hand. When connecting/ removing the
power plug, do so by holding the plug.
Failure to observe these instructions may result in electric shock.
●Be sure to use the supplied power cord. Also, be sure to use a correct power cord that is
suitable for the current capacity of region where the instrument is used.
If an inappropriate power cord or voltage is used, instrument malfunction due to short-circuit, fire or
voltage drop, unexpected accidents or injuries due to electric shock, etc., can occur. The preset
voltage cannot be changed by the user.
●For the power cord, a standard cord specified by local law may have to be used.
If a power cord not specified by the PSE standard, UL/CSA standard or EC standard is required,
contact the Sakura Finetek Technical Support representative or local representative.
●Do not forcibly bend, pull, twist or bundle the power cord and cables or otherwise damage the
power cord and cables.
Fire or electric shock may occur.
●Do not overload the outlet and do not use an extension cord.
Doing so may stop the operation of the instrument due to voltage drop, or fire can occur due to heat
generation.
●This instrument has been designed and tested according to CISPR11 Class A. When the
instrument is used in a home, it may cause electromagnetic interference, in which case
measures to reduce interference may have to be taken.
●Radiant waves may prevent this instrument from operating properly, so do not use the
instrument near a radiation source of strong electromagnetic waves.
●Use the instrument under the conditions (such as voltage within 10% of the rated voltage)
stated in the Specification.

Safety Precautions
(i)
CAUTION
●Do not pinch the drain hose or allow it to slacken.
Water will not be drained properly and overflow from the instrument.
●Set the solution station (tray) in the correct location.
If not, the tissues may not be soaked in the solution and staining problems may occur.
●Store the slides evenly in the basket.
If the slides are stored unevenly, basket movements are affected during the staining operation.
●Before staining is started, confirm that the end station has been set.
If the end station is not set, the basket cannot be put down and will remain gripped. If the next basket
is processed in this condition, the baskets may collide with each other and the tissues may be
damaged.
●Do not touch the moving arm.
The arm should stop automatically when the cover is opened, but it may continue to operate if a
series of operations is still ongoing. Touching the moving arm may result in injury. If you must move
the arm by hand, confirm that the arm has stopped completely and then move the arm with due
caution by following the onscreen messages on the display.
●Do not open the cover or door unless necessary.
Open the cover or door only when required by the operations explained in this manual. If the cover or
door remains open for a long period of time, organic gas may be released from the instrument. Also,
opening the cover or door during staining stops the arm, which may cause the tissues to dry up or
extend the staining time and eventually affect the stained quality of tissues.
●Be careful not to pinch your hand when opening/closing the cover or door.
Be careful not to pinch your hand between the fixed part and moving part of the cover or door or
between the cover and door.
●Do not move the instrument while operating. Move the instrument after removing all solution
bottles, paraffin containers and other components carrying liquid inside.
Moving the instrument while operating may cause the solution or paraffin to leak. Accident or failure
may also occur.
●If the straining process is suspended, the process may be negatively affected depending on
the situation. Remember to resume operation.
Prolonged suspension may negatively affect the stain process. Keep the suspension time to the
minimum.
●When the expiration date of the current solution is passed, a message appears to urge
exchanging the solution. Exchange the solution properly in order to maintain the staining
quality.
●The safety data sheet of each solution used can be obtained from the supplier/manufacturer of
the solution. You can also download it from the website of respective supplier/manufacturer of
the solution.
●Do not insert a metal bar or other metal object into the hot air outlet of any drying station or
use a metal product to reset an over temperature protector.
Metal contact may cause electric shock.

