The Helmer QuickThaw™ Plasma Thawing System is a medical device designed for the rapid and controlled thawing of plasma bags. This system ensures that plasma is thawed safely and efficiently, maintaining its therapeutic properties for patient use. The device is available in several models, including DH2, DH4, and DH8, which vary in capacity to accommodate different laboratory and clinical needs.
Function Description
The primary function of the QuickThaw™ system is to thaw frozen plasma bags using a circulating water bath. The system is engineered to provide a consistent and controlled temperature environment, which is crucial for preventing damage to the plasma and ensuring its efficacy. Agitation is a key feature of the thawing process, as it helps to accelerate heat transfer and ensures uniform thawing of the plasma bags. This agitation can be enabled or disabled depending on the specific thawing protocol or user preference.
The system incorporates a lift-out mechanism for the baskets, which automatically raises and lowers the plasma bags into and out of the water chamber. This automated feature minimizes manual handling, enhances user safety, and ensures that the thawing process is initiated and completed smoothly. The control panel allows users to set specific cycle times, ranging from a few minutes to an indefinite "hold" period, providing flexibility for various plasma products and thawing requirements.
Safety is paramount in the design of the QuickThaw™ system. It includes features such as a high-temperature alarm that activates if the chamber is empty or if the water temperature exceeds safe limits, preventing potential damage to the device or the plasma. The use of overwraps for plasma bags is mandatory to secure the bags to the basket, protect them from water-borne contaminants, and contain the contents in case of a bag rupture, thereby preventing contamination of the water bath.
Usage Features
Operating the QuickThaw™ system involves several user-friendly steps. Before operation, the chamber must be filled to the appropriate level, indicated by fill lines, with the recommended water type (tap, distilled, or deionized). The use of a bacterial growth inhibitor, such as Helmer CleanBath, is optional but recommended to maintain water quality. Once filled, the device is powered on, and the water is heated to the setpoint temperature.
Plasma bags, which can vary in size and how they were frozen (flat or folded), are placed into appropriate-sized overwraps. The overwrapped bags are then loaded into the system's baskets. For DH8 models, a basket divider can be removed to accommodate larger or wider bags. Security snaps are provided to secure smaller bags that might float during agitation. The lift-out button on the control panel is used to raise and open the basket for loading, emphasizing that manual lifting of baskets is to be avoided to prevent damage to the lift-out system.
Once the bags are loaded, the user selects a pre-programmed cycle time using the CYCLE TIME button. The CYCLE START button initiates the thawing process, which lowers the basket into the chamber and begins agitation (if enabled). The remaining cycle time is displayed on the indicator. The system allows for pausing, resuming, or stopping the thaw process at any point using the LIFT OUT button. Upon completion, an "end of process" alert sounds, the basket lifts out, and agitation stops, signaling that the plasma is ready.
The system's control panel provides clear indicators for power, cycle time, and temperature, along with buttons for mute, power, lift out, cycle time, and cycle start. For DH4 and DH8 models, each basket is controlled individually, allowing for staggered thawing or different cycle times for multiple plasma bags.
Maintenance Features
Regular maintenance is essential to ensure the longevity and optimal performance of the QuickThaw™ system. The operation manual outlines a maintenance schedule that includes weekly, quarterly, annually, and as-needed tasks.
Weekly tasks involve cleaning the chamber and baskets, as well as the exterior of the device. This helps to prevent the buildup of debris and maintain hygiene. For DH8 100 V models, cleaning the fan is also a weekly requirement.
Quarterly maintenance includes lubricating moving parts, which is crucial for the smooth operation of the lift-out system and agitation mechanism.
Annually, the temperature calibration for the temperature controller readout should be checked and adjusted if necessary, ensuring accurate temperature control during thawing. The high-temperature alarm also needs to be tested annually to confirm its functionality.
As-needed maintenance tasks include checking the bearings on each basket for wear and replacing them if required. This ensures that the baskets move freely and agitation is effective.
Prior to any service or repair, parts must be decontaminated, and documentation confirming their non-contamination is required. This adheres to safety protocols and ensures the safe handling of components. The drain chamber feature facilitates easy removal of water for cleaning or maintenance. The drain port, equipped with a coupling valve and drain tube, allows for controlled and mess-free draining of the water bath. The finger knob mechanism for securing baskets to the lift-out arm simplifies basket removal for cleaning or replacement.
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