STP120 Instruction Manual 387718

Thermo Scientific Spin Tissue Processor Microm STP 120
Thermo Scientific
SPIN TISSUE PROCESSOR
Microm STP-120
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
1
Microm International GmbH
part of Thermo Fisher Scientific
Otto-Hahn-Str. 1A
69190 Walldorf / Germany
387 718 - English


Model STP-120
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
Version 2.30
English
04/2011
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Safety Precautions..........................................................................
Contents
Warning symbols.........................................................................
Intended use and safety precautions...........................................
Certification .................................................................................
Warranty .....................................................................................
Technical characteristics.................................................................
Reception and emplacement ..........................................................
Transport and unpacking.............................................................
Emplacement ..............................................................................
Connection..................................................................................
Control panel ..................................................................................
Programming ..................................................................................
Basket cycle................................................................................
Example of a process..................................................................
Entering the program...................................................................
Starting the program....................................................................
Delayed start...............................................................................
Stopping the program..................................................................
End of the program......................................................................
Temperature display....................................................................
End of process display ................................................................
Setup Menu ....................................................................................
Changing the language ...............................................................
Changing the date and time ........................................................
Working with two baskets............................................................
Power failure ...............................................................................
Emergency Movements...............................................................
Maintenance ...................................................................................
Cleaning......................................................................................
Changing the filter .......................................................................
Replacing the battery ..................................................................
Alarms.........................................................................................
Reseting the unit .........................................................................
Reagents.....................................................................................
Technical Service Centres...........................................................
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Safety precautions
These instructions should be read carefully and fully

understood before installing and operating the unit.
This manual uses the following symbols:

Warning symbols
DANGER:
$ Special warning messages to prevent harm to persons and/or
serious damage to equipment. For your own safety, please
observe these instructions carefully.
CAUTION, WARNING:
& Special precautionary measures to prevent damage to equipment.
For a long lifetime of the equipment, please observe these
instructions carefully.
NOTE:
• Special instructions regarding operation of the instrument.
BIOHAZARD:
Warning of biological danger.
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Dear valued Customer,

Thank you for buying this instrument.
Intended use and safety
precautions Before putting the instrument into operation, please read these
operating instructions carefully to familiarize yourself with its
proper operation and function. Non-compliance with these
instructions means that you are invalidating the standards of safety
and use for which this instrument was designed.
The STP 120 is an efficient spin tissue processor with carousel
system for embedding specimens in paraffin.
Only skilled or specially trained personnel must operate the
instrument. The listed and marked safety measures as well as the
regulations and hygiene measures of your respective lab must
strictly be observed.
Ser. No………………………………………..
Please enter the serical number, which is placed on the type plate
on the rear side of the instrument. This way, questions and service
can be handled faster.
Operating instruction no.: 387718

Issued on April 18th, 2011

Otto-Hahn-Str. 1A
69190 Walldorf
Germany
Phone: +49.(0)6227.836-0
Fax: +49.(0)6227.836-111
Email: [email protected]
Internet: www.thermoscientific.com
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DANGER:
$ INSTRUMENT GROUNDING
To avoid injury from electrical current, the instrument must be
connected with the safety ground. The instrument is equipped with
a three wire ground plug. The power outlet must be connected to
the safety ground and must meet the International Electrotechnical
Commission (IEC) regulations.
DANGER:
$ MAINS VOLTAGE
Do not remove the covers from the instrument during operation.
Any replacement or adjustment of components should only be
carried out by authorised trained maintenance staff. Disconnect
the unit from the mains power supply before opening or removing
any covers.
DANGER:
$ RISK IN EXPLOSIVE ENVIRONMENT
The instrument must not be operated in the presence of flammable
gases.
DANGER:
$ RISK OF RADIOACTIVE RADIATION
When working with radioactive specimens, all procedures
applicable to protection against radiation should be observed.
DANGER:
$ RISK OF INFECTION
Use appropriate safety and disinfection measures when working
with infectious specimens.
DANGER:
$ HAZARD OF MALFUNCTION
To avoid the hazard of malfunction of an instrument, it must only
be operated in a controlled electromagnetic environment. This
means that transmitters such as mobile phones must not be
operated in their close vicinity.
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HAZARD OF BIOLOGICAL DANGER

Specimens used during the intended operation of the instrument
might potentially be infectious. For this reason, it is recommended
to observe the general laboratory regulations concerning
protection against danger of infection. Information on
decontamination media, their use, dilution and effective range of
application can be read in the Laboratory Biosafety Manual : 1984
of the World Health Organization.
When working with radioactive contaminated material, appropriate
safety and disinfection measures must be carried out. According to
the rules and regulations concerning the handling of radioactive
contaminated material of the respective laboratory, safety clothing
(e.g. particle mask, gloves, protective shoe covers) must be worn.
Separate taking back of electrical and electronic instruments

in the countries of the European Union:
This is to be applied in countries of the European Union and other
European countries with a separate collecting system within the
waste management.
This product, being an electro and/or electronic instrument, must
be treated separately within the waste management process
(WEEE).
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Thermo Fisher Scientific Microm International GmbH certifies that

Certification this instrument has been tested and checked carefully. Its
technical data was verified before shipment to be in accordance
with the published specifications. The instrument complies with
applicable international safety regulations.
This Thermo Scientific product is warranted against defects in

