™

QBC Autoread Plus

Installation Training Documentation

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 QBC AutoreadTM Plus Installation Training Documentation

Contents

QBC AutoreadTM Plus Installation Guide………………..……………….1

Techniques Tips- QBC Tubes…………...……………………….………...2

Running a Control……………………………………………………………3

Frequently Asked Questions……………………………………………….4

QBC AutoreadTM Plus Compatible Printers………………………………5

QBC Autoread TM Plus Error Lists………………………………………....6

QBC Autoread TM Plus Scan Data Interpretation………………………..7

QBC Europe Technical Support Procedure…………………………......8

Troubleshooting Centrifuge………………………………………………...9

QBC Autoread TM Plus Installation Training Documents……….…….10

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 1. QBC Autoread™ Plus Installation Guide

1. Arrive 30 minutes early to set up the system

a. Remove everything from the box

b. Place Autoread™, centrifuge, printer and power cords on the bench
c. Ensure correct placement, power connections

2. Autoread™ Plus now in place

a. Discuss theory/technology of Autoread™ and QBC tubes

i. Based on centrifugation and separation of the cells
ii. Most dense (RC’s) on the bottom layer then WBC’s, platelets
and plasma
iii. Float is the same density as the buffer coat (centres itself
over buffy coat)
iv. Float is known density which descends into RBC. How far
determines Haemoglobin result

3. Introduce the Autoread™ Plus

a. Show power button, fuse location, power pack, tray, door, cal rod
b. Turn on
- Internal tests
- Electronics/optics/mechanics/LCD
- ‘8s’ and ‘dots’
c. Show display
- Power
- Results
- Messages
- Contrast
d. Show Calrod
e. Show mode buttons
i. Cal Check Mode- run cal check daily
ii. Control Mode- whole liquid control
iii. CBC Mode
- Select Patient
iv. Options Mode

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 4. Discuss Centrifuge

a. Show ON/OFF button, fuse location, power pack

b. Power on- plug in centrifuge before turning power on
c. Explain lid and show how to tighten
d. Show where to place lid between centrifugation
e. Show how the rotor is labeled for tube balancing

5. Centrifuge Operation

a. On/off button to start and abort spin

b. Discuss speed 12,000rpm for 5 minutes
c. Lid opens automatically when complete
d. Should check centrifuge speed every 6 months with photo
tachometer

6. Run the Autoread™ Plus

a. Show how to fill and mix the tube

b. Show running a sample
c. Reprinting results
d. Show troubleshooting techniques
e. Diagnostic scan (Mode/Down)
f. End of day turn off

7. Run a Calrod Check & Control

a. Cal Mode- Calrod

b. Control Mode- whole liquid control
i. Date vial when opened
ii. Open vial stability
iii. Store 2-8oC
iv. Explain assay sheet

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 2. Technique Tips – QBC Tubes

Filling- Capillary
- Ensure an appropriate lancet is being used for collection
- 1mm width, 1.4mm depth paediatric & 1.9mm adult
- Use the thumb
- Ensure hand is warm, better blood flow will result
- Wipe first drop of blood away and don’t ‘milk’ thumb
- Do not scrape blood from the thumb
- Fill in-between the two black lines, avoiding bubbles

Filling- Venous
- Gently invert sample 10-15 times prior to filling tube
- Twist the QBC pipettor barrel forward to load tube
- GENTLY insert the tube- stopper end first
- Once loaded, twist backward to close the barrel

Filling- General
- Always fill at the end of the white anticoagulant powder
- Always cap at the end farthest away from the 2 black fill
lines
- If bubbles are present, try to compensate with more
sample (an error will occur if sample is under or over
filled)
- Wipe the tube with an alcohol wipe after centrifugation
- Do NOT allow sample to touch the end white plug
- ‘Seat’ plug with the blood lying midway within the tube
- DO NOT touch the float with your fingers

Processing
- Centrifuge within 15 minutes of float insertion
- Following centrifugation, analyse samples within 4 hours
- Don’t sit tubes horizontally on the bench following
centrifugation
- Store pre- analysed centrifuged samples vertically
- Don’t leave the tubes in the centrifuge following
centrifugation, set upright in a rack
- Place the tube into the instrument with the cap to the left
- Select correct test mode (CBC mode/Control Mode)