Safety Precautions
(j)
CAUTION
●Do not allow any foreign object to be caught between the cover/door and the stainer.
It may cause an unexpected problem.
●Use tap water for the water supply.
Use of water containing pollutants may result in staining problems.
●Confirm that no paper or foreign object is present at the cover or outlet of any drying station.
It may result in insufficient drying.
●Do not touch the drying stations and heating stations while the instrument is operating.
These stations become very hot during operation, so touching them may result in burns.
●Securely connect the water supply hose and drain hose to make sure water will not leak.
If water leaks, the facility may be damaged.
●Before using the instrument, inspect the water supply hose and drain hose to ensure that they
are free from damage and connected properly.
It may cause an unexpected problem.
●Close the water tap after using the instrument.
If the water tap remains open, the water supply hose may accidentally come off due to water
pressure and cause water leaks.
●Clean the water supply strainer regularly. Also, close the supply source water tap before
cleaning.
If the water supply strainer is not cleaned regularly, the water supply volume will drop and washing
problems may occur. Check the flow rate after cleaning. If the water supply strainer is cleaned with
the supply source tap open, water will overflow when the strainer is removed.
●Clean the drying station regularly.
If the drying solution is not cleaned regularly, paraffin will accumulate in the pan and cause the
temperature to vary, resulting in staining problems.
● Clean the water supply nozzle regularly.
If the water supply nozzle is not cleaned regularly, contaminants may attach to the nozzle and enter
the tissues, causing staining problems.
●Clean the instrument thoroughly after using corrosive solutions.
Some solutions have corrosivity and other aggressive properties that damage the instrument. It is
best to avoid using these corrosive solutions, but if you must use a corrosive solution, remove the
solution from the instrument and store it properly after use and also clean the instrument thoroughly. If
this is not performed, the metal parts will corrode (rust, etc.).
[Corrosive Solutions]
Acids [hydrochloric acid (HCl), hydrobromic acid (HBr), hydrofluoric acid (HF), etc.], staining solutions
and reagent solutions containing hydrochloric acid (Schiff’s reagent, cold Schiff, sulfurous acid
solution, resorcin‐fuchsin staining solution, etc.), oxidizing chlorides [ferric chloride (FeCl3), mercuric
chloride (HgCl2), cupric chloride (CuCl2), sodium hypochloride (NaOCl), etc.], tioculfates [sodium
tiosulfate (Na2S2O3), etc.], organic acids [formic acid (HCOOH), acetic acid (CH3COOH), bromic
acid (C204H2), lactic acid (CH3CH(OH)COOH), etc.]

Safety Precautions
(k)
CAUTION
●When the pull-up speed is increased, more solution will be brought into the next station and
accelerate solution deterioration, resulting in lower staining quality. There are also risks of
tissue contamination due to dropping solution.
●Do not stare at the laser beam from the 2D bar code reader.
For details, refer to the operating manual. The operating manual can be downloaded from the website
of the 2D bar code reader manufacturer.
●Observe the rated water pressure stated in the Specification of the instrument.
If the water pressure is high, water may leak and cause electric shock or the instrument may stop.
●Do not use any CF card other than the one that comes with the instrument. Also, run a virus
check before inserting the CF card.
●Turn off the power before performing cleaning.
Unless otherwise instructed in this manual, always turn off the power and disconnect the power plug
before cleaning the instrument. Do not spill liquid inside the instrument while cleaning it. If cleaner is
used, follow the safety precautions provided by its manufacturer and safety rules set by each test
laboratory.
●Secure the instrument with seismic anchorage (optional) to prevent it from moving/falling in
case of earthquake.
Provide fall prevention measure to prevent the instrument from moving should a disaster occur.
●Do not apply excessive force on the display.
The display may break and cause injury.
●Do not remove the warning/caution labels.
Without these labels, the operators cannot be reminded of the necessary warning/cautionary
information in the day-to-day handling of the instrument, which may result in unexpected problems.
●Do not use damaged accessories (reservoirs, baskets, basket adapters, etc.).
The accessories deteriorate from use over time. If deteriorated accessories are used, unexpected
problems may occur. Check the accessories before use.
●Do not put solution, etc., on the instrument. Also, do not spill solution on the painted surfaces,
caution/warning labels or touch screen.
If solution is spilled over the instrument, the instrument may fail or sustain damage.
● Do not spill solution inside or outside the instrument.
If solution was spilled, turn off the power to the instrument and then quickly wipe off the spilled
solution. The instrument may stop or the facility may be damaged, etc. Also, other solution may be
contaminated. Do not use any contaminated solution.
●Put the lids on other stations when exchanging solution.
If solution is spilled during exchange, other stations may be contaminated. Also, do not use, but
always replace, any contaminated station.
●Do not put any obstacle within the moving range of the arm.
Failure may occur.