Warranty material and workmanship for a period of 1 year. Parts which
prove to be defective during the warranty period will be repaired or
replaced free of charge by Thermo Fisher Scientific Microm
International GmbH. No other warranty is expressed or implied.
Unauthorized modification or repair by third party persons will void
the warranty.
The warranty will expire in case of improper or wrong use of the
instrument and in case the warning and precautionary messages
are not observed. Thermo Fisher Scientific Microm International
GmbH is not liable for any occurring damage.
Once the guarantee period has expired, a maintenance contract

should be signed to ensure the unit is kept in optimum operating
condition.
For more information about maintenance contracts, please contact
your local distributor.
Although every effort is made to ensure that the characteristics
and information contained in this manual are correct, undetected
printing errors are beyond the manufacturer's control and so no
responsibility can be accepted.
This manual is subject to modifications and changes without
previous notification.
This instruction manual will be supplied together with each

instrument. Further copies can be ordered at the nearest sales
office by giving the serial number of the instrument, the number of
the instruction manual and the date of issue.
Cat. no.
German 387717
English 387718
Spanish 387720
French 387719
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Technical characteristics
Type STP-120
EC Directives
Applicable Standards Refer to notes on next page
Electromagnetic compatibility
Sizes
Diameter of the carrousel 850 mm
Height 500 – 700 mm
Diameter of the turning circle 670 mm
Weight
Including packing 145 kg
Net (fully equipped) 70 kg
Electrical installation
Rated Voltage (±10%) 100…120 V 1.7 A 50…60 Hz
220…240 V 0.9 A 50…60 Hz
Fuses 115 V (2 x T4AH)

230 V (2 x T2AH)
Battery Nickel-Cadmium (12V 600
mA)
Overvoltage category 2
Pollution degree II
Sound pressure < 70 dBA
Capacity
Reagent stations
Number of reagent vessels 10 (9, if 3 are for paraffin.)
Volume per reagent vessel 1.8 L
Baskets for the specimen holders
Number of baskets 1 (option of 2)
Basket capacity 120 specimen holders
Paraffin stations
Number 2 (option of 3)
Volume 1.8 L
Rated Voltage 24 V ~
Rated power per station 100 VA
Temperature range 50 – 70 °C
Hysteresis margin 0.1 – 2 °C
Temperature cut-off 80 °C (± 4 °C)
Thermal protection Manual reset
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Programming
Number of programs 10 (selectable)
Programmable infiltration time per station from 1 s to 99 h 59 m
Rotation stirring selectable
Vertical shake selectable
Centrifugation selectable
Centrifugation time selectable
Program start delay selectable without time limit
Environmental conditions
at a max. rel. humidity of 60% without condensation
Temperatures from + 5 to + 40 °C
Storage temperature range from –20 °C to +50°C
Altitude up to 2000 m M.S.L.
Floor loading requirements 160,0 kg /m2
For indoor use only
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Reception and emplacement

During transport the carrousel should always be kept in an upright
Transport and unpacking position.
Your carrousel SPIN TISSUE PROCESSOR has been fully tested
and has undergone rigorous processes of verification and control
before being packed. Open the packing carefully and make sure
that the machine has not suffered any damage during transport. If
any damage is observed, immediately report this fact to the
distributor and the company insuring the transport.
Remove any support or brace holding the machine inside the
packing box.
CAUTION:
& Two people are required to remove the carrousel from the packing
box. Take care to always hold the carrousel as shown in the figure.
Never lift the processor by the upper cover of the carrousel as
this will cause irreparable damage to the unit!
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Choose a suitable flat surface measuring at least 900 mm in width

Emplacement x 900 mm depth and with 750 mm of headroom.
CAUTION:
& During operation, the cover of the processor is raised about 200
mm above its rest position.
It is absolutely necessary that the emplacement of the
processor has at least 750 mm of free headroom otherwise
the carrousel will be irreparably damaged when it opens.
Make sure that:
n the surface is perfectly smooth, flat and stable.
n the site is well ventilated.
n there is sufficient surrounding space to allow easy access while
safely supporting the weight of the machine (Refer to sizes and
weights in the section on characteristics).
WARNING::
& When selecting the emplacement for the machine, remember that
the Main ON/OFF switch is located at the rear and that it must be
accessible at all times.
Manual rotation of the whole unit:
Apart from the automatic rotating system for the processor cover,
the base of the unit is also fitted with wheels. This enables the
whole unit to be turned by hand to enable easy access to all the
reagent vessels and paraffin baths should it be placed close
against a wall.
CAUTION
& Never turn the unit holding it by the cover.
Before turning the unit, hold it by the reagent vessel support table
and proceed as follows:
n use the € button, to raise the carrousel cover to its uppermost
position.
n turn off the unit at the Main ON/OFF switch and unplug the
power supply cable (see next page). This will enable the unit to
be turned on its axis without any risk of damaging the power
cable.
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The electronic unit of the carrousel is suitably protected and

Connection adequately shielded according to EC Standards on emission and
reception of interference. Nevertheless, the unit should not be
installed close to other high power equipment that could generate
vibrations or strong electrical interference.
The carrousel is supplied with a power cable for connection to a
standard outlet with earth. The electrical connection is located at
the rear.
CAUTION:
& Before connecting the power cable, make sure that the machine is
adjusted to operate at the supply voltage.
The factory settings for the power supply are for operation with
220-240 V ~. If the unit is operated with 100 – 120 V~, open the
cover of the power plug, remove the fuse holder and invert its
position so that the visor shows 115 V the correct operating
voltage. The fuses should also be replaced by others
corresponding to rated value as indicated in the table below.
1 Insert a screwdriver here to open the cover of

the power plug and invert the fuse-holder with
the voltage selector
2 Window showing the operating voltage (in the

example 220V)
3 On/Off switch.
Pressing:
I = start
O = stop
(the image shows the stop position)
4 Standard power plug with earth connection.
Values of the fuses 110-120 V - 4 A (2 x T4AH)