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 3. Running a Control

1. Store QC’s in the middle of the fridge to allow complete air circulation
around the box
2. Remove one vial of QC from the fridge at a time
3. Remember open-vial stability is 4 days
4. Date the QC vial upon opening
5. Use control immediately after removing from the fridge
6. Roll vial in hands for at least 45 seconds (using timer)
7. Gently invert control 10-15 times
8. Load the tubes with the control and roll the blood in the acridine orange at
least 10 times until it is completely mixed into the sample
9. Wipe around the top of the control vial with a lint free tissue. This will
prevent dried up matter falling into the control sample
10. Following centrifugation wipe the tube with an alcohol wipe prior to
analysis
11. Run the control in the correct mode

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 4. Frequently Asked Questions – QBC AR™

What sample type can be used?

Capillary or anticoagulated whole blood (EDTA)

How much blood is required to test on the Autoread™ system?

AccuTubes- 70µL
Standard Capillary- 60µL
Standard Venous- 111µL

How long may a sample be stored prior to running on the Autoread™?

Venous – 8 hours in anticoagulated blood tube at room temperature
Capillary – Process immediately (no longer than 15 minutes)
After centrifugation the tubes can be stored vertically and analysed within
4 hours

How often do I run the Calrod?

The Calrod should be tested daily prior to testing patient samples

Can a reprint of results be obtained?

Yes, a result reprint can be obtained by pressing the NEXT button whilst
the sample is still in the analyser

Can I use the QBC pipettor with Accutubes?

Yes, a special Accutube spacer has been developed which adds to the
pipettor to ensure the correct sample size is obtained

Does the speed of the centrifuge need to be recorded?

Yes, it is recommended that centrifuge speed is checked every 6 months
with photo tachometer

Can a sample be rerun on the instrument?

Yes a tube can be rerun upto 4 hours after filling

How do you print out a diagnostic scan?

When the analysed tube is still in the Autoread™ press the mode and
down arrow key to produce a diagnostic scan

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 What is the QC recommendation?
Each user must follow any quality control requirements from their own
regulatory or accreditation agency. QBC controls are available for
performance monitoring.

What causes “buffy-coat unreadable” error?

This error is generally sample-related. If using venous blood, ensure
samples are well mixed prior to testing. 12 to 15 inversions of the
venous tube, or 5 minutes on a mechanical mixer is required. If using
capillary samples, warm the finger, use an appropriate lancet, and wipe off
the first drop of blood. Process sample within the 15-minute limit after
collection. Certain illnesses or disease processes may cause errors. In
some cases patients should be tested via another method and a manual
differential requested.

My QBC pipettor (used to fill Standard venous or Accutubes) is not

drawing samples correctly- What can I do?
Ensure that the plug at the bottom of the tube has not been seated. Make
sure that there is no dried material stuck within the pipette body. If the
pipettor seems clogged, the barrel can be removed and replaced. If this
does not remedy the issue, replace the entire pipettor.

The Autoread™ runs the test but I don’t get a printout- Why?
Power off the printer and follow the instructions in the Operator’s manual
to reset the print format. Power printer back up and test calrod or sample.
Check that the printer head is moving appropriately. Confirm that ink
cartridge is not empty and is installed correctly.

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 5. QBC Autoread™ Plus Compatible Printers

Manufacturer Model
Brother HL-2070N
Brother Brother HL-5240
Brother Brother HL-5250DN
Canon BJC 85
Canon BJ 30
Epson LX 300 Plus
Samsung ML 2570

