USER MANUAL 1.

4
Software Version 2.5
 CYTOfast SA – User Manual

CYTOfast SA
CYI000002
USER MANUAL 1.4
Software Version 2.5

Rev. Date Related Section Description

1.0 2016 First release Hospitex International

1.1 07/2016 Updated technical specification

1.2 12/2016 1.2 Updated technical specification

1.3 01/2017 Updated info for sw ver 2.5

1.4 05/2018 1.2 Updated technical specification

1-2
 CYTOfast SA – User Manual

INDEX

I. RESPONSABILITY DECLARATION ....................................................................... 1-6

II. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ........................................................................................ 1-6

III. REQUESTED SPACE AND ELECTRICAL CONNECTION ................................. 1-7

1. GENERAL DESCRIPTION ......................................................................................1-10

1.1. INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................................... 1-10

1.2. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................................................ 1-11

1.3. ACCESSORIES AND STARTING KIT ....................................................................................... 1-12

2. INSTALLATION PROCEDURE...............................................................................2-13
2.1. UNPACKING ............................................................................................................................... 2-13

2.2. FIRST INSTALLATION ............................................................................................................... 2-13

2.3. MAIN SCREEN ........................................................................................................................... 2-15

2.4. VIAL ............................................................................................................................................ 2-16

2.5. NEPHELOMETRIC READING ................................................................................................... 2-17

3. OPERATIVE PROCEDURES ..................................................................................3-18

3.1. SAMPLE PREPARATION .......................................................................................................... 3-18

3.2. SAMPLE SELECTION ................................................................................................................ 3-18

3.2.1. PREPARE ALL ....................................................................................................................... 3-19
3.2.2. SELECT SAMPLES ................................................................................................................ 3-19
3.2.3. PRE-SHAKE ........................................................................................................................... 3-20
3.2.4. CONTAINERS LEVEL ............................................................................................................ 3-21
3.2.5. TIP POSITION ........................................................................................................................ 3-22

3.3. WORK CYCLE PREPARATION ................................................................................................ 3-22

3.4. VIALS INSERTION ..................................................................................................................... 3-23

3.5. WORK CYCLE ............................................................................................................................ 3-23

3.5.1. BALANCING WITH CYTOfast SOLUTION............................................................................. 3-24
3.5.2. STICKEUR LIQUID ADDICTION ............................................................................................ 3-25

3.6. WORK CYCLE ENDING ............................................................................................................. 3-25

1-3
 CYTOfast SA – User Manual

4. SETUP.....................................................................................................................4-26
4.1. SELECT READING ..................................................................................................................... 4-26

4.2. CALIBRATION ............................................................................................................................ 4-27

4.3. STRESS ...................................................................................................................................... 4-28

4.4. SETTINGS .................................................................................................................................. 4-29

4.4.1. LANGUAGE ............................................................................................................................ 4-30
4.4.2. MIXING ................................................................................................................................... 4-30
4.4.3. BALANCING ........................................................................................................................... 4-31
4.4.4. +/- CLASS ............................................................................................................................... 4-32

5. RESET.....................................................................................................................5-33

6. INSTRUMENT SWITCHING OFF............................................................................6-34

7. CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE ..........................................................................7-35

7.1. SAMPLES PLATE CLEANING .................................................................................................. 7-35

7.2. EXTERNAL CLEANING ............................................................................................................. 7-35

7.3. TANKS EMPTYING AND CLEANING ....................................................................................... 7-35

7.4. TANKS MAINTENANCE ............................................................................................................ 7-37