Safety Precautions
(l)
CAUTION
● Do not clean the solution reservoirs and baskets using hot water or heat the solution
reservoirs containing solutions in a microwave oven.
Heating the solution reservoirs and baskets using hot water or in a microwave oven may cause the
reservoirs/baskets to deform. Severely deformed baskets and solution reservoirs may rub against
each other on side faces or at corners, thereby inhibiting the operation.
● Do not use any ultraviolet sterilizing lamp around the instrument.
Ultraviolet light may cause the instrument characteristics to change or deteriorate.
● Fill each solution reservoir with a specified amount of solution.
Failure to do so may cause tissues to dry up or result in staining problems.
● Replace the activated carbon filters in the fume control unit periodically.
Replace the activated carbon filters regularly in order to maintain a better environment around the
instrument. Expired activated carbon filters cannot maintain exhaust gas at an appropriate level of
concentration. When replacing the activated carbon filters, put the lids on the solution stations or
remove the solution stations by considering the possible scattering of activated carbon particles, to
prevent solution contamination.
*If the instrument is connected to an external exhaust device, the activated carbon filters need not be
replaced.
● Use dedicated activated carbon filters for the fume control unit.
Use of inappropriate activated carbon filters may cause explosion of powder dust generated from
activated carbon powder.
● Inspect the instrument every 6 months.
Maintain/inspect the instrument periodically so that it operates correctly at all times. For details on
periodic inspection, contact the Sakura Finetek sales representative.
● If the instrument must be moved after installation, contact the Sakura Finetek Technical
Support representative or local representative.
Unexpected accident may occur by relocating the instrument, so contact the Sakura Finetek Technical
Support representative or local representative.
● Use designated consumable parts.
When replacing consumable parts, use those specified in this manual. Use of any other consumable
part may result in malfunction or failure.
● Close the lids of solution reservoirs whenever the instrument is not operating.
If the solution reservoir lids remain open for a prolonged period of time, organic gas may be released
to the room.
● Provide sufficient ventilation around the instrument.
Some of the solutions used in the instrument are toxic/harmful to the human body. Accordingly,
provide sufficient ventilation around the instrument.
● Install the instrument away from other electrical equipment.
Electromagnetic waves and vibration, heat and solution may affect and be affected by other systems
located nearby.

Safety Precautions
(m)
CAUTION
●Provide a proper space around the instrument.
Provide at least 10 cm of clearance around the instrument and make sure the power plug is installed
so that it can be accessed at any time.
●Thoroughly check the installation location before installing the instrument.
Install the instrument on a flat, non-slippery sturdy floor having a sufficient size. If the installation
location is tilted or too small, unexpected accidents may occur.
●Do not use the instrument in a place subject to too low or high temperatures.
Use it in a place where the temperature is stable in a range of 10C to 40C.
●Be sure to connect the power plug to a power outlet with grounding bar.
Connect the power plug alone to a power outlet with grounding bar conforming to at least the Class D
grounding specification. If the instrument is not grounded properly, fire or electric shock may result
due to leak current.
●Lightning and power outage may cause the instrument to fail and stain process may not be
able to continue and adversely affect staining. If the power supply is unstable, use an
uninterruptible power supply.
Lightning may cause the instrument to fail and damage the tissues. If the instrument will be used in a
region where lightning damage is a possibility, use an uninterruptible power supply. If lightning has
caused an irreparable damage to the instrument, take out the basket from the instrument and take an
appropriate measure.
●Do not perform stain process if an extended period of power outage is scheduled. Staining
quality may drop. Staining problems may occur depending on when the power outage occurs.
In this case, use a uninterruptible power supply. If you find that the stain process has stopped due to
an unexpected power outage lasting for an extended period of time, remove the baskets from the
instrument and take appropriate action.
●Install the power cord and cables carefully by making sure the cord and cables will not
interfere with the work.
Failure to do so may result in the operator tripping over the power cord and cables and sustaining
injury.
●Securely connect the power cord and power outlet. If the power cord came off or the power
switch was turned off inadvertently, connect the power cord or turn on the power switch
without delay.
If they are loosely connected, heat may be generated at the connected part, voltage drop can occur
and the instrument may not operate normally. Furthermore, unexpected accidents or injuries can
occur. Also, the tissues may be damaged when the power is cut off during processing.
●Handle the power cord with care. Also, be aware of damage caused by mice and other small
animals.
To unplug the power cord from the power outlet, do not pull the cord, but hold the plug and then pull it
out. Inspect the power cord periodically. If any damage is found in the exterior of the power cord, stop
using it and contact the Sakura Finetek Technical Support representative or local representative.
● Before operating the instrument, be sure to check the electromagnetic environment.
Example: Remove electrostatics from the operator and humidify the room.