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 6. Common Autoread / Autoread Plus Error Messages
Error Message/Symptom Cause
1. ‘’Error 03 Cal rod’’ & ‘’Error Locating A. Lamp burned out
Meniscus’’
2. ‘’Carriage error, no sensor’’ or A. Carriage not hitting sensor
‘’carriage……’’ accompanied by a B. Sensor not working
grinding noise C. Carriage stuck (most common)
sometimes accompanied by a
grinding noise- may be
intermittent progressing to often
3. ‘Position Error’ A. Usually power related,
i.e…Power fluctuation
B. Tube not seated properly in
collet
4. ‘’PC connected’’ A. Usually caused by power
fluctuations
B. Someone has pressed the
wrong buttons and inadvertently
changed this setting
5. Filter Wheel Error 01 A. On start-up: the filter wheel has
bypassed its stop position
B. On patient samples: a definite
filter wheel problem
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Action
A. With AR software version 3.95
or higher, turn off/on. Look on
display for ‘’lamp test failure’’ to
confirm lamp is out. If so then
initiate repair or give customer
repair options.
A. Initial action: instruct customer
to power unit off, wait 30-60
seconds, power unit on. Unit
should go through System Check
and may clear carriage error, if
not proceed to B and/or C
B. If no service agreement, inform
customer this could be a one off
problem or it may occur again or
progress, suggest either repair or
wait
C. If no service agreement, use
judgement to bring in unit for
repair or wait
D. NOTE: Perform this step if
customer is willing and able,
again use your judgement. If
customer has a patient to run,
has no service agreement and the
carriage will not clear with Action
A, instruct to do the following:
Wearing gloves, remove the 4
platform screws, remove platform
and manually turn the lead screw
counter clockwise (towards the
front of the Autoread) until the
tube is as far left as possible.
This should clear carriage for
use, if not offer repair
A. Instruct customer to follow the
messages on the display window,
paying particular attention to
pressing the buttons when
instructed on the display. E.g.
‘’open door’’, ‘’remove tube’’,
‘’close door’’, ‘’press NEXT’’ etc…
NOTE: The AR memory will save
the ‘’position error’’, therefore
trying to reset the AR memory
will save the position error
message. Customer MUST follow
instructions on the display
window
A. See Technical Bulletin TB-010-
6/95, ‘’Disabling the PC
connected?’’ option, or the
‘’waiting for PC message’’
A. On start-up: open/close door
to reset filter wheel
B. On patient samples: unit needs
to be repaired
 Common Autoread / Autoread Plus Error Messages
Error Message/Symptom
6. ‘’Calibration (backlash)’’
7. ‘’Rotation Error’’
8. ‘’Error locating meniscus’’
9. ‘’Can’t ID tube type’’
10. ‘’Error locating float’’
11. ‘’Too many bubbles found in
tube’’
12. ‘’Grans Unreadable (1-5)’’
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Cause
NOTE: Seen on startup only
A. Loose motor coupling
B. Carriage not freely moving
C. Drive train slipping
NOTE: Seen in cal mode
A. The tube is not being properly
rotated
A. For standard and EZ prep tubes:
the plasma meniscus is outside
(above or below) the tube fill lines or
the fill lines are obscuring the plasma
meniscus
B. For Accutube: since there are no
fill lines…….
A. Problem with fill volume
A. Haemolysis, platelet clumps or
fibrin strands resting on top of float
B. Also can be due to a binding
carriage, defective lamp or defective
LED
A. Bubbles or air pockets created are
present in the QBC tube and have
been caused by harshly mixing
specimen before drawing into tube or
creating bubbles or air pockets by not
drawing in a steady stream of sample
into the tube
NOTE: ‘’Grans unreadable 1 & 2 are
most common
A. Streaming of red blood cells into
granulocyte layer. Numbers 1-6
indicate severity, from a slight blurred
red cell/granulocyte interface to no
differentiation between the two
layers. Most prevalent in practices
where patient population is prone to
RBC problems such as: paediatrics,
oncology/radiology, rheumatology,
anaemia’s, sickle cell, thalessaemia
Action
A. Re-run the tube in question or
another tube. If error message
continues initiate repair
A. To verify whether or not the
tube is rotating, place the cal rod
with orange/black label in AR with
label facing up. Close door and
watch display for ‘’scan 4’’, open
door, (‘’abort’’), close door and
wait for the tube to return to the
home position. Open the door. At
this point the orange/black label
should be facing down (toward the
bottom of the AR). If not, the tube
is not rotating properly. Initiate
repair.
A. Based on the tube type the
customer is using, determine
where the meniscus is falling by
verbally reviewing the tube traits
(i.e. cap, lines on tube, etc..) Have
customer re-set if under or over
filled
A. Based on the tube type the
customer is using, determine if the
tube is filled properly, if there is a
float (no clear space between red
cells and plasma or no dark to
light red layer separation), blood
seepage in standard tube caps OR
tube filled backward
A. Have a customer inspect tube
for presence of haemolysis or