8. TROUBLESHOOTING ............................................................................................8-38

1-4
 CYTOfast SA – User Manual

INDEX OF PICTURES
Picture 1 CYTOfast SA ................................................................................................................................. 1-10
Picture 2 CYTOfast SA instrument ............................................................................................................... 2-13
Picture 3 Initialization .................................................................................................................................... 2-14
Picture 4 Main Screen .................................................................................................................................. 2-15
Picture 5 Proper vial ..................................................................................................................................... 2-16
Picture 6 Vial's dimension and label placing ................................................................................................ 2-16
Picture 7 Main menu ..................................................................................................................................... 3-18
Picture 8 Start menu ..................................................................................................................................... 3-18
Picture 9 Prepare all six sample ................................................................................................................... 3-19
Picture 10 Samples selection ....................................................................................................................... 3-19
Picture 11 Pre-Shake.................................................................................................................................... 3-20
Picture 12 Empty containers ......................................................................................................................... 3-21
Picture 13 Full containers ............................................................................................................................. 3-21
Picture 14 Tips needed and positioning ....................................................................................................... 3-22
Picture 15 Sample positioning ...................................................................................................................... 3-22
Picture 16 Work cycle screen ....................................................................................................................... 3-23
Picture 17 Stopped Cycle ............................................................................................................................. 3-24
Picture 18 Results Screen ............................................................................................................................ 3-25
Picture 19 Setup menu ................................................................................................................................. 4-26
Picture 20 Start read screen ......................................................................................................................... 4-26
Picture 21 Select reading screen .................................................................................................................. 4-27
Picture 22 Password screen ......................................................................................................................... 4-27
Picture 23 Insert calibrator screen ................................................................................................................ 4-27
Picture 24 Calibration end screen ................................................................................................................ 4-28
Picture 25 Stress screen............................................................................................................................... 4-29
Picture 26 Settings screen ............................................................................................................................ 4-29
Picture 27 Language screen ......................................................................................................................... 4-30
Picture 28 Mixing screen .............................................................................................................................. 4-30
Picture 29 Balancing screen ......................................................................................................................... 4-31
Picture 30 +/- Class screen .......................................................................................................................... 4-32
Picture 31 Shut-down screen ....................................................................................................................... 6-34
Picture 32 Shut-down ................................................................................................................................... 6-34
Picture 33 Luer Connector and Waste lock .................................................................................................. 7-36
Picture 34 Waste lock screw ........................................................................................................................ 7-37

1-5
 CYTOfast SA – User Manual

I. RESPONSABILITY DECLARATION

Our Company declines all responsibility for damage due to any type of modifications made
on the Hardware and Software due to connection to other instruments not carried out by
our personnel or not previously authorized by our firm.
In case the apparatus is damaged do not switch it on until it has been repaired by a
technician from our company's Service Department.
Any type of electric operation required to install or repair the instrument must be carried
out by our staff; do not install in any other way.
The instrument should be used under the environment conditions and according to safety
norms given in points II and III of the following chapter, in order to guarantee that the
results obtained by the instrument are equivalent to those given in the technical
specifications.
.

Use this instrument only after reading this manual.

II. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Although CYTOfast SA does not entail any particular risk for the operator, instrument has
to be used only by appropriately trained personnel, and only for the use as intended.
The indications for use must be applied simultaneously to respect the laws in force in
the country where the instrument is installed, about risk prevention and environmental
protection.

• CYTOfast SA has to be installed on a clean, stable, level desk.

• Following steps are recommended during instrument installation: in accordance with

IEC 1010-2-2, a security area of 300 mm around the instrument has to be foreseen.

• Security area must be free of hazardous substances during instrument operations.

• In accordance with international regulation EN 61010-2-20, the electrical system

must be equipped with a safety stopping in case of emergency.

• CYTOfast SA should not be used in areas subject to explosion hazard.

1-6
 CYTOfast SA – User Manual

• CYTOfast SA should not be used in presence of:

 explosive materials;

 materials which, in contact with others, can react by releasing large amounts
of energy.

• The operator must handle CYTOfast SA samples as biological material, potentially

containing pathogens.

• The use of unoriginal spare parts and accessories is strictly forbidden.

• The safe working CYTOfast SA and its operational reliability are guaranteed only if:

 CYTOfast SA is used in full compliance with operational guidelines;

 any checking and repair are carried out by personnel authorized by the
manufacturer;

 the electrical system where the instrument is installed, complies to IEC

regulations.

 WARNING:

Guarantee will be not applicable on instruments for which previous indications have
been not respected.

III. REQUESTED SPACE AND ELECTRICAL CONNECTION

The dimensions of the instrument, and then the space required for its placement, are
shown in the technical specifications.

 Ensure sufficient air circulation is guaranteed.

 Ensure that voltage and frequency are correct (read information on the label).
 CYTOfast SA has to be connected to a standard grounded plug, by using the cable
provided with the instrument.

