cobas u 601 urine analyzer

Operator’s Manual Version 2.4

Software Version 2.3
2

Document information

Manual version Software version Revision date Change description

1.0.0 1.0 December 2013 First publication
1.0.1 2.0 May 2014 Linguistic and minor content adjustments
1.0.1 2.1 January 2015 Software upgrade. No content changes in operator’s manual.
2.0.0 2.2 July 2015 o Illustrations were adapted to latest hardware and software.
o New: Optional input connection unit.
o New: Optional connection to external water supply.
o Improved result presentation.
o New: Emergency stop feature
o New: Definition of notification periods.
o Changes to range tables and cross-check rule
configuration.
o New: Definition of color ranges for COL.
o Various improvements in configuration features.
o New: Procedure for adjusting probe action to different
tubes and racks.
2.1.0 2.2.3 July 2016 o Improved working with Sample sequence number
mode.
o Improved handling of invalid SG results.
o Definition of STAT racks.
2.2 2.3 March 2018 o New version (2) of control unit.
o Windows 10 operating system.
o Upgraded test strip transport system.
2.3 2.3 May 2019 o Effect of intrinsic color of the urine to specific gravity and
(English only) clarity.
o Information on strip tray and transporter IDs removed.
o Required volumes of wash solution adapted.
2.4 2.3 March 2020 o New layout.
o Linguistic and minor content adjustments.
y Revision history

Edition notice This information is intended for operators and

administrators of the cobas u 601 urine analyzer.

Every effort has been made to ensure that all the

information is correct at the time of publishing. However,
Roche reserves the right to make any changes necessary
without notice as part of ongoing product development.

Customer modifications to the instrument may impair

instrument safety and may lead to malfunction, incorrect
measurements, and incorrect results. Any customer
modification to the instrument will render the warranty or
service agreement null and void.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 3

Intended use The cobas u 601 urine analyzer is a fully automated

urinalysis system intended for the in vitro qualitative or
semi-quantitative determination of urine analytes,
including pH, leukocytes, nitrite, protein, glucose,
ketones, urobilinogen, bilirubin, and erythrocytes, as well
as specific gravity, color, and clarity.

It is designed to read the cobas u pack test strips and

calibrate with the cobas u calibration strip.

These measurements are useful in the evaluation of renal,

urinary, hepatic and metabolic disorders. This system is
intended to be used by trained operators in clinical
laboratories.

Copyright © 2014–2020, Roche Diagnostics GmbH. All rights

reserved.

Trademarks The following trademarks are acknowledged:

COBAS, COBAS U, and LIFE NEEDS ANSWERS are

trademarks of Roche.

All other product names and trademarks are the property

of their respective owners.

Instrument approvals The cobas u 601 urine analyzer meets the requirements
laid down in:
• Directive 98/79/EC of the European Parliament and of
the Council of 27 October 1998 on in vitro diagnostic
medical devices
• Directive 2011/65/EU of the European Parliament and
of the Council of 8 June 2011 on the restriction of the
use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and
electronic equipment

The cobas u 601 urine analyzer is manufactured and

tested according to the international safety standards
below:
• UL 61010-1, 2nd Edition
• IEC 61010-1, 2nd Edition
• IEC 61010-2-081, 1st Edition
• IEC 61010-2-101, 1st Edition
• CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 61010 2nd Edition
• EN IEC 61326-1 2nd Edition
• EN IEC 61326-2-6 2nd Edition

The Operator’s Manual meets the European Standard DIN

EN ISO 18113-3.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
4

Compliance with the applicable directives is provided by

means of the Declaration of Conformity. The following
marks demonstrate compliance:

For in vitro diagnostic use.

IVD

Complies with the provisions of the applicable EU directives.

Issued by Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL) for Canada and

the US.

Contact address

Roche Diagnostics GmbH

Sandhofer Strasse 116
68305 Mannheim
Germany
Made in Hungary

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Table of contents 5

Table of contents

Document information 2 4 Software

Contact address 4 Introduction 119
Table of contents 5 Key screen elements 119
Preface 7 Key work areas 125
How to use this manual 7 Tabs 127
Symbols and abbreviations 9 Displaying information 129
What is new in publication version 2.2 11 Working with lists (tables) 130
What is new in publication version 2.1.0 11 Entering information 131
What is new in publication version 2.0.0 12 Working with QC charts 133
External keyboard and mouse 134
Wizards 135
System description Color coding 138
Online help 139
1 Safety
Safety classification 21
Safety precautions 22
Operation
Safety summary 26
Safety labels on the equipment 34 5 Operation
Disposal of the equipment 39 Safety 147
Short guide to routine testing 149
2 Introduction Routine operating tasks 152
General description 43 Result handling 171
Daily operation 51 Non-routine situations 183
Managing patients 190
3 Hardware Routine maintenance actions 192
Safety 61 At the end of the shift 205
Main components 63 Calibrating the photometer unit 220
Covers 64 Calibrating the measuring cell 222
Connectors 66 QC tasks 223
Power switches 72 Additional operating tasks 234
Input and output buffers 74
Tubes, racks, and rack trays 78 6 Configuration
Liquid containers 83 User management 243
Solid waste container 87 System settings: Defining the test
Rack transport unit 88 environment 247
Fluid system 89 System configuration: Defining the operating
Sample handling 94 environment 264
Test strip handling 95 Managing racks 276
Barcode reader 105 Adjusting the probe action 278
Barcodes 106
Radio frequency identification 107
Technical specifications 109
Maintenance

7 Maintenance
Safety 283
Routine maintenance 284
Miscellaneous maintenance actions 287

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
6 Table of contents

Troubleshooting

8 Troubleshooting
Exceptional situations 301
Screenshots 303
Log files 304
No photometer calibration can be
generated 306
No measuring cell calibration can be
generated 306
Detached barcode labels 307
Recovering from an irregular stop 308
Emergency stop 309
When you have accidentally pulled the waste
drawer during operation 311
Recovering from a power outage 312
Safety interlock 314
Clogged inlet water filter 314
Blocked floats 317

Glossary

9 Glossary

Index
Index 327

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 7

Preface

The cobas u 601 urine analyzer (called test strip analyzer

in this documentation) is a fully automated urine analysis
system intended for in vitro qualitative or semi-
quantitative determination of urine analytes, including pH,
leukocytes, nitrite, protein, glucose, ketones, urobilinogen,
bilirubin, and erythrocytes, as well as specific gravity,
color, and clarity.

These measurements are useful in the evaluation of renal,

urinary, hepatic and metabolic disorders. This system is
intended to be used by trained operators in clinical
laboratories.

The analyzer can process up to 240 samples per hour.

How to use this manual

q Keep this Operator’s Manual in a safe place to

ensure that it is not damaged and remains available for
use.
This Operator’s Manual should be easily accessible at all
times.
Throughout this documentation, images of screens are
included for illustration purposes. They are not
necessarily identical with what you see on your analyzer.

To help you find information quickly, there is a table of

contents at the beginning of the manual and of each
chapter. In addition, a comprehensive index can be found
at the end.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
8

Content overview The documentation is divided into the following parts:

• Part A — System Description: The system
description provides information on the safe operation
of the system, on its hardware and software, and an
overview of how it is used.
• Part B — Operation: The operation part describes
how to perform the various tasks that are required
when analyzing samples.
• Part C — Maintenance: The maintenance part
provides information on how to ensure continuous
problem-free operation of the system.
• Part D — Troubleshooting: The troubleshooting part
provides assistance on how to deal with exceptional
situations.
• Part E — Glossary: The glossary explains key terms
used in the user interface and in this documentation.
• Part F — Index: The index provides a quick way to
information, it consists of an alphabetical list of key
words that lead to the relevant information within this
documentation.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 9

Symbols and abbreviations

Visual cues are used to help locate and interpret

information quickly. This section explains the conventions
used for this purpose.

Symbols used in this publication The following symbols are used:

Symbol Explanation
o List item.
Tip. Extra information on correct use or useful
q
hints.
Start of a procedure.
I Extra information within a task.
f Result of an action within a task.
d Materials that are required for a task.
j Prerequisites of a task.
Topic. Used in cross-references to topics and
u for related topics containing further
information.
Figure. Used in figure titles and cross-
w
references to figures.
Table. Used in table titles and cross-references
y
to tables.
y Symbols used in the publication

Symbol Comment
Safety alert.

Electrical and electronic equipment marked

with this symbol are covered by the European
directive WEEE.

Label on the water container for external

water supply indicating monthly cleaning.

y Symbols used for easy recognition of information

Symbols used on the instrument The following symbols are used:

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
10

Symbol Comment
Global trade item number

Date of manufacture

Serial number

y Symbols used for easy recognition of information

Abbreviations The following abbreviations are used:

Abbreviation Explanation
A ampere
BIL bilirubin
CLA clarity
COL color
CSA Canadian Standards Association
CSV character separated values
e.g. exempli gratia – for example
EC European Community
EMC electromagnetic compatibility
EN European standard
ERY erythrocytes and hemoglobin
GLU glucose
Hz hertz
i.e. id est – that is to say
IEC International Electrical Commission
IVD in vitro diagnostic directive
KET ketones
LEU leukocytes
LAS laboratory automation system
LIS laboratory information system
max. maximum
min. minimum
mm millimeter
n/a not applicable
NIT nitrite
nm nanometer
PRO protein
QC quality control
y Abbreviations

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 11

Abbreviation Explanation
RD Roche Diagnostics
RFID radio frequency identification
SG specific gravity
STAT short turn around time
UBG urobilinogen
UL Underwriters Laboratories Inc.
UPS uninterrupted power supply
V volt
VA volt-ampere
VAC volt alternating current
W watt
y Abbreviations

What is new in publication version 2.2

New control unit version The control unit was replaced with a new version (version
2).

Windows 10 operating system The internal PC uses the Windows 10 operating system.

Upgraded test strip tray and transporter The test strip tray and test strip transporter were
enhanced.

Replacing of reference plate The reference plate can only be replaced by a Roche
Service representative.

What is new in publication version 2.1.0

Illustrations and screenshots Illustrations and screenshots were adapted to reflect the
latest hardware and software.

Optional components Colored labels for Roche 5-position racks are now
available.
u Optional components (114)

Working with Sample sequence number mode The procedure for working with Sample sequence
number mode has been improved.
u Defining the sample sequence number ranges (156)
u Rerunning tests when working with Sample sequence
number mode (185)

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
12

STAT and routine results are marked when If you work with Sample sequence number mode,
working with Sample sequence number mode sample IDs for routine test results are marked with an “N”
preceding the sample sequence number, and “E” for
STAT test results.
u Validating results (172)

Invalid SG results You can now search for invalid SG results and edit them
manually.
u Managing invalid SG results (176)

Working with Sample sequence number mode The information on defining the validation method has
been adapted.
u Defining the validation method (250)

STAT racks You can now define dedicated STAT racks.

u To define a STAT rack (276)

What is new in publication version 2.0.0

Illustrations and screenshots Illustrations and screenshots were adapted to reflect the
latest hardware and software.

Automatic rack feed, input connection unit You can optionally connect the analyzer to a laboratory
automation system by replacing the input buffer with an
input connection unit. This allows automatic rack feed to
the analyzer.
u Input connection unit (76)
u Operation with input connection unit (164)
u To load a priority rack when working with an
LAS (167)
u To perform a QC measurement when working with an
LAS (225)
u To clean the inlet water filter (external water
supply) (316)
u To loosen the floats in the water container for external
water supply (318)

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 13

External water supply You can optionally connect the analyzer to an external
laboratory water supply system. When using this feature,
the liquid waste is drained off directly to the laboratory
liquid waste system.
u Water container for external water supply (84)
u Liquid waste with external water supply (86)
u To clean the inlet water filter (external water
supply) (316)
u To loosen the floats in the water container for external
water supply (318)

Technical specifications Some values were adjusted.

• External conditions
• Power requirements
• Water quality
• Wash solution
• Cleaning solution
u Technical specifications (109)

Safety information Input connection unit

Information on the proper use of the following items was

added:
u Input connection unit (76)
u Water container for external water supply (84)
u Racks (79)
u To adjust the probe action (278)
u Safety labels on the equipment (34)

Overview work area • The categorizing of the task list has been improved.
• An emergency stop button (E. Stop) was added. Use
this function if, for some reason, all activities on the
analyzer must be stopped immediately or if the
analyzer is stuck in either the Operating or Init
status.
• When working with a laboratory automation system,
the Priority rack button is available on the Overview
work area.
u Emergency stop (309)
u To load a priority rack when working with an
LAS (167)

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
14

Result presentation • To assist people with color vision deficits, in addition

to the colors hatching is displayed.
• New symbols and data alarms were introduced to
provide more information about the status of the
result.
u Color coding (138)
u Checking the status of processing (167)
u Validating results (172)
u To review QC results (232)

QC charts The QC charts function has been improved.

u Working with QC charts (133)

Printing and exporting information The feature was adapted and applied consistently.

Some changes:
• Screenshots are no longer part of the problem report,
instead, you can save them separately.
u Printing and exporting information, generating
reports (237)

Emergency stop An emergency stop feature has been introduced for

situations when all activities on the analyzer must be
stopped immediately or if the analyzer is stuck in either
the Operating or Init status.
u Emergency stop (309)

Replacing the reference plate The description of how to replace the reference plate was
adjusted.

Warning intervals You can now define how long before the event a warning
is issued for expiry of materials and maintenance actions.
u Defining when notifications should be
generated (268)

QC materials The conditions for making changes to QC materials have

changed.
u To change QC material data (228)
u To make test parameter related changes (229)
u To include or exclude tests from the QC
measurements (230)

Defining QC materials using the RFID reader The procedure for defining QC materials using the RFID
reader was adapted.
u To define a new QC material by reading the RFID
tag (227)

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 15

Report definition The items have been regrouped and complemented.

u Defining the look, content, and handling of
reports (270)

Range tables and cross-check rules The procedures for defining range tables and cross-
check rules were simplified.
u Defining range tables (254)
u Defining cross-check rules (251)

Color ranges for COL You can now adjust the color ranges for COL to achieve
full correspondence with the actual color.
u Defining the ranges for the colors of COL (261)

Importing system settings You can now import system settings that were generated
using software versions other than the current one.
u Importing and exporting system settings (273)

Adjusting the probe action To enable the use of different racks and tubes, a function
is now provided to adjust the probe action to the changed
dimensions.
u To adjust the probe action (278)

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
16

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 System description

1 Safety .......................................................................................................................... 19
2 Introduction .............................................................................................................. 41
3 Hardware ................................................................................................................... 59
4 Software ...................................................................................................................117

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 19
Table of contents

Safety 1

In this chapter you find information about the safe

operation of the equipment.

In this chapter 1
Safety classification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Safety precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Operator qualification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Safe and proper use of the analyzer . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Personal safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Personal protective equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Accuracy and precision of measured results . 23
Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Environmental conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Approved parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Third-party software. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Miscellaneous safety precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Safety summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Warning messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Electrical safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Biohazardous materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Waste . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Barcode readers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Foam, bubbles or films on sample . . . . . . . . . . 28
Data security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Caution messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Mechanical safety. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
1 Safety

Working solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Insoluble contaminants in samples . . . . . . . . . 31
Influence of vibrations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Excessive ambient humidity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Malfunction due to interfering
electromagnetic fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Fatigue due to long hours of operation . . . . . . 32
Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 20
Table of contents

Moving parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Spillage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Excessive ambient humidity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Influence of vibrations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Safety labels on the equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Analyzer views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Front view . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Back view. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Solid waste compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Input connection unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Disposal of the equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
1 Safety

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Safety classification 21

Safety classification
This section explains how precautionary information is
presented in this manual.

