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.

BioLife ThawSTAR CFT2 - Page 8

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