This sequence describes the transfer of samples from the racks to the DTT:
After initialization, load a rack carrier onto the infeed tray.
To start the run, press the Start/Pause switch on the rack handler display panel.
The operating mode becomes START and the reagent probes aspirate reagent.
To put the rack handler into continuous feed mode, push and hold the Start/Pause switch for 10 seconds until the rack handler status display reads "Continuous feed."
The system pushes the racks into the indexer, which in turn indexes the racks onto conveyor 1 and passes them through the barcode reader at laser station 1.
The barcode reader at laser station 1, detects each barcode/tube in the rack.
When the barcode reader reads a label, a green light for the corresponding sample rack position goes on in the display panel. (The rack handler display panel has 5 sample indicator lights.)
If the barcode reader cannot read a label, the sample indicator on the display panel turns red.
You can resend this sample through the rack handler or you can resample it on the onboard sample tray.
The sample indicator does not glow green or red when a position is empty in the 5-position sample rack.
A series of conveyor belts guide the rack through the rack handler and transfer mechanisms until it reaches the aspiration station.
For each sample whose barcode was read and for which there is a workorder, the sample-dilution probe (DPP) aspirates sample and transfers it to the DTT (same as when samples are aspirated from the sample tray).
The liquid level sensor in the DPP, with the sample container settings chosen for the analysis, instructs the DPP how far into the container it must go to aspirate the sample.
While the sample is at the sampling station, a second barcode reader scans the barcode number, which then displays in the Rack Handler Operation Monitor window.
After the system aspirates all samples in the racks, racks transfer to the outfeed buffer and onto another carrier located in the outfeed tray.
The operator removes the racks from the rack handler.
NOTE
Place an empty rack carrier in the outfeed tray at the beginning of a run. If you start a run with a partial or fully loaded rack carrier, the Rack Handler Operation Monitor window displays incorrect information and may cause jams in the outfeed buffer area.
During this time, the operating mode of the chemistry system is HOLD SHIFT. After the results for the last rack in the run are ready, the system-operating mode changes from HOLD SHIFT to HOLD (during wash) and then to WATCH awaiting the loading of more racks.
You can start additional racks whenever the rack handler load-status indicator is green.
If you must rerun a sample (such as, if the barcode label was not read properly), run it using the onboard sample tray (STT).
If you want to edit the sample using the Edit Non-Read Tube ID window, reload the rack into another infeed carrier after you edit the barcode label following the precautions stated below.
IMPORTANT
To avoid erroneous patient results when using the Edit non-Read Tube ID window, you must perform the following steps:
· Manually enter the sample tube ID in the Edit Non-Read Tube ID window. If more than one non-read sample is in the same rack, you must edit them all at the same time.
· Place the tube in the same sample position on the same rack that it was in on its first run.
NOTE
If the barcode reader successfully scans the tube label, the rack handler uses the scanned ID instead of the manually entered ID. In such cases, discard the manually entered ID.
If you want to ensure that the system uses the manually entered ID, turn the barcode label so that the barcode reader cannot read the barcode.
When the samples finish processing, you can stop the run by selecting Stop in the Operation Panel window, or you can allow the rack handler to remain active for future samples.