BioLife ThawSTAR CFT2

To Next Page

1. ThawSTAR Automated Cell Thawing System Function and Description

ThawSTAR

Automated Cell Thawing System (Item No. AST-601) is designed to rapidly thaw live biological contents of 1.8-2.0 mL cryogenic

vials taken directly from liquid nitrogen (LN2) storage, a -80°C freezer or vials equilibrated and held at dry ice temperature (-78.5°C) in a

container such as the ThawSTAR

CFT2 Transporter (Item No. AST-602). Utilizing patent-pending STAR

™

adaptive sensing technology, each

vial receives a customized thaw cycle based upon multiple built-in detection parameters. The intended result is a thermal prole equivalent

to a water bath thaw, but without the water, and comparable post-thaw cell recovery and viability.

LEDs

Base light

Unit

opening

On/Off

switch

Mini USB port (to be

used only by authorized

service personnel)

Speaker

Power

connection

1.1 General Safety

ThawSTAR Automated Cell Thawing System is intended for the exclusive use by trained and experienced laboratory personnel.

1.1.1. Review instructions before installing, using or cleaning the unit.

1.1.2. DANGER: To prevent risk of severe or fatal electrical shock, use only the supplied AC power supply with cables for

the US, UK and EU packaged with the unit.

1.1.3. WARNING: Do not place near ammable materials. This unit is not designed to be explosion-proof or spark-proof.

1.1.4. WARNING: Avoid prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light such as sunlight or germicidal lamps unless covered by

light resistant plastic bag or a large piece of unbroken aluminum foil placed over the unit when not in use.

1.1.5. WARNING: Do not clean unit with ketone solvents; use recommended cleaning protocol in section 5.

1.1.6. CAUTION: Do not place near or immerse in water or other liquids.

1.1.7. WARNING: Removal of shell without authorization will void your limited warranty. Do not remove exterior shell of

the unit unless instructed to do so by an authorized BioLife representative.

1.1.8. WARNING: Unit has a covered mini-USB port on the bottom; do not insert any USB plug into this port or attempt to connect unit

with any other device, (eg. a computer), unless instructed to do so by an authorized BioLife representative.

1.1.9. WARNING: Do not use ag labels or labels that have a tab extending beyond the vial body or with folds or ridges with the

unit as these features may interfere with heat transfer or cause vial to become lodged in the unit.

1.1.10. CAUTION: The unit is designed for stationary indoor laboratory bench top use; outdoor “eld” use or use on a

laboratory bench subject to strong vibrations such as near a centrifuge, shaker, or vortex mixer is not advised.

1.1.11. Ensure the unit is placed securely on a level surface during operation.

1.1.12. Recommended for use with standard 1.8 to 2.0 mL cryogenic vials containing cryopreserved cells; the ThawSTAR

system is optimized for 1.o mL volume of aqueous solution at a starting temperature of <- 70°C.

1.1.12.1. Ensure vials were frozen in an upright and vertical position and that frozen contents are at the bottom of the vial.

1.1.12.2. Vials should be gently inserted into the top opening of the unit; CAUTION: NO other objects (e.g. forceps)

should be inserted into the unit at any time.

1.1.13. CAUTION: Keep liquids out of the unit; ensure cryogenic vials have clean exteriors and are tightly capped to prevent leaks.

1.1.14. CAUTION: Do not touch the vial with hands or any other object until the thawing process is nished (after

cryogenic vial is inserted into the opening of the unit and the thawing process has been initiated).

1.1.15. Thawing time is typically 2-3 minutes from the time of vial insertion. Laboratory personnel are advised to be in close

proximity to the unit while in use so that vials may be immediately retrieved upon thaw completion.

1.1.16. Before moving the unit, ensure that any cryogenic vial has been removed from unit opening.

1.1.17. Keep unit opening covered while not in use.

1.1.18. HOT SURFACE WARNING: The heating elements inside the vial opening are heated while the unit is turned on. Avoid

inserting body parts such as ngers or any object except a 1.8 to 2.0 mL cryogenic vial into the vial opening at any time.

1.1.19. Ensure the power cord can be easily disconnected from the power supply when placing the unit on a laboratory bench.

ThawSTAR

CFT2

Automated Cell Thawing System

Instructions for Use

Main Page

Need help?

Do you have a question about the BioLife ThawSTAR CFT2 and is the answer not in the manual?

Summary

ThawSTAR Automated Cell Thawing System Function and Description

General Safety

Review instructions before installing, using or cleaning the unit to prevent risks.

Use As Intended

Use the system as specified by BioLife; otherwise, warranty may be voided.

Packing Components

List of components included with the ThawSTAR Automated Cell Thawing System.

Specifications

Technical details including dimensions, weight, power, and vial compatibility.

Operating Instructions

Inserting and Thawing Vials

Procedure for inserting cryogenic vials and initiating the thawing process.

Thawing Process Steps

Detailed steps of the vial thawing process, including visual and audio cues.

Post-thaw Alerts

Alerts and actions for when vials are not removed promptly after thawing.

Troubleshooting

Instrument Start-up Errors

Troubleshooting for errors encountered during unit start-up, like failure to warm up.

Instrument Operation Errors

Troubleshooting for errors during vial thawing, such as vial not seating or too warm.