The safety precautions and important user notes are

classified according to the ANSI Z535.6 Standard.
Familiarize yourself with the following meanings and
icons:

! Generic hazard statements

The safety alert symbol by itself without a signal word is

used to promote awareness to hazards which are generic
or to direct the reader to safety information provided
elsewhere in the document.

These symbols and signal words are used for specific

hazards:

! WARNING
Warning
r Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
could result in death or serious injury.

! CAUTION
Caution
r Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
could result in minor or moderate injury.

NOTICE
Notice
r Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
could result in damage to equipment.

Important information that is not safety relevant is

indicated by the following symbol:

q Tip
1 Safety

Indicates additional information on correct use or useful

tips.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 22 Safety precautions

Safety precautions
! Generic hazard statements

Particular attention must be paid to the following safety

precautions. If these safety precautions are ignored, the
operator may suffer serious or fatal injury. Each
precaution is important.

In this section
Operator qualification (22)
Safe and proper use of the analyzer (22)
Miscellaneous safety precautions (24)

Operator qualification

Insufficient knowledge and skills Operators are required to have a sound knowledge of
relevant guidelines and standards as well as the
information and procedures contained in the Operator’s
Manual.
r Do not carry out operation and maintenance unless
you have been trained by Roche. Carefully follow the
procedures specified in the Operator’s Manual for the
operation and maintenance of the analyzer. Leave
maintenance, installation or service that is not
described in the Operator’s Manual to trained Roche
Service representatives. Follow Good Laboratory
Practices especially when working with biohazardous
material.

Safe and proper use of the analyzer

In this section
Personal safety (23)
Personal protective equipment (23)
Accuracy and precision of measured results (23)
1 Safety

Installation (23)
Environmental conditions (24)
Approved parts (24)
Third-party software (24)

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Safety precautions 23

Personal safety

Personal injury and infection due to sharps, r Good Laboratory Practice can reduce the risk of injury.
rough edges, and/or moving parts r Be aware of your laboratory environment, well-
prepared, and follow the instructions for use.
r Some areas of the instrument may have sharps, rough
edges, and/or moving parts.
Wear personal protective equipment to minimize the
risk of injury from bodily contact with such parts,
especially in less accessible areas, or while cleaning
the instrument.
r Your personal protective equipment should be
appropriate to the degree and type of potential
hazard, e.g. suitable lab gloves, eye protection, lab
coat, and footwear.

Personal protective equipment

Missing personal protective equipment r Be sure to wear appropriate protective equipment,

including, but not limited to, eye protection with side
shields, fluid resistant lab coat, and approved lab
gloves. Wear a face shield if there is a chance of
splash or splatter.

Accuracy and precision of measured results

Incorrect measuring results An incorrect measuring result may lead to an error in

diagnosis, therefore posing danger to the patient.
r For proper use of the instrument, measure QC
samples and monitor the instrument during operation.
Do not use consumables that have exceeded their
expiry date, otherwise inaccurate data may be
obtained. For diagnostic purposes always assess the
results in conjunction with the patient’s medical
history, clinical examination, and other findings.
1 Safety

Installation

Performing installation r Installation must be performed by personnel

authorized and trained by Roche only.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 24 Safety precautions

Environmental conditions

Unsuitable environmental conditions Operation outside the specified environmental conditions

may lead to incorrect results or malfunction of the
instrument.
r Use the instrument indoors only and avoid heat and
humidity.
r Always comply with your local laboratory regulations.
r Perform maintenance according to the specified
intervals and when instructed to do so by the system
software to maintain the required environmental
conditions for the analyzer.
r Ensure that the analyzer's ventilation openings remain
unobstructed at all times.
r Keep the Operator’s Manual in a safe place to ensure
that it is not damaged and remains available for use. It
must be easily accessible at all times.
u Technical specifications (109)

Approved parts

Use of non-approved parts Use of non-approved parts or devices may result in

malfunction and may render the warranty null and void.
r Only use parts and devices approved by Roche.

Third-party software

Installation of third-party software Installation of any third-party software that is not

approved by Roche may result in incorrect behavior of the
analyzer.
r All software must be installed by personnel authorized
and trained by Roche.

Miscellaneous safety precautions

1 Safety

Power interruption A power failure or momentary drop in voltage may

damage the analyzer or lead to data loss. Perform regular
backups of measurement results. Roche recommends to
operate the analyzer with an uninterruptible power
supply. Do not switch off power while the PC accesses
the hard disk or an external storage device.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Safety precautions 25

Analyzer unused for an extended period of If the analyzer is not used for an extended period of time,
time the power switch must be set to the off position. Observe
the onboard stability values for test strips.

Relocation and transportation Do not attempt to relocate or transport the analyzer.

Leave relocation and transport to personnel trained or
authorized by Roche.
u Disposal of the equipment (39)

1 Safety

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 26 Safety summary

Safety summary
This safety summary contains the most important and
general warning, caution, and notice messages.
Additionally, you will find specific safety information at
the beginning of chapters and with procedures.

In this section
Warning messages (26)
Caution messages (30)
Notices (32)

Warning messages

! List of warning messages

r Before operating the analyzer, read the warning
messages contained in this summary carefully. Failure
to observe them may result in death or serious injury.
In this section
Electrical safety (26)
Biohazardous materials (27)
Waste (27)
Barcode readers (28)
Foam, bubbles or films on sample (28)
Data security (29)

Electrical safety

Electrical shock by electronic equipment Removing the covers of electronic equipment can cause
electric shock, as there are high voltage parts inside.
r Do not attempt to work in any electronic
compartment.
r Do not remove any cover of the analyzer other than
those specified in this Operator’s Manual.
r Installation, service, and repair must only be
performed by personnel authorized and trained by
1 Safety

Roche.
r Observe the safety labels on the equipment.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Safety summary 27

Biohazardous materials

Infection by samples and associated Contact with samples containing material of human origin
materials may result in infection. All materials and mechanical
components associated with samples of human origin are
potentially biohazardous.
r Follow Good Laboratory Practices, especially when
working with biohazardous material.
r Keep the cover closed and in place during operation.
r Be sure to wear appropriate protective equipment,
including, but not limited to, eye protection with side
shields, fluid resistant lab coat, and approved lab
gloves.
r Wear a face shield if there is a chance of splash or
splatter.
r If any biohazardous material is spilled, wipe it up
immediately and apply disinfectant.
r If sample or liquid waste comes into contact with your
skin, wash it off immediately with soap and water and
apply disinfectant. Consult a physician.

Infection by injury due to sharp objects r When wiping probes, use several layers of tissue and
wipe from the top down.
r Be careful to not puncture yourself.
r Be sure to wear appropriate protective equipment, for
example gloves. Take extra care when working with
lab gloves; these can easily be pierced or cut, which
can lead to infection.

Waste

Infection by liquid waste Contact with liquid waste may result in infection. All
materials and mechanical components associated with
the waste systems are potentially biohazardous.
r Be sure to wear protective equipment. Take extra care
when working with lab gloves; these can easily be
pierced or cut, which can lead to infection.
1 Safety

r If any biohazardous material is spilled, wipe it up

immediately and apply disinfectant.
r If liquid waste comes into contact with your skin, wash
it off immediately with water and apply disinfectant.
Consult a physician.
r Observe the safety labels on the equipment.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 28 Safety summary

Contamination of the environment by liquid The waste of the analyzer is potentially biohazardous and
and solid waste must be treated in accordance with the relevant laws and
regulations.
r When disposing of any waste, do so in accordance
with the appropriate local regulations.
r Any substances contained in QC materials and other
working materials, which are legally regulated for
environmental protection, must be disposed of in
accordance with the relevant water discharge facility
regulations. For the legal regulations on water
discharge, please contact the suppliers of the
materials.

Barcode readers
Barcode readers using LED technology with very low
output power are used to scan the barcodes on samples
and racks.

Loss of sight The intense light of the LEDs may damage your eyes.
r Do not stare into the LEDs.

Foam, bubbles or films on sample

Incorrect results due to incorrect sample Foam, bubbles or films on a sample or inside a sample
volume container may cause pipetting volume shortage and lead
to deterioration in measurement accuracy.
r When loading samples or QC materials on the
instrument, ensure that they do not contain foam,
bubbles or films.
1 Safety

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Safety summary 29

Data security

Unauthorized access and data loss due to External storage devices can be infected with and
malicious software and hacker attacks transmit computer malware, which may be used to gain
unauthorized access to data or cause unwanted changes
to software.
The cobas u 601 urine analyzer is not protected against
malicious software and hacker attacks.
The customers are responsible for IT security of their IT
infrastructure and for protecting it against malicious
software and hacker attacks. Failure to do so may result
in data loss or render the cobas u 601 urine analyzer
unusable.
r Roche recommends the following precautions:
o Allow connection to authorized external devices
only.
o Ensure that all external devices are protected by
appropriate security software.
o Ensure that access to all external devices is
protected by appropriate security equipment.
Roche strongly recommends the use of a firewall
of Roche.
o Do not copy or install any software on the
cobas u 601 urine analyzer unless it is part of the
system software or you are instructed to do so by a
Roche Service representative.
o If additional software is required, contact your
Roche Service representative to ensure validation
of the software in question.
o Do not use the USB ports to connect other storage
devices unless you are instructed to do so by
official user documentation or a Roche Service
representative.
o Exercise utmost care when using external storage
devices such as CDs, or DVDs. Do not use them on
public or home computers while connecting to the
cobas u 601 urine analyzer.
o Keep all external storage devices in a secure place
and ensure that they can be accessed by
authorized persons only.
1 Safety

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 30 Safety summary

Caution messages

! List of caution messages

r Before operating, read the caution messages
contained in this summary carefully. Failure to observe
them may result in minor or moderate injury.
In this section
Mechanical safety (30)
Working solutions (30)
Insoluble contaminants in samples (31)
Influence of vibrations (31)
Excessive ambient humidity (31)
Malfunction due to interfering electromagnetic fields (32)
Fatigue due to long hours of operation (32)

Mechanical safety

Personal injury due to contact with moving r Keep the main cover closed and in place while the
parts analyzer is operating.
r During operation and maintenance, proceed
according to the instructions contained in the
Operator’s Manual.
r Observe the safety labels on the equipment.
u Safety labels on the equipment (34)

Working solutions

Skin inflammation or injury caused by Direct contact with cleaning solutions or other working
working solutions solutions may cause skin irritation, inflammation, or
burns.
r If a cleaning solution or other working solution comes
into contact with your skin, wash it off immediately
with water and apply disinfectant. Consult a physician.
1 Safety

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Safety summary 31

Insoluble contaminants in samples

Incorrect results and interruption of analysis Insoluble contaminants in samples and bubbles or films
due to contaminated samples inside a sample container may cause clogging or
pipetting volume shortage and lead to a deterioration in
measurement accuracy.
r Ensure that samples contain no insoluble
contaminants such as fibrin or dust.

Influence of vibrations

Incorrect results due to vibrations or Strong vibrations or knocking the instrument may
knocking the analyzer influence the positioning of the measuring devices and
lead to false results.
Strong vibrations or knocking the instrument may lead a
rack being moved to the rack entry position, which may
lead to incorrect sample identification.
r Ensure that no vibrations influence the surface the
analyzer stands on and take care not to knock the
analyzer while processing tests.

Excessive ambient humidity

Incorrect results due to high ambient humidity Excessive ambient humidity may influence the chemical
reactions of test strips and lead to incorrect results.
r Always operate the analyzer in environmental
conditions defined in the technical specifications.
r Do not store test strip cassettes in their protective
packaging once the latter was opened.
r After removing them from their protective packaging,
always load the test strip cassettes in the test strip
cassette compartment within the time defined in their
Instructions for Use.
1 Safety

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 32 Safety summary

Malfunction due to interfering electromagnetic fields

Malfunction of analyzer and incorrect results This analyzer has been designed and tested to CISPR 11
due to interfering electromagnetic fields Class A. In a domestic environment it may cause radio
interference, in which case, you may need to take
measures to mitigate the interference.
r The electromagnetic environment should be evaluated
prior to operation of the device.
r Do not operate this analyzer in close proximity to
sources of strong electromagnetic fields (for example
unshielded intentional RF sources), as these may
interfere with the proper operation.

Fatigue due to long hours of operation

Fatigue due to long hours of operation Looking at the monitor screen over an extended period of
time may lead to eye strain or body fatigue.
r Avoid spending long periods looking at the monitor
screen.

Notices

! List of notices
r Before operating, read the notices contained in this
summary carefully. Failure to observe them may result
in damage to equipment.
In this section
Moving parts (33)
Fuses (33)
Spillage (33)
Excessive ambient humidity (33)
Influence of vibrations (34)
1 Safety

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Safety summary 33

Moving parts

Damage to the analyzer due to contact with Contact with moving parts may bend the sample probe or
moving parts damage some other component. If the analyzer detects a
collision, an alarm is issued and operation stops
immediately.
r Keep all covers closed and in place during operation.
r Do not touch any parts of the analyzer other than
those specified. Keep away from moving parts during
operation.

Fuses

Damage to the analyzer due to improper use r Should one of the fuses blow, do not attempt to
operate the analyzer before contacting your Roche
Service representative.

Spillage

Malfunction due to spilled liquid Any liquid spilled on the analyzer may result in
malfunction or damage.
r Do not place samples or any other liquid on the
surface of the analyzer.
r If liquid does spill on the analyzer, wipe it up
immediately and apply disinfectant. Be sure to wear
protective equipment.

Excessive ambient humidity

Malfunction due to high ambient humidity Excessive ambient humidity may cause condensation
inside the analyzer and lead to short-circuiting in
electrical components.
r Always operate the analyzer in environmental
1 Safety

conditions defined in the technical specifications.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 34 Safety labels on the equipment

Influence of vibrations

Analyzer malfunction due to sample spillage Strong vibrations or knocking the instrument may lead to
spillage of sample, which may lead to malfunction of the
analyzer.
r Ensure that no vibrations influence the surface the
analyzer stands on and take care not to knock the
analyzer while processing tests.

Safety labels on the equipment

! Warning labels have been placed on the
analyzer to draw your attention to areas of
potential hazard. The labels and their
definitions are listed below according to their
location on the instrument.

The safety labels on the analyzer comply with the

following standards: ANSI Z535, IEC 61010-1, IEC 60417,
or ISO 7000.

q If the labels are damaged, they must be replaced by

a Roche Service representative. For replacement labels,
contact your local Roche Service representative.

In this section
Analyzer views (34)

Analyzer views
In this section
Front view (35)
Back view (36)
Solid waste compartment (37)
1 Safety

Input connection unit (38)

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Safety labels on the equipment 35

Front view
Safety labels on the test strip analyzer
(front view)

A D C

B
C
C
B
C
C
C

E
C C

C E

w Safety labels on the test strip analyzer (front view)

A Laser light source (Class 1)

This label indicates that a laser light source is integrated in the measuring cell,
but there is no danger of coming into contact with laser light. Do not alter the
measuring cell.
This label indicates that the measuring cell as a unit conforms to IEC 60825-
1:2007 on laser products, and that there is a danger of Class 3R laser radiation if
the measuring cell is opened.