clumps on top of float. If none, re-
run tube or set-tube and re-run
B. If tube has been re-set and this
error continues- initiate repair
A. Have customer inspect tube for
air bubbles or pockets. If present
reset a new tube
A. Review the QBC density
methodology, i.e. How cells layer
based on density. How RBC
morphology is involved
B. For paediatric practices, review
finger stick technique paying
special note to ‘’milking’’ of finger.
This can lead to ‘’grans
unreadable’’
 Common Autoread / Autoread Plus Error Messages
Error Message/Symptom
13. ‘’Buffy coat unreadable (6)’’
14. ‘’Buffy coat unreadable (2)’’
15. ‘’Buffy coat unreadable (3)’’
16. ‘’Buffy coat unreadable (4)’’
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Cause
NOTE: 8 scans of each tube are
taken by the AR as the tube is
rotated. At least 4 must
reproduce. If less then 4
reproduce, this error will appear
A. Accutube: lym/mono layer not
taking up the stain due to
improper mixing of blood
specimen with stain in Accutube
B. All tube types: Platelet
clumps from poor capillary stick
blood collection
A. May indicate lymph layer did
not pick up enough stain
B. May indicate no distinction
between buffy coat layers due to
a large layer obscuring other
adjacent smaller cell layers, i.e.
leukaemias (^^WBC
populations)
C. Very small cell layer, i.e.
Pancytopenia (low cell counts)
A. Platelet cell layer has
extended very close to the top
or possibly extends beyond the
top of the float. The AR must see
a space between the platelet
layer and the top of the float.
High platelet and lym/mono
counts may be the cause (the
high lym/mono layer pushes the
platelet layer up to the top of the
float) This error does nit indicate
platelet clumps
A. Cells clump at/on top of float
due to platelet clumps from poor
sample collection technique
and/or QBC tubes prepared with
samples that are passed the ‘’90
minutes after collection’’ time
period
Action
A. Verify proper dated and stored
controls
B. Have customer wipe outside of
tube to remove finger prints, glove
powder etc…. re-run tube
C. Accutube: After re-running
original tube and customer still gets
‘’Buffy…’’, instruct customer to put
tube in upright position for 5
minutes then re-run. If ‘’Buffy….’’
Persists, have customer set
specimen up again in new Accutube
and review proper mixing procedure
making sure blood does not contact
closure. If blood does come into
contact with closure, the blood will
no longer move within the tube.
Have the customer open the cap, let
a small air pocket into the tube and
re-cap. Continue with mixing
procedure
A. Have customer visually inspect
tube and review layer identification.
Is patient anaemic/leucopenic/
thrombocytopenic?
B. If pancytopenia is suspected and
this has occurred in capillary mode,
suggest a venous withdraw of
patient. Venous samples produce
larger cell layers easier for the AR to
see
C. If elevated WBC is suspected and
this has occurred in venous mode,
suggest a capillary redraw of
patient. Capillary samples produce
smaller cell layers easier for the AR
to see
D. Suggest assay by a different
method
A. Have customer visually inspect
tube and review layer identification
B. If occurred in venous mode then
obtain capillary sample and re-run.
Capillary samples produce smaller
cell layers
C. Suggest assay by a different
method
A. Have customer visually inspect
tube and review layer identification
B. Review proper blood collection
technique and suggest obtaining a
new specimen which has been
properly collected
 Common Autoread / Autoread Plus Error Messages
Error Message/Symptom
17. ‘’Buffy coat unreadable (5)’’
18. ‘’Programme reset’’
19. ‘’Improper fill venous, capillary or
Accutube sample’’
20. Black boxes in display window
21. Print is condensed and writing is
overlapped on printout
22. No printout (printer is ‘’on’’ and
‘’online’’)
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Cause
A. Lym/mono band is extremely
small or has not properly taken
up the acridine orange stain
A. Power fluctuation
A. Too much or too little blood
collected in QBC tube
A. Software related: not seated
properly, none present etc..
A. Usually caused by power
fluctuations
B. Someone has reset the print
format to labels
A. No printout selected
Action
A. Verify properly dated and
stored reagents
B. Obtain a fresh sample and re-
run
Suggest a different assay method
A. Instruct customer to turn AR
off then on to clear error
A. Review tube markings with
customer to determine accurate
fill. If not instruct customer to re-
set a new QBC tube and re-run
A. Turn AR off, reseat or re-insert
software cartridge
A. See Technical Bulletin TB-011-
6/95, ‘’Re-setting the print format’’
NOTE: Make sure the power s
turned OFF during this procedure
A. See Technical Bulletin TB-011-
6/95, ‘’Re-setting the print format’’
NOTE: Make sure the power s
turned OFF during this procedure
B. To determine if the AR has
been set to ‘’no printout’’ with
results still on the AR display
AND the tube still in the AR, press
NEXT. If a printout is printed,
reset AR to a printout type. If
printout is NOT printed,
troubleshoot printer etc….
 7. QBC Autoread TM / Autoread TM Plus Scan Data Interpretation