Error Code 7: Abandoned Vial

Resolution for 'abandoned vial' error when vial is not removed within 15 seconds.

Error Code 9: Vial Failure to Rise

Troubleshooting for vials that fail to rise after the thawing process is finished.

Registration and Service

Customer Service Information

Contact details for technical support, service, and repair assistance.

Ordering Information

Product item numbers and descriptions for ordering system components.

The ThawSTAR CFT2 is an automated cell thawing system designed for the rapid and controlled thawing of live biological contents stored in 1.8-2.0 mL cryogenic vials. It utilizes patent-pending STAR™ adaptive sensing technology to deliver a customized thaw cycle for each vial, aiming to achieve a thermal profile equivalent to a water bath thaw without the use of water, and comparable post-thaw cell recovery and viability.

Function Description:

The system thaws cryogenic vials taken directly from liquid nitrogen (LN2) storage, a -80°C freezer, or vials equilibrated and held at dry ice temperature (-78.5°C) in a container like the ThawSTAR CFT2 Transporter. The thawing process is initiated by gently inserting a clean, tightly capped frozen cryogenic vial into the unit's opening. The unit detects the beginning of the solid-to-liquid phase change and proceeds with a countdown for the last 10 seconds of thawing. Upon completion, the vial is automatically raised approximately 1 cm (0.4 in) for easy retrieval. The system provides visual and auditory cues throughout the process, including LED light sequences and various tones, to indicate status such as warm-up, ready state, thawing progression, and thaw completion. Post-thaw alerts are triggered if the vial is not removed within 5 or 15 seconds of ejection, indicating an "abandoned vial" error.

Important Technical Specifications:

Thawing Temperature: Equivalent to a 37°C water bath.
Thawing Time: Typically less than 3 minutes.
Operating Environment Temperature: 5°C to 35°C; 75% room humidity (maximum).
Storage Temperature: -20°C to 60°C.
Maximum Altitude: 2,000 m.
Power Rating: 40 W maximum.
Input/Output Voltage (power adaptor): AC 100-240V / DC 12 V, 50-60 Hz.
Output Current: 3A.
Electrical Plug Formats: US, UK, EU.
Dimensions (Diameter x Height): 10.9 cm x 14.5 cm (4.3 in x 5.7 in).
Weight without power supply: 0.7 kg (1.6 lbs).
Weight with power supply: 1.2 kg (2.6 lbs).
Compliance: CE mark (EMC and Safety), IEC60601, IEC61010, RoHS, WEEE.
Cryogenic Vial Compatibility:
- Vial Body External Diameter: 12.19-12.37 mm (0.480-0.487 in)*Measured 30.4 mm (1.2 in) from bottom of vial.
- Vial Body External Height Below Cap Ring (minimum): 26.6 mm (1.05 in).
- Overall Height of Vial with Cap (minimum): 44 mm (1.73 in).
- Vial Cap Diameter (maximum): 14.3 mm (0.56 in).
- Vial Capacity: One standard 1.8 to 2.0 mL cryogenic vial.
- Sample Volume: Optimized for 1.0 mL.
- Vial Contents: Optimized for cells in cryopreservation medium such as 10% DMSO / 20% FBS / 70% DMEM.
- Vial Label Thickness (maximum): 0.1 mm.

Usage Features:

Ease of Use: The system is designed for straightforward operation, with clear instructions for insertion, thawing, and retrieval.
Visual and Auditory Feedback: LEDs and various tones guide the user through each step of the thawing process, from start-up to completion and error alerts.
Automated Vial Ejection: Upon thaw completion, the vial is automatically raised, signaling readiness for retrieval.
Safety Features: Includes warnings against electrical shock, use near flammable materials, prolonged UV exposure, and unauthorized shell removal. It also warns against inserting body parts or objects other than the specified vials into the opening.
Recommended Accessories: Use of the ThawSTAR CFT2 Transporter (AST-602) is recommended for maintaining sample temperature below -70°C during transport. ThawSTAR Confirmation Vials (AST-603) are recommended for evaluating and logging unit thaw performance.
Error Handling: The system provides specific error codes and corresponding light sequences and sounds for troubleshooting issues such as failure to warm up, vials being too warm, inability to seat vials properly, or abandoned vials.
Portability: The unit is relatively compact and lightweight, making it suitable for stationary indoor laboratory benchtop use.

Maintenance Features:

Cleaning: The unit should be cleaned externally only with a soft, non-abrasive laboratory wipe moistened with 70% alcohol before and after each use. Internal components should not be cleaned, and no cleaning objects or solutions should be inserted past the green guide chute on the top opening.
Troubleshooting Guide: A comprehensive troubleshooting section with error codes, light sequences, sounds, and instructions is provided to help users resolve common issues.
Customer Service: BioLife Solutions provides technical support and repair services, including instructions for decontamination and obtaining a Return Material Authorization (RMA) Number if the unit needs to be returned.
Warranty: Removal of the shell without authorization will void the limited warranty.
Registration: Users can register their product to receive updates and for warranty documentation.

The ThawSTAR CFT2 is intended for exclusive use by trained and experienced laboratory personnel for research or further manufacturing applications. It is crucial to follow all instructions to ensure safe and effective operation and to maintain warranty validity.