1-7
 CYTOfast SA – User Manual

12 V dc, 1.5 A, through an external power supply with input

POWER SUPPLY:
100/240 V ac, 50/60 Hz

DISTRIBUTION: 1 phase, neutral and ground

FUSE: None

1-8
 CYTOfast SA – User Manual

SYMBOLS TABLE

NUMBER SYMBOL DESCRIPTION

1 Alternate current

2 Ground terminal

3 ON (power)

4 OFF (power)

5 Fuse

6 Caution, risk of electric shock

7 Caution, refer to the attached documentation

8 Caution, biological danger

9 Caution, high temperature surface

10 Caution, moving parts

11 CE mark

1-9
 CYTOfast SA – User Manual

1. GENERAL DESCRIPTION

1.1. INTRODUCTION

CYTOfast SA instrument is part of the whole system for liquid based cytology (LBC),
named CYTOfast system, produced by HOSPITEX INTERNATIONAL SRL.
CYTOfast SA is used for the optical density determination of samples collected in
CYTOfast preservative liquid, and the subsequent preparation of related cytological slides.
.

Picture 1 CYTOfast SA

Instrument automatically resuspends sample, performs the nephelometric reading,

aspirates a determinated sample quantity, adds the fixative solution and balances samples
before their centrifugation.
CYTOfast SA takes approximately 5-7 minutes for performing a complete work cycle, for
preparing 6 samples (the same samples number for which cytocentrifuge is designed).

1-10
 CYTOfast SA – User Manual

1.2. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

MODEL CYTOfast SA

CODE CYI000002

POWER SUPPLY 12 V dc, 1.5 A

POWER CONSUMPTION 15 W

FUSES None

MAX NUMBER OF SAMPLES 6

From 50 to 60 samples/h, depending

THROUGHPUT
on instrument settings
(SAMPLES/H)

OPERATING TEMPERATURE 15°C – 32°C

RELATIVE HUMIDITY Max 80% not condensing

NOISE < 65 dBA

DIMENSIONS 550 (H) x 470 (W) x 470 (D) mm

WEIGHT 22 kg

1-11
 CYTOfast SA – User Manual

1.3. ACCESSORIES AND STARTING KIT

Packaging contains:

POWER SUPPLY CABLE PC 1

POWER SUPPLY MODULE PC 1

ETHERNET CABLE PC 1

WASTE KIT TUBES PC 1

WASTE TIP CONTAINER PC 1

CALIBRATOR KIT FOR CYTOfast SYSTEM PCS 1

ALLEN KEY 4mm PCS 1

USER MANUAL PCS 1

1-12
 CYTOfast SA – User Manual

2. INSTALLATION PROCEDURE

2.1. UNPACKING

Pull out instrument from the wooden box.

Remove protections, then replace the cover by using the 8 screws contained in the
packing.

2.2. FIRST INSTALLATION

W
T

S
C

S: Stickeur tank
C: CYTOfast tank
T: Tip rack
W: Waste

Picture 2 CYTOfast SA instrument

Instrument has to be positioned on a perfectly horizontal working desk, in order to allow an

accurate nephelometer reading.
Make sure that CYTOfast SA is properly connected to the electrical line.

Switch on CYTOfast SA by pressing the power switch.

2-13
 CYTOfast SA – User Manual

During the initialisation phase, the mechanical arm and all others devices find their home
positions. The steps of the initialisation are visualized on the display by 7 blue circles, one
for each check (Picture 3).

Picture 3 Initialization

Each circle appears when the related item is properly initialised.

Checked items (and related positioning) are seven:

- nephelometer serial communication;

- motors serial communication;

- diluter home position;

- Up/Down arm home position;

- arm rotation home position;

- sample plate movement home position;

- nephelometer movement.

If each item is properly initialized (seven blue circles at the bottom of the display), after a
few seconds, it shows the home (Picture 4).
Otherwise, instrument tries to initialize the blocked item again.
If the item is still blocked or it is not working, display shows “INIT FAILED” message.
Then, a message with the name of blocked item appears.

