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Advanced Instruments A2O - User Manual

Advanced Instruments A2O
157 pages
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200005EN Rev12
The A
2
O
®
Advanced Automated
Osmometer
Users Guide
Two Technology Way / 781-320-9000
Norwood, Massachusetts 02062, USA
800-225-4034 Fax:781-320-8181
aicompanies.com

Table of Contents

Questions and Answers

  • R
    robertloweSep 3, 2025
    What causes abrupt power loss in Advanced Instruments A2O Measuring Instruments?
    • J
      Joshua ThomasSep 3, 2025
      If you lose power to your instrument, check that your outlet is providing the correct amount of power. Check that your cord is firmly plugged into both the instrument and the outlet. Visually inspect the fuses, and change as necessary.
  • P
    Paula AndersonSep 1, 2025
    What to do if the Advanced Instruments A2O show “Sample Did Not Freeze…”?
    • M
      mullinswilliamSep 2, 2025
      If Advanced Instruments Measuring Instruments shows the message “Sample Did Not Freeze…”, test another aliquot of that sample in a clean sample tube. Try testing samples known to be within the range of the instrument.
  • J
    Joanne JonesAug 31, 2025
    What to do if Advanced Instruments Measuring Instruments show “No Plateau”?
    • J
      Jacqueline CrawfordAug 31, 2025
      If your instrument was unable to detect a freezing plateau, and was therefore unable to give a result, check your technique and try again. If the message persists, contact Advanced Instruments Hot-Line Service.
  • S
    Stephanie ChavezAug 29, 2025
    What to do if Advanced Instruments Measuring Instruments show “Sample Pre-freeze…”?
    • C
      Cynthia NorrisAug 29, 2025
      If the Advanced Instruments Measuring Instruments displays a “Sample Pre-freeze…” error, test another aliquot of that sample in a clean sample tube. Make sure samples contain no bubbles or froth before testing. Try to minimize the effects of materials that tend to cause premature crystallization. When testing samples contained in ampules, use a lint-free cloth or swab to carefully remove any liquid film present at the ampule opening. Check/correct the probe bin numbers. When testing low mOsm samples using the Full Range, switch to the Low Range and test another sample. If this does not solve your problem, contact Advanced Instruments Hot-Line Service for instructions on verifying the block probe resistance.
  • J
    Jessica HillAug 28, 2025
    What to do if Advanced Instruments A2O show “Recalibration Needed”?
    • M
      Michelle BeasleyAug 28, 2025
      This message indicates that you need to re-calibrate your instrument. Recalibrate closely following the instructions. If the error message repeats, contact Advanced Instruments Hot-Line Service.
  • P
    Patrick JonesAug 27, 2025
    How to troubleshoot a blank print from the Internal Printer of Advanced Instruments A2O?
    • N
      Nichole MurphyAug 27, 2025
      If the Internal Printer of the Advanced Instruments Measuring Instruments advances paper and appears to be printing, but the paper is blank, check to make sure the paper roll is properly installed. The paper must be feeding from the bottom of the roll.
  • J
    Jennifer ScottAug 25, 2025
    What to do if Advanced Instruments A2O results are not repeatable?
    • B
      Brittany WalkerAug 25, 2025
      If you observe that the results from Advanced Instruments Measuring Instruments are not repeatable (too scattered), check the fluid levels in the osmometer and primary carousel tubes to determine whether an insufficient sample volume was dispensed. Also, check the system fluid level, the fluid tubing and connections.
  • N
    nicolas23Aug 23, 2025
    What to do if Advanced Instruments Measuring Instruments results are lower than expected?
    • W
      walkerjenniferAug 23, 2025
      If the results from the Advanced Instruments Measuring Instruments are lower than expected, or the last result in a series of replicates is lower than prior results, check the fluid levels in the osmometer and primary carousel tubes to determine whether an insufficient sample volume was dispensed.

Summary

Safe Use

Symbol Conventions

Explains warning symbols for important operating and maintenance instructions.

General Cautions

Provides essential safety advice regarding power, cords, grounding, and environmental conditions.

FCC Requirements

Details compliance with FCC rules for digital devices and potential radio frequency interference.

Supplies, Parts & Accessories

Foreword: Theory and Technique

Intended Use

Outlines the instrument's purpose and applications in various medical and research fields.

Principles of Freezing-Point Osmometry

Explains the scientific basis of osmolality measurement using freezing point depression.

Instrumentation

Describes the instrument's components and how it measures temperature and freezing points.

Chapter 1 - Installation & Setup

Step 1 - Find a location for the instrument

Guides on selecting a suitable location with adequate space and power outlet availability.