B ESD sensitivity
This label indicates a part that is electromagnetically sensitive.
Do not operate this analyzer in close proximity to sources of strong
electromagnetic fields (for example unshielded intentional RF sources), as these
may interfere with the proper operation.

C Moving parts
This label indicates that there is a danger of moving parts within the vicinity of
this label. Keep hands away from moving parts.

D Laser light source (Class 1)

This label indicates that a laser transmitter is integrated in the measuring cell,
but there is no danger of coming into contact with laser light. Do not alter the
photometer unit.
1 Safety

E Biohazard warning
This label indicates that there are potential biohazards within the vicinity of this
label.
The user is responsible for cleaning the area if biohazardous material was
spilled.
Follow Good Laboratory Practices for working with biohazardous materials.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 36 Safety labels on the equipment

Back view
Safety labels at the rear of the test strip
analyzer

w Safety labels at the rear of the test strip analyzer (control unit version 1)

w Safety labels at the rear of the test strip analyzer (control unit version 2)

A Warning
This label indicates that there are hazardous situations arising within the vicinity
1 Safety

of this label, which may result in death or serious injury. Refer to the Operator’s
Manual for instructions on safe operation.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Safety labels on the equipment 37

Solid waste compartment

Safety labels on the test strip analyzer
(waste drawer)

w Safety labels on the test strip analyzer (waste drawer)

A Biohazard warning
This label indicates that there are potential biohazards within the vicinity of this
label.
The user is responsible for cleaning the area if biohazardous material was
spilled.
Follow Good Laboratory Practices for working with biohazardous materials.

Safety labels on the test strip analyzer

(waste drawer removed)

1 Safety

w Safety labels on the test strip analyzer (waste drawer removed)

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 38 Safety labels on the equipment

A Electrical warning
Contact with electrical components can cause an electric shock. This label
indicates that there is a danger of coming into contact with electrical
components, when gaining access to parts of the system marked with this label.
Refer to the Operator’s Manual for instructions on safe operation.

Input connection unit

Safety labels on the input connection unit

A B

w Safety labels on the input connection unit

A Moving parts
This label indicates that there is a danger of moving parts within the vicinity of
this label. Keep hands away from moving parts.

B Biohazard warning
This label indicates that there are potential biohazards within the vicinity of this
label.
The user is responsible for cleaning the area if biohazardous material was
spilled.
Follow Good Laboratory Practices for working with biohazardous materials.
1 Safety

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Disposal of the equipment 39

Disposal of the equipment

Disposal of control unit components

Components of your control unit (such as the computer,

monitor, keyboard) which are marked with this symbol
are covered by the European Directive on Waste Electrical
and Electronic Equipment (WEEE, 2002/96/EC).
• These items must be disposed of via designated
collection facilities appointed by government or local
authorities.
• For more information about disposal of your old
product, please contact your city office, waste
hazardal service or your Roche Service representative.
• Constraint:
It is left to the responsible laboratory organization to
determine whether control unit components are
contaminated or not. If contaminated, treat them in
the same way as the analyzer.

Contamination of the environment by The instrument must be treated as biologically

biohazardous materials contaminated hazardous waste.
r Final disposal must be organized in a way that does
not endanger the personnel responsible for the
disposal of the instrument.
r As a rule, such equipment must be sterile before it is
passed for final disposal. For more information contact
your Roche Service representative.

1 Safety

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 40
1 Safety Disposal of the equipment

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 41
Table of contents

Introduction 2

In this chapter, you find general information on the urine

analysis system and an overview of its operation.

In this chapter 2
General description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Introducing the analyzer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Operator assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Principles of operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Checking the analyzer status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Quality control (QC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Daily operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Short guide to a typical work session . . . . . . . . . . 51
Result handling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Viewing results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Validating results. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Printing and exporting results. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
End of shift . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
2 Introduction

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 42
Table of contents
2 Introduction

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 General description 43

General description
In this section
Overview (43)
Introducing the analyzer (45)
Operator assistance (46)
Principles of operation (47)
Checking the analyzer status (49)
Calibration (50)
Quality control (QC) (50)

Overview
The cobas u 601 urine analyzer (called test strip analyzer
in this documentation) is a fully automated urine analysis
system intended for in vitro qualitative or semi-
quantitative determination of urine analytes.

It can process up to 240 tests per hour and urine can be

tested for the following characteristics and analytes:

Test Test characteristics

ERY Erythrocytes and hemoglobin
LEU Leukocytes
NIT Nitrite
KET Ketones
GLU Glucose
PRO Protein
UBG Urobilinogen
BIL Bilirubin
pH
COL Color
CLA Clarity
SG Specific gravity
y Parameters measured by the test strip analyzer
2 Introduction

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 44 General description

Operation During routine operation, operator intervention is reduced

to loading and unloading samples and to validating
results. (You can set up the system to automatically
validate results that passed a series of internal checks.)
You may need to perform some routine maintenance
such as replenishing consumables, cleaning up spillages,
and performing wash actions of the fluid system. You are
informed when these actions are due and supported by
interactive online guidance (wizards); you simply follow
the online instructions. The same applies to function
checks and calibration and QC tasks. All you normally
need to do for these tasks is to prepare the tubes and
place the dedicated items on the analyzer when you are
prompted to do so.
2 Introduction

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 General description 45

Introducing the analyzer

The following illustration shows the complete test strip
analyzer.

F G H I

J
A

K
B

C D E

A Touch screen G USB port

B On/off switch H RFID reader for QC materials
C Water container I Test strip cassette compartment
D Liquid waste container J Input buffer
E Solid waste container K Sample racks
F Output buffer

w Main hardware elements

2 Introduction

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 46 General description

Operator assistance
The main tools for assisting with operation are wizards
that guide you through selected tasks, and the user
documentation.

w Assistance tab
2 Introduction

u Related topics
• Wizards (135)
• Online help (139)

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 General description 47

Principles of operation
The analyzer is basically designed to operate with rack
and sample barcodes, but you can use the system without
sample barcodes. Rack barcodes are used to identify the
various rack types; dedicated racks are used for
performing patient tests, QC tests, and wash actions of
the fluid system. This allows a high degree of automation,
whereby the tests and activities start automatically when
you load the corresponding rack.

With patient tests, if you work with a laboratory

information system (LIS), the order is downloaded as
soon as a sample barcode is read, if you do not work with
a LIS the analyzer automatically generates the orders
during measurement.

Optionally, you can connect the analyzer to a laboratory

automation system (LAS), which allows automatic feed of
sample racks.

Performing a test consists of the following activities and

tasks:

2 Introduction

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 48 General description

1. The operator places the samples on a rack, loads the

rack on a rack tray and then places the rack tray on
the input buffer.
2. The rack is automatically moved to the rack conveyor.
3. The rack and sample tube barcodes are read.
If you work with a laboratory information system (LIS),
the order is downloaded as soon as a sample barcode
is read, if you do not work with a LIS the analyzer
automatically generates the order.
4. The sample tube (on its rack) is transported to the
sampling position.
5. The sample is mixed inside the sample tube.
This is done by aspirating and dispensing sample.
6. Sample is aspirated into the fluid system.(1)
7. Clarity and specific gravity are established in the
measuring cell (except when working with a reduced
test profile).
8. A test strip is removed from the test strip cassette and
placed on the pipetting position on the test strip tray.
9. The exact amounts of urine are pipetted onto the test
pads on the test strip.
The probe is washed after the pipetting action to avoid
carryover.
10. The test strip is moved along the test strip tray in
regular intervals, resulting in an incubation time of 60
seconds.
11. When the test strip reaches the measurement position
the reflectance of each test pad is photometrically
measured.
12. The test strip is discarded into the solid waste
container.
13. In the Routine work area, the results are displayed
and can be validated either manually or automatically.
14. When all sample tubes of the rack are processed, the
rack is moved to the rack tray on the output buffer,
from where the operator can remove it.
2 Introduction

(1) The minimal sample volume required depends on the test profile. See
Minimal sample volumes (dependent on test profile) (112)

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 General description 49

Checking the analyzer status

The main tools for checking the status of the analyzer are
the task indicator (B) and the task list (A).

w Task indicator and task list

Task indicator

The task indicator provides a rough overview of the

current analyzer status. The color of the buttons
represents the urgency of the tasks and the number in
the button tells you how many tasks there are of this
urgency. A task can comprise several messages.

The following table explains the meaning of the colors.

2 Introduction

Color Meaning
Red The task requires immediate operator intervention. Operation may have stopped.
When such a task is generated, an acoustic signal is sounded as well, unless this
function is turned off.
Orange The task requires early operator intervention, operation may otherwise stop.

Gray Ongoing tasks. If operator intervention is required, perform it.

Light gray There are no tasks. No operator intervention is required.

y Color coding for messages

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 50 General description

Task list The task list contains the task buttons. Choosing such a
button either leads to a list of all messages of the
category or to a panel that contains information and
functions related to the issue mentioned in the task
button (supplies, orders, results).

The messages and tasks that are represented by the

buttons are grouped first by their analyzer, then by their
thematic category (messages, supplies, orders, results)
and then their priority.

Calibration
In order to ensure proper functioning of the photometer
unit, a calibration needs to be performed every 4 weeks. It
consists of measuring the pads of a dedicated calibration
strip and of the built-in reference plate.

In order to ensure proper functioning of the measuring

cell, the clarity and specific gravity of system water is
periodically measured as part of the normal measurement
procedure. Calibration of the measuring cell should be
performed every 4 weeks or as part of troubleshooting.

When a calibration becomes due a message is added to

the message list. You can continue performing tests, but
the results will be marked with C in the column.
u Calibrating the photometer unit (220)
Calibrating the measuring cell (222)

Quality control (QC)

Quality control (QC) measurements ensure the proper
functioning of the analyzer. A QC material for which the
results are known is measured and the results are then
compared against the defined ranges for these known
results. When the lot of the QC material expires or the QC
2 Introduction

test has failed a message is added to the message list.

Test are still performed but the test results are marked
with Q in the column.

You generally perform QC tasks when instructed to do so.

Performing a QC measurement consists of preparing a
dedicated QC rack with the appropriate materials and
placing it on the analyzer; the tests are then performed
automatically.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Daily operation 51

Daily operation
In this section
Overview (51)
Short guide to a typical work session (51)
Result handling (54)
End of shift (57)
Maintenance (57)

Overview
Daily operation consists of the following phases:
1. Preparing the system
- Ensure that all consumables are available, the
water container is full, and the liquid waste
container is empty.
- Address the issues of all red or orange entries in
the task list.
2. Performing tests and ongoing maintenance
- Load the samples.
- Clean up spills, replenish consumables as needed.
- Validate the results.
- Print results and save as PDF files as required.
- Unload the samples.
3. Keeping the data safe
- Archive the results according to your laboratory
procedures.
4. Keeping the analyzer clean
- Empty the liquid and solid waste containers.
- Perform the daily wash action and shut down the
system.
- Clean the input and output buffers.
- Clean the rack conveyors.
- Clean the test strip tray, test strip transporter, and
the test strip pipetting area.
2 Introduction

- Clean the probe bend detector.

- Remove spills and soiling from the analyzer
housing.

Short guide to a typical work session

The following table lists the major operator tasks when
performing routine tests.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 52 Daily operation

Step Task Procedure

1 Starting the analyzer 1. Ensure that all covers are closed.
2. Power on the analyzer.
3. Wait until the Overview work area is displayed.
This may take a few minutes.

2 Logging on 1. On the Overview work area, choose the Log on

button.
A dialog box is displayed.
2. Enter your user name and password.
3. Choose the Log on button.
Your name is now displayed in the global
information area.
3 Preparing the analyzer 1. On the Overview work area, check the task
indicator.
Address any red and orange items.
2. Check the water container.(1)
If it is not full, start the appropriate wizard and fill
it.
3. Check the liquid waste container.(1)
If it is not empty, start the appropriate wizard and
empty it.
4. Check the test strip cassette.
If it is nearly empty, ensure that there is a new one
available for when the old one needs to be
replaced.
(1) If you work with external water supply, this step is
not required.
4 Defining orders The orders are defined automatically when the rack
and tubes have passed the barcode reader.

5 Loading the samples and o Ensure that the sample barcodes point towards
racks that long side of the rack where the rack barcode
is affixed.
o Ensure that the rack barcodes point outwards and
towards the back of the analyzer when placed on
the input buffer.
The analyzer detects the presence of the rack tray or
2 Introduction

of individual racks in the priority and single rack slots

and moves a rack onto the rack conveyor.
(If you work with an input connection unit, you do not
need to load racks manually, it is done automatically.)
6 Start testing Testing starts automatically.

y Short guide for performing tests

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Daily operation 53

Step Task Procedure

7 Monitoring the analyzer 1. On the Overview work area, check the task
indicator and the task list.
Address all red or orange items in the task list.
2. Choose a task button.
If the message list is displayed, choose a
message, check the details, and follow the on-
screen instructions.
If another panel is displayed, for example the
supplies panel, perform the appropriate task,
usually a wizard is available.
Red: Issues that require immediate operator
intervention.
Orange: Issues that require early operator
intervention, operation may otherwise stop.
Gray: Messages that inform about the status of
ongoing tasks. If operator intervention is required,
perform it.
Light gray: There are no issues of the associated
severity.
The number in a button tells you how many
messages of this severity there are.
8 Validating the results 1. Choose Routine > Manage test results, if
required.
2. Select a result in the list and check for data
alarms and the range graphics.
Green: negative
Yellow: positive (low pathological)
Red: positive (pathological)
If you work with patient demographics you can
assign a patient to each result. Choose the No
patient assigned button.
3. Choose the Validate or Rerun button as
required.
You can set up the analyzer to automatically
accept all results or to exclude results from
automatic validation if they have certain data
alarms associated with them. You can also choose
to validate all results manually.
9 Printing or exporting To print selected or all results, choose Routine
selected or all results > Manage test results.
1. In the result list, select the check box of all results
that you want to print or save to a PDF file.
2. Choose the Report button.
3. Choose whether to print the results or save them
to a file.
4. Choose the Yes button.
2 Introduction

y Short guide for performing tests

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 54 Daily operation

Step Task Procedure

10 Printing or exporting the To print the results of selected patients, choose
results of selected patients Routine > Manage patients.
1. In the patient list, select the check box of all
patients whose results you want to print or save to
a PDF file.
2. Choose the Report button.
3. Choose whether to print the results or save them
to a file.
4. Define which results you want to print.
5. Choose the Yes button.
11 Clearing the output buffer 1. Remove the rack tray and replace it with an empty
one.

12 Performing end of shift If the next shift does not follow immediately after,
maintenance and shutting perform the following tasks:
down the analyzer 1. Archive the results according to your laboratory
procedures, if required.
2. Empty the liquid and solid waste containers.
3. Perform the daily wash action and shut down the
system.
4. Clean the input and output buffers.
5. Clean the rack conveyors.
6. Clean the test strip tray, test strip transporter, and
the test strip pipetting area.
7. Clean the probe bend detector.
8. Remove spills and soiling from the analyzer
housing.
y Short guide for performing tests

Result handling
In this section
Overview (54)
Viewing results (55)
Validating results (56)
Printing and exporting results (56)
2 Introduction

Overview
You can set up the analyzer to automatically validate all
results or to exclude results from automatic validation if
they have certain data alarms associated with them. You
can also choose to validate all results manually.