2-14
 CYTOfast SA – User Manual

2.3. MAIN SCREEN

In the first case (home picture is shown by the display), it is possible to proceed starting a
new work cycle or manage the instrument settings.
In the second case (one resource is blocked) it is recommended a new initialization
procedure by pressing RESET, if problem persists the operator must call technical
assistance.
From this section user can start a new work cycle (see Section 3.5) by pressing START,
manage the instruments settings (see Section 4) by pressing SETUP or perform a RESET
(see Section 5).
The software release version is indicated in the lower left corner.

Picture 4 Main Screen

.
Uncap the two containers on the instrument, marked with C and S.
Fill the container marked with C with preservative solution CYTOfast; fill the container
marked with S with fixative solution Stickeur.
Replace caps on the two containers.
From this moment, hydraulic circuits of CYTOfast and Stickeur solution are filled.
Check the presence of the proper container in the place where used tips will be
discharged.

2-15
 CYTOfast SA – User Manual

2.4. VIAL

This is the proper vial for instrument use (Picture 5).

Picture 5 Proper vial

Dimensions and the proper way to stick on the label are shown in the pictures below
(Picture 6).
It is very important that the label is into the correct position: incorrect positions compromise
nephelometric reading.

Picture 6 Vial's dimension and label placing

2-16
 CYTOfast SA – User Manual

2.5. NEPHELOMETRIC READING

CYTOfast SA contains a nephelometer for the determination of cytological samples

cellular density.
Nephelometric reading is realized by two photo sensible elements and one emitter
element.
The two photo sensible elements are positioned at 90°, so one of these is aligned with the
emitter, and the other is at 90° with the emission beam.
Data collected by the two sensors are elaborated by a control board, independent by the
central unit.
Thanks to the nephelometric reading, instrument can attribute a different cellular density
class to each sample. To a different cellular density class, it is a different sample quantity
to be added into the slide, in order to obtain about 100.000 cells, distributed by cyto-
centrifugation as a monolayer on each slide, independently by starting cellular density of
the sample.
This phase represents the standardization of CYTOfast system.
Cellular density classes are determinate by the instrument. Classes are 10, which are 10
sample quantities (in microliters).

CELLULAR DENSITY CLASSES SAMPLE ADDICTION

1 5000
2 2500
3 1200
4 900
5 700
6 500
7 300
8 200
9 150
10 100

2-17
 CYTOfast SA – User Manual

3. OPERATIVE PROCEDURES

3.1. SAMPLE PREPARATION

Instrument shows main menu (Picture 7). Use touch screen for scrolling the menu.
Select START for starting work.
The other functions selectable from main menu are SETUP (Section 4) and RESET
(Section 5).

Picture 7 Main menu

3.2. SAMPLE SELECTION

By selecting START, instrument shows a new menu where operator can choose how
many samples set up during the working cycle (Picture 8).

Picture 8 Start menu

By selecting (home) it is possible to return to main menu.

By selecting (back) it is possible to return to previous screen.

3-18
 CYTOfast SA – User Manual

3.2.1. PREPARE ALL

By selecting PREPARE ALL, the operator chooses to set up six samples, simultaneously.
This working method as to be considered as the standard: it allows to obtaining the
maximum productivity of the instrument, coupled with highest productivity of cytocentrifuge
(Picture 9).

Picture 9 Prepare all six sample

3.2.2. SELECT SAMPLES

By selecting the option SELECT SAMPLE, operator chooses to set up a number of

samples less than 6, simultaneously.
It is recommend do not use this method as routine work, but only if less than 6
samples are available.
Then, instrument shows a screen where the 6 positions are displayed: operator has to
choose in which positions samples will be placed (no mandatory criteria for this choice, the
operator can choose any order) (Picture 10).

Picture 10 Samples selection

Please note that the cytocentrifuge cannot manage a single sample, or 5 samples, while it
can manage simultaneously 2, 4 samples (placing them on opposite sides), 3 samples
(placing them as a triangle) and 6 samples of course.

3-19
 CYTOfast SA – User Manual

3.2.3. PRE-SHAKE

In the same screen of samples selection, option PRE-SHAKE is displayed (Picture 11).

