ASTM COMMUNICATION

SPECIFICATIONS

Automated
Hematology Analyzer
MEK-6500J/MEK-6500K
MEK-6510J/MEK-6510K
MEK-7300K

First Edition: 6 June 2013

0614-907179
Printed: 2013/10/01
 Automated
Hematology Analyzer
MEK-6500J/MEK-6500K
MEK-6510J/MEK-6510K
MEK-7300K

If you have any comments or suggestions

on this manual, please contact us at:
www.nihonkohden.com 0614-907179
In order to use this product safely and fully understand all its functions, make sure to read this manual before using the
product.

Keep this manual near the instrument or in the reach of the operator and refer to it whenever the operation is unclear.

The contents of this manual are subject to change without notice.

Copyright Notice
The entire contents of this manual are copyrighted by Nihon Kohden. All rights are reserved. No part of this document
may be reproduced, stored, or transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopied, recorded,
or otherwise) without the prior written permission of Nihon Kohden.

Trademark

The mark printed on the SD card that is used in this instrument is a trademark. The company name and model name are
trademarks and registered trademarks of each company.
 Contents
General................................................................................................................................ 2
Physical Layer............................................................................................................ 2
Data Link Layer.......................................................................................................... 2
ASCII Control Codes....................................................................................... 2
Communication States.................................................................................... 3
Establishment Phase....................................................................................... 3
Transfer Phase................................................................................................ 4
Specifications of ACK/NAK Responses (Transfer Phase)............................... 5
Termination Phase........................................................................................... 8
Presentation Layer..................................................................................................... 8
Message.......................................................................................................... 8
Delimiter Codes............................................................................................... 9
Record and Data Communication Specification for MEK-6500/6510................................ 10
Record Contents...................................................................................................... 10
Header Record (H)........................................................................................ 10
Comment Record (C).................................................................................... 11
Patient Record (P)......................................................................................... 11
Order Record (O).......................................................................................... 12
Measurement Result Record (R)................................................................... 15
Terminator Record (L)................................................................................... 19
Example of Data Communication............................................................................ 20
Record and Data Communication Specification for MEK-7300......................................... 21
Record Contents...................................................................................................... 21
Header Record (H)........................................................................................ 21
Comment Record (C).................................................................................... 22
Patient Record (P)......................................................................................... 22
Order Record (O).......................................................................................... 24
Measurement Result Record (R)................................................................... 26
Terminator Record (L)................................................................................... 31
Example of Data Communication............................................................................ 32

ASTM Communication Specifications MEK-6500/6510/7300 1

 General

This manual explains the ASTM communication specifications for MEK-6500J/

MEK-6500K/MEK-6510J/MEK-6510K/MEK-7300K Automated Hematology
Analyzer.

The communication specifications of the analyzer are based on the OSI

Reference Model (ISO7498) and comply with the following ASTM standards.

Layer OSI Reference Model Applicable Standard

6 Presentation layer ASTM E1394-97
2 Data link layer ASTM E1381-02
1 Physical layer ASTM E1381-02

Physical Layer
For connection between the analyzer and a receiver, use the serial port and an
RS-232C cable. In addition, set the format to “ASTM” on the OUTPUT screen.
For details, refer to “Changing Format for ASTM” in Section 3.

Data Link Layer

The data link layer contains the data transfer specifications for RS-232C
communication that are defined at the physical layer of the ports involved.
(The protocols are defined based on Section 6 of the ASTM E1381-02
communications standards.)

ASCII Control Codes

The analyzer uses the following ASCII control codes for transmission and
reception, based on the ASTM 1381-02.

ASCII
Hexadecimal
Control Description
Code
Code
STX 0x02 Code for start of text in a frame
ETX 0x03 Code for end of text in a frame
EOT 0x04 Code for end of transmission
ENQ 0x05 Code for enquiry for start of transmission
ACK 0x06 Code for acknowledging the receipt of data
As with the CR code, this code is used as the
LF 0x0A
end-of-frame code.
Code for end of text in a frame. As with the
CR 0x0D LF code, this code is also used as the end of a
frame code.
Code for negative acknowledgement of the
NAK 0x15
receipt of data
Code for end of transmission block, which is
ETB 0x17 to be used when the maximum byte count for a
frame is exceeded and the frame is to be split

2 ASTM Communication Specifications MEK-6500/6510/7300

 Communication States
Communications at the data link layer are composed of the following two states:
• Unconnected state
• Communication-enabled state

With this analyzer, the communication state shifts between these two via the
three phases indicated below.
Establishment Phase
In this phase, a communication line between the analyzer and a receiver is
established. Via this phase, unconnected state between the analyzer and the
receiver shifts to communication-enabled state.
Transfer Phase
In this phase, an entire data transmission from the analyzer to the receiver is
completed.
Termination Phase
In this phase, a communication line between the analyzer and the receiver is
disconnected. Via this phase, communication-enabled state between the analyzer
and the receiver shifts to unconnected state.
Establishment phase Transfer phase

Unconnected Communication-
state enabled state

Termination phase

Establishment Phase
The analyzer sends an ENQ (0x05) signal to the receiver to establish connection.
The receiver returns either of the following signals as a response:
• ACK (0x06): When connection is possible
• NAK (0x15): When connection is impossible
A response signal other than the above will be ignored by the analyzer.

In a Case of an ACK Response

The receiver shifts to communication-enabled state and sends an ACK signal.
The receiver ignores all data received before it sends an ACK signal.
Upon reception of an ACK signal, the analyzer will shift to communication-
enabled state.
Example of communication establishment with an ACK response

Analyzer Receiver

ENQ
Elapsed time ≤ 15 sec
ACK

ASTM Communication Specifications MEK-6500/6510/7300 3

 In a Case of a NAK Response
If it takes more than 15 seconds for the receiver to send back an ACK response
after it receives an ENQ signal, it sends a NAK response within 15 seconds.
After the analyzer receives a NAK signal, it waits 10 seconds or more and sends
an ENQ signal to the receiver again.

After receiving a NAK response six times in a row from the receiver, the
analyzer stops sending the ENQ signal. (Extended specification)
Example of connection failure with NAK responses

Analyzer Receiver

ENQ
Elapsed time ≤ 15 sec
NAK (1st time)
Elapsed time ≥ 10 sec
ENQ
Elapsed time ≤ 15 sec
NAK (2nd time)
Receiver sends a NAK response 4 times
ENQ
Elapsed time ≤ 15 sec
NAK (6th time)
Analyzer stops sending an
ENQ signal

Timeout
The analyzer stops sending an ENQ signal if neither ACK nor NAK response is
sent back to it within 15 seconds after it sends an ENQ signal to the receiver.
Example of connection failure caused by timeout

Analyzer Receiver

ENQ
Elapsed time > 15 sec
In process
Analyzer stops sending an
ENQ signal

Transfer Phase
The analyzer uses the following frame structure for transmission and reception,
based on the ASTM 1381-02.

STX F# Text ETX CHK CR LF

Definition
Byte Count Description
of Code
STX 1 Start of text code. Fixed at 0x02.
Frame number.
The number starts from 1 (0x31) and is incremented by 1 for the next frame. After 7
(0x37), the number returns to 0 (0x30).
F# 1
If the frame numbers are consecutive, it is defined that the frames are consecutive.* The
frame number is reset to 1 when the transmitter sends an ENQ signal.
* For a nonconsecutive frame, the receiver will send back a NAK response.
Record data that are defined at the presentation layer. The usable characters are shown
Text Max 320 below. As the character 0x0D represents the end of a record, it cannot be used in a record.
0x0D, 0x20 to 0x7E, 0x80 to 0xFE

4 ASTM Communication Specifications MEK-6500/6510/7300

 Definition
Byte Count Description
of Code
End-of-text code. If the record data size in [Text] is within the maximum byte count, the
end-of-text code for the last frame is ETX. If the record data size in [Text] exceeds the
maximum byte count for a frame, the frame is to be split into several frames. In such a
case, the end-of-text code for intermediate frames is ETB and that for the last frame is
ETX, as indicated below.
Intermediate frame: [STX] [F#=1] [Text1] [ETB] [CHK] [CR] [LF]
Intermediate frame: [STX] [F#=2] [Text2] [ETB] [CHK] [CR] [LF]
•
ETB •
1 •
ETX
Intermediate frame: [STX] [F#=0] [Text8] [ETB] [CHK] [CR] [LF]
Last frame: [STX] [F#=1] [Text9] [ETX] [CHK] [CR] [LF]
[Text] = [Text1] [Text2] [Text3]…[Text9]
CR (0x0D) which indicates a record terminator is only set to the last frame ([Text9] in the
above example). It does not set to this intermediate frame ([Text1] to [Text8] in the above
example).
As for [F#], the frame numbers are assigned consecutively to the split frames within each
divided frame.
Checksum value. This is used for detection of missing frames. The least-significant byte
of a sum of byte counts of data from [F#] to [EXT] (or [ETB]) (i.e., the remainder when
the sum in decimal notation is divided by 256) is represented by a 2-digit character string
CHK 2 of hexadecimal digits.
For example, as the sum 726 in decimal notation is equal to 0x2D6 in hexadecimal
notation, the low-level byte D6 is the checksum value.
The usable characters are 0 (0x30) to 9 (0x39) and A (0x41) to F (0x46).
CR 1 Carriage return. Fixed at 0x0D.
LF 1 Line feed. Fixed at 0x0A.

