Barcode scan: theory of operation

When you select the Barcode Scan button or select the Barcode Scan menu item, the following sequence occurs:

1. The Barcode Scanning message box displays. This message box displays until the barcode scan is complete. You cannot perform other operations during a barcode scan.

2. The reagent trays (RTT1 and RTT2) revolve and the barcode readers scan each reagent position. The following information is read from each barcode label:

·   Reagent code (R-code)

·   Container serial number

·   Container size

·   Lot #

·   Expiration Date

3. The reagent tray position is assigned to the scanned reagent container. This position assignment takes priority over an existing System Test List assignment except for positions 53 through 56.

4. At the System Test List window, the Test Name for the reagent container is determined using the scanned reagent code.

5. At the Reagent Container Setting window, the following information is updated for the assigned reagent position:

·   Test Name

·   Reagent pack size (Container)

·   Reagent lot number

·   Reagent expiration date

6. At the Reagent Inventory window, the following information is updated for the assigned reagent position:

·   Test Name

·   Lot #

·   Expiration Date

·   Days Remaining

If this is the first time that the reagent container was loaded, the Days Remaining value is the maximum on-system stability obtained from the Reagent Information window. If the container was removed and reloaded, the system subtracts the number of days since the reagent container was originally loaded from the maximum on-system stability.

7. The reagent probe is lowered at each reagent container position.

8. The reagent probe senses the height of the liquid in each reagent container using its level sensing function.

9. To avoid cross-contamination, the reagent probe is washed after leaving each reagent pack.

Typically, the full stroke sensor error is detected if the reagent probe is lowered completely without detecting liquid. This error is suppressed during a barcode scan

The volume of fluid in the reagent container is calculated using the height measurement and the container information. The calculated volume (ML) is updated on the Reagent Inventory window.

The number of tests available is calculated by dividing the volume of liquid in the reagent container by the volume of liquid required for the assay. In performing this calculation consideration is give to dummy and dispenser loss volume for each aspiration and dead volume for a reagent container.

10. The reagent probes are washed.

11. The Barcode Scanning message box closes.