Picture 11 Pre-Shake

Generally speaking, PRE-SHAKE procedure consists of a vigorous shaking of the vials

containing the samples, which aims to increase the process of separation of cellular
material from the filaments of the brush sampling, homogenizing the sample and
resuspending cellular material.
This option can be used as pre-treatment for those samples containing the brush.
For PRE-SHAKE, prepare samples placing them closed on the plate, in balanced
positions.
By selecting ON, instrument start pre-shaking procedure, that operator can switch off (by
selecting OFF), after the required time (usually 5-15 minutes).

3-20
 CYTOfast SA – User Manual

3.2.4. CONTAINERS LEVEL

After selecting PREPARE ALL or SELECT SAMPLE instrument shows the screen where is
possible to check the levels of the two solutions CYTOfast and Stickeur.
If the two levels, or one of them, are visualized in red, add solutions in the correspondent
containers because it is not possible to realize a work cycle (Picture 12).

Picture 12 Empty containers

If the two levels are visualized in green, the work cycle can start (Picture 13).

Picture 13 Full containers

3-21
 CYTOfast SA – User Manual

3.2.5. TIP POSITION

After the containers level’s check the instrument displays the number of tips and their
positioning needed for selected work cycle (Picture 14).
If less than 6 samples have been selected, operator can prepare a number of tips equal to
the number of samples selected: the position of the sample on the plate has to match
the position of the tip, plus the tip in position 7, which always has to be prepared.
Instrument uses one tip each sample, plus tip in position 7 which is used for CYTOfast
(balancing solution) and Stickeur (fixative solution) addiction, in all the samples prepared.

Picture 14 Tips needed and positioning

3.3. WORK CYCLE PREPARATION

To set up a working cycle is necessary to follow next steps:

1. Prepare slide by writing patient data on it, then insert it in the CYTOchamber holder.
Place the CYTOchamber on the slide and complete by fixing the whole assembly
with the ring of the CYTOchamber holder.
2. Place 7 new tips into the rack.

Picture 15 Sample positioning

3-22
 CYTOfast SA – User Manual

3. Place 6 samples on the plate, open.

Always resuspend samples, mixing them 3-4 times by inversion, before inserting in
the preparation plate.

4. Place on the right side of each vial its corresponding slide, previously assembled
(Picture 15).

3.4. VIALS INSERTION

Some precaution is required during insertion of those vials containing the brush.
Make sure the brush is not blocked by the walls of the vial, but free to float.
Place the vial so that the tip of the brush is facing the center of the preparation
plate, to ensure a better floating the brush inside the vial.

3.5. WORK CYCLE

Select (“start” key) in the menu in which number of samples has been selected.
Instrument starts to prepare the 6 samples, following this work sequence:
1. mechanical arm takes tip 1, inserts it in vial 1, then it resuspends sample by
performing 3 cycles of aspiration/dispensation (see Section 4.4.2, for alternative
configurations);
2. sample 1 is read by the nephelometer, then tip aspirates the sample quantity
determinated by the nephelometric reading and dispenses it on the assembled
slide;
3. mechanical arm discharges tip 1 in the proper container, then it takes tip 2.
In the same way the other 5 samples are processed.

During this preparation cycle, display shows following screen (Picture 16).

Picture 16 Work cycle screen

3-23
 CYTOfast SA – User Manual

After 3 cycles of aspiration/dispensation nephelometer reads sample class and the result
is written under “QTY[ul]” label (see Section 2.5).
If the option “Prepare all” has been selected, all six vials have a class number.
If the option “Select sample” has been selected, the empty positions show the message
“Sample not in use”.
In the “VOL[ul]” line, the indication of balancing with CYTOfast solution will appear (see
Section 3.5.1).
If the operator wants to stop the work cycle can press STOP button.
By pressing STOP, the instrument can interrupt work cycle but according to the action
started: the instrument interrupts itself only before to catch the tip or before sample
aspiration. By pressing STOP “Wait...” message will appear and, when instrument is
stopped this label is replaced with two different choices: RESTART and ABORT (Picture
17).

Picture 17 Stopped Cycle

By pressing RESTART the instrument resumes and finishes the work cycle whereas, by
pressing ABORT, the cycle is aborted: possible tip caught is released and the instrument
performs the initialization procedure.