The QBC Autoread TM takes transmittance and fluorescence scans and

red/green float scans. From these scans, data is obtained identifying
tube markings and sample characteristics

Scan 1: Transmittance and fluorescence scan taken when light passes

through the QBC tube, RBC’s, float and Buffy Coat. Cell populations show
transmittance differences.

Scan 2: Eight scans of red and green fluorescence are taken to examine the
float and buffy coat, identifying the grans, lymph/mono and platelet
populations.

Scan 3: A transmittance and Fluorescence scan of the plasma. This is a

continuation of scan 1.

Scan Data Interpretation

Line 1

Autoreader SN#xxxxx = Serial number – This is not the instrument serial

number but remains consistent in the instrument so that scans can be linked
to the instrument
PromDate/Time = software date and version

Line 2

Sample Type = Sample type identified by fill lines and/or by meniscus

location. In early errors the tube type may be identified incorrectly. Full
evaluation did not occur
Date: and Time: = Date and time sample was run

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 Line 3

Results obtained from evaluation of the scan data. Values are only
approximations on unreadable tubes. A value of -100 indicates a result out of
instrument range (high or low)

Line 4

L1 – L6 = Band lengths. L3 is the granulocyte band. This value is invalid if a

grans unreadable #1 is obtained. L3 is obtained before the GR value is
obtained
Fill Vol = Length of volume in the QBC tube. Min-Max: 2608-3092 Standard
Capillary, 4000-4215 Standard Venous, 2843-3387 Accutube
Fill Corr = Factor applied to band lengths to compensate for an overfilled or
under filled tube so that tubes correlate
DM = Hb calculation. This value is used in the algorithm but not in scan
evaluation
GR = Gran Ratio – Average value of eight GR’s taken. Value must be >0.35
for the grans to be readable

Line 5

GR1-GR8 = Gran ratio taken in eight scans of the float. Lines at top of float
scan are interfaces from only one scan. The GR ratio is obtained by following
the line down to the bottom of the scan for the gran and lym/mono interfaces.
The areas under the curve on both sides of the grans interface are compared.
The left side of the line should be much greater than the right. The ratio
becomes closer to one as the gran value increases. Values for each
individual scan must be >0.35 to be acceptable
Assay error# = Code for each individual error code
NumTrys = Number of times the Autoread tried to find the transmittance scan
(closure, float etc…)
AnlzErr = Same as AssayError#

Line 6

BA1 – BA8 = Before and after ratios. Ratio also looks at RBC/gran interface.
If the Gran count is >1.5 then the BA must be >1.35 or a BCU#4 will be
obtained. If the Gran count <1.5 then the BA must be >1.75 or a BCU#4
would be obtained
AvgBA = Average of B1 – B8

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 By IntRatio = Looks for lym/mono peak. Ratio should be <0.6. A box is drawn
for the entire buffy coat and the lym/mono is compared to the entire area in
the box. A low lym/mono peak would be a buffy coat with no definition BCU#3
RPRatio = Red Scan Plasma Ratio. Area above the float should have greater
signal than the plasma on the float. If there are platelets or white cells (i.e.
CLL) above the float, then the ratio changes BCU# 3.
MxPlas = Max fluor reading in plasma scan – Indicates that illuminator lamp
is functioning. Value can fluctuate