depending on the operating
voltage 220-240 V - 2 A (2 x T2AH)
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Initial turn-on
Before assembling the baths, start the unit to raise the carrousel.
DANGER:
$ Never attempt to turn, raise or lower the carrousel cover by
hand or force it in any way!
Apart from the risk of personal injury, the machine could
suffer irreparable damage. Always use the keys on the control
panel to make any manual movements and keep hands away
from any moving parts.
Connect the power supply cable and start the unit using the stop-
start switch located at the rear of the unit, above the plug for the
power supply cable.
When the power is connected the unit automatically begins a
machine test cycle and the fume exhaust fan will being operating.
This message appears on the display (V1.XX indicates the
SPIN TISSUE
software version).
PROCESSOR V1.XX This is followed by:
FILTER CHANGE XXXX HOURS (Refer to 'Changing the filter),
and then:
C10 C11 C12
16º 16º 16°
indicating the temperature of the paraffin baths.
NOTE:
• These messages may appear in a language other than your own.
If you want to change the language now, refer to section Changing
the language.
Furthermore, the date and time perhaps do not coincide with those
in your country. If you want to adjust the time, refer to chapter
Changing the date and time.
The display indicates (in the pre-set language), a message like the
01/01
one shown here.
READY 12:50
Press the € button once. Note that the carrousel opens to a half-
way position and the basket holder begins to turn.
TAKE SAMPLE When the carousel stops opening, press the € key once again to
continue opening the basket holder as far as possible. The screen
C 011 will display the message indicating 'Take sample' and the reagent
vessel located at 'C01'.
If the basket holder is not physically in the position of reagent

vessel 1, press the key • repeatedly to advance the basket to the
position of reagent vessel No 1. Disconnect the unit from the
power supply.
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Now you can place the reagent vessels and paraffin baths in
position.
Connect the paraffin baths.
CAUTION
& Before connecting or disconnecting the paraffin baths, make sure
that the unit is disconnected from the power supply by turning
off the main switch located at the rear of the unit.
Now you can turn the unit on again.
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Main parts of the spin tissue processor
Carrousel cover
Basket holder
Basket with specimens
Reagent vessels
Paraffin baths
Control Panel
The model shown in the figure corresponds to the version with two
! basket holders, three paraffin baths and glass reagent vessels.
Depending on the processor model, the reagent vessels may be
either glass or aluminium:
The marks in the centre indicate the

maximum fill level for the reagent or
paraffin.
The dimple on the bottom allows the

vessel to be correctly centred in
position.
DANGER:
$ Under no circumstances should the maximum fill level be
exceeded as the process will not be performed correctly and
reagent or paraffin could be spilled.
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Connection of the paraffin baths

The paraffin baths are connected from the rear of the unit.
For easier access to the rear part of the apparatus, the whole unit
can be turned on itself.
Do not turn the unit holding it by the carrousel cover. Refer to
instructions and precautions to be taken when turning the unit by
hand.
CAUTION
& Before connecting or disconnecting the paraffin baths, make sure
that the unit is disconnected from the power supply by turning
off the main switch located at the rear of the unit.
CAUTION:
& Always use the following connections:
n the connection marked with
the number 10 only if a third
paraffin bath has been
installed in position 10
the number 11 only if the
the number 12 only if the
Note the grooves in the edge of the processor table to allow

connection of the cables to the paraffin baths.
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Placement of the baskets

The baskets are held in position
by a four point bayonet
connector.
When fitting the baskets, make
sure that the four studs fit into
the four grooves on the edge;
turn the basket as far as
possible inside the groove and
allow it to rest on the pivots of
the basket holder (see figure).
Before beginning to process tissues, you should become familiar

with the handling and programming of the machine. Design a small
test program and perform some manual movements without any
reagents in the vessels or samples in the baskets.
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Control panel
The control panel at the front of the carrousel contains all the keys
required to handle and program the carrousel. The keyboard is of
the membrane type. Activate the keys by pressing in the centre of
the corresponding icon or indicator. Do not use sharp objects as
they could damage the membrane and the keyboard.
08/02
READY 09:12
The actions of the keys:
SHAKE START UP
Vertical shake. Pressing this key lights the Key to start the automatic operating cycle When adjusting values it
indicator light and activates the SHAKE function. (program). When the unit is operating in increases the value
This function enables vertical shaking of there automatic mode, the pilot beside the key is lit. displayed, or goes back to
basket during the stirring process (refer to STOP the previous option
Basket cycle). Key to stop the automatic operating cycle. If DOWN
• this key is pressed the microprocessor asks for When adjusting values it
Press this key to make the machine perform a confirmation of whether the process is to be decreases the value
partial rotation, moving the basket holder to the aborted. Once the stop is confirmed, the displayed, or goes to the
next station. This is only possible when the program is cancelled and the machine must be next option.
basket holder is in the upper position. controlled in manual mode using the keys € PROGRAM
€ and •to place the basket holder above the Use this key to access the
This key raises and lowers the basket holder as first reagent vessel. The STOP key also halts mode for editing programs
required. If it is pressed when the basket holder any movement of the machine at any time. or making adjustments.
is moving, it will reverse the direction. The STOP TIMER ENTER
key stops all movement Allows delaying the start. Refer to Delayed Validates the option or
POWER start. When the TIMER is active the display adjustments made.
The LED lights up to indicate that the unit is appears as dimmed the pilot light of the key is For more information, refer
connected to the power supply. lit to Programming
A flashing LED indicates that the unit is LOCK
operating on the emergency battery (for more Pressing this key blocks all the keys on the
information refer to section Power failure) control panel (to prevent accidental operation).
Restore the key actions by holding down this
key for more than two seconds.
x2
This key should always be pressed when the
machine is fitted with a double basket holder
(optional accessory). For more information,
refer to section Working with two baskets
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CAUTION
• Before executing the first real process with reagents and paraffin,
remember that paraffin can sometimes take a long time to melt.
After a long period of disconnection (for example the first start or
after power failure), the basket will not descend into the paraffin
bath (even though this is programmed) until the default safety
period has elapsed.
When testing the programming, skip paraffin bath positions 11 and
12 (and 10 if working with two baskets) by assigning them a time
period of 00:00.
If you program a time period of more than 00:00 in positions 11
WAITING FOR PARAFFIN
and 12 (10, if working with three paraffin baths), the screen will
Po 1•• C XX•• TR=00:00 display this message, where XX is the number of the reagent
vessel programmed prior to paraffin bath 11 (10 if a third bath is
installed).
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Programming
The SPIN TISSUE PROCESSOR offers a wide range of
possibilities for programming processes of fixing and dehydrating
histological samples with reagents and then infiltrating them with
paraffin.
The control system enables up to 10 different processes to be
programmed (programs 01 to 10).
Before beginning to enter programs, it is a good idea to become
familiar with the cycle of the carrousel. Pay close attention to the
cycle performed by the basket at each of the 12 reagent vessels.
The figure below shows the movements of the basket and the
Basket cycle different phases that it goes through. The text describes these
movements and the times that can be adjusted.
• Basket in the upper position or changing reagent ‡ On completing time T1 for immersion, the basket is
vessel. centrifuged for programmable time T3. The direction of
‚ Basket in central position or centrifugation. rotation is reversed four times during the centrifugation
process.
ƒ Basket in lower position or immersion. ˆ On completing the transfer stage, a new cycle
„ Downward movement. The basket does not turn. begins in the next reagent vessel.
… Stirring by rotation for time T1 (programmable in T1 Time of immersion of the samples. The process
each reagent vessel). Reversal of the direction of time for each reagent vessel (refer to Programming).
rotation each minute, with programmable rotation T3 Programmable centrifugation time. Eliminates any
speed (0, 60, 70 rpm) at each reagent vessel. excess reagent from the basket and avoids mixing the
products in the vessels.
† Only if SHAKE (vertical shake) is activated, at
each time T2 (set at 10 minutes), the basket with the • Level of the liquid in the reagent vessel (about
specimen holders shakes vertically when rising and half).
lowering.
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Suppose that we want to program a process that fulfils the