Specifications of ACK/NAK Responses (Transfer Phase)

When the analyzer shifts to communication-enabled state after connection is
established in the connection phase, frame transmission is enabled.
When the analyzer transmits a frame, the receiver returns either of the following
responses to the analyzer:
• ACK (0x06): When the frame has been successfully received
• NAK (0x15): When reception of the frame failed

In a Case of an ACK Response

Upon reception of an ACK response, the analyzer transmits the next frame.
After transmitting all the frames, the analyzer will shift to ending-transmission
phase. At ending-transmission phase, the analyzer transmits an EOT signal to the
receiver and shifts to unconnected state. Upon reception of the EOT signal from
the analyzer, the receiver will also shift to unconnected state.

ASTM Communication Specifications MEK-6500/6510/7300 5

 Example of frame transmission with ACK responses

Analyzer Receiver

Frame No. 1
Elapsed time ≤ 15 sec
ACK
Elapsed time ≤ 30 sec
Frame No. 2
Elapsed time ≤ 15 sec
ACK

Last frame
Elapsed time ≤ 15 sec
ACK
Elapsed time ≤ 30 sec
EOT
Shifts to
Shifts to unconnected state
unconnected state

In a Case of a NAK Response

The receiver sends a NAK signal in any of the following cases:
• When the checksum value received from the analyzer is improper
• When the number of the received frame (F#) is not consecutive with that of the
immediately preceding frame

Upon reception of a NAK response, the analyzer retransmits the same frame.
After receiving a NAK response six times in a row from the receiver, the
analyzer shifts to unconnected state.
Example of frame transmission with NAK responses

Analyzer Receiver

Frame No. 1
Elapsed time ≤ 15 sec
NAK (1st response)
Elapsed time ≤ 30 sec
Frame No. 1
Elapsed time ≤ 15 sec
NAK (2nd response)
Receiver sends a NAK response 3 times
Frame No. 1
Elapsed time ≤ 15 sec
NAK (6th response)

Shifts to unconnected state

6 ASTM Communication Specifications MEK-6500/6510/7300

 Timeout
If neither an ACK nor NAK response is sent from the receiver within 15 seconds
after the analyzer sends a frame, the analyzer will shift to unconnected state.
If the receiver does not receive a frame within 30 seconds after it sends an ACK
or NAK response to the analyzer, the receiver will shift to unconnected state.
Example of ACK/NAK response timeout

Analyzer Receiver
Frame No. 1
Elapsed time > 15 sec
In process
Shifts to unconnected state
ACK
Elapsed time > 30 sec
Shifts to
unconnected state

Example of frame-reception timeout

Analyzer Receiver

Frame No. 1
Elapsed time ≤ 15 sec
ACK
Elapsed time > 30 sec
Shifts to
In process unconnected state

If the receiver receives an ENQ signal during timeout waiting, it will discard all
the received data and prepare for a new session. (Extended specification)
Example of an ENQ interrupt during timeout waiting

Analyzer Receiver

Frame No. 1
Elapsed time > 15 sec

Shifts to unconnected state In process

ENQ
Elapsed time ≤ 15 sec

ACK

After acknowledging reception of ENQ, the

receiver discards all the received data then
prepares for a new session.

If data transmission from the analyzer stops for 10 seconds or more while the
receiver is receiving data of one frame, the analyzer will shift to unconnected
state.
In 10 seconds after reception of the last data, the receiver will shift to
unconnected state. (Extended specification)
Example of timeout during frame transmission

Analyzer Receiver
Frame No. 1
Data-transmission
In process
interrupted time > 10 sec
Shifts to unconnected state
Shifts to
unconnected state

Interrupt Request from the Receiver

An EOT interrupt request from the receiver to the analyzer is not supported.

ASTM Communication Specifications MEK-6500/6510/7300 7

 Termination Phase
The analyzer notifies the receiver of completion of message transmission.
After sending an EOT signal to the receiver, the analyzer will shift to
unconnected state. Upon reception of the EOT signal from the analyzer, the
receiver will also shift to unconnected state.

Presentation Layer
With this analyzer, messages and records are defined, based on ASTM E1394-97.
A message is composed of records and a record always ends with a [CR] (0x0D).

Message
A message is a unit of information that is put between a header record and a
terminator record.
A message from the analyzer is composed of the following records.

Record ID Record Type Description

Record for start of a message.
H Header This record contains information relating to transmission and reception, and it is paired
with a terminator record.
P Patient Record containing data relating to patient information
O Order Record containing data relating to measurement order
R Result Record containing data on the measurement result for one parameter
Comment data
C Comment
The analyzer uses this to send its specific data.
L Last Terminator record in the message.

Message of Measurement Results

A message of measurement results from the analyzer is transmitted in the
structure described below.
Configuration of a measurement-result message

H Essential record
P Arbitrary record
O
C

C
R

R
C

C
L

• Only one P record is included in the H record.

• Only one O record is included in the P record.
• C records and the measurement results of one analyzer (aggregate of R
records) are included O record.
• C records may be included in the last R record.
When the analyzer transmits more than one test results to the receiver, each test
result is sent in the form of records between an H record and an L record.
The receiver stores each test result after receiving an L record.

8 ASTM Communication Specifications MEK-6500/6510/7300

 Delimiter Codes
A record is divided into several segments with characters called delimiters.
For ASTM communication of the analyzer, the following delimiter codes are
used:
• Field delimiter: “|” (0x7C)
• Component delimiter: “^” (0x5E)
• Repeat delimiter: “\” (0x5C)
• Escape delimiter: “&” (0x26)

Field Delimiter and Component Delimiter

A field delimiter divides a record into fields and a component delimiter divides a
field into components.
Elements of a record

Record Record
Field delimiter
Field Field 1 Field 2
Component delimiter
Component Component 1 Component 2

Repeat Delimiter
A repeat delimiter is used to express several items for a matter that is defined
in a component. For example, to set “dog,” “cat,” and “sheep” for a component
defined as “animal,” use the repeat delimiters as indicated below.
Example of the repeat delimiters

Repeat delimiter Repeat delimiter

Component
dog cat sheep
“animal”

Escape Delimiter
An escape delimiter is used to express characters (such as delimiter characters)
that have already been reserved for specific uses.
The definitions of the escape sequences available with the analyzer are indicated
below:
(The following sequences are not used for the analyzer: &F&, &S&, &R&, and
&Xhhhh&.)
• Start of text: “&H&”
• End of text: “&N&”
• Escape delimiter character: “&E&”
If a character string that includes a component delimiter (example:
“Kohden^Taro”) is to be set in the component defined as “name,” put “name”
between the escape codes for start and end of text.
Example of escape delimiters

Component &H&Kohden^Taro&N&

ASTM Communication Specifications MEK-6500/6510/7300 9

 Record and Data Communication Specification for MEK-6500/6510

Record Contents
Header Record (H)
A header record is located at the top of a message.
This record defines the delimiter codes and sender data.
* In the Extension column, presence/absence of an extended specification is
described.
○: Extension component of the analyzer
–: Component complied with ASTM

