ThinPrep™ 5000 Processor with AutoLoader Operator’s Manual
7.13
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Load Alcohol Fixative Baths into the Instrument
The processor has a baths’ compartment that holds up to eight fixative baths. Each bath holds up to
20 microscope slides. Two baths are required for every sample vial tray processed. Slides from tray
positions 1 - 20 will be deposited into one bath and slides from tray positions 21–40 will be deposited
into another bath. The system will identify the sample type based on the sample vial type.
When filling the fixative bath tubs, place an empty staining rack into the fixative bath receptacle.
Fill the tub with alcohol until the top of the staining rack is just submerged, but not so full that the
addition of slides will cause the bath to overflow.
Figure 7-9 Fixative Bath and Staining Rack
If the fixative baths are left on the instrument, this fill level will be sufficient to prevent exposure of
the cell spot due to evaporation for a period of up to 72 hours. Additionally, if the instrument is left
idle while containing eight baths, it will rotate the bath carousel every 10 minutes so that no one
particular bath is always positioned under the evaporation cover.
Note:
If there is a delay between removing the fixative baths from the instrument and staining and
coverslipping the slides, be aware that evaporation of the alcohol is a consideration.
Open the door to the bath compartment and slide the bath container into the slot until it stops. Close
the baths doors. The system checks a fixative bath as soon as it is loaded to confirm that it is empty of
slides. The operator will be alerted if an error condition is encountered.
Note:
The system
cannot
sense the presence of a slide rack and assumes every bath container has
one already inserted. The operator must make sure to prepare fixative baths correctly.
IMPORTANT:
Orient the rack so that the embossed words on the side that read “UP SIDE”
face the handle of the bath. See Figure 7-9. It can be felt to snap into place. It is important that the
rack is fully seated.
Fill bath with alcohol up to here
“UP SIDE” faces bath handle
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