Example of a process following specifications:
Stirring rate
Reagent
vessel Immersion Time Program-
No. Reagent Hours : Minutes rpm. med value
1 Formol 01:00 60 1
2 Formol 01:00 60 1
3 Alcohol 70% 01:30 70 2
4 Alcohol 80% 01:30 70 2
5 Alcohol 96% 01:30 70 2
6 Alcohol 100% 01:00 70 2
7 Alcohol 100% 01:00 70 2
8 Alcohol 100% 01:00 70 2
9 Xylol 01:30 70 2
10 Xylol 01:30 60 1
11 Paraffin 02:00 60 1
12 Paraffin 02:00 60 1
The 'programmed value' is a digit that appears on the

programming display. It has the following meaning:
0 = without rotation stirring
1 = rotation stirring at 60 rpm.
2 = rotation stirring at 70 rpm
In cases 1 and 2, the direction of rotation of the motor is reversed
every 60 seconds.
Enter the program when the machine is connected to the power

Entering the program supply and in the stop position. Make sure that:
n the vessels contain the reagents indicated on the list.
n the basket holder is located at station 1 (if not, raise the
carrousel by pressing the € key and advance by repeatedly
pressing the • key until it is located in position 1). Press the €
key to lower the basket holder into reagent vessel 1 and
prevent the reagents from evaporating while carrying out the
programming.
DANGER
• The paraffin baths may reach high temperatures. Take
precautions to avoid burns.
In this situation the screen displays the following message:
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If the date and time hour or language of the display are not correct,
01/01
they should first be adjusted.
READY 12:34 Refer to Changing the language and Changing the date and time.
If the date, time hour and language are correct, proceed as
follows.
Press the PROGRAM key and then the ENTER key.
The pilot light of the PROGRAM key will light and the screen will
display the following message:
Note that '01' is flashing. This means that, of the 10 programs
SELECT PROGRAM
available in the unit, program number 01 is to be used. Program
P 01 several different processes by selecting a different number for
each of them using the UP or DOWN keys.
If program No 01 is selected the screen will appear as shown
below:
P 01 indicates that program number 01 is being edited.
P 01 HH:MM A
C 01 indicates that the values are being assigned to reagent
C 01 00:00 0 vessel 01.
HH:MM is the time the samples remain in reagent vessel 01,
expressed in Hours and Minutes
A Is the stirring rate:
0 no stirring
1 stirring at 60 rpm
2 stirring at 70 rpm.
Pulse ENTER to assign the values to reagent vessel 01.
Use the UP or DOWN keys to increase or reduce the value and
ENTER to confirm the value and go to the next option.
If a reagent vessel is assigned a time of 00:00, the carrousel will
not immerse the basket in the corresponding reagent.
The option of vertical shake is common to all the vessels and is
• activated by the SHAKE key, when starting program (refer to
'Starting the program').
If the SPIN TISSUE PROCESSOR is fitted with a second basket
• holder for operation in double capacity mode (two baskets), refer
to section Working with two baskets.
Once the times and stirring rate have been programmed for each
reagent vessel, press PROGRAM to exit program edit mode.
Before executing the program for the first time, verify that the
default values (factory settings) or those modified using the edit
menu, are suitable for the process to be performed:
n Temperature of the paraffin baths. Default value: 62 •C.
n Frequency of the vertical shake (only if this option is activated
by pressing the SHAKE key when starting the program).
Default value: every 10 minutes.
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n Centrifugation time, before the change of reagent vessel.