3.5.1. BALANCING WITH CYTOfast SOLUTION

After the 6 samples preparation, mechanical arm takes the seventh tip and aspirates by
the valve corresponding to CYTOfast solution, adding a volume of it of 5 ml, less aspirated
sample volume.
This operation needs to balance all the samples to the same volume, before centrifugation.
Being 5 ml the highest sample addiction foreseen by the nephelometric reading (sample
with the lowest cellularity) all samples are balanced to that volume (see Section 4.4.3, for
alternative configuration).
In case of samples of class 1, from which a volume of 5 ml has been aspirated,
instrument does not add liquid CYTOfast.

3-24
 CYTOfast SA – User Manual

3.5.2. STICKEUR LIQUID ADDICTION

With the seventh tip again, instrument dispenses 1.5 ml (fix quantity) of fixative solution,
named Stickeur, on each slide.
Final volume on each slide during centrifugation will be 6.5 ml (5 ml of sample + CYTOfast
solution and 1.5 ml of Stickeur solution).
Fixative solution allows, together with centrifuge force and polysined slides use, the perfect
adhesion of cellular material on the slide.
After the addiction of fixative solution in the sixth sample, mechanical arm discharges the
seventh tip and find it home position again.
If less than 6 samples have been selected at the beginning, the work cycle will be the
same, for the number of selected samples. In this case, the number of tips to be placed on
the instrument and the number of assembled slides have to match the
number of samples to be processed.
It is always necessary to place the seventh tip, in order to realize samples balancing
and fixative solution addiction.

3.6. WORK CYCLE ENDING

At the end of a work cycle, display shows aspirated quantities of just prepared samples,
and performed balancing (Picture 18).

By selecting (home) it is possible to return to the main menu and eventually start a
new work cycle if requested.

Picture 18 Results Screen

Remove used tips from their container.

CYTOfast e Stickeur hydraulic circuit can be left filled.

3-25
 CYTOfast SA – User Manual

4. SETUP

From SETUP menu, it is possible to enter in SELECT READING, CALIBRATION,

STRESS and SETTINGS (Picture 19).

Picture 19 Setup menu

4.1. SELECT READING

It is possible to select only reading option, without subsequent slide preparation. By

pressing SELECT READING, instrument displays start read screen (Picture 20). Place
sample to be read in position 1, open or closed.

Picture 20 Start read screen

Select READ: instrument performs nephelometric reading of sample 1, indicating relative

cellular density class (Picture 21).
If needed, insert a new sample and repeat the operation.
This option is very useful in case nephelometer reading of instrument has to be tested,
without proceeding to samples preparation.

4-26
 CYTOfast SA – User Manual

Picture 21 Select reading screen

4.2. CALIBRATION

It is possible to realize a new instrument calibration if the previous one works not properly.
The operator needs a password and the Hospitex International calibration kit. Display
shows next image (Picture 22).

Picture 22 Password screen

Insert the correct password by pressing the numbers.

By pressing “OK” display shows picture below.

Picture 23 Insert calibrator screen

4-27
 CYTOfast SA – User Manual

By pressing (back) the operator goes back to the SETUP menu.

Insert first calibrator and press OK. Display shows an image (Picture 23), but it will ask to
insert the second calibrator. Insert it and press OK. The same procedure is for third and
fourth calibrator. At any time, by pressing CANCEL the instrument stops calibration
procedure and goes back to the setup menu.
At the end of calibration procedure, display shows picture below.

Picture 24 Calibration end screen

By pressing OK the new calibration is saved; by pressing CANCEL new calibration is

aborted (Picture 24). In both cases display goes back to the SETUP menu.

4.3. STRESS

 WARNING: this procedure has to be made ONLY if requested by our

technician.

Due to stress function, the instrument starts uninterrupted work cycle. The instrument is
never stopped. During the uninterrupted cycle display shows the initialization image
(Picture 25). It is necessary turn OFF the instrument to stop the stress procedure.

4-28
 CYTOfast SA – User Manual

Picture 25 Stress screen

4.4. SETTINGS

From this menu it is possible to reach to different instrument settings (Picture 26).

Picture 26 Settings screen

4-29
 CYTOfast SA – User Manual

4.4.1. LANGUAGE

By selecting LANGUAGE it is possible to select required language (Picture 27).

Picture 27 Language screen

Available languages are: English, Italian and French.