Line 7

Ctype = Closure type: 0 = standard and 1 = EZ prep

EZcLen = Length of easy prep cap (250-280)
l1start = Bottom of the RBC’s on the transmittance scan
rtofall = Rise to fall of the closure. On the EZ prep tube the number should
be small because the rise and fall should be about the same place. On the
standard tube the rtofall should be larger since light passes through this cap
BkLsh = Backlash <15 steps. A/R scans in one direction and then turns
around and scans the next direction. The backlash or loss of steps should be
small in order for the scans to line up for comparison (>11 or 5= Backlash
Error)
NumRns = Number of runs: Updated each time the instrument scans a tube
Oxff = Uses hexadecimal to determine which of the 8 scans are to be used
for results
Miv = meniscus indicates Venous: 0 = found by normal method of finding fill
lines. 1 = when using how far up the plasma was found to ID the tube
CTF = Cells on top of float – This is the number of scans which detect cells on
top of the float. If the number is >4, then BCU#4 is obtained
L/Mderiv = Lym/mono derivative – also used to determine if there really is a
lym/mono peak. The derivative = the measurement between the top and
bottom of the lym/mono peak. Should be >115. If less, a BCU#5 would be
obtained. Could see this with a small lym/mono population or cloudy filters in
the A/R

Line 8

Float Length = Typically 1215 +/- 10 steps. If cells are present at the top of
float this value may increase
L7 position = Interface at top of plasma
L7 Deriv = Value determines if this is a good interface
Mode = 0 = sample, 1 = control, 2 = cal, 3 = proficiency test, 4 = fibrinogen
CntlTube = 0 regular run mode
GRSize = Normal is >20, 000 – If less, Grans Unreadable Error #3

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 RedOffset = Red offset – Makes sure the amplifier is not giving off signals
with the light source turned off. Only the gain would be figured in this value.
Usually 10-40. Should be <100
MaxTrans = Maximum transmission on the scan

Lines 9 &10

These are five major interfaces found for each of the float scans. The
interfaces between the RBC’s and grans, grans and lym/mono, lym/mono and
platelets and plasma and then the top of the float are marked with the left side
of the scan being zero. Values for all scans should be very close in a
readable tube.

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 8. QBC Europe Technical Support Procedure

Purpose

This procedure explains the process of taking a Technical Support call.

Scope

This applies to all calls received regarding technical service issues.

Procedure

1. Receive as much information as possible from the initial conversation with

the customer.
2. Determine the nature of the call to verify if it is a technical support related
call.
3. Record customer information on the Technical Support Log data base.
Include date, name, contact number, instrument type & serial number,
tube type. Obtain as much specific information as possible.
4. Listen to the description of the customer problem or question.
5. Gather as much information as possible relevant to the call including,
control lot number, expiry dates, when did problem begin, for how long?
Establish their level of knowledge.
6. Can this call be resolved immediately? Yes- end call; add all information to
the database. No- Verify the customer call-back phone number, request
any useful information needed to troubleshoot the problem (i.e. test/control
results, diagnostic scans).
7. Review the information supplied. Look for an obvious sampling error.

QBC STAR™ Troubleshooting Control Problems

Ask the following questions:

1. Which QC are they using?
2. Have they being having problems with the entire lot number or just started
having problems?
3. What is the control expiry date?
4. What is the expiry date of the tubes?
5. Which level and result is out of range?
6. How long has the current vial been open? (Open-vial stability is 4 days)
7. Do they lift the whole box out of the fridge or one at a time?
8. Are they looking at the right control results sheet?

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 9. Have they tried a new vial?
10. Ask how they mix the control vial?
11. Ask how they mix blood in the STAR™ tube?
12. What is the control fridge temperature (2-8oC)?
13. Do they monitor the fridge temperature?
14. Where in the fridge are the controls kept?
15. Did the controls arrive on scheduled date?
16. Did they arrive cold?
17. Is the control haemolysed?
18. Does one person perform the QC each day? Is the person new?
19. Ask for a diagnostic scan (Mode/Down)
20. Actually talk the customer through a control run.