Component Specifications
ASTM Field Name Transmission
Field (ASTM Definition) Max Data
Position Extension* Item Definition Item Specification
Length
7.1.1 Record Type ID 1 — Record Type ID ID code of the record (fixed at H) 1 Setting: H (fixed)
The delimiter codes that are
stipulated by ASTM are defined.
Delimiter Code As the first character defines the
7.1.2 Delimiter Definition 1 — 4 Setting: | \ ^ & (fixed)
Definition field boundary, only the field
boundary between ASTM Field
7.1.1 and 7.1.2 does not exist.
Setting: MEK-6500
(fixed)
Device Model
1 — Model name of the sender 10 If using a MEK-
Name
6510, the indication
is “MEK-6500”.
ID No. of the device
This number is used to distinguish
one device from other devices
when several devices are connected Setting: Unit 1 or
2 ○ Device ID No.
to the receiver.
1
Unit 2
7.1.5 Sender Name or ID The analyzer uses the “Analyzer
name” set on the USB screen of the
SETTINGS screen.
Setting: Serial
number set on the
3 ○ Serial Number Serial nunber of the analyzel 5
Service screen (fix at
5 digit)
Software version of the analyzer
indicated on the OPER HISTORY
4 ○ Software Version
screen of the MAINTENANCE
6 Setting: V 00–00
screen
The settings are
This indicates the purpose of a
shown below.
message.
Calibracion daca
Set any of the following characters:
cannot be transmitted
7.1.12 Processing ID 1 — Processing ID P: Normal measurement 1
for ASTM.
Q: Quality control
P: Normal
T: Not to be used for the analyzer
measurement
G: Not to be used for the analyzer
Q: Quality control
ASTM Version Version of the ASTM Setting: E1394-97
7.1.13 ASTM Version No. 1 — 8
No. communication standard (fixed)
Date and time of data transmission
The format is
YYYYMMDDHHMMSS. The
Date and Time of Date and Time of transmission date and time of the Set the date and time
7.1.14 1 — 14
Message Data Transmission first data item will be retained, of transmission.
even if data are retransmitted
because of a NAK response from
the receiver.

10 ASTM Communication Specifications MEK-6500/6510/7300

 Comment Record (C)
A comment record is used to store data that are inherent to the device and do not
belong to ASTM fields.
The properties of data are stored in the first Comment Text field, and the entities
of data are stored in the second and subsequent Comment Text fields.
* In the Extension column, presence/absence of an extended specification is
described.
○: Extension component of the analyzer
–: Component complied with ASTM

Component Specifications
ASTM Field Name Transmission
Field (ASTM Definition) Max Data
Position Extension* Item Definition Item Specification
Length
11.1.1 Record Type ID 1 — Record Type ID ID code of the record (fixed at C) 1 Setting: C (fixed)
Record ID No. beginning from 1
If several comment records are to
Setting: 1, 2, …999
11.1.2 Sequence Number 1 — Sequence Number be sent, the sequence No. will be 3
→ 0, 1, 2, …999
incremented, as indicated below.
1, 2, …999 → 0, 1, 2, …999
Device that sends the comment:
I: Device
11.1.3 Comment Source 1 — Comment Source 1 Setting: I (fixed)
L: Measurement system
P: Other
Name of additional information Refer to the
Definition of
inherent to the device description of the
1 ○ Additional 20
comment records
Information
belonging to
Content of additional information various records.
11.1.4 Comment Text
inherent to the device Order record: Refer
to p.10.21.
2 or higher ○ Additional Info 194
Measurement result
record: Refer to
p.10.23.
The type of the Comment Text is
11.1.5 Comment Type 1 — Comment Type 1 Setting: I (fixed)
defined.

Patient Record (P)

The analyzer transmits measurement results but does not handle patient data,
because it does not receive order data. However, as patient records are essential
for sending measurement results, only the record type, record ID No., and patient
ID are set.
* In the Extension column, presence/absence of an extended specification is
described.
○: Extension component of the analyzer
–: Component complied with ASTM

Component Specifications
ASTM Field Name Transmission
Field (ASTM Definition) Max Data
Position Extension* Item Definition Item Specification
Length
8.1.1 Record Type ID 1 — Record Type ID ID code of the record (fixed at P) 1 Setting: P (fixed)
Record ID No. beginning from 1
If several patient records are to
8.1.2 Sequence Number 1 — Sequence Number be sent, the sequence No. will be 3 Setting: 1 (fixed)
incremented, as indicated below.
1, 2, …999 → 0, 1, 2, …999

ASTM Communication Specifications MEK-6500/6510/7300 11

 Component Specifications
ASTM Field Name Transmission
Field (ASTM Definition) Max Data
Position Extension* Item Definition Item Specification
Length
Set the ID to be
displayed on the
8.1.5 Patient ID 1 — Patient ID Set a patient ID. 20 READY screen.
(Fixed at 13
digits)

Order Record (O)

An order record indicates information required for one measurement order.
Only data for one analyzer are to be stored in an order record.
For example, CBC data and CRP cannot be stored together in one order record.
* In the Extension column, presence/absence of an extended specification is
described.
○: Extension component of the analyzer
–: Component complied with ASTM

Component Specifications
ASTM Field Name Transmission
Field (ASTM Definition) Max Data
Position Extension* Item Definition Item Specification
Length
9.4.1 Record Type ID 1 — Record Type ID ID code of the record (fixed at O) 1 Setting: O (fixed)
Record ID No. beginning from 1
If several order records are to be
9.4.2 Sequence Number 1 — Sequence Number sent, the sequence No. will be 3 Setting: 1 (fixed)
incremented, as indicated below.
1, 2, …999 → 0, 1, 2, …999
The ID is set.
(Fixed at 13
digits)
Refer to
Set a specimen ID for measurement “Specimen ID
1 — Specimen ID 13
data. Specification
9.4.3 Specimen ID of the Quality
Control
Measurement
Data” below.
2 — Rack ID Rack ID No. 2 Setting: M (fixed)
Position No. of the specimen in the
3 — Rack Position 2 Setting: 1 (fixed)
rack
Setting: SEQ#
Instrument Specimen Sequential ID of Number for the analyzer to identify on the RESULTS
9.4.4 1 — 7
ID the Specimen measurement-result data screen (max. 7
digits)
Specimen name used for
measurement
Name of Specimen Setting: BLOOD
1 — Whole blood: “BLOOD” 6
Type (fixed)
Plasma: “PLASMA”
Serum: “SERUM”
Specimen type codes used for
9.4.16 Specimen Descriptor measurement
The analyzer uses JLAC specimen
No. of Specimen names defined by the Japanese Setting: 019
2 ○ Type Society of Laboratory Medicine:
3
(fixed)
Whole blood: “019”
Plasma: “022”
Serum: “023”
Date/Time Results The date and time of measurement
Date and Time of Set the date/time
9.4.23 Reported or Last 1 — are indicated in the format of 14
Measurement of measurement.
Modified YYYYMMDDHHMMSS.
Set the report type of order
9.4.26 Report Types 1 — Report Types 1 Setting: F (fixed)
information.

12 ASTM Communication Specifications MEK-6500/6510/7300

 Specimen ID Specification of the Quality Control Measurement Data
A “ ” denotes a space.
Specimen ID
Quality Control Method Hematology Control
First Counting Second Counting
MEK-3DL MEK3DL 1st MEK3DL 2nd
X-R MEK-3DN MEK3DN 1st MEK3DN 2nd
MEK-3DH MEK3DH 1st MEK3DH 2nd
MEK-3DL MEK3DL 1st
L&J MEK-3DN MEK3DN 1st
MEK-3DH MEK3DH 1st

Comment Record (C) Belonging to an Order Record

The data inherent to the device and not belonging to any field of the order record
are used within the Comment Text field of a comment record.
The specifications of the Comment Text field are indicated below.
The order of appearance of comment records is not particularly specified.