Default value: 60 seconds
Make sure that each reagent vessel contains the appropriate

Starting the program reagent coinciding with the selected program:
CAUTION
• The vessels should not be filled to more than the marks etched at
half their height, otherwise the centrifugation process, apart from
not having the required effect of not mixing reagents, could cause
mechanical damage to the unit.
If the SPIN TISSUE PROCESSOR is fitted with a second basket
• holder, refer to section Working with two baskets.
Proceed as follows:
1 Raise the basket holder by pressing the € key.
2 Place the basket with the specimen holders in the basket
holder. Make sure that the bayonet lock closes correctly.
3 Press STOP to exit manual operating mode
4 Only if vertical shake is required, press the SHAKE key. The
key indicator lights up.
5 Only if working with a double basket, press the x2 key. The
pilot beside the key will light
6 Press the START key to begin the program. The display
suggests executing program P 01
7 If a program other than 01 is to be used, press the UP or
SELECT? 15/08 DOWN keys to modify the option.
P 01•• 08:20
8 Start the program immediately by pressing START again. The
program will begin to execute.
9 Only if the start of the program is to be delayed so that it
Delayed start finishes at a certain date and time, press the TIMER key. The
screen will display the following message
Depending on the times specified in the program for each reagent
PROGRAM END
vessel, the microprocessor calculates and displays the date and
•16/08/01 •08:00 time when the program will finish. If the program is to finish later
than the time indicated on the display, the date and time values
can be altered using the UP and DOWN keys and confirmed by
pressing ENTER. If by error the value entered is less than that
suggested by the microprocessor, the original value will be
restored (immediate execution of the program).
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Press START. The TIMER pilot light will flash. The display is
PROGRAM START dimmed showing the date and time at which the program will start.
16/08/01 •08:00
Press the STOP key to halt:

Stopping the program
n the current program if it is running
n the delay start timer, if programmed.
In each case, the microprocessor asks for confirmation of the
operation with the message:
(or the TIMER if it is activated).
DO YOU REALLY WANT TO
Press START and the process will continue or the TIMER will
STOP THE PROCESS? continue its down count.
Press STOP again and the process will be interrupted.
If the process is stopped use the € key to raise the basket holder
and remove the basket with the specimen holders. If necessary,
use the • key to move the basket holder to the position of reagent
vessel 1. Otherwise, when a new basket holder is loaded and
START pressed to begin a program immediately, the carrousel will
automatically move to reagent vessel 1 before beginning the
process.
Under normal operating conditions, the program will stop in

End of the program paraffin bath 12, and issue a warning beep every five seconds. If
the program being run was P 01, the screen will display the
following message.
Press the STOP key to stop the program.
END OF PROGRAM
P 01 Then press the € key to raise the basket holder and remove the
basket with the infiltrated samples.
DANGER
• The paraffin may be very hot. Take adequate precautions to
avoid burns.
NOTE:
• Start a new process immediately by placing the new basket in the
basket holder and pressing START to begin processing. The
carrousel automatically moves to reagent vessel 1 to begin the
process.
If the next process is to use the delay start TIMER, or the SPIN
TISSUE PROCESSOR is not going to be used until the next day,
the basket holder should be moved to reagent vessel 1 using the
• key and lowered with the € key to prevent the reagents from
evaporating.
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The temperature of the paraffin baths can be consulted at any time

Temperature display during the process by pressing the DOWN key.
The screen will display the temperatures of each of the vessels for
C10 C11 C12
a period of 3 seconds.
55°C 54°C 57°C
The expected time for completing the process can be consulted at

End of process display any time by pressing the UP key.
The screen displays the expected date and time for completion of
PROGRAM END
the process for a period of 3 seconds.
P 01 06/10/01 09:23
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Setup Menu
For more detailed information on how to enter a program, refer to
chapter Entering the program.
The SETUP MENU can only be accessed if the carrousel is in the
stop position and no program is being run. Press the STOP key. If
the pilot light of the LOCK key is on the keyboard is blocked. Press
the LOCK key to extinguish the pilot light located beside it.
If the language has been correctly configured (refer to Changing
the language and Changing the date and time). The screen will
display the following message.
The table below summarises the use of the keyboard in the
05/02 SETUP MENU:
READY 10:50
Key Action
PROGRAM Enter EDIT PROGRAM mode.
Press the UP or DOWN key to access the SETUP MENU
When the text displayed ...
Key
Does not flash Flashes
UP Access to higher levels Increases the value displayed
Decreases the value
DOWN Access to lower levels
displayed
Access to the next lower level
ENTER of the same option.
Confirms the value entered
Exits the SETUP MENU. Values not confirmed by pressing

PROGRAM ENTER are not changed
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The SETUP MENU includes the following options and levels:

SETUP MENU Options Comments
1. LANGUAGE Changes the language used to display messages
1.1 CASTELLANO Y/N (YES/NO) Selects Spanish as the language
1.2 ENGLISH Y/N (YES/NO) Selects English as the language
1.3 FRANCAISE Y/N (YES/NO) Selects French as the language
1.4 ITALIANO Y/N (YES/NO) Selects Italian as the language
1.5 DEUTSCH Y/N (YES/NO) Selects German as the language
2. UNITS TEMP. Enables the user to define the temperature units
2.1 TEMPERATURES IN Celsius/Fahrenheit
3. CLOCK Adjustment of local date and time
3.1 DAY 00 to 31
3.2 MONTH 00 to 12
3.3 YEAR 2000 to 2999
3.4 HOUR 00 to 24
3.5 MINUTE 00 to 59
4. FILTER Enables the values associated with the filter to be
queried and adjusted.
4.1 FILTER TIME 0001 to 9999 Theoretical hours of filter service life (according to
the manufacturer)
4.2 CHANGE FILTER 0001 to 9999 Remaining hours of life since the last change (Reset)
4.3 FILTER RESET Caution: Confirm by pressing ENTER, only after
really changing the filter
5. PARAF. TEMP
5.1 PARAF. TEMP. 10
Allows adjustments to be made to the temperature of
5.2 PARAF. TEMP. 11 from 50 to 70 °C
the paraffin baths
5.3 PARAF. TEMP. 12
6. TIMERS Allows adjustments to be made to the centrifugation
times and the frequency of the vertical shake.
6.1 CENTRIFUGATION 000 to 180 s Centrifugation time in seconds before the change of
reagent vessel
6.2 VERTICAL SHAKE 0600 to 3000 Frequency for performing the vertical shake (if the
'SHAKE' key is activated)
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Two examples of modification of the Setup are shown below:

Changing the language and changing the date and time
The carrousel display can be configured to display messages in

Changing the language five different languages:
Castellano, English, Français, Italiano, Deutsch
Step 1: Press the PROGRAM key. If the currently configured
language is English, this message appears:
Step 2: Press the DOWN key to go to the next option. The
EDIT PROGRAM
following menu appears:
Step 3: Press ENTER to confirm access to the SETUP MENU.

