RAL instruments STAINER

Questions and Answers

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Gerald GalvanSep 3, 2025
What causes 'Step loss on Theta Code 200' in RAL instruments STAINER Medical Equipment?
- T
  Taylor LeeSep 4, 2025
  A 'Step loss on Theta Code 200' error can be caused by the slide-holder being incorrectly placed in the drawer, the slide being incorrectly placed on its support, or the drainage nozzle being incorrectly placed on its support. Check that the arm is operating correctly by simulating a staining kit change. If the system is not restored, contact your RAL Instruments representative.
J
Jennifer RobertsonSep 18, 2025
Why it is impossible to load the traceability programme on RAL instruments Medical Equipment?
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  Julie GutierrezSep 18, 2025
  If it is impossible to load the traceability program, the cause is a wrong USB stick. Use the USB stick supplied with your instrument or try to format your USB stick for FAT16. Other USB sticks are available on demand.
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joereyesSep 16, 2025
What to do if RAL instruments STAINER Medical Equipment on installation the arm moves a few mm, groans and stops moving?
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  lopezmarkSep 16, 2025
  If, on installation, the arm moves a few mm, groans, and stops moving, it is because the machine has been taken out of its packing. The cold tightens the gaps and fixes the grease on the Z axis. Wait 1 hour at room temperature and use the 'Load/Change the staining kit' function several times to make the arm operate.
D
dmosleySep 14, 2025
How to fix major oscillation of the slide holders during Z movements on RAL instruments Medical Equipment?
- M
  Mary ThomasSep 15, 2025
  Major oscillation of the slide holders during Z movements is due to too much space between the hooks and the slide holders. Slightly tighten the hooks.
A
Angela LopezSep 13, 2025
What causes variation of the soaking of the slides in RAL instruments STAINER?
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  fsaundersSep 13, 2025
  Variation in the soaking of slides can be caused by liquid on the neck thread. Wipe the bottle necks. If the fault persists, contact your RAL Instruments representative to adjust the settings on the level sensor.
D
Douglas FuentesSep 12, 2025
What causes the slides to be incorrectly rinsed in RAL instruments STAINER?
- K
  Kyle GreerSep 12, 2025
  Slides are incorrectly rinsed because rinsing is carried out using soiled water. Drain the rinsing container more often or change the rinsing water in your container. If the fault persists there may be a fault on the draining pump. Contact your RAL Instruments representative.
J
Jennifer JohnsonSep 9, 2025
What to do if RAL instruments STAINER shows 'Rinsing Station filling fault'?
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  George Delacruz MDSep 9, 2025
  If you encounter a 'Rinsing Station filling fault', check that the hydraulic circuit is not disconnected at any point. Turn the appliance off and then back on. If the system is not restored, contact your RAL Instruments representative.
R
Robert ShepardSep 7, 2025
How to resolve 'Tag error' on RAL instruments STAINER Medical Equipment?
- B
  boydchaseSep 7, 2025
  If you receive a 'Tag error', check that bottle 1 is correctly placed as per the operating instructions in section 10.2.1.
A
Amber OliverSep 5, 2025
What to do if RAL instruments Medical Equipment does not turn on?
- C
  Cindy HarperSep 5, 2025
  If the machine does not turn on, check if the green diode that is visible inside the machine when the arm is in the soaking position in tank 3 is on. If it is not, you must change the power supply or the fuse. Contact your RAL Instruments representative.
O
oherringAug 20, 2025
How to fix 'Warning BBD expired' on RAL instruments STAINER?
- W
  William HardyAug 21, 2025
  If you receive a 'Warning BBD expired' message, it means the Best Before Date for your staining kit has passed. To resolve this, change the staining kit.

Summary

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 RESPONSIBILITY

Document's liability and user's obligations for safe operation and compliance.

2 SYMBOLS

2.1 SYMBOLS USED IN THIS GUIDE

Explanation of safety and informational symbols used throughout the user guide.

2.2 DESCRIPTION OF THE SYMBOLS ON THE APPLIANCE

Identification and meaning of symbols found on the RAL Stainer device itself.

3 WARRANTY AND WARRANTY LIMITS

4 SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

4.1 COMPLIANT USE

Guidelines for correct and intended usage of the RAL Stainer appliance.

4.2 WARNINGS

Critical safety alerts regarding electrical hazards, handling, and operational risks.

4.3 WASTE

Procedures and considerations for the proper disposal of electronic and biological waste.

4.3.1 ELECTRONIC WASTE

Specific instructions for the disposal of electronic waste in compliance with regulations.

4.3.2 BACTERIOLOGICAL AND CHEMICAL WASTE

Guidelines for disposing of biological samples and chemical reagents safely.

5 DESCRIPTION OF THE APPLIANCE

5.1 OPERATING PRINCIPLES

Explanation of the automatic staining process and the appliance's core functions.

5.2 PERFORMANCE

Overview of the RAL Stainer's capabilities, including capacity, memory, and features.

5.3 SAFETY

Key safety features and mechanisms integrated into the appliance's design.

5.4 SIZE

Physical dimensions and weight specifications of the RAL Stainer appliance.