Measurement Method
Data relating to the measurement method of specimens are set.
Example: When pre-dilution measurement is performed in open mode
|C|1|I|MesureMode^OPEN^PreDIL 10|I|

Component Data of the Comment Text Field

Max Transmission Data
Position Item Name Item Specification
Length
Definition of
1 Additional MeasureMode 11 MeasureMode
Information
Either of the following mode is set.
Additional
2 Set the sampling mode of specimens. 9 Open mode: “OPEN”
Information 1
Close mode: “CLOSED”
Set the dilution method of specimens. When the One of the following value is set.
Processing ID of the header record is set to P, this item A “ ” denotes a space.
is set. MANUAL
When the Processing ID of the header record is set to Q, HIGH (M)
no value is set. HIGHER (M)
No space (0x20) is included in the end of this character LOW (M)
Additional
3 string. 12 PreDIL 10
Information 2
PreDIL 20
Capillary 10
CLOSED
HIGH (C)
HIGHER (C)
LOW (C)

ASTM Communication Specifications MEK-6500/6510/7300 13

 Measurement Parameters
Data relating to the measurement parameters of specimens are set.
Example: When measurement of 19 parameters is performed
|C|3|I|MeasureParam^19^CBC|I|

Component Data of the Comment Text Field

Max Transmission Data
Position Item Name Item Specification
Length
Definition of
1 Additional MeasureParam 12 MeasureParam
Information
Additional
2 Set the number of measurement parameters. 2 19 (fixed)
Information 1
Additional
3 Set the type of measurement parameters. 10 CBC (fixed)
Information 2

Specimen Type
Data relating to the specimen type of measurement values are set. As the actual
reference value for a measurement value is set in the ASTM Field 10.1.6
“reference ranges” field of the measurement result record (R), only the specimen-
type index data of the analyzer are set.
Example: When the specimen type is set to “male”
|C|4|I|NormalRangeType^2^Male|I|

Component Data of the Comment Text Field

Max Transmission Data
Position Item Name Item Specification
Length
Definition of
1 Additional NormalRangeType 15 NormalRangeType
Information
Specimen Type No. Set an index No. in the reference-value
Assign the index of the specimen type used for table indicated below.
measurement. 0: Control
1: Blood
2: Male
Additional 3: Female
2 2
Information 1 4: Child
5: Infant
6: Other1
7: Other2
8: Other3
9: Other4
Specimen Type Name Set a name in the reference value table
Set the specimen-type name used for measurement. indicated below.
No space (0x20) is appended to the end of this character “Blood”
string. “Male”
“Female”
Additional “Child”
3 8
Information 2 “Infant”
“Other1”
“Other2”
“Other3”
“Other4”
“Control”

Output Method for Measurement Data

Data relating to the output method for measurement data from the analyzer are set.

Component Data of the Comment Text Field

Max Transmission Data
Position Item Name Item Specification
Length
Definition of
1 Additional DataOutputMethodType 20 DataOutputMethodType
Information

14 ASTM Communication Specifications MEK-6500/6510/7300

 Component Data of the Comment Text Field
Max Transmission Data
Position Item Name Item Specification
Length
Data on the type of measurement data output One of the following values is set.
Additional In a case of automatic transfer after
2 1
Information 1 measurement: “0”
In a case of transfer from the data list: “1”
Maximum length of the Comment Text (including component-delimiter characters) 22

Measurement Result Record (R)

A measurement result record retains measurement-result data for one parameter.
Comment records are used to set measurement alarms or pathology flags.
* In the Extension column, presence/absence of an extended specification is
described.
○: Extension component of the analyzer
–: Component complied with ASTM

Component Specifications
ASTM Field Name Transmission
Field (ASTM Definition) Max Data
Position Extension* Item Definition Item Specification
Length
10.1.1 Record Type ID 1 — Record Type ID ID code of the record (fixed at R) 1 Setting: R (fixed)
Record ID No. beginning from 1
If several measurement result
records are to be sent, the sequence
10.1.2 Sequence Number 1 — Sequence Number 3 Setting: 1 (fixed)
No. will be incremented, as
indicated below.
1, 2, …999 → 0, 1, 2, …999
Assign a code specified in the
Classification Codes for Clinical
Test Items (JLAC10) defined by Refer to “List
3 — Universal Code the Japanese Society of Laboratory 15 of Measurement
Medicine. Parameter Codes”.
Do not assign any parameter if the
parameter is not defined in JLAC10.
Set the name of a measurement item Refer to “List
that is locally used by the analyzer. of Measurement
Parameter Codes”.
The fixed 19
10.1.3 Universal Test ID Name of a
parameters are set.
4 — Measurement 11
In a case of 8
Item
parameters, no
values are set
for irrelevant
parameters.
Assign “JC10” to use the JLAC10 Setting: JC10
standard. In a case of a
Universal
5 — Do not assign anything if the 4 parameter not
Standard
parameter does not have JLAC code. defined in JLAC10,
no value is set.
A measurement value is set. A measurement
value in units set at
ASTM Field 10.1.5
is set.
In a case of no value
(such as OVER), no
Data or Measurement Measurement value is set.
10.1.4 1 — 10
Value Value The fixed 19
parameters are set.
In a case of 8
parameters, no
values are set
for irrelevant
parameters.

ASTM Communication Specifications MEK-6500/6510/7300 15

 Component Specifications
ASTM Field Name Transmission
Field (ASTM Definition) Max Data
Position Extension* Item Definition Item Specification
Length
Character String Assign a character string for units.
1 — 10 Refer to “Tables of
for Units
Character Strings
10.1.5 Units 2 ○ Unit Code Set a unit code. 1 for Units and Unit
Codes”.
3 ○ Unit Detail Code Set a unit detail code. 1
Set a reference range for a Reference value
measurement value. range of the
10.1.6 Reference Ranges 1 — Reference Ranges [low level]–[high level] (“–” = 13 measurement item
0x2D) that is set in ASTM
Field 10.1.3
Use the following flags:
L: Smaller than the lower limit of
the reference range
H: Larger than the upper limit of the Either of the
Measurement
1 — reference range 4 following flags is set:
Value Flag
<: Smaller than the lower limit of the “L” or “H”
Result Abnormal measurable range
10.1.7 >: Larger than the upper limit of the
Flags
measurable range
Any of the following
Extension Flag Measurement flag flags is set:
2 ○ for Measurement The flag is set for a measurement 4 “*,” “!,” “C,” “?,”
Value value. “F1,” “F2,” “F3,”
“F4,” “OVER”
Model name of the measurement Setting: MEK-6500
device (fixed)
Instrument Measurement-
10.1.14 1 — 10 If using a MEK-
Identification Device Name
6510, the indication
is “MEK-6500”.

List of Measurement Parameter Codes

Parameter Name JLAC10 Code
WBC 2A0100000019301
RBC 2A0200000019301
HGB 2A0300000019301
HCT 2A0400000019301
MCV 2A0600000019301
MCH 2A0700000019301
MCHC 2A0800000019301
PLT 2A0500000019301
GR#, LY#, MO#,
GR%, LY%, MO%,
No code
RDW-CV, RDW-SD,
MPV, PCT, PDW

Tables of Unit System Codes and Unit Detail Codes

Table of Unit System Codes
Analyzer’s Setting ASTM Output Data
Unit System Unit System Code
JAPAN 0
USA 1
SI 2
SI MOD 3
MIXED 4
USER (optional) 9

16 ASTM Communication Specifications MEK-6500/6510/7300

 Unit Detail Codes Belonging to the Unit Systems and Character Strings for
Units
Analyzer’s Setting ASTM Output Data
Character String for Measurement
Parameter Setting Unit Unit Detail Code
Units Parameter
102/uL 0 10e2/uL
WBC, GR#, LY#,
WBC 103/uL 1 10e3/uL
MO#
109/L 2 10e9/L
104/uL 0 10e4/uL
RBC 106/uL 1 10e6/uL RBC
1012/L 2 10e12/L
g/dL 0 g/dL
HGB g/L 1 g/L HGB, MCHC
mmol/L 2 mmol/L
pg 0 pg
MCH MCH
fmol 1 fmol
% 0 %
HCT HCT
L/L 1 L/L
104/uL 0 10e4/uL
PLT 103/uL 1 10e3/uL PLT
109/L 2 10e9/L
% 0 %
RDW-CV RDW-CV
%CV 1 %CV
% 0 %
PDW PDW
%CV 1 %CV

Unit Detail Codes Not Belonging to the Unit Systems and Character Strings
for Units
Analyzer’s Setting ASTM Output Data
Parameter Setting Unit Unit Detail Code Character String for Units
GR%, LY%, MO% % 0 %
MCV, MPV, RDW-SD fL 0 fL

Comment Record (C) Belonging to a Measurement Result Record

The data inherent to the device and not belonging to any field of the
measurement result record are used within the Comment Text field of a comment
record. The specifications of the Comment Text field are indicated below. The
order of appearance of comment records is not particularly specified.