SETUP MENU
Step 4: Press ENTER again to access the language option. The

SETUP MENU UP or DOWN keys then allow access to other Setup options:
1. LANGUAGE 2. Temperature Units
3. Clock
4. Filter
5. Paraffin temperature
6. Timers
Step 5: Press ENTER to display the first option (1.1 Castellano).

1.1 CASTELLANO
Press the DOWN key until the desired language appears. When it
• Y appears, press ENTER. The screen will display a flashing N (No).
Press UP to change it to a Y (Yes). Press ENTER again to confirm
the option.
Access the SETUP MENU as indicated for changing the language

Changing the date and until Step 5.
time
Press the DOWN key until option 3 appears on the screen. Clock.
SETUP MENU
3. CLOCK Press ENTER to select the option to change the date and time.
Each time the DOWN key is pressed the display will advance from
the day to the minute in the following order:
3.1 Day
3.2 Month
3.3 Year
3.4 Hour
3.5 Minute
Use the UP key to move backwards from Minute to Day.
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When the screen displays the value to be changed, (in this

3.4 HOUR example, the hour) press ENTER to access the value (which will
• 10 begin flashing) and then use the UP and DOWN keys to make
appropriate changes. Once correctly adjusted, press ENTER to
confirm the value and go to the next option.
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As an optional extra, the SPIN TISSUE PROCESSOR may be

Working with two fitted with a second basket holder to double its processing
baskets capacity.
When the unit is fitted with two baskets the following points should
be taken into consideration:
n When starting the process, the additional basket (which is
located over reagent vessel 2), will not be able to perform the
process of reagent vessel 1 (unless this first process is
performed manually by the operator).
n Irrespective of the times programmed for each reagent vessel
(even if the programmed value is 00:00), the processing time
will be the same for all the vessels and will be the value
assigned to the first reagent vessel.
n On finalising the process, the original basket (not the additional
one), will be located above reagent vessel 11 and will not
undergo the process of reagent vessel 12 (unless this is final
process is performed manually by the operator).
This situation can be corrected by installing a third paraffin bath.
CAUTION
• When working with two baskets remember to press the 'x2'
key before starting the program with the START key (this will
light the indicator located beside the 'x2' key). Otherwise, the
second basket (optional) will be erroneously submerged in
the reagent in reagent vessel 1 when the carrousel moves to
position 12.
A very important feature of the SPIN TISSUE PROCESSOR is its

Power failure capacity to react in the event of a power supply failure.
The unit is fitted with an emergency backup battery to enable the
process to continue uninterrupted or to allow manual operation to
remove, if necessary, the basket with the specimen holders (refer
to 'Emergency Movements'.)
NOTE:
• The backup battery is designed to continue controlling the process
times and enable completion of all the movements that have been
started. That is, to leave the carrousel in the submerged position in
the reagent and, eventually, enable the carrousel to be moved
manually using the € and • keys.
Whenever a power failure occurs, the green pilot light beside the
POWER indicator begins to flash. If the carrousel is performing
the movement of changing vessels, the microprocessor will
automatically complete the movement and leave the basket holder
in the corresponding vessel, without performing any of the
operations of stirring or heating of the paraffin baths, but
controlling the time period elapsed.
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When the power supply is returned, the process will continue from
this point.
The temperature of the paraffin baths is not maintained during
battery operation. When the power supply is returned, the process
will continue from this point. The temperature of the paraffin is not
maintained during battery operation. After a power loss of more
than 7 minutes, the paraffin may be solidified and any basket
movement/transfer is inoperable. An automatic remelt timer is
started which disables any basket movements for the next four
hours. The screen shows the message: "Waiting for paraffin". The
normal process will be automatically continued after a power
WAITING FOR PARAFFIN resumption for at least four hours and the paraffin is surely melted.
P 01 C 10 TR=00:00 The re-melt timer is a protection device against mechanical
damage of the transportation/lift device. The re-melt timer may be
reset to enable immediate access to the cassettes, as soon as the
user assures himself of the fact that the paraffin is in liquid
condition and mechanical blockages are avoided.
Depending on the software version two individual buttons have to
be pushed at the same time. The actual software of your device is
indicated for 4 seconds every time the unit is turned on. Valid for
all software versions: By pushing the button DOWN the display
must show the actual paraffin temperatures. This display is shown
only for about 3 seconds. Only when the paraffin temperature
display is active you may reset the remelt timer by pushing the two
buttons (Button 1 and Button 2) at the same time according
follwing list.
Version Release date Button 1 Button 2
st
V. 1.3 Sept. 01 , 2001 ALARM X2
th
V. 1.41 Dec. 12 , 2001 ALARM SHAKE
V. 1.41 June 06th, 2002 TIMER ENTER
V. 1.43 Sept. 25th, 2003 TIMER ENTER
V. 2.0 Nov. 06th, 2003 TIMER ↑↓
A beep sound indicates the reset of the remelt timer. Lifting or
lowering the basket via button ↑↓ is possible now to enable access
to the cassettes.
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If it is necessary to raise the basket holder or move the carrousel