Details of results can be displayed and studied.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Daily operation 55

Viewing results
Results are displayed in a dedicated panel, and both full-
screen and split-screen displays are available. Exactly
which results are displayed can be defined with the help
of so-called views; for example you can display only
results that have not been validated yet. You can also
search for specific results or a group of results by
entering part of the sample ID in the Search field.

2 Introduction

w Result display

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 56 Daily operation

Validating results
Value ranges and limits are used to determine whether a
result is positive or negative and whether to trigger data
alarms and actions such performing additional tests. If
these ranges and values are exceeded data alarms are
generated and the results are marked accordingly; these
indications help you identify critical results and point to
possible actions that need to be taken.

The analyzer provides several aids for validating results:

• You can set up the analyzer to automatically accept all
results or to exclude results from automatic validation
if they have certain data alarms associated with them.
You can also choose to validate all results manually.
u For information on setting up the analyzer, see
Defining the validation method (250).

q If you work with a laboratory information system,

validated results are sent automatically to the host
computer.

• In the result list, results that have a data alarm

associated with them are marked with in the
column.
• If you work with Sample sequence number mode,
the sample IDs for routine test results are marked with
an “N” preceding the sample sequence number, and
“E” for STAT test results.
• In the result details, the results are color coded to
indicate whether the values are normal ( green),
low pathological ( yellow) or pathological ( red).
• You can print the results and save them in PDF format.
• You can export the results in CSV format and process
them on an external computer.

Printing and exporting results

You can print selected results or save them to a file in
2 Introduction

PDF format. You can also export the results in the

character separated values (CSV) data format for
reporting purposes or for processing in a spreadsheet
program.

The analyzer can be connected to a network or directly to

a printer.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Daily operation 57

End of shift
If the next shift does not follow immediately after, Roche
recommends to perform the following tasks:
1. Archive the results according to your laboratory
procedures.
2. Empty the liquid and solid waste containers.
3. Perform the daily wash action and shut down the
system.
4. Clean the input and output buffers.
5. Clean the rack conveyors.
6. Clean the test strip tray, test strip transporter, and the
test strip pipetting area.
7. Clean the probe bend detector.
8. Remove spills and soiling from the analyzer housing.

Maintenance
For routine operation, all maintenance actions can be
performed using wizards, which are sets of interactive
step-by-step instructions. You are informed by a message
in the message list when a maintenance action is due,
choosing such a message leads to detailed information
and to the appropriate wizard.

2 Introduction

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 58
2 Introduction Daily operation

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 59
Table of contents

Hardware 3

In this chapter, the hardware elements are introduced

that the operator might need to handle during daily
operation or maintenance.

In this chapter 3
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Main components. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Covers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
About connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Liquid connectors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
About liquid connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
With external water supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Power switches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Input and output buffers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Input buffer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Output buffer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Input connection unit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Tubes, racks, and rack trays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Tubes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Racks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Rack trays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
3 Hardware

Liquid containers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Water container. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Water container for external water supply . . . . . . 84
Liquid waste container. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Liquid waste with external water supply . . . . . 86
Solid waste container. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Rack transport unit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Fluid system. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
About the fluid system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 60
Table of contents

Pipetting unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
About the pipetting unit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Probe calibration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Rinse station . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Sample handling. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Test strip handling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
About test strip handling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Test strip cassette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Test strip cassette compartment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Test strip processing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Reflectance photometric measuring . . . . . . . . . . . 102
About reflectance photometric measuring . . . 102
Compensation measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Measuring cell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Barcode reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Barcodes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Radio frequency identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Technical specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
List of technical specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Storage conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Environmental conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Physical dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Effective footprint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Allowed tilt. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Power requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Uninterruptible power supply (UPS) . . . . . . . . 111
Heat output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Noise level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Measurement principles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Interfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Throughput . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Minimal sample volumes (dependent on test
profile) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Water quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Wash solution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Cleaning solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Waste handling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
3 Hardware

Standard supplies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114

Optional components. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Concentration ranges (International). . . . . . . . . . . 115

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Safety 61

Safety
! Read and understand the information in the
Safety chapter

The following safety messages are particularly relevant:

u Warning messages:
Electrical safety (26)
Biohazardous materials (27)
u Caution messages:
Mechanical safety (30)
u Notice messages:
Excessive ambient humidity (33)
Spillage (33)

! CAUTION
Personal injury and damage to the analyzer due to
improper handling
Touching the probe with bare fingers may leave residues
on its surface and consequently influence the accuracy of
the results.
The analyzer is quite heavy. Attempting to move it without
the appropriate resources, tools and techniques may lead
to personal injury and to damage to the analyzer by
dropping it from some height.
r Do not attempt to lift the analyzer by yourself.
r To move the analyzer, always use the resources, tools
and techniques in accordance with the regulations
that apply to you locally.

NOTICE
Malfunction due to inappropriate placing of the
analyzer
Placing the analyzer on an uneven or slanting surface
may impair its proper functioning.
Placing the analyzer on a surface that cannot be reached
comfortably by all operating personnel may lead to
3 Hardware

incorrect operation of the analyzer.

r Place the analyzer on an even surface with a
maximum tilt as defined in:
u Allowed tilt (111)
r Adjust the height of the surface so all operating
personnel can comfortably open and close the main
cover.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 62 Safety

NOTICE
Malfunction due to incompatible monitor drivers
For proper functioning of the monitor, the appropriate
drivers must be installed.
r Do not replace the monitor yourself. If it needs
replacing, contact your Roche Service representative.
3 Hardware

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Main components 63

Main components
The following illustration highlights the main components.

F G H I

J
A

K
B

C D E

A Touch screen G USB port

B On/off switch H RFID reader for QC materials
C Water container I Test strip cassette compartment
D Liquid waste container J Input buffer
E Solid waste container K Sample racks
F Output buffer

w Main hardware elements

3 Hardware

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 64 Covers

Covers
All covers must be kept closed during processing. They
should only be opened when instructed to do so by on-
screen instructions or as part of maintenance and
troubleshooting activities.

! WARNING
Personal injury due to contact with moving parts
r Keep the main cover closed and in place while the
analyzer is operating.
r During operation and maintenance, proceed
according to the instructions contained in the
Operator’s Manual.
r Observe the safety labels on the equipment.

! CAUTION
Personal injury due to incorrect handling of the
main cover
If the main cover is not fully opened, it may fall back to its
closed position and possibly trap your fingers in the
process.
r Always open the main cover fully to its upright
position.
r When closing the main cover, be sure not to position
your hands or fingers on the side frame of the
analyzer.

! CAUTION
Loss of data and sample due to opening covers or
drawers
Opening the main cover during operation interrupts the
power supply to all units, processing stops immediately
and no status information can be stored. Incomplete tests
and other activities will have to be redone.
Opening a waste drawer interrupts the current measuring
activities. No results are generated for the tests that have
3 Hardware

been started.
r Do not open any cover while the analyzer is
performing some activity. Only do so in an emergency.
For information on how to recover from such a
situation, see the following topics:
u When you have accidentally pulled the waste drawer
during operation (311)
u Recovering from an irregular stop (308)

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Covers 65

A Main cover C Waste drawer

B Cassette compartment door

w Covers

3 Hardware

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 66 Connectors

Connectors
In this section
About connectors (66)
Liquid connectors (69)

About connectors
At the rear of the analyzer, there are connectors for mains
electricity, liquids, and data.

The fittings of the external liquid connectors differ to

prevent mix-up.

! CAUTION
Damage to the analyzer due to connecting
inappropriate devices
Connecting external devices that are not intended to be
used with the analyzer may damage the analyzer or
impair its functioning.
r Only connect external devices to the analyzer that are
intended to be used with the analyzer and mentioned
in the Operator’s Manual.
3 Hardware

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Connectors 67

I J K

A N

O
B
P
Q
C

D E F G H

A Water level sensor connector J Not in use

B Liquid waste level sensor connector K USB port to touch screen
C Input buffer connector to serial connector M L USB port to mouse, keyboard, printer
D Mains connector with power switch and fuse M Serial connector to input buffer connector C
E System water inlet N Serial connector to output buffer connector H
F Liquid waste safety outlet O LAN port to microscopy analyzer
G Liquid waste outlet P LAN port to LIS or network printer
H Output buffer connector to serial connector N Q USB port to mouse, keyboard, printer
I Monitor connector (VGA)

w Connectors on the test strip analyzer (control unit version 1)

3 Hardware

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 68 Connectors

I J K L M

A P
Q
B R

S
C T
U

D E F G H

A Water level sensor connector L Not in use

B Liquid waste level sensor connector M Not in use
C Input buffer connector to serial connector O N USB ports to touch screen, mouse, keyboard, printer
D Mains connector with power switch and fuse O Serial connector to input buffer connector C
E System water inlet P Serial connector to output buffer connector H
F Liquid waste safety outlet Q Monitor connector (DVI)
G Liquid waste outlet R Not in use
H Output buffer connector to serial connector P S USB port to touch screen, mouse, keyboard, printer
I Not in use T Not in use
J LAN port to microscopy analyzer U Not in use
K LAN port to LIS or network printer

w Connectors on the test strip analyzer (control unit version 2)

NOTICE
Operating complications due to simultaneous use of
virtual keyboard and external keyboard
The system is designed to be operated using the touch
screen, but you can use the supplied external keyboard
instead.
Setting up the instrument to work with the virtual
keyboard and at the same time connecting the external
keyboard may lead to operating complications.
r Only work with either the virtual keyboard or the
3 Hardware

external keyboard.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Connectors 69

A B

A Connection line B Analyzer

w Connectors on the input connection unit

Liquid connectors
In this section
About liquid connectors (69)
With external water supply (71)

About liquid connectors

The external liquid connectors must be properly fixed
before you power on the analyzer.

! CAUTION
Incorrect results due to air in the tubing
If liquid connectors are not properly connected, air may
enter the tubing and consequently incorrect amounts of
liquid may be aspirated and dispensed, which can lead to
incorrect results.
r Be sure to screw on all liquid connectors properly,
place the connectors square on when connecting
them.
3 Hardware

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 70 Connectors

F G H I J

A
B

D
E
K

A Water level sensor connector G Water level sensor connection

B Liquid waste level sensor connector H Tubing for liquid waste
C System water inlet I Tubing to liquid waste safety outlet
D Liquid waste outlet J Liquid waste level sensor connection
E Liquid waste safety outlet K Liquid waste container
F Tubing for system water L Water container

w Liquid connectors (control unit version 1)

F G H I J

A
B

D
E

A Water level sensor connector G Water level sensor connection

B Liquid waste level sensor connector H Tubing for liquid waste
C System water inlet I Tubing to liquid waste safety outlet
D Liquid waste outlet J Liquid waste level sensor connection
3 Hardware

E Liquid waste safety outlet K Liquid waste container

F Tubing for system water L Water container

w Liquid connectors (control unit version 2)

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Connectors 71

With external water supply

With external water supply, the laboratory water supply is
connected to the bespoke 5 L water container, which
itself is connected to the analyzer in the same way as a
standard water container. (The two liquid waste outlets
on the analyzer are connected directly to the laboratory
waste system.)

3 Hardware

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 72 Power switches

Power switches
q The analyzer automatically adjusts to 100 to 240 V
and 50 to 60 Hz mains electricity.

A D

A Power switch C Mains connector

B Fuse compartment D On/off switch

w Power switches (control unit version 1)

A D

C
3 Hardware

A Power switch C Mains connector

B Fuse compartment D On/off switch

w Power switches (control unit version 2)

Pressing the on/off switch for several seconds shuts

down the whole analyzer.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Power switches 73

! CAUTION
Loss of data and sample due to turning off the
analyzer using the on/off switch
Pressing the on/off switch for several seconds stops all
processing and shuts down the internal PC. No status
information can be stored. Incomplete tests and other
activities will have to be redone.
r Do not use the on/off switch to turn off the analyzer
except in an emergency, e.g. when the screen is
“frozen” and analyzer does not react to any user
action on-screen or otherwise.
u For information on recovering from such an emergency
situation, see To recover from a forced shutdown (309).

! CAUTION
Loss of data and sample and damage to equipment
due to switching off power
Switching off the power using the power switch stops all
processing and no status information can be stored.
Incomplete tests and other activities will have to be
redone. Equipment may be damaged.
r Do not switch off power during operation.
r Ensure that the mains cables are placed safely away
from areas where personnel might pass through.
r Roche recommends using an uninterruptible power
supply.
u Uninterruptible power supply (UPS) (111)
u For information on recovering from such an emergency
situation, see To recover from a power outage (312).

3 Hardware

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 74 Input and output buffers

Input and output buffers

The input and output buffers are positioned at the side of
the analyzer. They remain uncovered for easy access.

! CAUTION
Personal injury due to contact with moving parts
Racks are moved automatically on the input and output
buffers by the rack pusher. If you place your hands or
fingers on a buffer while racks are moved you may get
your fingers caught.
r Do not place your hands on the input or output buffer
or the racks while the analyzer moves racks.
r Do not load racks while the analyzer moves racks on
the input buffer.
r Do not unload racks while the analyzer moves racks
on the output buffer.

In this section
Input buffer (75)
Output buffer (76)
Input connection unit (76)
3 Hardware

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Input and output buffers 75

Input buffer
The space is divided into the area for the input rack tray
with up to 15 racks, the single rack slot and the priority
rack slot.

A B

A Priority rack slot C Rack tray

B Single rack slot D Rack pusher

w Input buffer

3 Hardware

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 76 Input and output buffers

Output buffer
There is space for up to 15 racks on the output rack tray.
A message is generated in the message list when the
output rack tray is full. No new racks can be processed
when the rack is full.

A Rack tray C Rack pusher

B Rack conveyor

w Output buffer

Input connection unit

For automated rack input, you can link the test strip
analyzer to a laboratory automation system (LAS).

This is done with the help of an input connection unit,

which itself is connected to an external connection line as
part of an LAS. The input connection unit, in conjunction
with the LAS and LIS, automatically feeds racks to the
analyzer.

q The input connection unit and connection line must

3 Hardware

be installed by a Roche Service representative.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Input and output buffers 77

! CAUTION
Incorrect results and damage to the analyzer due to
use of non-recommended type of rack
Using racks that do not conform to the established
dimensions may lead to malfunction or pipetting errors
and consequently to incorrect results.
Racks with unsuitable colors may lead to barcode reading
errors.
r Only use racks defined in the following table:
u Supported tube types for allowed rack types y (78)

NOTICE
Malfunction due to placing items on the ICU
r Do not place anything on the ICU.
r Always make sure that the rack conveyor belt of the
input connection unit is unobstructed.

B C

A Rack conveyor belt of the input connection unit C Input connection unit
B Connection line

w Input connection unit

The rack conveyor belt of the input connection unit

3 Hardware

automatically passes on the racks to the analyzer when it

is ready to perform the tests. This belt also serves as the
input location for STAT racks, wash racks, and QC racks.
u To load a priority rack when working with an
LAS (167)
u To perform a QC measurement when working with an
LAS (225)
u To wash the fluid system when working with an
LAS (198)

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 78 Tubes, racks, and rack trays

Tubes, racks, and rack trays

This section introduces the containers for handling
samples.