4.4.2. MIXING

This option allows selecting the number of sample mixings that instrument performs before
nephelometric reading (Picture 28).

Picture 28 Mixing screen

By selecting MIXING 3 (strictly recommended for better resuspension of cellular

material), tip aspirates and dispenses part of sample 3 times, resuspending cellular
material, before nephelometric reading.
By selecting MIXING 2 or 1, aspirations are decreased to 2 or 1.
By selecting MIXING 0, instrument directly proceeds to sample nephelometric reading.
It is recommended to the operator to do not set MIXING 0.
Different selections should be made considering that:
 a higher number of MIXING allows a better resuspension of sample before its
nephelometric reading;
 a lower number of MIXING allows instrument time/cycle reduction.

4-30
 CYTOfast SA – User Manual

To activate a different configuration in “MIXING”, operator needs to stop and turn

on the instrument again.

4.4.3. BALANCING

This option allows selecting standard balancing to 5 ml, or alternative balancing to 2 ml

(Picture 29).

Picture 29 Balancing screen

By selecting standard balancing, instrument balances all samples to 5 ml (Section 3.5.1).

By selecting alternative balancing to 2 ml, instrument manages the balance of the
samples two by two, depending on their position on the plate, and then later in the
cytocentrifuge.

 Sample 1 is opposite to sample 4.

 Sample 2 is opposite to sample 5.
 Sample 3 is opposite to sample 6.

In practice:
1. if, after nephelometric reading, from sample 1 a quantity lower than 2 ml has been
taken, and also from sample 4 a quantity lower than 2 ml has been taken, this
couple of samples will be balanced to 2 ml, by adding CYTOfast liquid in order to
reach the volume of 2 ml in both samples (regardless of the balancing for couples
2-5 and 3-6);
2. if, after nephelometric reading, from sample 1 quantity lower than 2 ml has been
taken, but from sample 4 quantity higher than 2 ml has been taken, this
couple of samples will be balanced to 5 ml, by adding CYTOfast liquid in order to
reach the volume of 5 ml in both samples (regardless of the balancing for
couples 2-5 and 3-6).

4-31
 CYTOfast SA – User Manual

Same principle is applied for couples of samples 2-5 and 3-6.

This alternative configuration allows a lower consumption of CYTOfast balancing solution

and a reduction of instrument time/cycle, in case some couple could be balanced to 2 ml.
Generally speaking, this configuration may be convenient for those customers who mainly
work gynecological specimens (PAP test) which commonly are very cellulated samples
and usually they are balanced to 2 ml.
Alternative BALANCING to 2 ml is activated only if all 6 samples are prepared
(SELECT ALL).
To activate a different configuration in BALANCING, operator needs to stop and turn
on the instrument again.

4.4.4. +/- CLASS

This function allows to increase or decrease the amount of cellular material on the slide
(Picture 30).

Picture 30 +/- Class screen

It is possible to increase or decrease the amount of cellular material of 50%. This function
has some limitation:

 Class 1 is not modifiable;

 Class 2÷4 are modified altogether;

 Class 5÷10 are modified altogether;

 Class 10 ignore decreasing (minimum volume for the sample is 100 µl).

4-32
 CYTOfast SA – User Manual

5. RESET

From main menu it is possible to select RESET procedure.

This procedure allows the mechanical arm to find calibration for all its positions.
It is recommended to perform “RESET” procedure always at first installation (Section 2.2).

5-33
 CYTOfast SA – User Manual

6. INSTRUMENT SWITCHING OFF

At the end of working session, operator can switch off instrument by pressing the red key,
in the main menu.
Instrument asks if “SHUT DOWN” has to be performed (Picture 31).
.

Picture 31 Shut-down screen

By pressing OK, shut down is performed (Picture 32).

Picture 32 Shut-down

Then switch off the instrument using the power switch on the rear panel.

6-34
 CYTOfast SA – User Manual

7. CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE

This section provides the user recommendations for a proper maintenance and cleaning of
the instrument. The producer reminds again the user that the periodic visual inspection of
the instrument is the first and easier way to guarantee the best performance of the
instrument itself. Please remember to switch off the instrument before any cleaning and
maintenance procedure.

 WARNING: An improper maintenance or cleaning procedure could affect the

system performance.