Step 2 - Unpack the instrument

Provides instructions for carefully unpacking the instrument and checking for shipping damage.

Step 3 - Remove the shipping stops

Details the process of removing protective shipping stops from the pipettor and osmometer modules.

Step 4 - Load printer paper

Explains how to load paper into the instrument's built-in printer for test result output.

Step 5 - Connect the auxiliary cables

Guides on connecting external devices like printers or scanners via Ethernet and USB ports.

Step 6 - Power up the instrument

Outlines the procedure for connecting power and starting the instrument for the first time.

Step 7 - Install the osmometer turntable and primary tube carousel

Instructions for correctly mounting the turntable and sample carousel onto the instrument.

Step 8 - System fluid and waste bottle setup

Details on installing the system fluid and waste bottles for instrument operation.

Step 9 - Prime the pipettor system

Explains the process of priming the pipettor system with fluid before initial use.

Step 10 - Run a diagnostic test

Guides on performing initial diagnostic tests to ensure proper instrument functionality.

Step 11 - Set date and time

Instructions on configuring the instrument's internal clock for accurate record keeping.

Step 12 - Set language preference

Explains how to change the user interface language from the default English.

Step 13 - Check initial factory calibration

Advises on verifying the factory calibration using standards before running samples.

Step 14 - Proceed to Chapter 2

Directs the user to the next chapter for detailed instrument operation procedures.

Chapter 2 - Instrument Operation

Hazardous material cautions

Emphasizes safe handling of biohazardous materials and universal precautions in the lab.

Principle of operation

Explains how the A2O performs automated osmolality measurements using freezing point depression.

Function of major components

Describes the roles of key parts like the primary tube carousel, pipettor, and freezing chamber.

Sample preparation

Provides guidance on preparing samples, including handling viscosity and separator gels.

Repeatability Tips

Offers advice for achieving consistent and accurate measurement results through careful practices.

Verifying calibration daily

Stresses the importance of daily calibration checks to ensure instrument accuracy.

Sample test procedure

Outlines the recommended steps for performing a standard osmolality test on unknown samples.

Making a STAT sample measurement

Explains how to perform rapid, urgent sample measurements using the STAT function.

Chapter 3 - Standards & Quality Control

Repeatability and accuracy

Defines and differentiates between repeatability (precision) and accuracy in measurement.

Standards and controls

Discusses the use of reliable standards and controls for accurate instrument calibration and verification.

Quality control implementation

Provides recommendations for establishing and maintaining effective quality control procedures.

Chapter 4 - Calibration

Calibration procedure

Details the automatic procedure for calibrating the instrument using specified standards.

Calibration notes

Offers important reminders and responsibilities related to the calibration process.

Chapter 5 - User Interface

A2 O graphical user interface

Describes the design and operation of the instrument's graphical user interface (GUI) for ease of use.

Main operating screen

Explains the initial screen displayed upon instrument startup and its key elements.

Test Setup screen

Guides on configuring test parameters, including protocols, replicates, and measurement ranges.

Test Configuration screen

Details settings for user ID, barcode reader, and protocol management.

Control Solutions screen

Explains how to define and manage control solutions for quality assurance.

Calibrate screen

Displays the status and options for performing instrument calibration.

Chapter 6 - Troubleshooting & Service

Service & maintenance cautions

Highlights crucial safety warnings and precautions before performing service or maintenance.

Obtaining service

Provides instructions on how to contact Advanced Instruments for technical support and service.

Routine maintenance

Outlines the schedule for essential daily and weekly maintenance tasks.

Troubleshooting checks

Guides on basic checks for common instrument issues and error messages.

Fuse replacement

Details the procedure for safely replacing blown fuses in the instrument.

Appendix A Troubleshooting Table

Appendix B Product Specifications

Appendix C Regulatory Notices

Symbol Conventions

Explains various symbols used in the manual and on the instrument for safety and compliance.

Appendix D Printing Test Results

Appendix E Supplemental Laboratory Information System

Setting Up A2 O LIS Communications

Guides on configuring the instrument's connection to a Laboratory Information System (LIS).

Setting Up the A2 O ’s LAN Connection

Details the steps to establish a Local Area Network (LAN) connection for the instrument.

Appendix F Symbol Definitions

Appendix G Warranty & Warranty Duties

Appendix H Product Disposal and Recycling

Appendix I Service Log

Index

Advanced Instruments A2O Specifications

General IconGeneral
BrandAdvanced Instruments
ModelA2O
CategoryMeasuring Instruments
LanguageEnglish

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