In this section
Tubes (78)
Racks (79)
Rack trays (81)

Tubes
The following table lists the supported tube types for the
allowed rack types.

Rack type Round bottom tube Conical bottom tube False bottom tube
ø 13 mm ø 16 mm ø 13-16 mm ø 13 mm ø 16 mm ø 13 mm ø 16 mm
Standard RD 5 rack l l l x l l l
(gray)
RD 5 wash rack (green) l l l x l x x
RD 5 QC rack (white) l l l x l l l
URISYS rack (yellow) x l x x l x x
y Supported tube types for allowed rack types

The tube length can be between 65 mm and 115 mm.

For identification purposes, tubes should have a barcode

label attached, but you can process non-barcoded tubes.

q The same rack/tube type combination must be used

for urine and QC materials, but you can use a different
combination for the wash rack.
Tubes must be loaded on racks to be processed by the
analyzer.

q Which tubes and racks are being used is defined by

a Roche Service representative, typically during initial
3 Hardware

installation.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Tubes, racks, and rack trays 79

! CAUTION
Malfunction or incorrect results due to using
inappropriate tubes
The analyzer has been designed and tested for the use of
specific types of tubes.
Using tubes that do not conform to the specified
dimensions and that are not defined for this analyzer may
lead to malfunction or pipetting errors and consequently
to incorrect results.
r Only use the tubes defined for this analyzer.

Racks
The analyzer is designed to handle the racks defined in
the following table:
u Tubes (78)

A rack can hold up to 5 tubes of 13 to 16 mm diameter

and 65 to 115 mm length. Racks can be loaded on the
analyzer either individually or on a rack tray, which holds
up to 15 racks. For identification purposes, racks must
have a barcode label attached. This ID identifies a rack
either as a sample rack for routine tests, sample rack for
STAT tests, QC rack, or as a wash rack, and the
corresponding actions are started automatically as soon
as such a rack is identified.

q The barcode label of the rack must always face

towards the rear of the analyzer when loaded on the input
buffer.

! CAUTION
Malfunction or incorrect results due to using
inappropriate racks
Using racks that do not conform to the established
dimensions may lead to malfunction or pipetting errors
and consequently to incorrect results.
3 Hardware

r Only use racks defined in the following table:

u Tubes (78)

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 80 Tubes, racks, and rack trays

! CAUTION
Malfunction or incorrect results due to using
inappropriate rack rubber disks
Using rack rubber disks that differ in height from the
original ones may lead to malfunction or pipetting errors
and consequently to incorrect results.
r Do not replace individual rack rubber disks, if one is
damaged, replace the whole rack.

A B
B

A Sample barcode D Rack rubber disk

B Rack ID E Racks on a rack tray that is placed on the input buffer
C Rack barcode

w Roche 5-position rack

q Roche recommends using racks with rack rubber

disks.
3 Hardware

Sample rack All racks that are not specifically defined as STAT racks,
wash racks, or QC racks are treated as sample racks.

STAT rack The STAT rack is a dedicated sample rack for performing
STAT tests.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Tubes, racks, and rack trays 81

To visually distinguish STAT racks from routine sample

racks, Roche recommends to mark them with dedicated
colored labels for Roche 5-position racks.
u Optional components (114)

Wash rack The wash rack is a dedicated rack for performing the
daily wash maintenance action. It contains the required
wash solution.
u For information on how to define a wash rack and how
to assign it to the analyzer, see Managing racks (276).

QC rack The QC rack is a dedicated rack for performing QC

measurements. It contains the required QC materials at
predefined positions on the rack.
u For information on how to define a QC rack and how
to assign it to the analyzer, see Managing racks (276).

Rack IDs The software is able to manage the following human

readable rack IDs.

Sample rack IDs 0001-9999

QC rack IDs Q001-Q999

Wash rack IDs W001-W999

Rack trays
A rack tray can hold up to 15 racks. Generally, racks are
loaded onto rack trays for loading on and unloading from
the analyzer. For processing single racks there is a priority
rack slot and a single rack slot.
3 Hardware

You can load one rack tray on the input buffer and one
on the output buffer. The analyzer monitors the fill level of
the output buffer and whether there is a rack tray or
individual racks on the input buffer.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 82 Tubes, racks, and rack trays

NOTICE
Malfunction due to damaged rack tray
A rack tray that is dented or bent or damaged in any other
way may impede the locking mechanism.
r Be sure to use undamaged rack trays only.

NOTICE
Malfunction due to unsupported rack trays
Using unsupported rack trays can cause the analyzer to
block or the sensor to malfunction.
r Only use supported rack trays.
3 Hardware

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Liquid containers 83

Liquid containers
The water containers and the liquid waste containers are
positioned under the table on which the analyzer is
placed. Their fill levels are monitored and messages in the
message list inform you when certain levels have been
reached or when a container is full or empty.

In this section
Water container (83)
Water container for external water supply (84)
Liquid waste container (85)

Water container
The white water containers hold up to 5 L of water.

The fill level is monitored and messages in the message

list inform you when the level is getting low and when the
container is empty.
A
q Use water of the quality defined in:
u Water quality (112)

C
D

A Water tubing C Floats

B Float assembly rod D Inlet water filter
3 Hardware

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 84 Liquid containers

Water container for external water supply

The white water container for external water supply holds
up to 5 L of water. It serves as an intermediary water
reservoir between the laboratory water supply and the
analyzer. It is continually and automatically replenished.

! CAUTION
Incorrect results due to incorrect water pressure in
the external water supply
Working with incorrect water pressure may lead to
hardware malfunction and consequently insufficient or
irregular water supply to the analyzer and possibly air
bubbles in the fluid system.
r The water pressure at the water inlet on the water
container must not exceed 4 bar.
r Use water of the specified quality:
u Water quality (112)

! CAUTION
Contamination due to deposits of algae and bacteria
In the inside of the bottle where it is exposed to air,
deposits of algae and bacteria may build up over time.
r Clean the water container once a month.
u To clean the water container for external water
supply (288)

! CAUTION
Overfilling of the water container when the analyzer
is switched off
When the analyzer is switched off, the water level sensors
do not work and consequently cannot warn the operator
if the water container accidentally becomes too full.
r Turn off the external water supply when you switch off
the analyzer.
3 Hardware

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Liquid containers 85

The fill level is monitored and messages in the message

A list inform you when for some reason the water level
B cannot automatically be kept at the required level.

A Water level sensor E Float ball

connection
B Tubing to system F Float
water inlet on the
analyzer
C Tubing to laboratory G Inlet water filter
water supply
D Float valve

Liquid waste container

The yellow liquid waste container holds up to 5 L of
waste. Treat the waste as potentially biohazardous
material.

! CAUTION
Infection by liquid waste
Contact with liquid waste may result in infection. All
materials and mechanical components associated with
the waste systems are potentially biohazardous.
r Be sure to wear protective equipment. Take extra care
3 Hardware

when working with lab gloves; these can easily be

pierced or cut, which can lead to infection.
r If any biohazardous material is spilled, wipe it up
immediately and apply disinfectant.
r If liquid waste comes into contact with your skin, wash
it off immediately with water and apply disinfectant.
Consult a physician.
r Observe the safety labels on the equipment.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 86 Liquid containers

The fill level is monitored and messages in the message

list inform you when the level is getting high and when
D the container is full.
A
In this section
B
Liquid waste with external water supply (86)
C

A Waste tubing C Floats

B Tubing to liquid waste D Float assembly rod
safety outlet

Liquid waste with external water supply

When working with external water supply, the liquid
waste is led directly to the laboratory waste system.

! CAUTION
Spilling and infection by liquid waste
If you work with external water supply, the waste outlets
are directly connected to the laboratory waste system,
and no liquid waste container is required. Connecting the
liquid waste container could lead to overflow of the liquid
waste container, because the liquid level sensors are
disabled.
r Never install the liquid waste container if you work
with external water supply.

! CAUTION
Incorrect results due to inefficient wash actions
3 Hardware

Insufficient flow in either the pumped or the gravitational

liquid waste connection may lead to backflow, which can
lead to decreased efficiency of the wash actions and
consequently to carryover.
r The liquid waste connectors at the laboratory waste
system must be lower than the ones on the analyzer.
The gradient must be at least 3%.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Solid waste container 87

Solid waste container

The solid waste container is designed to hold at least as
many test strips as are contained in a full test strip
cassette. There is a bespoke disposable Waste Box
Carton that must be installed properly. The analyzer
monitors whether the drawer is closed properly. The fill
level is monitored using counters. When a certain fill level
is reached a message is added to the message list.
u For information on defining the fill levels, see To
define the warning limits (262).

NOTICE
Analyzer damage due to overfilled solid waste
container
If the solid waste container is full, test strips may get
stuck in the waste chute or the test strip tray and the may
interfere with the measuring mechanism.
r Be sure to empty the solid waste container when you
are alerted by a message in the task list.
r Roche recommends emptying the solid waste
container whenever you load a new test strip cassette.

q The system automatically assumes that the solid

waste container is empty at the end of the Empty solid
waste container maintenance action.

B 3 Hardware

A Waste drawer C Solid waste container

B Waste Box Carton

w Solid waste container

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 88 Rack transport unit

Rack transport unit

The rack conveyor picks up the racks at the input buffer
and transports them to the sampling position. When all
tubes are processed the rack is transported to the output
buffer.

q If you work with an input connection unit, the racks

are picked up from the rack conveyor belt of the input
connection unit.

A F

B C

A Output buffer rack conveyor C Rack conveyor

B Sampling position D Input buffer rack conveyor

w Rack transport unit

Rack handling consists of the following steps:

1. The operator loads the rack on the input buffer, either
on the rack tray, the single rack slot or the priority
rack slot.
2. The rack pusher moves the rack, if required, to the
priority rack slot, which also serves as the feed to the
rack conveyor.
3. The rack conveyor moves the rack to the sampling
3 Hardware

position.
All samples on the rack are pipetted.
4. When all tubes on the rack are processed, the rack
conveyor moves the rack to the rack exit position on
the output buffer.
5. The rack pusher moves the rack onto the rack tray on
the output buffer.
6. The operator removes the rack, either by itself or by
removing the rack tray.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Fluid system 89

Fluid system
In this section
About the fluid system (89)
Pipetting unit (91)
Rinse station (93)

About the fluid system

The fluid system consists of all the valves, pumps, tubing,
syringes, fluid sensors, water and waste containers, the
probe, the measuring cell, and the rinse station. The fluid
system transports all fluids around the instrument,
including urine, system water, and waste. The fluid
system also delivers the correct amounts of urine to the
test strips.

A
G
B

H
3 Hardware

A Transfer head E Water level sensor connector and liquid waste level sensor
connector at the back of the analyzer
B Measuring cell F External liquid connectors at the back of the analyzer
C Pipetting unit with probe G Peristaltic pumps
D Rinse station H Syringes

w Fluid system of the test strip analyzer (control unit version 1)

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 90 Fluid system

A
G
B

A Transfer head E Water level sensor connector and liquid waste level sensor
connector at the back of the analyzer
B Measuring cell F External liquid connectors at the back of the analyzer
C Pipetting unit with probe G Peristaltic pumps
D Rinse station H Syringes

w Fluid system of the test strip analyzer (control unit version 2)

Pipetting unit The pipetting unit moves the probe to the appropriate
positions for aspirating and dispensing liquid. It is
equipped with liquid detection and probe crash
prevention mechanisms.
u Pipetting unit (91)

Probe The probe is rinsed internally and externally with water

after each pipetting action. It has a flat tip, which is
required for liquid level and tube bottom detection.
3 Hardware

If the probe is damaged it can be replaced.

u For details on replacing the probe, see Issues with the
probe (292).

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Fluid system 91

! WARNING
Incorrect results due to touching the probe
Touching the probe with bare fingers may leave residues
on its surface and consequently influence the accuracy of
the results.
r Do not touch the probe except for maintenance as
described on screen or in this documentation.

Rinse station The rinse station serves to clean the probe after each
pipetting action to prevent carryover between samples.
u Rinse station (93)

Fluid system The fluid system with its syringes and pumps controls the
aspiration and dispensing of sample. It also controls the
supply of system water and wash solution. The probe is
rinsed with system water after every pipetting action to
prevent carryover between samples.

External liquid connectors There is a water and two waste connections, one of them
being a safety outlet for cases when the tubing of the
main connection is blocked.

You can connect the liquid waste to the waste system of

your facility. Ensure that the facility installation is lower
than the connector on the analyzer (gravity driven).

The external liquid containers must be properly

connected before you power on the analyzer.
u Liquid connectors (69)

Pipetting unit
In this section
About the pipetting unit (92)
Probe calibration (92)
3 Hardware

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 92 Fluid system

About the pipetting unit

A The pipetting unit moves the probe to the appropriate

positions for aspirating and dispensing liquid. Mixing of
the sample liquid is done by aspirating and dispensing
B
liquid inside the sample tube. The pipetting unit is
equipped with liquid level detection and probe crash
prevention mechanisms. If there is insufficient liquid in
the tube the sample is not pipetted, the order is marked
C
with in the orders list and a message is added to the
message list.

A Transfer head C Probe

B Probe release button D Rinse station

Probe calibration
During initialization of the analyzer the probe positioning
is automatically calibrated and its position adjusted. This
is done by moving the probe in the horizontal and vertical
plane along a reference block.

w Probe bend detector on the test strip analyzer

3 Hardware

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Fluid system 93

Rinse station
The probe is rinsed after each pipetting. It is lowered in
the probe chamber of the rinse station and then water is
pumped through the probe to wash it in and outside.

A During the Daily wash maintenance action, wash

solution is dispensed into the probe chamber of the rinse
station several times. With the last of these actions, the
wash solution remains in the chamber, the probe aspires
wash solution from the tube and with solution inside is
lowered into the probe chamber, where it remains for a
certain time. The last step is to wash the probe and the
rinse station with water.
A Probe chamber

3 Hardware

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 94 Sample handling

Sample handling
Before urine is pipetted, it is mixed to ensure even
distribution of particles. This process is performed by
aspirating and dispensing urine in the sample tube on the
sampling position.

The probe aspirates urine, which is then passed through

the tubing to the measuring cell, where clarity and
specific gravity are measured. Then, the predefined
amount of urine is pipetted on each test pad on the test
strip. The test strip is then moved along the test strip tray
in regular intervals. By the time it reaches the
measurement position an incubation time of 60 seconds
has elapsed. When measuring is complete, the test strip is
discarded into the solid waste container.

H
B

I
3 Hardware

C D E

A Probe F Measuring cell

B Test strip on pipetting position G Photometer
C Sample on sampling position H Waste chute
D Test strip tray I Test strip on measurement position
E Test strip transporter

w Sample stages on the test strip analyzer

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Test strip handling 95

Test strip handling

In this section
About test strip handling (95)
Test strip cassette (98)
Test strip cassette compartment (99)
Test strip processing (101)
Reflectance photometric measuring (102)
Measuring cell (104)

About test strip handling

Test strips are supplied in bespoke cassettes
(cobas u pack), which are loaded into the test strip
cassette compartment on the analyzer. For each new test,
a test strip is removed from the test strip cassette and
placed on the pipetting position on the test strip tray.
After pipetting, the test strip is moved along the test strip
tray in regular intervals, resulting in an incubation time of
60 seconds. When the test strip reaches the
measurement position, reflectance photometric
measurements are performed for each test pad on the
test strip. The measuring process can last up to 5.5 s for a
whole test strip. When measuring is complete, the test
strip is removed from the test strip tray and discarded into
the solid waste container.