Measurement Alarms
Data relating to the measurement method of specimens are set. This record is
optional.
Example: When “WBC bubble 1” and “RBC clog” alarms are generated
|C|1|I|ResultAlarm^004\108|I|

Component Data of the Comment Text Field

Max Transmission Data
Position Item Name Item Specification
Length
Definition of
1 Additional ResultAlarm 11 ResultAlarm
Information
Number of measurement alarm
Additional Set an alarm No. of alarm generated during Refer to “List of alarms” indicated on the
2 95
Information 1 measurement. If multiple alarms are generated, they will next page.
be delimited with backslashes (\).

ASTM Communication Specifications MEK-6500/6510/7300 17

 List of alarms
Alarm No. Description of Alarm Alarm No. Description of Alarm
001 A021 : WBC level 1 104 A044 : RBC bubble 1
002 A022 : WBC level 2 105 A045 : RBC bubble 2
003 A023 : WBC level 3 106 A046 : RBC bubble 3
004 A024 : WBC bubble 1 107 A047 : RBC bubble 4
005 A025 : WBC bubble 2 108 A049 : RBC clog
006 A026 : WBC bubble 3 109 A050 : RBC sample error
007 A027 : WBC bubble 4 110 A051 : RBC noise 2
008 A029 : WBC clog 112 A052 : PLT noise 1
009 A030 : WBC sample error 113 A053 : PLT noise 3
010 A031 : WBC noise 2 114 A056 : RBC upper manometer dirty
011 A032 : WBC noise 1 116 A057 : RBC lower manometer dirty
012 A036 : WBC upper manometer dirty 117 A061 : HGB voltage low
014 A037 : WBC lower manometer dirty 118 A062 : HGB voltage high
101 A041 : RBC level 1 119 A063 : HGB circuit error
102 A042 : RBC level 2 206 A093 : Internal temperature high
103 A043 : RBC level 3 207 A094 : Internal temperature low

WBC-Related Pathology Flags

The pathology flags related to WBC are described here. This record is optional.
Example: When the Leukocytosis and Poor Hemolyzation flags are used
|C|1|I|WbcPathologyFlag^1\14^Leukocytosis\Poor Hemolyzation|I|

Component Data of the Comment Text Field

Max Transmission Data
Position Item Name Item Specification
Length
Definition of
1 Additional WbcPathologyFlag 16 WbcPathologyFlag
Information
This is a WBC-related pathology flag. Set the flag
numbers indicated in “List of WBC-related pathology
Additional
2 flags.” 36
Information 1
If multiple flags are generated, they will be delimited
with backslashes (\) in order from highest priority. Refer to “List of WBC-related pathology
flags” below.
This is a WBC-related pathology flag. Set the flag names
Additional indicated in “List of WBC-related pathology flags.”
3 194
Information 2 If multiple flags are generated, they will be delimited
with backslashes (\) in order from highest priority.

List of WBC-related pathology flags

Flag No. Flag Name
1 Leukocytosis
2 Leukopenia
14 Poor Hemolyzation

18 ASTM Communication Specifications MEK-6500/6510/7300

 RBC/PLT Related Pathology Flags
The pathology flags pertinent to RBC/PLT are described here.
This record is optional.
Example: When the Erythrocytosis and Anisocytosis flags are used
|C|1|I|RbcPltPathologyFlag^1\3^Erythrocytosis\Anisocytosis|I|

Component Data of the Comment Text Field

Max Transmission Data
Position Item Name Item Specification
Length
Definition of
1 Additional RbcPathologyFlag 19 RbcPathologyFlag
Information
This is an RBC/PLT-related pathology flag. Set the
flag numbers indicated in “List of RBC/PLT-related
Additional
2 pathology flags.” 23
Information 1
If multiple flags are generated, they will be delimited
with backslashes (\) in order from highest priority. Refer to “List of RBC/PLT-related
This is an RBC/PLT-related pathology flag. Set the flag pathology flags” below.
names indicated in “List of RBC/PLT-related pathology
Additional
3 flags.” 150
Information 2
If multiple flags are generated, they will be delimited
with backslashes (\) in order from highest priority.

List of RBC/PLT-related pathology flags

Flag No. Flag Name Alarm No. Flag Name
1 Erythrocytosis 6 Hypochromia
2 Anemia 7 Abnormal MCHC
3 Anisocytosis 8 Thrombocytosis
4 Microcytosis 9 Thrombocytopenia
5 Macrocytosis 10 PLT Clumps

Terminator Record (L)

This is a record that indicates the end of a message.
* In the Extension column, presence/absence of an extended specification is
described.
○: Extension component of the analyzer
–: Component complied with ASTM

Component Specifications
ASTM Field Name Transmission
Field (ASTM Definition) Max Data
Position Extension* Item Definition Item Specification
Length
13.1.1 Record Type ID 1 — Record Type ID ID code of the record (fixed at L) 1 Setting: L (fixed)
Record ID No. beginning from 1
If several terminator records are to
13.1.2 Sequence Number 1 — Sequence Number be sent, the sequence No. will be 3 Setting: 1 (fixed)
incremented, as indicated below.
1, 2, …999 → 0, 1, 2, …999

ASTM Communication Specifications MEK-6500/6510/7300 19

Example of Data Communication
An example of communication when a measurement result is transferred from the
DATA screen of the analyzer is indicated below.
* In the communication example indicated below, the settings for the analyzer
are as shown below.
• Specimen ID : 0001 (A “ ” denotes a space.)
• Sampling mode : Closed
• Specimen type: Blood
Response
Frames Transmitted from the Analyzer from the
Receiver

20 ASTM Communication Specifications MEK-6500/6510/7300

 Record and Data Communication Specification for MEK-7300

Record Contents
Header Record (H)
A header record is located at the top of a message.
This record defines the delimiter codes and sender data.
* In the Extension column, presence/absence of an extended specification is
described.
○: Extension component of the analyzer
–: Component complied with ASTM

Component Specifications
ASTM Field Name
Max Transmission Data
Field (ASTM Definition) Position Extension* Item Definition Item Specification
Length
7.1.1 Record Type ID 1 — Record Type ID ID code of the record (fixed at H) 1 Setting: H (fixed)
The delimiter codes that are
stipulated by ASTM are defined.
Delimiter Code As the first character defines the
7.1.2 Delimiter Definition 1 — 4 Setting: | \ ^ & (fixed)
Definition field boundary, only the field
boundary between ASTM Field
7.1.1 and 7.1.2 does not exist.
Device Model Setting: MEK-7300
1 — Model name of the sender 10
Name (fixed)
ID No. of the device
This number is used to distinguish
one device from other devices
when several devices are connected
to the receiver. Setting: 1 (Unit 1) or
2 ○ Device ID No.
The analyzer uses the “Analyzer
1
2 (Unit 2)
name” set on the USB of the
Output Setting screen, which can
be accessed from the Settings
7.1.5 Sender Name or ID Menu.
Setting: Serial
number on the
3 ○ Serial Number Serial number of the analyzer 5 Service screen of the
Sytem menu (fix at 5
digits)
Software version of the analyzer
4 ○ Software Version indicated on the User Maintenance 6 Setting: V 00–00
screen
Version of 5-part Analysis program version of the
5 ○ differential analyzer indicated on the User 6 Setting: V 00–00
analysis Maintenance screen
The settings are
This indicates the purpose of a shown below.
message. P: Normal
Set any of the following characters: measurement
7.1.12 Processing ID 1 — Processing ID P: Normal measurement 1 Q: Quality control
Q: Quality control No data: Calibracion,
T: Not to be used for the analyzer Background noise
G: Not to be used for the analyzer measurement,
Circuit chek
ASTM Version Version of the ASTM Setting: E1394-97
7.1.13 ASTM Version No. 1 — 8
No. communication standard (fixed)

ASTM Communication Specifications MEK-6500/6510/7300 21

 Component Specifications
ASTM Field Name
Max Transmission Data
Field (ASTM Definition) Position Extension* Item Definition Item Specification
Length
Date and time of data transmission
The format is
YYYYMMDDHHMMSS. The
Date and Time of Date and Time of transmission date and time of the Set the date and time
7.1.14 1 — 14
Message Data Transmission first data item will be retained, of transmission.
even if data are retransmitted
because of a NAK response from
the receiver.