5.5 ELECTRIC SPECIFICATIONS

Electrical requirements, voltage, frequency, and power consumption details.

5.6 ENVIRONMENTAL LIMITS FOR USE

Recommended operating conditions for temperature and humidity for the appliance.

5.7 ENVIRONMENTAL LIMITS FOR TRANSPORTATION AND STORAGE

Conditions for safe transportation and storage of the RAL Stainer.

6 STAINING REAGENTS

7 INSTALLATION

7.1 PACKAGING LIST

Contents of the RAL Stainer package, ensuring all components are present.

7.2 INSTALLATION ENVIRONMENT

Requirements for the location and table where the appliance will be installed.

7.3 SETTING UP

Step-by-step guide for physically setting up the RAL Stainer and its containers.

7.4 CONNECTION OF THE INSTRUMENT TO THE MAINS POWER SUPPLY

Instructions for connecting the appliance to the electrical power source.

7.5 HYDRAULIC CONNECTIONS

Guide for connecting the effluent and rinsing liquid containers to the appliance.

8 SCREEN DESCRIPTIONS

8.1 MEANINGS OF THE SYMBOLS

Explanation of the icons and symbols displayed on the RAL Stainer's touch screen interface.

8.2 PAGE DESCRIPTIONS

Overview of the different screens and their functions within the appliance's interface.

8.2.1 STAINING PAGE

Description of the default screen for initiating and monitoring staining processes.

8.2.2 SETTINGS PAGE

Details on the functions available on the appliance's settings screen.

8.2.3 CHANGE SESSION PAGE

Procedure for switching between different user accounts on the appliance.

8.2.4 INFORMATION PAGE

Accessing machine details, kit status, software versions, and user information.

8.2.5 ALPHANUMERIC AND NUMBER KEYBOARD

Explanation of the on-screen keyboard for data input and navigation.

9 INITIALISATION

9.1 USER CREATION AND RIGHTS MANAGEMENT

Process for creating users and assigning access levels for appliance operation.

10 USE

10.1 STARTING UP

Steps to power on the RAL Stainer and initiate the user code entry.

10.2 INSTALLING REAGENTS

Procedure for loading staining kits and rinsing solution into the appliance.

10.2.1 STAINING KIT

Detailed guide on how to correctly insert and identify a staining kit.

10.2.2 RINSING SOLUTION

Instructions for filling and managing the rinsing liquid container.

10.3 STAINING PROTOCOL

Information on memorizing and optimizing staining protocols for reproducible results.

10.3.1 PROTOCOL MODIFICATION

Steps for adjusting staining parameters like time, mixing, and rinsing.

10.3.2 CHANGING THE PROTOCOL

Procedure for selecting and loading a pre-parametered or custom protocol.

10.4 INSTALLING THE SLIDES

Guide on how to load slides into the slide holder and place it in the appliance.

10.4.1 LOADING THE SLIDE HOLDER

Instructions for placing slides correctly into the slide holder.

10.4.2 PLACE THE SLIDE HOLDER IN THE APPLIANCE

Steps for inserting the loaded slide holder into the designated drawer.

10.5 STAINING

Process of launching and monitoring a staining cycle on the RAL Stainer.

10.6 CHANGING THE STAINING KIT OR DRAINING

Procedure for replacing staining kits and draining reagents.

10.6.1 CHANGING THE STAINING KIT

Steps to safely remove and install a new staining kit in the appliance.

10.6.2 DRAINING

Automatic draining of reagents due to expiry, low level, or exceeded autonomy.

10.7 STAND-BY

How to put the appliance into standby mode at the end of a work session.

10.8 POWERING OFF

Procedure for completely switching off the appliance for long inactivity.

11 TRACEABILITY

11.1 USING THE TRACEABILITY SOFTWARE

Instructions for installing and using the software to decrypt traceability files.

11.2 LOADING THE TRACEABILITY FILE

Steps for transferring traceability data from the appliance to a USB stick.

12 CLEANING

12.1 CLEANING

Routine cleaning procedures for the appliance's internal and external surfaces.

12.2 HYDRAULIC SYSTEM CLEANING

Weekly procedure to clean the rinsing and draining circuits to prevent bacteria.

12.3 ACTIVATED CARBON FILTER

Information on replacing the activated carbon filter and resetting its lifespan counter.

12.4 DECONTAMINATION

Procedures for decontaminating biological samples, reagents, and appliance parts.

13 CONSUMABLES AND OPTION EQUIPMENT

13.1 CONSUMABLES

List of consumables required for the operation and maintenance of the RAL Stainer.

13.2 OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT

Description of optional accessories available for the RAL Stainer appliance.

14 MAINTENANCE

15 AFTER-SALES SERVICES

16 TROUBLESHOOTING

16.1 ERROR MESSAGES

List of error codes, their diagnoses, and recommended solutions for common issues.

16.2 WHAT TO DO WHEN...?

Troubleshooting guide for common problems encountered during appliance operation.

17 SUMMARY OF TIPS

18 INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY

19 EC DECLARATION

20 INDEX