3 Hardware

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 96 Test strip handling

B C D E

A Test strip cassette E Measurement position

B Pipetting position F Test strip cassette compartment
C Test strip tray G Photometer
D Test strip transporter H Waste chute

w Hardware involved in test strip handling

3 Hardware

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Test strip handling 97

Test strip tray (version 1)

Test strip transporter (version 1)

! WARNING
Malfunction, pipetting errors and incorrect results
due to using test strip tray and transporter (version
1) on different instruments
The test strip tray and transporter (version 1) are
guaranteed to work properly with the instrument they are
delivered with. (The test strip tray and transporter (version
1) are specifically calibrated to the instrument they are
installed on.)
Using a test tray and transporter (version 1) on a different
instrument may lead to malfunction, pipetting errors and
possibly to incorrect results.
r Do not use the test strip tray or transporter (version 1)
other than on the instrument they were originally
delivered with.

3 Hardware

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 98 Test strip handling

Test strip tray (version 2)

A Groove

Test strip transporter (version 2)

q The test strip tray and transporter (version 2) are

interchangeable and guaranteed to work properly with
instruments designed for version 2.
The test strip tray (version 2) is identifiable by a groove
and the test strip transporter (version 2) is identifiable by
a hook.

A Hook

Test strip cassette

The test strip cassette holds 400 test strips in 20 rows of
20 test strips each. It is supplied in airtight packaging.
Each cassette is identified by a unique ID contained in the
radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. This tag also
contains important information such as the onboard
stability, expiry date, lot number and the current number
of available test strips.
3 Hardware

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Test strip handling 99

Test strip cassette compartment

The test strip cassette compartment holds one test strip
cassette. It is airtight and designed in a manner that the
inside temperature remains in the range of 18-32 °C (64-
90 °F) and that the water absorption of the desiccant in
the inserted test strip cassette is kept to a minimum
(reflected in the onboard stability value of the cassette).

A Test strip cassette release lever

w Test strip cassette compartment

NOTICE
Diminished test strip stability due to excessive
ambient humidity
Excessive ambient humidity will limit the effectiveness of
the desiccant in the test strip cassette and may render the
test strips unsuitable for use.
r Use the analyzer only in the environmental conditions
defined in:
u Environmental conditions (110)
r Open this compartment only for replacing the test
strip cassette.
3 Hardware

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
100 Test strip handling

! CAUTION
Incorrect results due to excessive ambient humidity
Excessive ambient humidity will limit the effectiveness of
the desiccant in the test strip cassette and consequently
may influence the test pad constituents in a manner that
incorrect results are generated.
r Use the analyzer only in the environmental conditions
defined in:
u Environmental conditions (110)
r Always load the test strip cassette immediately after
removing it from its airtight packaging. Follow the
instructions defined in the cobas u pack Method
Sheet.
3 Hardware

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Test strip handling 101

Test strip processing

The test strip tray holds the test strips during pipetting,
incubation, and measuring.

B C D E

A Test strip tray E Measurement position

B Pipetting position F Photometer
C Test strip transporter G Reference plate (hidden)
D Incubation positions

w Test strip tray

When pipetting is complete, the test strip is moved one

position along the test strip tray (to the first incubation
position). All test strips on the test strip tray are moved
one position towards the measurement position in regular
intervals. By the time they reach the measurement
3 Hardware

position an incubation time of 60 seconds has elapsed.

The reference plate is measured with each test strip

measurement and the results are taken into account
when calculating the test results.

q Do not touch or soil the reference plate.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
102 Test strip handling

Reflectance photometric measuring

In this section
About reflectance photometric measuring (102)
Compensation measurement (103)

About reflectance photometric measuring

The photometer performs reflectance photometric
measurements on each pad on a test strip, measuring two
pads at a time. Measuring a whole test strip takes up to
5.5 seconds.

The photometer contains LEDs of four different

wavelengths (465, 525, 560, and 615 nm). The LEDs are
arranged in groups in a circular array to achieve optimal
illumination, each group consisting of one LED of each
light quality.
3 Hardware

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Test strip handling 103

C D C

A Movable photometer D Image sensor

B Test strip pads in measurement positions E Optical lens
C LED ring F Test strip tray

w Schematic of photometer

The light that is emitted by the LEDs is reflected by the

test pad surfaces with an intensity that is dependent on
the color of the test pad. An optical lens projects an
image of the test pad onto an image sensor. These
images are then processed by the software and
presented as results. The intensity of the reaction color of
the test pad is detected by measuring the percentage of
light reflected from the surface of the test pad. The larger
the color change on the test pad, the larger the change in
reflectance gets. The reflectance value therefore
corresponds to the concentration of the analyte in the
sample.

Compensation measurement
Intrinsic coloring of the urine influences the reflectance
value and may lead to false results. For this reason, a
white reagent-free compensation pad is measured to
establish a correction algorithm. When calculating the
measurement results of the test pads, this algorithm is
used to compensate for the intrinsic urine coloring.
3 Hardware

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
104 Test strip handling

Measuring cell
The measuring cell establishes the specific gravity and
clarity of the sample. Sample is passed through a
transparent tube in the measuring cell, where a
refractometer determines the specific gravity and the
turbidimeter determines the clarity. Specific gravity and
clarity are not affected by the intrinsic color of the urine.

The specific gravity is the ratio of the density of analyte to

the density of water at a specified temperature.

Clarity is either clear, light turbid or turbid.

q Both the refractometric and turbidimetric

determinations are temperature dependent. Therefore,
the temperature of the liquids is monitored, it must
remain between 15 °C (59 °F) and 32 °C (89.6 °F).
3 Hardware

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Barcode reader 105

Barcode reader
Barcode readers using LED technology with very low
output power are used to scan the barcodes on samples
and racks.

! WARNING
Loss of sight
The intense light of the LEDs may damage your eyes.
r Do not stare into the LEDs.

The following barcode formats are supported:

• Codabar (NW7)
• Code 39
• ITF (interleaved 2 of 5 barcode)
• Code 128

w Barcode reader

3 Hardware

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
106 Barcodes

Barcodes
Barcodes are used on racks and sample tubes. The
minimum resolution of a barcode line is 0.2 mm and the
maximum barcode length is 72 mm. The barcode must be
at least 35 mm away from the bottom of the rack.

q For more information about barcode specification,

contact your Roche Service representative.

A Barcode line resolution min. 0.2 mm C Distance from rack bottom min. 35 mm
B Barcode length max. 72 mm

w Tubes on rack, both barcoded

The sample barcode can contain the sample ID and a

checksum. The rack barcode contains the rack ID.

! WARNING
Unidentified samples due to undetected reading
errors
Barcode reading errors could potentially go undetected if
a checksum is not used, which could lead to sample
mismatch.
3 Hardware

r Always work with the checksum feature on.

r Use only barcode labels of a good print quality.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Radio frequency identification 107

Radio frequency identification

Roche consumables are equipped with radio frequency
identification (RFID) tags. With cassettes the tag is
automatically read when they are installed, and certain
information is written to the tag every time a cassette is
used and when it is removed, e.g. the number of items left
in the cassette. There is also an RFID reader for
identifying QC materials from outside the analyzer
housing.

q Always use test strip cassettes with RFID tags.

A RFID reader for QC materials B RFID reader for test strip cassette

w RFID readers

The following table lists the consumables that are

equipped with RFID tags and the information items
contained in the tags.

q When identifying QC materials with RFID tags,

present the tag to the reader at a distance of between 1
and 25 mm (0.04-1 in).
3 Hardware

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
108 Radio frequency identification

Consumable item Information items contained in the RFID tag

cobas u pack o Lot number
o Expiry date
o Load date
o Onboard stability
o Number of test strips left

QC material o QC level
o Target ranges
o Lot number
o Expiry date
y RFID tag information
3 Hardware

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Technical specifications 109

Technical specifications
q Technical specifications may change without
notice
Every effort has been made to ensure that all the
information contained in these specifications is correct at
the time of publication. However, Roche reserves the right
to make any changes necessary without notice as part of
ongoing product development.

In this section
List of technical specifications (109)
Standard supplies (114)
Optional components (114)
Concentration ranges (International) (115)

List of technical specifications

In this section
Storage conditions (110)
Environmental conditions (110)
Physical dimensions (110)
Effective footprint (110)
Allowed tilt (111)
Power requirements (111)
Uninterruptible power supply (UPS) (111)
Heat output (111)
Noise level (111)
Measurement principles (112)
Interfaces (112)
Throughput (112)
Minimal sample volumes (dependent on test
profile) (112)
Water quality (112)
Wash solution (113)
3 Hardware

Cleaning solutions (113)

Waste handling (113)
Display (113)
Keyboard (114)
Mouse (114)

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
110 Technical specifications

Storage conditions

Temperature range 5 °C to +40 °C (-41 °F to 104 °F)

Relative humidity 75% at 30 °C (86 °F), non condensing
Altitude and pressure Max. 2000 m (6561 feet) above sea level, 80-106 kPa
y Storage conditions

Environmental conditions

Ambient room temperature 18 to 32 °C (64.4 to 90 °F)

Relative humidity 30%-80%, non condensing
Altitude and pressure Max. 2000 m (6561 feet) above sea level, 80-106 kPa
Pollution Degree 2 (EN 61010-1)
Ambient light influence Up to 2 kLux of artificial direct light
Up to 20 kLux of direct light (solar radiation)
Minimum ambient light 500 Lux of ambient light
y Environmental conditions

Physical dimensions

Width (with buffers) 107.9 cm (42.48 in)

Width (with output buffer and input 104.5 cm (41.12 in)
connection unit)
Width (without buffers) 68.7 cm (27.05 in)
Depth 53.2 cm (20.94 in)
Height 64.4 cm (25.35 in)
Weight (with buffers) 92.7 kg (207.5 lb)
Width (with output buffer and input 89.4 kg (197.1 lb)
connection unit)
Weight (without buffers) 80.5 kg (177.47 lb)
y Physical dimensions

Effective footprint
3 Hardware

The effective footprint represents the analyzer footprint

plus the user and service access requirements.

Width 107.9 cm (42.48 in)

Depth 130.0 cm (51.18 in)
y Effective footprint

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Technical specifications 111

Allowed tilt

Incline < 3º
y Allowed tilt

Power requirements

Line voltage 100 to 240 VAC

Line voltage variation ± 10%
Line frequency 50 to 60 Hz
Line frequency variation ± 5%
Current Max. 3 A
Power consumption (control unit version 1) Max. 160 VA, typical 140 VA
Power consumption (control unit version 2) Max. 160 VA, typical 140 VA
Effective power consumption See the name plate on the analyzer.
Line fuse 2 x T8AL
Insulation coordination Installation category II (EN/IEC 61010-1)
y Power requirements

Uninterruptible power supply (UPS)

Output power capacity 1500 VA

Battery runtime Min. 5 min
y Uninterruptible power supply (UPS)

Heat output

Heat dissipation Control unit version 1: 115 W

Control unit version 2: 115 W
Thermal load Control unit version 1: 393 Btu/h (412 kJ/h)
Control unit version 2: 393 Btu/h (412 kJ/h)
3 Hardware

y Heat output

Noise level

cobas u 601 urine analyzer 62 dB

y Noise level

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
112 Technical specifications

Measurement principles

Reflectance photometry
Refractometry
Turbidimetry
y Measurement principles

Interfaces

USB1.1/2.0 Connection to external storage devices

USB1.1/2.0 Connection to peripherals
RJ45 Connection to network
y Interfaces

Throughput

Test strip analysis 240 samples per hour

y Throughput

Minimal sample volumes (dependent on test profile)

Test strip 2.0 mL

Test strip reduced volume (no measuring cell 1.5 mL
measurements)
y Minimal sample volumes (dependent on test profile)

Water quality

Type II/IF (according to CLSI C3-A4 guidelines) (Conductivity: 1μS/cm; 25 °C)

3 Hardware

Water temperature between 18 °C and 32 °C.

y Water quality

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Technical specifications 113

Wash solution

Recommended solution for performing the 1.2% - 4% Na-hypochlorite solution

daily wash action:
y Wash solution

q Roche recommends to use a concentration near the

lower value (1.2%) of the recommended range, and no
higher than 2%. Higher concentrations do not enhance
the cleaning efficacy. Solutions with higher
concentrations can be diluted with water.

Cleaning solutions

Recommended solutions for manually o Ethanol, 70%

cleaning the instrument: o Mikrozid® (EtOH/Propanol)
y Cleaning solutions

Waste handling

Solid waste container for test strips Capacity: 400 test strips
Inside dimensions: (W x D x H): 8.34 cm x 13.34 cm x 11.82 cm (3.28 in x 5.25 in
x 4.65 in)
Liquid waste container Capacity: 5 L
Dimensions: (diameter x H): 16.2 cm x 32.5 cm (6.38 in x 12.80 in)
Water container Capacity: 5 L
Dimensions: (diameter x H): 16.2 cm x 33.5 cm (6.38 in x 13.19 in)
Water container for external water supply Capacity: 5 L
Dimensions: (diameter x H): 16.2 cm x 32.5 cm (6.38 in x 12.80 in)
y Waste handling

Display
3 Hardware

Touch screen 19 inch (1280 x 1024 pixels)

y Display

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
114 Technical specifications

Keyboard

Standard US QWERTY layout Only use supplied keyboard.

y Keyboard

Mouse

Only use supplied mouse.

y Mouse

Standard supplies
The analyzer has been tested for the following Roche
supplies:
• cobas u pack
• cobas u calibration strip

Optional components
The following optional components are available:
• cobas® 6500 installation kit for LAS
• Colored labels for Roche 5-position racks:
- Label for Std-rack, color yellow
- Label for Std-rack, color light blue
- Label for Std-rack, color dark blue
- Label for Std-rack, color light green
- Label for Std-rack, color orange
- Label for Std-rack, color pink
- Label for Std-rack, color brown
3 Hardware

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Technical specifications 115

Concentration ranges (International)

The following table lists the international concentration
ranges for the cobas u 601 urine analyzer.