Comment Record (C)

A comment record is used to store data that are inherent to the device and do not
belong to ASTM fields.
The properties of data are stored in the first Comment Text field, and the entities
of data are stored in the second and subsequent Comment Text fields.
* In the Extension column, presence/absence of an extended specification is
described.
○: Extension component of the analyzer
–: Component complied with ASTM

Component Specifications
ASTM Field Name Transmission
Field (ASTM Definition) Max Data
Position Extension* Item Definition Item Specification
Length
11.1.1 Record Type ID 1 — Record Type ID ID code of the record (fixed at C) 1 Setting: C (fixed)
Record ID No. beginning from 1
If several comment records are to
Setting: 1, 2, …999
11.1.2 Sequence Number 1 — Sequence Number be sent, the sequence No. will be 3
→ 0, 1, 2, …999
incremented, as indicated below.
1, 2, …999 → 0, 1, 2, …999
Device that sends the comment:
I: Device
11.1.3 Comment Source 1 — Comment Source 1 Setting: I (fixed)
L: Measurement system
P: Other
Name of additional information Refer to the
Definition of
inherent to the device description of the
1 ○ Additional 20
comment records
Information
belonging to various
Content of additional information records.
11.1.4 Comment Text
inherent to the device Order record: Refer
to p.10.21.
2 or higher ○ Additional Info 194
Measurement result
record: Refer to
p.10.23.
The type of the Comment Text is
11.1.5 Comment Type 1 — Comment Type 1 Setting: I (fixed)
defined.

Patient Record (P)

Sets the patient data included in the work list.
* In the Extension column, presence/absence of an extended specification is
described.
○: Extension component of the analyzer
–: Component complied with ASTM

22 ASTM Communication Specifications MEK-6500/6510/7300

 Component Specifications
ASTM Field Name
Max Transmission Data
Field (ASTM Definition) Position Extension* Item Definition Item Specification
Length
8.1.1 Record Type ID 1 — Record Type ID ID code of the record (fixed at P) 1 Setting: P (fixed)
Record ID No. beginning from 1
If several patient records are to
8.1.2 Sequence Number 1 — Sequence Number be sent, the sequence No. will be 3 Setting: 1 (fixed)
incremented, as indicated below.
1, 2, …999 → 0, 1, 2, …999
Set the ID to be displayed
on the READY screen.
* The patient ID can be set
8.1.5 Patient ID 1 — Patient ID Set a patient ID. 20 on the Operation screen
of the Settings screen.
Refer to the Service
Manual of the analyzer.
Set a patient name.
Put this item between “&N&”
Setting: Patient name
and “&H&.”
8.1.6 Patient Name 1 — Patient Name 32 indicated on the Work List
* The tags “&N&” and “&H&”
screen
are included in the maximum
length of the record.
Setting: Birth date
indicated on the Work List
Set the birth date of a patient. screen
1 — Birth Date 8
The format is YYYYMMDD. * If no data are entered as
the birth date, this item is
8.1.8 Birth Date not set.
Setting: Age indicated on
the Work List screen
This is an extended specification.
2 ○ Age
Set the age of a patient.
3 * If no data are entered
as the age, this item is
not set.
Setting: Sex indicated on
the Work list screen
Set the sex of a patient.
Male: 0
Male: 0
8.1.9 Patient Sex 1 — Patient Sex 1 Female: 1
Female: 1
* Any setting value other
Others: 9
than the above will not
be sent.
Set the name or ID of the
attending physician.
Put this item between “&N&” Setting: Attending
Attending Physician Attending
8.1.14 1 — and “&H&.” 32 physician’s name indicated
ID Physician ID
* The tags “&N&” and “&H&” on the Work list screen
are included in the maximum
length of the record.
Set a comment regarding the
patient.
Put this item between “&N&” Setting: Comment
8.1.15 Special Field 1 1 — Comment and “&H&.” 134 indicated on the Work list
* The tags “&N&” and “&H&” screen
are included in the maximum
length of the record.
Set department name.
Put this item between “&N&”
Setting: Medical
and “&H&.”
8.1.26 Location 1 — Department 19 department name indicated
* The tags “&N&” and “&H&”
on the Work list screen
are included in the maximum
length of the record.

ASTM Communication Specifications MEK-6500/6510/7300 23

 Order Record (O)
An order record indicates information required for one measurement order.
Only data for one analyzer are to be stored in an order record.
For example, CBC data and CRP cannot be stored together in one order record.
* In the Extension column, presence/absence of an extended specification is
described.
○: Extension component of the analyzer
–: Component complied with ASTM

Component Specifications
ASTM Field Name Transmission
Field (ASTM Definition) Max Data
Position Extension* Item Definition Item Specification
Length
9.4.1 Record Type ID 1 — Record Type ID ID code of the record (fixed at O) 1 Setting: O (fixed)
Record ID No. beginning from 1
If several order records are to be
9.4.2 Sequence Number 1 — Sequence Number sent, the sequence No. will be 3 Setting: 1 (fixed)
incremented, as indicated below.
1, 2, …999 → 0, 1, 2, …999
The ID is set.
(Fixed at 13 digits)
Refer to
“Specimen ID
Set a specimen ID for measurement
1 — Specimen ID 13 Specification
data.
of the Quality
9.4.3 Specimen ID Control
Measurement
Data” below.
2 — Rack ID Rack ID No. 2 Setting: M (fixed)
Position No. of the specimen in
3 — Rack Position 2 Setting: 1 (fixed)
the rack
Setting: SEQ#
Instrument Specimen Sequential ID of Number for the analyzer to identify on the RESULTS
9.4.4 1 — 7
ID the Specimen measurement-result data screen (max. 7
digits)
Specimen name used for
measurement
Name of Specimen Setting: BLOOD
1 — Whole blood: “BLOOD” 6
Type (fixed)
Plasma: “PLASMA”
Serum: “SERUM”
9.4.16 Specimen Descriptor
Specimen type codes used for
measurement
No. of Specimen Setting: 019
2 ○ Type
Whole blood: “019” 3
(fixed)
Plasma: “022”
Serum: “023”
Date/Time Results The date and time of measurement
Date and Time of Set the date/time
9.4.23 Reported or Last 1 — are indicated in the format of 14
Measurement of measurement.
Modified YYYYMMDDHHMMSS.
Set the report type of order
9.4.26 Report Types 1 — Report Types 1 Setting: F (fixed)
information.

Specimen ID Specification of the Quality Control Measurement Data

A “ ” denotes a space.
Specimen ID
Quality Control Method Hematology Control
First Counting Second Counting
MEK-5DL MEK5DL XR 1st MEK5DL XR 2nd
X-R MEK-5DN MEK5DN XR 1st MEK5DN XR 2nd
MEK-5DH MEK5DH XR 1st MEK5DH XR 2nd
MEK-5DL MEK5DL LJ
L&J MEK-5DN MEK5DN LJ
MEK-5DH MEK5DH LJ

24 ASTM Communication Specifications MEK-6500/6510/7300

 Comment Record (C) Belonging to an Order Record
The data inherent to the device and not belonging to any field of the order record
are used within the Comment Text field of a comment record.
The specifications of the Comment Text field are indicated below.
The order of appearance of comment records is not particularly specified.

