Tissue-Tek Film User manual

Tissue-Tek®Film®
Automated Coverslipper
Ensure
Quick Reference Guide
The Tissue-Tek®Film®automated coverslipper is
designed to coverslip biological specimens that are
mounted on standard 25 x 75 mm (1.0 x 3.0 inch)
microscope slides. The use of a special, resin-coated,
film and xylene eliminates the need for coverglass and
mounting media. 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
To operate the instrument switch on the “POWER”
button located near the control panel.
By turning on the power there will be a pre-operational
check.
Check the volume of xylene bottle and empty the waste
bottle if necessary. When air bubbles are in the line
press “PRIME” to remove them.
Ensure the Film is placed in the instrument as indicated
in the image on the right. Follow the numbered
positioning spools and rollers until it has reached
number eight. Now Press “FILM”to feed the film
automatically through the system until you can grab it at
the end.
When the Film is properly fed press the cutter blade
down to signal the system it is ready for use. Remove
any access Film cut off in this way.
Version : 2019-1

Check the loading area and, if empty, close all lids and
press “ENTER” to initialise.
When a coverslipper is connected to a Prisma series
stainer, the basket is stored in a linked end station and
coverslipped automatically after the staining process is
done.
To place a basket in manually, open the loading station
access door and pull out the loading station. Put in the
basket with the “Up-side” facing towards the right, slide
the loading station back in and close the door. The
coverslipping will start automatically.
Ensure in both cases the slides are placed properly in
the basket according to the image shown.
Note: Fill the loading station with Xylene to avoid slides
from drying out.
Upon finishing a run, let the slides dry in the carousel.
When dry, remove the slides from the carousel.
After all daily operations are completed, roll the Film
back to position number six on the image as shown on
the previous page to avoid the Film from being forced in
an angle for too long and taking the roller’s curvature.
Removal of Film
If for any reason the coverslipping Film needs to be
removed use the method described below.
1. Place the slides in acetone until the Film can be
peeled off (5 - 10 minutes).
2. Place the slides in clean acetone for 5 minutes.
3. Place the slides in ethanol 100% for 2 minutes.
4. Place the slides in xylene for 2 minutes.
The slides are now ready for further treatment.
Storage of unused Film
Avoid storing Film in humid areas. Store with a relative
humidity of 30 to 70% and a temperature between 10°C
to 30°C.
Film should not be stored near laboratory chemicals.
The solvent fumes will penetrate through the cardboard
box and plastic bag, resulting in degradation to the Film
coatings.
A new roll of Film needs to acclimate 24 hours in the lab
environment before ready to use.
1 place tissue in acetone 2 peel off the film

Maintenance
Daily:
Exterior surfaces
Keep the exterior of the instrument free of dust
at all times. If needed, the exterior may be
cleaned using a damp cloth and a mild
detergent; do not use solvents of any kind on
the paintedexterior parts.The plastic cover may
be cleaned with a glass cleaner and a soft cloth.
Internal surfaces
The internal components should be inspected
and cleaned as needed. When cleaning or
removing debris, it is necessary to turn the
instrument power off.
Waste bottle
Open the door and carefully remove the waste
container, empty the bottle according to local
regulations and put it back.
Xylene bottle
Refill the Xylene bottle when the reagent level
is low. Use high grade Xylene (never use
recycled xylene). Purge the line to remove any
air bubbles by using the extended priming
procedure.
Weekly:
Slide baskets and holder
Rinse the baskets including the holders with
water to avoid corrosion caused by acids and
increase the lifetime. Clean with Xylene for
several hours to remove accumulated residue.
Loading station
Refresh the Xylene in the loading station on
weekly base.
Black and white rollers
Remove the Film. Remove Film particles with a
soft brush. Clean the rollers with Alcohol. Make
sure the rollers are completely dry before
replacing the Film. Never use Xylene as this will
activate the Film and gets the system to
malfunction.
Bi-Weekly:
Replacing carbon filters
Replace both activated carbon filters located
behind the carousel of the unloading unit.
Ensure upon closing that the filter storage hook
is properly closed. If not closed well it cancollide
with the carousel.
The recommendation of carbon filter exchange
frequency is based on operational testing in
order to comply with EN61326 and EN61010.
The frequency might differ per lab due to size of
the workspace, condition of ventilation,
reagents used and their replacement cycles,
quantity of tissue samples processed and more.
Monthly:
Film waste tray
To empty and clean the film waste tray counter
clockwise unscrew the thumb-screw on the
receiver tray. Remove the tray by pulling it out
and remove the particles with a brush. Replace
the tray by following the removal in reverse
order.
Cutter blade
Make sure that the cutter blade is released by
pulling the spring steel tab on the blade
assembly to the right. The handle, along with
the blade, can now be removed from the
assembly by pulling it straight out. Dispose the
blade in an appropriate container. Insert a new
blade and place the assembly back into the
instrument. This is required every 10000 slide
(10 rolls of Film) or when it gets dull sooner.
Yearly:
Preventative maintenance
Preventative maintenance is performed by a
Sakura representative or a qualified service
engineer.

Maintenance task
Frequency
Exterior surface
Daily
Interior surface
Daily
Waste bottle
Daily
Xylene bottle
Daily
Slide baskets and holder
Weekly
Loading station
Weekly
Black and white rollers
Weekly
Replacing carbon filters
Bi-weekly
Film waste tray
Monthly
Cutter blade
Every 10.000 slides or when required
Preventative maintenance
Yearly
10.000 slides equals 10 rolls of Film.