Beckman Coulter AU480 Cheatsheet

Cheatsheet Content

AU480 System Overview Throughput: Up to 400 photometric tests/hour; 800 with ISE. Sample Capacity: 80 samples onboard. Reagent Capacity: 76 reagents (2x 38 positions). Sample Types: Serum, plasma, urine, CSF. Minimum Sample Volume: $1.6 \mu L$. Reaction Volume: $90-350 \mu L$. Wavelengths: 12 filters (340-800 nm). Daily Startup Procedure Power On: Ensure main power switch is ON. Software Login: Log in to the AU480 software. Daily Checks: Check reagent levels and replace as needed. Check and empty waste containers. Check and fill deionized water container. Inspect sample and reagent probes for damage. Initialization: Allow the system to complete its initialization and self-checks. Daily Maintenance: Perform daily maintenance tasks (see Maintenance section). Calibration/QC: Run daily calibrations and quality control. Daily Shutdown Procedure Run All Samples: Ensure all pending samples are processed. Review Results: Validate and release results. Maintenance: Perform daily shutdown maintenance (see Maintenance section). Software Shutdown: Exit the AU480 software. Power Off: Turn off the main power switch. Maintenance Schedule Daily Maintenance Wash reaction cuvettes. Check and clean sample probe. Check and clean reagent probes. Empty waste. Fill diluent/wash solution. Weekly Maintenance Clean reaction bath. Clean sample and reagent carousels. Check and clean mixer. Clean exterior of analyzer. Monthly Maintenance Clean photometric lamp housing. Check and clean syringe pump. Replace pump tubing (if specified by manufacturer). As Needed Maintenance Clean/replace air filter. Troubleshoot errors/alarms. Replace lamp (when indicated). Calibration and Quality Control (QC) Calibration Purpose: Establishes a standard curve for quantitative assays. Frequency: Daily, or as indicated by reagent manufacturer/QC failure. Procedure: Load calibrators. Select appropriate calibration program. Review calibration curve and factors. Accept/reject calibration. Quality Control (QC) Purpose: Monitors assay performance and accuracy. Frequency: At least once per day, per shift, or as required by regulatory bodies. Procedure: Load QC materials (low, normal, high). Run QC samples. Review results against established ranges (Levey-Jennings charts). Apply Westgard rules for interpretation. Out-of-Control: If QC fails, troubleshoot, recalibrate, and re-run QC. Do NOT release patient results until QC is acceptable. Troubleshooting Common Issues 1. "Reagent Low" or "Reagent Empty" Alarm Action: Replace reagent bottle, perform barcode scan if required, update reagent volume in software. 2. "Sample Short" or "No Sample" Alarm Action: Check sample volume, ensure tube is correctly placed, re-centrifuge if fibrin present, re-run. 3. "Probe Crash" Alarm Action: Inspect probe for bends/damage. Clean probe. If damaged, contact service. 4. High Blank Values Action: Check deionized water quality. Clean cuvettes or replace if necessary. Run system blank. 5. QC Out-of-Range Action: Check reagent expiry and integrity. Check calibrator expiry and preparation. Check instrument maintenance status. Recalibrate and re-run QC. If issue persists, contact supervisor/service. 6. Carryover Action: Perform carryover check. Clean probes and reaction cuvettes. Adjust wash programs if necessary. Key Safety Considerations Always wear appropriate PPE (gloves, lab coat, eye protection). Handle patient samples and reagents as biohazards. Dispose of waste according to laboratory protocols. Be aware of moving parts during operation and maintenance. Refer to the instrument's operator manual for detailed safety information.