 WARNING: Vials and theirs contents may present a hazard for the operator. Follow
standard laboratory procedures for protection from hazards when performing
maintenance and troubleshooting procedures.

Note that the instrument must be installed in a dry and clean area, as specified in a “safety
precaution” section.

7.1. SAMPLES PLATE CLEANING

Make sure that the samples plate is clean; otherwise clean it with a soft cloth that doesn’t
leave any residues and a common detergent.
If during the work session the plate enters in contact with biological liquid, immediately
wipe it with a soft cloth that doesn’t leave any residues and a disinfectant liquid.
Preparation plate is easily removable, not screwed.

7.2. EXTERNAL CLEANING

Every instrument surface, included touch screen surface, must be cleaned with a soft
cloth, that doesn’t leave any residues and not aggressive detergent. Such cleaning
procedure does not ensure that all the viruses and micro-organisms are inactivated and
the instrument is sterilized, although it reduces the risk at a minimum level.

7.3. TANKS EMPTYING AND CLEANING

To empty the tanks: packaging contains two discharging pipes with Luer connectors; insert
these into the correct instrument connections under the tanks (as shown in following
pictures). Above each of these there is the respective waste lock.

7-35
 CYTOfast SA – User Manual

1. Insert discharging pipes with Luer in the proper connectors on the instrument
(Picture 33).

2. Insert the other end of the pipes in the proper discharge containers, or in CYTOfast
solution and Stickeur tanks (respectively) if the liquid can be used again.

Waste Lock

Luer Connector

Picture 33 Luer Connector and Waste lock

3. Place the discharge container at a lower level than the instrument; otherwise the
liquid can’t to come out of the tank (waste tank at least 30 cm under the instrument).

4. Loosen the screw of required waste lock (Picture 34).

7-36
 CYTOfast SA – User Manual

Stickeur
Waste Lock
and Luer CYTOfast
Waste Lock
and Luer

Picture 34 Waste lock screw

5. Once the tank is emptied, tighten the screw.

6. Fill the tank with distilled water and let it soak for about 15 minutes.

7. Repeat the emptying procedure.

WARNING: Remember to tighten the screw after emptying tanks.

WARNING: It is possible that at first filling the presence of eventual air bubbles in the
circuit doesn’t allow the aspiration of liquid by the tip. In this case, loosen a bit the screw
related to the tank then fix it again.

WARNING: Remember to empty and clean the tanks before moving the instrument to
another location or before shipping.

7.4. TANKS MAINTENANCE

It is not necessary to empty the tanks hydraulic circuit periodically (even if is

recommended to cleaning them every two months). The operator can leave the CYTOfast
solution and the Stickeur into the proper tanks. However, is necessary to cleaning the
hydraulic circuit if the tank is emptied as specified into the section above, in order to avoid
the hydraulic circuit blocking.

7-37
 CYTOfast SA – User Manual

8. TROUBLESHOOTING

PROBLEM POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS

1. Add solutions in the containers.

The two levels of CYTOfast and Stickeur
solutions, or one of them, are visualized in 2. Solutions are present: operator can
red. continue work, call technical assistance
for level sensors problems.

1. Perform RESET procedure (from main

menu).
Tip insertion failure of mechanical arm.
2. Verify the proper positioning of tips in
their holder.

1. Check instrument proper connection to

power cable and to the electrical line.

2. Check instrument main switch is

Instrument switching on failure. positioned on ON.

3. Switch off and switch on instrument

again.

1. This message can be displayed during

initialization or RESET procedures.

INIT. FAILED message displayed 2. Switch off and switch on instrument

again.

3. Call technical assistance.

1. Check nephelometer calibration.

Slides with too much or not enough cellular 2. Use +/- Class function to adjust the
material amount of cellular material.

3. Call technical assistance.

8-38
 CYTOfast SA – User Manual

1. Check the aspiration of the sample from

the vial.

Slides without cellular material 2. Check that the Stickeur solution is

enough inside the appropriate container.

3. Call technical assistance.

Sample addiction is always 100 1. Check label position on vial.

2. Call technical assistance.

Sample addiction is always 5000

1. Call Technical assistance.

8-39
CYTOfast SA – User Manual

8-40