Safety Precautions
(n)
CAUTION
●If an error (trouble) occurs, staining problems may occur. Immediately resolve the error,
protect the tissues, and contact the Sakura Finetek Technical Support representative or local
representative.
Connect an external alarm to prevent staining problems from happening when the instrument
experiences problems. When introducing an external alarm, contact the Sakura Finetek Technical
Support representative or local representative.
●Conduct a staining test before determining the staining conditions.
●Check the staining program before the operation. If a wrong staining program is used, staining
problems may occur.
A wrong operation may interrupt the stain process or edit the program to a wrong one. If staining is
started with a wrong program, staining problems may occur. Read this manual carefully and use the
instrument correctly.
●Operating the instrument with an inappropriate temperature setting or time setting (long/short)
may cause staining problems. Conduct a verification test beforehand to confirm that staining
can be performed properly. If you have any question regarding staining programs, contact the
Sakura Finetek Technical Support representative or local representative.
●The allowable concentration limit of each substance in the work environment varies
depending on the air temperature, size of the room, additional load, if any, ventilation efficient
y, etc.
If danger is suspected, the Instrument Control Manager should measure the concentration of the
applicable substance in the area and confirm that the allowable limit in the work environment is not
exceeded. Follow the standard concentration limits specified by the environmental regulation of the
country/region in which the instrument is used.
●Solution may scatter and attach to your body while working. Be sure to wear protective gears
while working.
In all operations including stain process, solution exchange, opening/closing of doors, cleaning and
daily maintenance, the solutions used may scatter and attach to your body (eye, mucous membrane,
skin, mouth, nose, etc.) or you may inhale their gases. Be sure to wear protective gears (gloves,
organic solvent mask, goggles) while working.
●If any solution harmful to human health attached to your body or entered your mouth, take an
appropriate action according to the SDS of the solution.
Wear protective gears (mask, gloves, goggles) during work in case anything goes wrong. Use
protective gears that are resistant to all solutions on the solution list.
●You may accidentally touch an infectious source and operate the instrument with the
contaminated hands. Be sure to wear protective gears when operating the instrument.
If you have operated the instrument after handling a pathogen, disinfect the instrument properly. The
disinfection method varies depending on the type of pathogen, so choose a method appropriate for
the pathogen. Also, disinfect/sterilize or otherwise properly treat the protective gears used and then
dispose of them as infectious waste. For the disposal method, follow the applicable regulation and
guideline specified by each institution, country or region.

Safety Precautions
(o)
CAUTION
●Exercise due caution when handling solutions. Follow the relevant regulations and guidelines
in your country or region and take proper measures to protect the operator, such as wearing
gloves, mask and/or safety goggles.
Some solutions are toxic or harmful to the human body. Some solutions are very flammable,
combustible, and/or harmful to human body. Use protective gears that are resistant to all solutions on
the solution list.
●Sterilize any potentially infectious waste material or infectious medical waste and then
dispose of it according to the applicable regulation or guideline in the country or region.
●When the instrument is used to handle any substance presenting biological hazard, ensure
safety according to the applicable regulation or guideline in the country or region. When
performing operations that involve any such substance, also wear gloves, mask, safety
goggles and/or other protective gears and perform the operations inside a safety cabinet by
taking appropriate measures to protect yourself as the operator.
●Handling of solutions requires expert knowledge on associated hazards due to their toxicity
and volatility, etc.
Appoint a person responsible for solutions and use solutions under the guidance/supervision of the
responsible person.
●If any additional requirement on accident prevention or environmental preservation is
specified in the country/region where this instrument is used, follow the instructions under the
applicable law/regulation in addition to the content of this manual to ensure compliance with
the requirement in the applicable country/region.
●When disposing of used solutions, activated carbon cartridges, consumable accessories
(solution reservoirs, baskets, basket adapters, etc.), follow the applicable regulation in the
country or region.

(p)
Explanation of Terms
●Mix
To cause a basket to move up and down inside a solution-filled station before or after the basket is
transferred.
●Enhanced Wash
To repeat the process of immersing a basket into a solution and then removing it completely out of the
solution inside a station.
●Slide
A slide made of glass on which tissues are pasted.
●Basket
A special staining basket in which slides are set. Two types of baskets, 10-slide type and 20-slide type,
are available.
●Batch mode
An operation mode in which the next staining run cannot be started unless the current staining run is
completed.
●Continuous mode
An operation mode in which staining runs of different tissues can be started during the current staining
run.
●Solution station
A general term referring to both solution reservoirs and wash reservoirs.
●Start station
A solution station in which baskets are set at the start of staining.
●End station
A solution station in which stained baskets are stored.
●Program End (PE) station
A solution station in which baskets are temporarily held when the staining program is aborted in the
middle.

Chapter 1
Basics of the System