Emergency Movements during a power failure, turn the key switch located above the input
plug of the power supply cable:
n give it a quarter turn in a clockwise direction,
n hold the key in this position for two seconds,
n return it to the vertical position.
The green pilot light beside the POWER indicator will flash to
indicate that the unit (except the paraffin baths) is being operated
by the emergency battery power supply.
Under these circumstances it is possible to move the basket holder
with the € and • keys to extract it should it be necessary to abort
the process.
Once the specimen holder basket is removed, the carrousel should
be lowered again with the € key to close the reagent vessels.
Press the STOP key to cancel the process that has been aborted.
After a certain period of time without any key being pressed, the
machine will turn itself off.
CAUTION
• Remember that if the switch at the rear of the unit has not been
turned off, when the power supply is restored the carrousel will
start automatically (with the program aborted) and immediately
begin heating the paraffin baths.
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Maintenance
Lubrication:
Every six months, raise the cover of the carrousel using the € key
to its uppermost position and lubricate it exclusively with the
grease supplied by the manufacturer.
Changing the filter:
Refer to instructions on changing the filter
Inspection:
The spin tissue processor should be revised by a manufacturer
authorised technician at least once a year.
The processor should be cleaned every day just like any other
Cleaning piece of laboratory equipment. Any spilt reagent should be
eliminated immediately as prolonged contact with the surfaces of
the unit could cause damage or stains.
CAUTION:
% Before cleaning the processor, raise the cover using the € key
and then turn off the power supply at the Main ON/OFF switch.
DANGER:
• When performing any maintenance or cleaning operations
always bear in mind that the reagents used may be highly
inflammable and that the paraffin baths may reach extremely
high temperatures.
n Do not use reagents that contain acetone or xylol or any
abrasive powders.
n Always clean the unit with domestic detergents without any
abrasive additives.
n Use a plastic spatula to remove any remains of solid paraffin.
Do not use sharp objects that could scratch the surface.
n The reagent vessels (not the paraffin baths) may be cleaned in
a conventional dishwater.
n The paraffin baths may be disconnected from their bases for
easier cleaning.
CAUTION:
• When replacing the paraffin baths, make sure that each one is
connected to the corresponding power plug.
n During cleaning, make sure that no detergent liquid enters the
electrical connections and power plugs.
n When cleaning the carrousel cover, use extreme care not to
force it in any way.
WARNING:
& Before using any cleaning or decontamination method or product
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other than those recommended, obtain confirmation from the

manufacturer that these methods or products are not going to
damage the unit in any way.
As an optional extra, the unit may be supplied with a double

Changing the filter activated charcoal filter to neutralise any fumes given off by the
reagents used. The system controls the life of the filter in hours.
When starting the unit the following message is displayed:
The value displayed (in the example 400 hours) is the time
CHANGE FILTER
remaining for the filter to complete its service life. The filter should
0400 HOURS be changed when this counter displays 0000 HOURS.
Change the filter by removing the rear cover and proceeding as
shown in the figure below.
Filter housing
Activated charcoal filters (2)
Cover with two (2) holding

screws
After changing the filter the working life counter should be rest to
the original value. Access option 4.3 of the Setup Menu FILTER
RESET and press ENTER to reset the counter.
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Under normal operating conditions the battery has a very long

Replacing the battery service life.
If the alarm message "Check Battery" appears repeatedly, (for
example after a long period of inactivity) the machine should be
connected to the power supply for several hours to allow the
battery to charge itself.
If the battery does not recharge and the alarm message does not
disappear, the battery should be replaced with a new one.
Change the battery by accessing the rear part of the unit and
proceeding as shown in the figure:
2. Remove and the filter

holder and turn it face down
(be careful of the cables,
refer to 3)
1. Remove the six (6)

holding screws
4. Remove the two (2)

screws that hold the
3. Remove the connector cable battery in place
from the battery
Place the new battery in position and reassemble the unit by

proceeding in the reverse order.
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Should any instrument failure occur, the microprocessor displays

Alarms an alarm message on the screen and the pilot light of the ALARM
key begins flashing.
There are two types of alarm:
n alarms that can be resolved by the user
n alarms that must be resolved by an authorised service
technician
Alarms that can be resolved by the user:
Alarm Cause Solution
SOLID PARAFFIN The unit is attempting a vertical movement over a Wait until the paraffin has melted.
paraffin bath where the paraffin has not melted
POWER FAILURE The power supply to the unit has failed and Determine whether the whole process
therefore the basket may have been at one should be repeated
station for longer than programmed and
finalisation of the program may be delayed
PROBE FAILURE The unit has lost contact with the probe that Make sure that the paraffin bath is
10 1112 measures the temperature of the indicated connected to the correct connector. Refer
station. to 'connecting paraffin baths'
CHANGE FILTER The working life of the filter has expired Refer to 'Changing the filter'.
SAMPLES OUT An attempt is being made to program a delayed Place the carrousel in the start position
start with the carrousel not lowered. (basket submerged in reagent vessel 1)
In Take Sample the time limit for the samples out Lower the carrousel to submerge the
of the liquid has been exceeded basket in the reagent vessel.
CHECK BATTERY Low battery level has been detected on starting Make sure that the battery is connected
the unit and that the fuse has not blown.
Acknowledge an alarm by pressing the ALARM key. If the alarm

does not disappear or reproduces itself frequently, notify a service
technician.
Alarms that should be resolved by an authorised Service
Technician
HOLDER LOWERED
HOLDER IN CENTRE
HOLDER RAISED
VERTICAL FAILURE
HORIZONTAL FAILURE
HORIZONTAL MOTOR ON
REGULATOR FAILURE
HOLDER OUT OF RANGE
UNIT FAILURE
The last page of this manual includes the address of the Technical
Service Centre closest to you.
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Proceed as described below to delete all the programs and restore

Resetting the unit the unit with the factory settings:
n turn off the unit using the main ON/OFF switch
n hold down the ALARM key and turn the unit on using the main
switch, hold the key down for two seconds.
n release the ALARM key
NOTE
• This operation deletes all the programs in the unit and
restores the default factory settings
After this operation the basket holder must be moved using the €
keys and the carrousel moved to position 1 using the • key.
Refer to section Entering the program, to create new processing
programs.
The SPIN TISSUE PROCESSOR may be used with the reagents

Reagents that are shown in the list below.
Fixing Formalin, buffered or unbuffered