Test parameter Range

Conventional SI Arbitrary
PH 5 5 5
6 6 6
6.5 6.5 6.5
7 7 7
8 8 8
9 9 9
LEU neg neg neg
25/μL 25/μL 1+
100/μL 100/μL 2+
500/μL 500/μL 3+
NIT neg neg neg
pos pos pos
PRO neg neg neg
25 mg/dL 0.25 g/L 1+
75 mg/dL 0.75 g/L 2+
150 mg/dL 1.5 g/L 3+
500 mg/dL 5 g/L 4+
GLU norm norm neg
50 mg/dL 3 mmol/L 1+
100 mg/dL 6 mmol/L 2+
300 mg/dL 17 mmol/L 3+
1000 mg/dL 56 mmol/L 4+
KET neg neg neg
5 mg/dL 0.5 mmol/L 1+
15 mg/dL 1.5 mmol/L 2+
50 mg/dL 5 mmol/L 3+
150 mg/dL 15 mmol/L 4+
UBG norm norm neg
1 mg/dL 17 μmol/L 1+
4 mg/dL 68 μmol/L 2+
8 mg/dL 135 μmol/L 3+
12 mg/dL 203 μmol/L 4+
BIL neg neg neg
1 mg/dL 17 μmol/L 1+
3 mg/dL 50 μmol/L 2+
6 mg/dL 100 μmol/L 3+
ERY neg neg neg
10/μL 10/μL 1+
25/μL 25/μL 2+
50/μL 50/μL 3+
3 Hardware

150/μL 150/μL 4+
250/μL 250/μL 5+
COL p. yel. p. yel. p. yel.
yellow yellow yellow
amber amber amber
brown brown brown
orange orange orange
red red red
green green green
other other other
y International concentration ranges for the cobas u 601 urine analyzer

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
116
3 Hardware Technical specifications

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 117
Table of contents

Software 4

In this chapter, the major software elements are

introduced and you find information on how to best work
with the user interface.

In this chapter 4
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Key screen elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Key work areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Tabs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Displaying information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
About displaying information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Working with lists (tables) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
About sorting lists. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
About filtering table information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
About selecting table items. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Entering information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Working with QC charts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
External keyboard and mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Wizards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
About wizards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Example: Starting a wizard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
4 Software

Example: Using a wizard for performing a

task that is due . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Color coding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Online help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
118
Table of contents
4 Software

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Introduction 119

Introduction
q Throughout this documentation, images of screens
are included for illustration purposes. They are not
necessarily identical with what you see on your analyzer.

The user interface is designed to make the operation of

the analyzer easy and intuitive. Its logical and visual
structure and its color coding help you identify and
perform the necessary tasks. It is designed to be operated
from the touch screen, but you can instead connect the
supplied keyboard and mouse.

Key screen elements

A screen is divided into a global information area at the
top and the work area beneath.

4 Software

A Global information area B Work area

w Basic screen structure

The global information area contains permanently

available elements.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
120 Key screen elements

The work areas consist of tabs and panels, each of which

containing thematically related information. They can
contain buttons, wizards that guide you through tasks,
information items such as lists and tables, graphics
elements such as symbols representing hardware
elements, input fields, as well as navigation and display
aids. The following figure illustrates the various parts.
4 Software

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Key screen elements 121

A
H

I
E

F G

A Global information area F Main panel

B Task button G Detail panel
C Task list H Overview work area
4 Software

D Tabs representing work areas I Routine tab in split-screen mode display (two panels)
E Navigation bar with back and forward buttons and
navigation path

w Key screen elements

The following sections explain the various elements in

more detail.

Global information area Contains permanently available elements.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
122 Key screen elements

A B C D E F G H I

A Overview work area F System name

B Task indicator G System status
C Assistance button H Online help button
D Name of the user who is currently logged on I Screenshot button
E Button for logging on and off

w Global information area

Task indicator The task indicator provides a rough overview of the

current analyzer status. The color of the buttons
represents the urgency of the tasks and the number in
the button tells you how many tasks there are of this
urgency. A task can comprise several messages.

The following table explains the meaning of the colors.

Color Meaning
Red The task requires immediate operator intervention. Operation may have stopped.
When such a task is generated, an acoustic signal is sounded as well, unless this
function is turned off.
Orange The task requires early operator intervention, operation may otherwise stop. When
such a task is generated, an acoustic signal is sounded as well, unless this function
is turned off.
Gray Ongoing task. If operator intervention is required, perform it.

Light gray There are no tasks. No operator intervention is required.

y Color coding for messages

Task list, message list, and buttons Use the task buttons to display a list of all messages of a
given category and severity (message list). Choose a
message to display details of the message. These could
for example contain a button for starting a wizard that
guides you through the various steps of dealing with the
issue.
4 Software

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Key screen elements 123

C D E

A Task buttons E Tab or panel where the issue can be addressed

B Message list F Message that can be selected and which leads to detailed
information
C Color code for severity G Wizard button
D Thematic group, summary of underlying issues

w Example of using task buttons and message lists

Tabs

Tabs group information and tasks of the work areas such

as performing tests and result handling, maintenance
actions, or defining the analyzer work environment.
u Tabs (127)

Navigation bar

The navigation bar helps you move between the various

panels. A "history" function registers which panels have
been displayed so far, use the back and forward buttons
to display the previous or next panel within this history.
The navigation path tells you how to navigate to the
4 Software

current panel (the blue element denotes the current

panel). You can choose any of the path elements to
display the corresponding panel.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
124 Key screen elements

Main panel, detail panel

Information is often displayed in two panels, the

information in panel on the right (detail panel) contains
detailed information of an item selected in the panel on
the left (main panel).

Assistance

Choose the Assistance tab to access operation aids

such as wizards and user documentation.
u For details on the Assistance work area, see
Wizards (135) and Online help (139).

Callouts

Callouts are a kind of work areas that are displayed on

top of the current panel, for example for displaying
messages, entering information, or confirming an action.
4 Software

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Key work areas 125

Key work areas

Related tasks are grouped in separate work areas.

The Overview work area is displayed when you start the

analyzer. It contains general status information of the
analyzer and lists the user actions that are due to ensure
the proper functioning of the analyzer and the smooth
progress of tasks and actions. Its main elements are:
• The Tasks panel contains the task list and the task
buttons, which lead to the relevant panels for
addressing the issues they concern.
• The Overview panel provides access to a graphic
overview of the analyzer hardware components. You
can choose these elements if some intervention is
required, and callouts provide the required functions.

• If you work with Sample sequence number mode,

the sample sequence number that will be used next is
also displayed below the Overview panel, both for
routine samples and for STAT samples.

The Assistance work area provides operation aids such

as:
• User documentation
• Wizards that guide you through selected tasks
• Legal notice

4 Software

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
126 Key work areas

The Routine tab encompasses all activities directly

related to performing tests and handling results.
• Patient management
• Order definition and handling
• Result viewing, validation, and reporting
• QC materials and QC result handling
• Manage sample sequence numbers (if you work with
Sample sequence number mode)

The Monitoring tab encompasses the activities related to

ensuring the trouble-free operation of the analyzer:
• Dealing with messages and related tasks
• Checking the hardware status and performing
hardware related tasks
• Performing consumables related tasks
• Performing maintenance actions
• Performing calibration measurements
• Managing racks and rack IDs

The Administration tab provides the functions required

for setting up and maintaining the analyzer’s operating
environment.
• Defining and managing users
• Defining the characteristics for result display,
measurements, QC, and tests
• Configuring the analyzer environment
• Displaying the audit trail
• Displaying the message log
4 Software

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Tabs 127

Tabs
When choosing a tab, a list is displayed with the buttons
for the items dealt with in this work area (A). Choosing
one of these buttons displays two panels next to each
other (B); the panel on the left (the main panel) usually
contains a list whose elements can be selected. It may
also contain buttons for starting tasks and features for
preselecting the type of information that should be
contained in the list. The panel on the right (the detail
panel) contains information related to the item selected in
the left panel, and it may also contain buttons.

4 Software

w Main elements in a tab

Display modes Another feature of some tabs is the fact that they can be
displayed in either full-screen or split-screen mode.

In split-screen mode, two panels are displayed next to

each other, whereby the information contained in the
detail panel on the right depends what is selected in the
main panel on the left. In full-screen mode one panel
covers the whole width of the screen.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
128 Tabs

Use the panel splitter to switch between the two display

modes. Its function depends on its relative position to the
panel. The following table illustrates how it works:

Position relative to panel Resulting panel(s)

1 2 1

1 1 2

1 2 2

2 1 2

y Functions of the display-mode buttons (panel splitters)

4 Software

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Displaying information 129

Displaying information
In this section
About displaying information (129)

About displaying information

There are several features that help you access panels
and their functions:
• The global information area contains permanently
available information and control elements
• The navigation bar contains buttons for displaying
panels that were displayed before (back, forward) and
shows how you can navigate to the current panel
(navigation path).
• Tabs and panels can contain lists and tables, buttons,
and graphic elements to access further information.

A Global information area C Navigation bar

4 Software

B Tabs D Panels

w Features for accessing information and functions

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
130 Working with lists (tables)

Working with lists (tables)

In this section
About sorting lists (130)
About filtering table information (130)
About selecting table items (130)

About sorting lists

You can sort lists by choosing a column head.

The sort order is marked by for ascending and for

descending order.

About filtering table information

In some tables you can choose what kind of items are
contained. You do so by either selecting one of the
predefined filters from drop-down lists or by entering in
the Search field the first part of the items you are looking
for and then choosing the button; for example, if you
enter 7, all items beginning with 7 are displayed.

Press the button to cancel the search.

About selecting table items

You can select items by selecting the check box to the
left of the item.

Selected items are colored blue.

4 Software

You can select all items in the table by selecting the

check box to the left of the table headers.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Entering information 131

Entering information
Normally the virtual keyboard is displayed whenever you
need to enter information. (The system is designed to be
operated using the touch screen, but you can use the
supplied external keyboard and mouse instead. If you do
so ensure that the virtual keyboard is not displayed
(Administration > Basic configuration 2)).

A Close the keyboard callout B Go to the next input field or to the next tab

w Keyboard on the touch screen

q Keyboard layout
The virtual keyboard layout corresponds to the US English
QWERTY keyboard layout. This cannot be changed.

Entry fields with compulsory information are marked with

an asterisk and colored yellow.

4 Software

w Compulsory entry fields

The validity of the information you enter is continuously

checked. As long as the value is not valid the entry field
shows a red border (A). When the entry is valid, the field
has its normal active display (B).

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
132 Entering information

A B

w Validity checking of text entries

4 Software

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Working with QC charts 133

Working with QC charts

The QC chart allows you to review QC results over a
period of time.

Choose this button to move back the displayed time interval by one month.
To continuously move back the displayed time interval, keep the button pressed.

Use this button to move forward the displayed time interval by one month.
To continuously move forward the displayed time interval, keep the button pressed.

Use this button to double the size of the displayed items, i.e. to increase the scale.
You can increase the scale four times.

Use this button to half the size of the displayed items, i.e. to decrease the scale.
You can decrease the scale until normal view is displayed (100%).
4 Software

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
134 External keyboard and mouse

External keyboard and mouse

You can connect the supplied external standard US
English keyboard and the mouse to the analyzer using
any of the USB ports.

q The system is designed to be operated using the

touch screen, but you can use the supplied external
keyboard and the mouse instead. If you do so ensure that
the virtual keyboard is not displayed (Administration
> Basic configuration 2).

w USB ports (control unit version 1)

4 Software

w USB ports (control unit version 2)

q When working with a host system, non-ASCII

characters are converted to spaces. Therefore, if you work
with a host system, only use standard ASCII characters.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Wizards 135

Wizards
In this section
About wizards (135)
Examples (135)

About wizards
A wizard is an interactive set of step-by-step instructions
for performing a certain task. The instructions that are
currently displayed depend on checks the analyzer
performs continuously and on user input, for example a
confirmation that a certain step has been completed or
on entering data.

You start wizards by choosing their buttons. All wizards

are listed in Assistance > Wizards. Wizards are also
available for example when you follow up a message in
the message list; they guide you through the actions
required to deal with the issue mentioned in the message.

Examples
In this section
Example: Starting a wizard (136)
Example: Using a wizard for performing a task that is
due (136)

4 Software

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
136 Wizards

Example: Starting a wizard

r To start a wizard

1 Choose Assistance > Wizards u 601.

2
2 Choose the button for the task you want to perform,
for example for filling the water container.

Example: Using a wizard for performing a task that is due

4 Software

w Choosing an element from the list in the main panel

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Wizards 137

r To use a wizard for performing a task

that is due
1 Choose the Overview work area.

2 Choose a red or orange task button that leads either

to the message list or the Supplies panel.

3 Choose an element from the list in the main panel.

4 In the detail panel, choose the button for the wizard.

4 Software

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
138 Color coding

Color coding
The color of buttons and other display items inform you
about the status of the display item or the item it
represents.

Color Meaning
Light gray You cannot currently select this element.

Gray For information purposes. No operator intervention is required.

Orange Your intervention is required to ensure continuous operation.

Red Your immediate intervention is required. Operation may have stopped.

Yellow This field must contain content (compulsory information).

Blue This item is selected for display.

Light blue Multiple items are selected.

y General color concept for user interface elements

In result related displays, the colors indicate the degree of

pathology of the result. To assist people with color vision
deficits, result related elements additionally display
hatching.

Color Result range

Green Normal.

Yellow Low pathological.

Red Pathological.

y Color concept for degree of pathology in results

In result related displays for the SG parameter, the

background color indicates a measurement error.

Color Meaning
Yellow For this sample, the SG parameter could not be measured in the measuring cell.
4 Software

Red No result could be generated by the measuring cell for the SG parameter. (Instead of a
result, "–" is displayed.)
y Color concept for severity of measurement errors in the measuring cell

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Online help 139

Online help
The analyzer provides online user information and
assistance, which can be accessed in the following ways:

• To display information that is relevant to the currently

displayed screen, choose .

• To display the table of contents of the complete user

information, choose Assistance > Online help.

A
E
B

A Button for closing online help D Help button

B Table of contents E Display area for content
C Selected section

w Online help page

Choose to display the titles of the subtopics.

Choose to hide (collapse) the titles of the subtopics.

4 Software

Choose to close the online help and return to the

screen from where you started it.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
140 Online help

q Note that the function does not work if you

started the online help from the Overview work area;
instead, to close the online help, choose the Overview
tab.
4 Software

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Operation

5 Operation.................................................................................................................143
6 Configuration .........................................................................................................241

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 143
Table of contents

Operation 5

In this chapter, you find instructions on how to perform

the daily operation tasks.