Measurement Method
Data relating to the measurement method of specimens are set.
Example: When pre-dilution measurement is performed in open mode
|C|1|I|MesureMode^OPEN^PreDIL 10|I|

Component Data of the Comment Text Field

Max Transmission Data
Position Item Name Item Specification
Length
Definition of
1 Additional MeasureMode 11 MeasureMode
Information
Either of the following mode is set.
Additional
2 Set the sampling mode of specimens. 9 Open mode: “OPEN”
Information 1
Close mode: “CLOSED”
Set the dilution method of specimens. When the One of the following value is set.
Processing ID of the header record is set to P, this item A “ ” denotes a space.
is set. MANUAL
When the Processing ID of the header record is set to Q, HIGH (M)
no value is set. LOW (M)
Additional
3 No space (0x20) is included in the end of this character 12 PreDIL 10
Information 2
string. PreDIL 20
Capillary 10
CLOSED
HIGH (C)
LOW (C)

Measurement Parameters
Data relating to the measurement parameters of specimens are set.
Example: When measurement of 25 parameters is performed
|C|3|I|MeasureParam^25^CBC|I|

Component Data of the Comment Text Field

Max Transmission Data
Position Item Name Item Specification
Length
Definition of
1 Additional MeasureParam 12 MeasureParam
Information
Additional
2 Set the number of measurement parameters. 2 25 (fixed)
Information 1
Setting: One of the following values is set,
Additional
3 Set the type of measurement parameters. 10 according to the measurement parameters.
Information 2
“CBC” or “CBC + Diff”

Specimen Type
Data relating to the specimen type of measurement values are set. As the actual
reference value for a measurement value is set in the ASTM Field 10.1.6
“reference ranges” field of the measurement result record (R), only the specimen-
type index data of the analyzer are set.
Example: When the specimen type is set to “male”
|C|4|I|NormalRangeType^2^MALE|I|

ASTM Communication Specifications MEK-6500/6510/7300 25

 Component Data of the Comment Text Field
Max Transmission Data
Position Item Name Item Specification
Length
Definition of
1 Additional NormalRangeType 15 NormalRangeType
Information
Specimen Type No. Set an index No. in the reference-value
Assign the index of the specimen type used for table indicated below.
measurement. 0: Control
1: Blood
2: Male
Additional 3: Female
2 2
Information 1 4: Child
5: Infant
6: Other1
7: Other2
8: Other3
9: Other4
Specimen Type Name Set a name in the reference value table
Set the specimen-type name used for measurement. indicated below.
No space (0x20) is appended to the end of this character “BLOOD”
string. “MALE”
“FEMALE”
Additional “CHILD”
3 8
Information 2 “INFANT”
“OTHER1”
“OTHER2”
“OTHER3”
“OTHER4”
“CONTROL”

Output Method for Measurement Data

Data relating to the output method for measurement data from the analyzer are set.

Component Data of the Comment Text Field

Max Transmission Data
Position Item Name Item Specification
Length
Definition of
1 Additional DataOutputMethodType 20 DataOutputMethodType
Information
Data on the type of measurement data output One of the following values is set.
Additional In a case of automatic transfer after
2 1
Information 1 measurement: “0”
In a case of transfer from the data list: “1”

Measurement Result Record (R)

A measurement result record retains measurement-result data for one parameter.
Comment records are used to set measurement alarms or pathology flags.
* In the Extension column, presence/absence of an extended specification is
described.
○: Extension component of the analyzer
–: Component complied with ASTM

Component Specifications
ASTM Field Name
Max Transmission Data
Field (ASTM Definition) Position Extension* Item Definition Item Specification
Length
10.1.1 Record Type ID 1 — Record Type ID ID code of the record (fixed at R) 1 Setting: R (fixed)
Record ID No. beginning from 1
If several measurement result
records are to be sent, the sequence
10.1.2 Sequence Number 1 — Sequence Number 3 Setting: 1 (fixed)
No. will be incremented, as
indicated below.
1, 2, …999 → 0, 1, 2, …999

26 ASTM Communication Specifications MEK-6500/6510/7300

 Component Specifications
ASTM Field Name
Max Transmission Data
Field (ASTM Definition) Position Extension* Item Definition Item Specification
Length
Assign a code specified in the
Classification Codes for Clinical
Test Items (JLAC10) defined by
Refer to “List
the Japanese Society of Laboratory
3 — Universal Code 15 of Measurement
Medicine.
Parameter Codes”.
Do not assign any parameter if
the parameter is not defined in
JLAC10.
Set the name of a measurement Refer to “List
item that is locally used by the of Measurement
analyzer. Parameter Codes”.
10.1.3 Universal Test ID
Name of a The fixed 25
4 — Measurement 11 parameters are set.
Item In a case of 8
parameters, no values
are set for irrelevant
parameters.
Assign “JC10” to use the JLAC10 Setting: JC10
standard. In a case of a
Universal
5 — Do not assign anything if the 4 parameter not defined
Standard
parameter does not have JLAC in JLAC10, no value
code. is set.
A measurement value is set. A measurement value
in units set at ASTM
Field 10.1.5 is set.
In a case of no value
(such as OVER), no
Data or Measurement Measurement value is set.
10.1.4 1 — 10
Value Value The fixed 25
parameters are set.
In a case of 8
parameters, no values
are set for irrelevant
parameters.
Character String Assign a character string for units.
1 — 10 Refer to “Tables of
for Units
Character Strings
10.1.5 Units 2 ○ Unit Code Set a unit code. 1 for Units and Unit
Codes”.
3 ○ Unit Detail Code Set a unit detail code. 1
Set a reference range for a Reference value range
measurement value. of the measurement
10.1.6 Reference Ranges 1 — Reference Ranges 13
[low level]–[high level] (“–” = parameter that is set in
0x2D) ASTM Field 10.1.3
Use the following flags:
L: Smaller than the lower limit of
the reference range
H: Larger than the upper limit of Either of the
Measurement
1 — the reference range 4 following flags is set:
Value Flag
<: Smaller than the lower limit of “L” or “H”
Result Abnormal the measurable range
10.1.7 >: Larger than the upper limit of the
Flags
measurable range
Any of the following
Extension Flag Measurement flag flags is set:
2 ○ for Measurement The flag is set for a measurement 4 “*,” “!,” “C,” “?,”
Value value. “F1,” “F2,” “F3,”
“F4,” “OVER”
Instrument Measurement- Model name of the measurement Setting: MEK-7300
10.1.14 1 — 10
Identification Device Name device (fixed)

ASTM Communication Specifications MEK-6500/6510/7300 27

 List of Measurement Parameter Codes
Parameter Name JLAC10 Code
WBC 2A0100000019301
RBC 2A0200000019301
HGB 2A0300000019301
HCT 2A0400000019301
MCV 2A0600000019301
MCH 2A0700000019301
MCHC 2A0800000019301
PLT 2A0500000019301
NE#, LY#, EO#, MO#, BA#, IG#,
NE%, LY%, EO%, MO%, BA%,
No code
IG%, RDW-CV, RDW-SD, MPV,
PCT, PDW

Tables of Unit System Codes and Unit Detail Codes

Table of Unit System Codes
Analyzer’s Setting ASTM Output Data
Unit System Unit System Code
JAPAN 0
USA 1
SI 2
SI MOD 3
MIXED 4
USER (optional) 9

Unit Detail Codes Belonging to the Unit Systems and Character Strings for
Units
Analyzer’s Setting ASTM Output Data
Character String for Measurement
Parameter Setting Unit Unit Detail Code
Units Parameter
102/uL 0 10e2/uL WBC, NE#, LY#,
WBC 10 /uL
3
1 10e3/uL EO#, MO#, BA#,
109/L 2 10e9/L IG#
10 /uL
4
0 10e4/uL
RBC 10 /uL
6
1 10e6/uL RBC
10 /L12
2 10e12/L
g/dL 0 g/dL
HGB g/L 1 g/L HGB, MCHC
mmol/L 2 mmol/L
pg 0 pg
MCH MCH
fmol 1 fmol
% 0 %
HCT HCT
L/L 1 L/L
104/uL 0 10e4/uL
PLT 10 /uL
3
1 10e3/uL PLT
10 /L9
2 10e9/L
% 0 %
RDW-CV RDW-CV
%CV 1 %CV
% 0 %
PDW PDW
%CV 1 %CV

28 ASTM Communication Specifications MEK-6500/6510/7300

 Unit Detail Codes Not Belonging to the Unit Systems and Character Strings
for Units
Analyzer’s Setting ASTM Output Data
Parameter Setting Unit Unit Detail Code Character String for Units
NE%, LY%, EO%, MO%, BA%, IG% % 0 %
MCV, MPV, RDW-SD fL 0 fL

Comment Record (C) Belonging to a Measurement Result Record

The data inherent to the device and not belonging to any field of the
measurement result record are used within the Comment Text field of a comment
record. The specifications of the Comment Text field are indicated below. The
order of appearance of comment records is not particularly specified.

Measurement Alarms
Data relating to the measurement method of specimens are set. This record is
optional.
Example: When “WBC bubble 1” and “RBC clog” alarms are generated
|C|1|I|ResultAlarm^004\108|I|

Component Data of the Comment Text Field

Max Transmission Data
Position Item Name Item Specification
Length
Definition of
1 Additional ResultAlarm 11 ResultAlarm
Information
Number of measurement alarm
Additional Set an alarm No. of alarm generated during Refer to “List of alarms” indicated on the
2 95
Information 1 measurement. If multiple alarms are generated, they will next page.
be delimited with backslashes (\).