Trinitrophenol
Dehydration Industrial alcohol
Ethyl alcohol
Isopropyl alcohol
Butyl alcohol
Methanol
Purification Xylene and substitutes
Trichlorethane
Benzene
Toluene
Acetone
Infiltration Paraffin
The use of other reagents not indicated in the list is not

recommended.
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In Spain:
Technical Service Thermo Fisher Scientific LABORGERATE, S.L.
Centres Avda. San Ramón Nonato, 33
E-08028 BARCELONA (Spain)
Tel. [34] 934 480 388
Fax. [34] 933 346 150
In France:
Thermo Fisher Scientific FRANCE
Parc du Chater
33, Rue Bellisen
F-69349 Francheville (France)
Tel. [33] 478 342 167
Fax. [33] 478 341 239
Other countries of the world:

Otto-Hahn-Str. 1A
69190 Walldorf
Germany
Phone: +49.(0)6227.836-0
Fax: +49.(0)6227.836-111
Email: [email protected]
Internet: www.thermoscientific.com
Caution:
Any shipping of the instrument requires original packaging materials!
Damages caused by shipping with non-conform packaging are not
covered by the manufacturer warranty! Any damage repairs resulting in
non-conforming package are fully charged to the sending party. We
reserve the right depending on seriousness of damage NOT to repair.
To order original packaging materials, please contact Thermo Fisher
Scientific or your local, by Thermo Scientific authorized, dealer.
Caution:
The user must care for a clean and safe condition of the instrument
when returning it to an appropriate service provider.
Note:
If the original packaging is no longer available, please contact your local
Thermo Scientific representation.
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After the final shutdown of the instrument we recommend to

Disposal of the contact a local recycling company for the disposal according to the
instrument after final national applicable regulations.
shutdown To be applied in the countries of the European Union and
other European countries with a separate collecting system
within the waste management.
The marking of the product and/or the respective literature
indicates that, after its final shutdown, it must not be disposed of
together with ordinary domestic waste.
Please dispose of your instrument separately from other waste to
not harm our environment and/or human health by uncontrolled
waste disposal.
Recycle your instrument to support the sustainable recycling of
material resources.
Industrial users should contact their suppliers and observe the
conditions of the contract. This product must not be disposed of
together with other commercial waste.
Please contact your supplier!!!
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This section describes the adjustments that only can be carried out
Service setup by an Authorised Technical Service Centre.
CAUTION
• These values should not be modified by the operator or user
as other operating values of there processor could be
affected. These modifications should only be made by trained
technicians from an Authorised Service Centre.
Access the Technical Service Setup menu by successively
pressing the keys STOP, ALARM and TIMER within a maximum
interval of 1 second.
1. TEMPERATURE MENU Options Default Comments
value
1.1 HYSTERESIS 0.1 to 2 0.1 °C Establishes the connection/disconnection range
above and below the assigned temperature
1.2 MAX. TEMPERATURE 50 to 70 70 °C Temperature limits that can be selected by the
1.3 MIN. TEMPERATURE 50 to 70 50 °C user from the SETUP MENU
1.4 PARAF. ACTIVE Y/N Y Enables keeping the paraffin baths hot during
WITH TIMER delayed start.
2. FAN (refer to the diagram below)
2.1 OPERATING TIME 0000 to 9999 180 Time in seconds that the fan is connected when
starting the processor
2.2 ON TIME 0000 to 9999 120 Time that the fan is operating
2.3 OFF TIME 0000 to 9999 600 Pause between fan operating periods
3. MOTOR STEP BY STEP
3.1 STIRING RATE 1 005 to 250 080 Speed in rpm for stirring 1
3.2 STIRING RATE 2 005 to 250 080 Speed in rpm for stirring 2
3.3 CENTRIFUGE SPEED 005 to 250 180 Speed en rpm for the centrifugation
4. OPTIONS
4.1 SHAKE ENABLE Y/N Y Enables or disables the option of activating
vertical SHAKE
Diagram showing fan operation
Fan:
start on
off
T2.1 T2.3 T2.2 T2.3 Time >
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Program Record Sheet

Program number (01 to 10): Comments:
Written by:
Date:
Reagent Time Stirring

Reagent Notes
vessel (HH:MM) (0/1/2)
10
11 Paraffin
12 Paraffin
Comments:
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Thermo Scientific Spin Tissue Processor Microm STP 120

387 718 - English

SPIN TISSUE PROCESSOR

387 718 - English

387 718 - English

These instructions should be read carefully and fully

This manual uses the following symbols:

387 718 - English

Dear valued Customer,

Operating instruction no.: 387718

Microm International GmbH

387 718 - English

387 718 - English

HAZARD OF BIOLOGICAL DANGER

Separate taking back of electrical and electronic instruments

387 718 - English

Thermo Fisher Scientific Microm International GmbH certifies that

This Thermo Scientific product is warranted against defects in

Once the guarantee period has expired, a maintenance contract

This instruction manual will be supplied together with each

387 718 - English

Fuses 115 V (2 x T4AH)

387 718 - English

387 718 - English

Reception and emplacement

387 718 - English

Choose a suitable flat surface measuring at least 900 mm in width

387 718 - English

The electronic unit of the carrousel is suitably protected and

1 Insert a screwdriver here to open the cover of

2 Window showing the operating voltage (in the

Values of the fuses 110-120 V - 4 A (2 x T4AH)

387 718 - English

If the basket holder is not physically in the position of reagent

387 718 - English

387 718 - English

Main parts of the spin tissue processor

Basket with specimens

The marks in the centre indicate the

The dimple on the bottom allows the

387 718 - English

Connection of the paraffin baths

Note the grooves in the edge of the processor table to allow

387 718 - English

Placement of the baskets

Before beginning to process tissues, you should become familiar

387 718 - English

The actions of the keys:

387 718 - English

387 718 - English

387 718 - English

Suppose that we want to program a process that fulfils the

The 'programmed value' is a digit that appears on the

Enter the program when the machine is connected to the power

387 718 - English

387 718 - English

n Centrifugation time, before the change of reagent vessel.

Make sure that each reagent vessel contains the appropriate

387 718 - English