ThinPrep™ 5000 Processor with AutoLoader Operator’s Manual
1.1
INTRODUCTION
Chapter One
Introduction
OVERVIEW AND FUNCTION OF THE THINPREP™ 5000 PROCESSOR
WITH AUTOLOADER
The ThinPrep™ 5000 processor with AutoLoader is used in the batch processing of liquid-based
cytologic specimens to produce a thin, uniform preparation of cells that is transferred and fixed onto
a glass microscope slide. The slide is delivered directly into a staining rack in an alcohol fixative bath.
After processing, the slide is ready for staining, coverslipping and screening. The processor supports
the preparation of:
•
Gynecologic specimens
for use with the ThinPrep Pap test, and subsequent imaging by the
ThinPrep Imaging System, or samples for gynecologic cytology screening. One sample per
vial may be processed in a batch.
•
Non-gynecologic specimens
collected for general cytologic screening. One sample per vial
may be processed in a batch. An advanced program feature enables a batch in which 1 to
10 samples may be removed from the vial.
•
Urine specimens
used in conjunction with Vysis
®
UroVysion assay urine specimens. One
sample per vial may be processed in a batch.
AutoLoader Mode
The ThinPrep 5000 processor with AutoLoader can process a batch of up to 160 specimens. Four
trays of sample vials are loaded into the AutoLoader portion of the instrument. Each tray holds up to
40 vials. Different sample types may be processed in the same batch, although each tray of vials must
contain the same sample type.
Cassettes of microscope slides and trays of ThinPrep filters are loaded. The slides and filters are
specifically used for gynecologic (including imaging), non-gynecologic and urine specimens. The
slides and filters are designated via the user interface to be used with the corresponding sample
types in the vial trays.
During processing the instrument will laser etch the accession ID and other optional information
onto each slide. Processed slides are deposited into fixative baths containing alcohol.
Processing may be interrupted in order to remove completed slides or replenish consumable items.
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