QBC STAR™ Troubleshooting Patient Sampling

Ask the following questions:

1. Did you use the thumb?
2. Was it a difficult collection?
3. Which tube was used?
4. Which end of the tube was sampled?
5. Was the float inserted?
6. Did you have to ‘milk’ or scrape the thumb?
7. How long was taken between collection, centrifugation and analysis?
8. Was the first blood drop wiped away?
9. Did sample touch the end white plug?
10. Was the tube wiped with an alcohol wipe pre-analysis?
11. Has there been a problem with more than one patient?
12. Explain mixing and capping procedure

Patient may have to be tested by other method.

Explain extensive troubleshooting has been performed, cannot resolve

problem, and the instrument needs to be serviced.

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 9. Troubleshooting Centrifuge Model 424740

Yellow LED Green LED Centrifuge Operator Action

‘POWER’ ‘SPEED’ Status
Off Off Power off, no Turn on power
motor motion switch
Flashing Off Ready to spin, lid Press ON button
latched
On Off Power on, no rotor Load or unload
motion, lid not tubes
latched
On Flashing Power on, lid Rotor is usually
latched, rotor accelerating to
under speed design speed
On On Power on, lid No action
latched
Flashing Flashing Power on, lid Request service
latched, over
speed shutdown

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 10. QBC Autoread™ Plus Installation and Training Documentation

Name of Institution:

Address:

Primary Contact: Phone:

QBC Autoread™ Instrument

Model Number: Serial Number: Software Version:

Installation and Training Topics

Name of Installer/Trainer:

Name of Trainee:

Date of Installation and Training:

The above mentioned trainee has undergone a period of formal training

and has demonstrated competence in the following areas:

YES 9
1. Instrument Overview
a. Power pack _____
b. Power switch _____
c. Display _____
d. Display adjustment _____
e. Function Keys _____
f. Loading platform _____
g. Calrod _____
h. Collection tray _____
i. Software cartridge/port _____
j. External connection ports _____
k. Printing _____
l. Centrifuge _____
-Power supply _____
-ON/OFF button _____
-Lid _____
-LED _____

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 2. Instrument Menu
a. Function keys & modes _____
b. CBC Mode _____
-Select Patient _____
c. Fibrinogen Mode _____
d. Cal Check Mode _____
e. Control Mode _____
-Set Date & Time _____
-Set Print Format _____
- Haem Diagnostic Reminders (HDR) _____
-Cartridge Type _____
-Set Baud Rate _____

3. Instrument operation:
a. How the Autoread™ Plus performs a CBC _____
b. Startup- Self test _____
c. Shutdown _____
d. Calibration _____
e. Reprint results _____
f. Update software _____

4. Autoread™ Plus Tube:

a. Overview of QBC tube _____
b. The principle of capillary action _____
c. QBC tube methodology _____
d. Fill lines _____
e. Acridine orange _____
f. EDTA _____
g. Applications of the tube float _____
h. Parameters measured _____

5. Sample Collection
a. Tube expiry dates _____
b. Appropriate lancet size _____
c. Use of the thumb _____
d. Obtaining capillary blood sample _____
e. QBC pipette technique for venous samples _____
f. Correct filling, mixing and capping _____

6. Centrifugation
a. Correct centrifugation _____
b. Lid tightening _____

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 c. Leave the lid in between runs _____
d. Balancing _____
e. Centrifuge decontamination procedure _____

7. Sample Processing
a. Analyser limits of linearity _____
b. Starting an assay _____
c. Samples can be rerun _____
d. Discard sample tubes- biohazard container _____
e. Diagnostic scans _____
f. Identify system errors _____
g. Troubleshooting _____
h. External printing _____
i. Reprinting results _____

8. QBC Control Processing

a. Correct control storage (2-8oC) _____
b. Use 1 vial at a time _____
c. Expiry date _____
d. Open-vial stability time _____
e. Correct control preparation technique _____
f. QC recommendations _____
g. Importance of keeping control records _____
h. Run a control _____
i. View results and follow correct procedure in the _____
event of a QC failure

9. The trainee has undergone a satisfactory period of _____

supervised observation

The trainee named above is deemed to be fully competent in the procedures

described and able to complete QBC Autoread™Plus CBC tests

Signed Trainer: Name in Full

Signed Trainee: Name in Full

Date:

This completed and signed documentation serves as a certificate of QBC STAR™

installation and training

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