List of alarms
Alarm No. Description of Alarm Alarm No. Description of Alarm
001 A021: WBC fluid level 1 108 A049: RBC clogged
002 A022: WBC fluid level 2 109 A050: RBC sample error
003 A023: WBC fluid level 3 110 A051: RBC hardware noise
004 A024: WBC bubble 1 111 A053: RBC software noise
005 A025: WBC bubble 2 112 A052: PLT software noise
006 A026: WBC bubble 3 114 A074: RBC upper manometer dirty
007 A027: WBC bubble 4 115 A075: RBC middle manometer dirty
008 A029: WBC clogged 116 A076: RBC lower manometer dirty
009 A030: WBC sample error 117 A061: HGB voltage low
010 A031: WBC hardware noise 118 A062: HGB voltage high
011 A032: WBC software noise 119 A063: HGB circuit error
012 A071: WBC upper manometer dirty 120 A064: HGB temp low
013 A072: WBC middle manometer dirty 121 A065: HGB temp high
014 A073: WBC lower manometer dirty 201 A066: LED temp low
101 A041: RBC fluid level 1 202 A067: LED temp high
102 A042: RBC fluid level 2 203 A068: HGB initialize error
103 A043: RBC fluid level 3 204 A081: Laser key off
104 A044: RBC bubble 1 205 A082: Optical count error
105 A045: RBC bubble 2 206 A091: Room temp high
106 A046: RBC bubble 3 207 A092: Room temp low
107 A047: RBC bubble 4

ASTM Communication Specifications MEK-6500/6510/7300 29

 WBC-Related Pathology Flags
The pathology flags related to WBC are described here. This record is optional.
Example: When the Leukocytosis and Poor Hemolyzation flags are used
|C|1|I|WbcPathologyFlag^1\14^Leukocytosis\Poor Hemolyzation|I|

Component Data of the Comment Text Field

Max Transmission Data
Position Item Name Item Specification
Length
Definition of
1 Additional WbcPathologyFlag 16 WbcPathologyFlag
Information
This is a WBC-related pathology flag. Set the flag
numbers indicated in “List of WBC-related pathology
Additional
2 flags.” 36
Information 1
If multiple flags are generated, they will be delimited
with backslashes (\) in order from highest priority. Refer to “List of WBC-related pathology
flags” below.
This is a WBC-related pathology flag. Set the flag names
Additional indicated in “List of WBC-related pathology flags.”
3 194
Information 2 If multiple flags are generated, they will be delimited
with backslashes (\) in order from highest priority.

List of WBC-related pathology flags

Flag No. Flag Name Alarm No. Flag Name
1 Leukocytosis 10 Blasts
2 Leukopenia 11 Immature Gr
3 Neutrophilia 12 Left Shift
4 Neutropenia 13 Atypical LY
5 Lymphocytosis 14 Poor Hemolyzation
6 Lymphopenia 15 Small Nucleated Cell
7 Monocytosis 16 Ly-Mo Interference
8 Eosinophilia 17 Ne-Eo Interference
9 Basophilia

RBC/PLT Related Pathology Flags

The pathology flags pertinent to RBC/PLT are described here.
This record is optional.
Example: When the Erythrocytosis and Anisocytosis flags are used
|C|1|I|RbcPltPathologyFlag^1\3^Erythrocytosis\Anisocytosis|I|

Component Data of the Comment Text Field

Max Transmission Data
Position Item Name Item Specification
Length
Definition of
1 Additional RbcPathologyFlag 19 RbcPathologyFlag
Information
This is an RBC/PLT-related pathology flag. Set the
flag numbers indicated in “List of RBC/PLT-related
Additional
2 pathology flags.” 23
Information 1
If multiple flags are generated, they will be delimited
with backslashes (\) in order from highest priority. Refer to “List of RBC/PLT-related
This is an RBC/PLT-related pathology flag. Set the flag pathology flags” below.
names indicated in “List of RBC/PLT-related pathology
Additional
3 flags.” 150
Information 2
If multiple flags are generated, they will be delimited
with backslashes (\) in order from highest priority.

30 ASTM Communication Specifications MEK-6500/6510/7300

 List of RBC/PLT-related pathology flags
Flag No. Flag Name Alarm No. Flag Name
1 Erythrocytosis 7 Abnormal MCHC
2 Anemia 8 Thrombocytosis
3 Anisocytosis 9 Thrombocytopenia
4 Microcytosis 10 PLT Clumps
5 Macrocytosis 11 PLT-RBC Interference
6 Hypochromia

Terminator Record (L)

This is a record that indicates the end of a message.
* In the Extension column, presence/absence of an extended specification is
described.
○: Extension component of the analyzer
–: Component complied with ASTM

Component Specifications
ASTM Field Name Transmission
Field (ASTM Definition) Max Data
Position Extension* Item Definition Item Specification
Length
13.1.1 Record Type ID 1 — Record Type ID ID code of the record (fixed at L) 1 Setting: L (fixed)
Record ID No. beginning from 1
If several terminator records are to
13.1.2 Sequence Number 1 — Sequence Number be sent, the sequence No. will be 3 Setting: 1 (fixed)
incremented, as indicated below.
1, 2, …999 → 0, 1, 2, …999

ASTM Communication Specifications MEK-6500/6510/7300 31

Example of Data Communication
An example of communication when a measurement result is transferred from
the DATA screen of the analyzer is indicated below.
* In the communication example indicated below, the settings for the analyzer
are as shown below.
• Specimen ID : 0001 (A “ ” denotes a space.)
• Sampling mode : Closed
• Specimen type: Blood
Response
Frames Transmitted from the Analyzer from the
Receiver

32 ASTM Communication Specifications MEK-6500/6510/7300

 Manufacturer
NIHON KOHDEN CORPORATION
1-31-4 Nishiochiai, Shinjuku-ku
Tokyo 161-8560, Japan
Phone +81 (3) 5996-8036
Fax +81 (3) 5996-8100

Sales
USA Asia
NIHON KOHDEN AMERICA, INC. SHANGHAI KOHDEN MEDICAL ELECTRONIC
90 Icon Street, Foothill Ranch, CA 92610, USA INSTRUMENT CORPORATION
Phone +1 (949) 580-1555 7th Floor, Dawning Centre Tower A No.500
Fax +1 (949) 580-1550 Hongbaoshi Road, Changning District
Shanghai 201103, China
Europe Phone +86 (21) 6270-0909
Fax +86 (21) 6270-9700
European Representative
NIHON KOHDEN EUROPE GmbH Beijing Branch
Room 1701, East Ocean Centre
Raiffeisenstrasse 10
No. 24A JianGuoMenWai Street, Beijing, 100004
D-61191 Rosbach v.d.H., Germany
Phone 010-6515-5750
Phone +49 6003 827-0 Fax 010-6515-5758
Fax +49 6003 827-599
Guangzhou Branch
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I-24124 Bergamo, Italy Phone 020-8363-3737
Phone +39 035 219 543 Fax 020-8363-3807
Fax +39 035 232 546
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8, rue Francois Delage, 94230 Cachan, France Singapore 099253
Phone +33 1 49 08 05 50 Phone +65 6376-2210
Fax +33 1 49 08 93 32 Fax +65 6376-2264

NIHON KOHDEN IBERICA S.L. NIHON KOHDEN KOREA, INC.

C/Ulises 75A Hannam Tower Annex Bldg. Suite 203
E-28043 Madrid, Spain 730 Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Korea 141-210
Phone +34 917 161 080 Phone +82 (2) 3273-2310
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NIHON KOHDEN UK LTD

Tolworth Tower, Ewell Road, Surbiton Production
Surrey KT6 7EL, UK Reagent Production
Phone +44 20-8390-8622
Fax +44 20-8390-4675 NIHON KOHDEN FIRENZE S.r.l.
Via Torta 72/74
I-50019 Sesto Fiorentino Firenze, Italy
Phone +39 055 3045 1
Fax +39 055 308548

Contact information is accurate as of May 2013. Visit www.nihonkohden.com for the latest information.

The model and serial number of your instrument are identified on the rear or bottom of the unit.
Write the model and serial number in the spaces provided below. Whenever you call your representative concerning
this instrument, mention these two pieces of information for quick and accurate service.

Model Serial number

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