In this chapter 5
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Short guide to routine testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Routine operating tasks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Starting the analyzer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Logging on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Preparing the analyzer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Managing sample sequence numbers . . . . . . . . . 155
Defining the sample sequence number
ranges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Defining the next sample sequence number
to be used . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Defining orders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Defining orders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Defining an order manually when working
with Sample sequence number mode . . . . . . . 159
Loading racks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
About loading racks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Priority racks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Starting the testing process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Starting sample testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
5 Operation

Loading a priority rack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166

Checking the status of processing. . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Result handling. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Viewing results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Validating results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Managing invalid SG results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Assigning patients . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Generating reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Non-routine situations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
144
Table of contents

Rerunning tests. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184

Rerunning tests when working with sample
barcodes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Rerunning tests when working with Sample
sequence number mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Adjusting sample information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Managing patients . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Routine maintenance actions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
About routine maintenance actions. . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Checking the status of the system . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Checking the status of order processing . . . . 194
Checking for tasks that need doing . . . . . . . . . 194
Checking the current hardware status . . . . . . 195
Checking the status of supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Washing the fluid system. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Air purge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Filling the water container . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Emptying the liquid waste container . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Emptying the solid waste container . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Replacing the test strip cassette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
At the end of the shift . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Logging off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Shutting down the analyzer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Shutting down the analyzer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Putting the analyzer into standby . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Switching off the power supply . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Keeping the analyzer clean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
About keeping the analyzer clean . . . . . . . . . . 209
Cleaning the input and output buffers . . . . . . 210
Cleaning the rack conveyors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Cleaning the rack trays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Cleaning the test strip tray and transporter . . 215
Cleaning the probe bend detector . . . . . . . . . . 218
Cleaning the test strip pipetting area. . . . . . . . 218
Cleaning the analyzer housing and the input
and output buffers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Calibrating the photometer unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Calibrating the measuring cell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
QC tasks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Performing QC measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
5 Operation

About performing QC measurements . . . . . . . 224

Preparing the QC rack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Performing a QC measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Performing a QC measurement when
working with an LAS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Defining QC materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Changing QC material data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Making test parameter related changes . . . . . 229
Including or excluding tests from the QC
measurements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 145
Table of contents

Deleting QC materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230

Reviewing QC results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Additional operating tasks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Stopping and restarting sample processing . . . . . 234
Changing the password. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Removing the test strip cassette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Printing and exporting information, generating
reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237

5 Operation

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
146
Table of contents
5 Operation

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Safety 147

Safety
! Read and understand the information in the
Safety chapter

The following safety messages are particularly relevant:

Warning messages:
u Biohazardous materials (27)
u Waste (27)

Caution messages:
u Mechanical safety (30)
u Working solutions (30)
u Influence of vibrations (31)

Notice messages:
u Spillage (33)
u Excessive ambient humidity (33)

! CAUTION
Incorrect results due to extreme ambient
temperatures
High ambient temperatures may cause sample
evaporation during incubation of the test strip, which may
lead to incorrect results.
Low ambient temperatures may slow the chemical
reactions on the test strips, which may lead to incorrect
results.
r Always operate the analyzer in the specified ambient
conditions:
u Environmental conditions (110)

! CAUTION
Incorrect results due to contaminated samples
Solid particles in the sample may influence the
5 Operation

functioning of the fluid system, which may lead to

incorrect pipetting volumes and consequently to incorrect
results.
Food and drink particles in the sample may influence the
reaction on the test strip.
r Store and transport samples in a manner that prevents
contamination with foreign substances.
r Do not store or consume food and drink in the vicinity
of the analyzer.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
148 Safety

! CAUTION
Incorrect results due to carryover of samples
Hands that are contaminated with urine can transfer
urine to the touch screen monitor or mouse, from where it
may be transferred to samples, leading to carryover.
r Avoid getting into contact with urine.
r If you get into contact with urine, either dispose of the
lab gloves immediately or clean them using one of the
recommended cleaning solutions.

! CAUTION
Incorrect results due to foamy and contaminated
samples
Foam in samples may lead to incorrect amounts of liquid
being aspirated and dispensed, which can lead to
incorrect results.
Insoluble contaminants in samples may cause clogging or
pipetting volume shortage and lead to deterioration in
measurement accuracy.
r Ensure that samples are clear of foam and insoluble
contaminants such as fibrin or dust.

! CAUTION
Loss of data and analyzer damage due to
disconnection of mains power
Disconnecting the mains cable while the analyzer is
processing may lead to loss of data and hardware
damage.
r Do not disconnect the mains cable while the analyzer
has not been shut down properly.

q Throughout this documentation, images of screens

are included for illustration purposes. They are not
necessarily identical with what you see on your analyzer.
5 Operation

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Short guide to routine testing 149

Short guide to routine testing

This section provides a short guide to performing routine
testing. You can find detailed descriptions of the steps
and information on non-routine operating tasks in the
subsequent sections.

Step Task Procedure

1 Starting the analyzer 1. Ensure that all covers are closed.
2. Power on the analyzer.
3. Wait until the Overview work area is displayed.
This may take a few minutes.

2 Logging on 1. On the Overview work area, choose the Log on

button.
A dialog box is displayed.
2. Enter your user name and password.
3. Choose the Log on button.
Your name is now displayed in the global
information area.
3 Preparing the analyzer 1. On the Overview work area, check the task
indicator.
Address any red and orange items.
2. Check the water container.(1)
If it is not full, start the appropriate wizard and fill
it.
3. Check the liquid waste container.(1)
If it is not empty, start the appropriate wizard and
empty it.
4. Check the test strip cassette.
If it is nearly empty, ensure that there is a new one
available for when the old one needs to be
replaced.
(1) If you work with external water supply, this step is
not required.
4 Defining orders The orders are defined automatically when the rack
and tubes have passed the barcode reader.
5 Operation

5 Loading the samples and o Ensure that the sample barcodes point towards
racks that long side of the rack where the rack barcode
is affixed.
o Ensure that the rack barcodes point outwards and
towards the back of the analyzer when placed on
the input buffer.
The analyzer detects the presence of the rack tray or
of individual racks in the priority and single rack slots
and moves a rack onto the rack conveyor.
(If you work with an input connection unit, you do not
need to load racks manually, it is done automatically.)
y Short guide for performing tests
Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
150 Short guide to routine testing

Step Task Procedure

6 Start testing Testing starts automatically.

7 Monitoring the analyzer 1. On the Overview work area, check the task
indicator and the task list.
Address all red or orange items in the task list.
2. Choose a task button.
If the message list is displayed, choose a
message, check the details, and follow the on-
screen instructions.
If another panel is displayed, for example the
supplies panel, perform the appropriate task,
usually a wizard is available.
Red: Issues that require immediate operator
intervention.
Orange: Issues that require early operator
intervention, operation may otherwise stop.
Gray: Messages that inform about the status of
ongoing tasks. If operator intervention is required,
perform it.
Light gray: There are no issues of the associated
severity.
The number in a button tells you how many
messages of this severity there are.
8 Validating the results 1. Choose Routine > Manage test results, if
required.
2. Select a result in the list and check for data
alarms and the range graphics.
Green: negative
Yellow: positive (low pathological)
Red: positive (pathological)
If you work with patient demographics you can
assign a patient to each result. Choose the No
patient assigned button.
3. Choose the Validate or Rerun button as
required.
You can set up the analyzer to automatically
accept all results or to exclude results from
automatic validation if they have certain data
alarms associated with them. You can also choose
to validate all results manually.
9 Printing or exporting To print selected or all results, choose Routine
selected or all results > Manage test results.
5 Operation

1. In the result list, select the check box of all results

that you want to print or save to a PDF file.
2. Choose the Report button.
3. Choose whether to print the results or save them
to a file.
4. Choose the Yes button.

y Short guide for performing tests

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Short guide to routine testing 151

Step Task Procedure

10 Printing or exporting the To print the results of selected patients, choose
results of selected patients Routine > Manage patients.
1. In the patient list, select the check box of all
patients whose results you want to print or save to
a PDF file.
2. Choose the Report button.
3. Choose whether to print the results or save them
to a file.
4. Define which results you want to print.
5. Choose the Yes button.
11 Clearing the output buffer 1. Remove the rack tray and replace it with an empty
one.

12 Performing end of shift If the next shift does not follow immediately after,
maintenance and shutting perform the following tasks:
down the analyzer 1. Archive the results according to your laboratory
procedures, if required.
2. Empty the liquid and solid waste containers.
3. Perform the daily wash action and shut down the
system.
4. Clean the input and output buffers.
5. Clean the rack conveyors.
6. Clean the test strip tray, test strip transporter, and
the test strip pipetting area.
7. Clean the probe bend detector.
8. Remove spills and soiling from the analyzer
housing.
y Short guide for performing tests

5 Operation

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
152 Routine operating tasks

Routine operating tasks

The following sections describe in detail the various tasks
you need to perform during routine operation.

In this section
Starting the analyzer (152)
Logging on (153)
Preparing the analyzer (154)
Managing sample sequence numbers (155)
Defining orders (157)
Loading racks (160)
Starting the testing process (165)
Checking the status of processing (167)

Starting the analyzer

Before you start the analyzer, ensure that the following
preconditions are met:
• The analyzer is properly connected to the mains
electricity.
• All covers are closed.

r To start the analyzer

1
1 Power on the analyzer.
5 Operation

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Routine operating tasks 153

2
2 The analyzer software starts automatically. Performing
all the initialization and check procedures can take a
few minutes. During this process the Overview work
area is displayed.

Logging on
Results are always associated with the name of the
person who operated the analyzer at the time when the
test was performed. (This may be a legal requirement for
storing results.) Therefore, an operator must be logged on
to perform tests.

r To log on

1 In the global information area, choose Log on.

f A dialog box for entering the user name and
password is displayed.

2 Enter your user name and password.

q Note that both user name and password are case

sensitive, this means for example that Operator and
operator are two different names.
o When you log on for the first time, you may have to
change your password. (Whether this is the case
depends on how the system is set up.)
u Changing the password (235)
5 Operation

3 Choose the Log on button.

f Your name is displayed in the global information
area.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
154 Routine operating tasks

Preparing the analyzer

The preparation tasks ensure trouble-free uninterrupted
processing.

q Roche recommends emptying the corresponding

waste container whenever you refill supplies.

r To prepare the analyzer for test

processing

1
1 On the Overview work area, check that there are no
red or orange buttons in the task list.

2 Address the issues of all red or orange entries in the

task list.

q Typical tasks that need doing are emptying waste

containers and filling up consumables, and
performing QC.
u Checking the status of the system (193)

3 CAUTION! Sample mismatch due to pending sample

orders
Having pending sample orders in the order list may
lead to sample mismatch.
Delete any pending sample orders from the order list
before starting the measurement.
3 On the Overview work area, check that there are no
pending sample orders in the task list.
• To delete pending sample orders, choose Routine
> Manage sample orders and delete them from
the order list.

4 Choose Monitoring > Manage supplies.

5 Check the fill level of the liquid containers (water,

liquid waste).
5 Operation

• Choose an entry in the list and check the number

of tests that can still be performed.
• To refill the water container, choose System
water > Fill water container.
• To empty the liquid waste container, choose
Liquid waste > Empty liquid waste container.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Routine operating tasks 155

6 CAUTION! Incorrect results due to high ambient

humidity
Excessive ambient humidity may influence the
chemical reactions of test strips and lead to incorrect
results.
Do not store test strip cassettes in their protective
packaging once the latter was opened.
After removing them from their protective packaging,
always load the test strip cassettes in the test strip
cassette compartment within the time defined in the
cobas u pack Method Sheet.
6 Choose Test Strip and check the number of available
tests that can still be performed. Ensure that you have
a new test strip cassette available to replace the
installed one when it is empty.

7 CAUTION! Loss of results due to resetting the sample

sequence number
If you reset the sample sequence number counter, all
associated results are deleted.
Only reset the sample sequence number if you do no
longer need the results.
7 If you work with Sample sequence number mode,
Roche recommends to reset the counter at the
beginning of the day:
• Choose Routine > Manage sample sequence
numbers.
• Choose the Edit button.
• In the Next Sequence No. area, choose the
Reset button for both the routine and STAT
samples.
The first number to be used will be the lowest
number in the sample sequence number range
that is defined.
• Choose the Save button.

u Related topics
• Defining the sample sequence number ranges (156)

Managing sample sequence numbers

5 Operation

In this section
Defining the sample sequence number ranges (156)
Defining the next sample sequence number to be
used (157)

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
156 Routine operating tasks

Defining the sample sequence number ranges

You can either work with barcodes on sample tubes for
sample identification or you can use the Sample
sequence number mode.

The sample sequence number that will be used next is

displayed on the Overview tab.

To work with Sample sequence number mode, the

following needs to be set up:
• The analyzer works in Sample sequence number
mode.
u Defining how the sample IDs are generated (254)
• Ranges for sample sequence numbers are defined for
routine and STAT samples.
u To define the sample sequence number ranges (156)

• The counters for the sample sequence numbers are

reset to ensure sufficient available numbers.

r To define the sample sequence

number ranges
1 Choose Routine > Manage sample sequence
numbers.

2 Choose the Edit button.

5 Operation

3 Enter the lower and upper limits of the sample

sequence number range for both the routine and the
STAT samples.
I The ranges typically contain enough numbers to
cover one day’s number of tests.

4 Choose the Save button.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Routine operating tasks 157

Defining the next sample sequence number to be used

The procedure is the same for routine and STAT samples.

r To define the next sample sequence

number to be used
1 Choose Routine > Manage sample sequence
numbers.

2 Choose the Edit button.

3 To re-start the counter with the lower limit of the

range, choose the Reset button.
f All results are deleted.

4 To use a specific sample sequence number as the

next number to use, enter a number from within the
defined range.
f This number will be the next sample sequence
number to be used.

q What happens to already used numbers?

If you enter a number lower than the next free sample
sequence number, the results of the numbers greater
than the one you entered are deleted. For example:
The next number would be 150 and you enter 140, the
results for numbers 140 to 149 are deleted.
If you enter a number higher than the next free
sample sequence number, the numbers between are
blocked. For example: The next number would be 150
and you enter 160, numbers 150 to 159 are blocked
and cannot be used.

5 Choose the Save button.

Defining orders
5 Operation

In this section
Defining orders (158)
Defining an order manually when working with Sample
sequence number mode (159)

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
158 Routine operating tasks

Defining orders
The system is basically designed to operate with rack and
sample barcodes. The orders are generated automatically
on the basis of the barcode information.

You can also use the analyzer without sample barcodes

and use sample sequence numbers for identifying
samples.

If you work with a laboratory information system (LIS), the

order is downloaded as soon as a sample barcode is read,
if you do not work with a LIS the analyzer automatically
generates the order.

q When working with a host system, non-ASCII

characters are converted to spaces. Therefore, if you work
with a host system, only use standard ASCII characters.

u To define how the sample IDs are generated (254)

When working with Sample sequence number If you work with Sample sequence number mode, the
mode number is assigned when the tube is on the
measurement position.

! WARNING
Incorrect results due to sample mismatch when
working without sample barcodes
When working with Sample sequence number mode, it
is up to the operating staff to ensure that the sample
placement on the racks matches the definitions in the
orders.
If the rack number, rack position and sample ID of the
order do not agree with the actual racks and positions,
the results may not be associated with the correct patient
by the medical personnel.
r When working without sample barcodes, be sure to
load the samples according to the definitions in the
orders.
r Avoid empty positions within the racks. Do not place
non-registered samples in any empty rack position.
r When manually assigning rack positions, ensure the
5 Operation

position is not already assigned.

r Always follow strictly the rules and regulations for
sample preparation and handling that apply to your
facility.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Routine operating tasks 159

r To define orders automatically when

working with Sample sequence
number mode
1 WARNING! Sample mismatch due to inappropriate
sample loading
Do not place a routine sample rack on the priority
input slot if there are already routine sample racks on
the input buffer.
1 Place the sample tubes on an appropriate rack in the
order that agrees with your order sheets.

2 Place the rack on the analyzer.

I If it is a priority rack, place it on the priority rack
slot.
f The rack barcode is scanned, the sample
sequence number is assigned to each sample
when it is on the measuring position, and the
orders are automatically defined, using the test
profile and validation rules that are currently
defined for the analyzer.

Defining an order manually when working with Sample sequence number

mode

r To define an order manually when

working with Sample sequence
number mode
1 Choose Routine > Manage sample orders.
f The samples list is displayed.

2 Choose the Create button.

3 Enter the rack ID.

I You find the 4 digit ID above the rack barcode.

4 Enter the rack position.

5 Operation

5 Enter a comment, if required.

6 If you work with patient demographics choose the No

patient assigned button to (if necessary define and)
assign a patient to the order.
• Select a patient and choose the Assign button.
• Choose the Create button and fill in the patient
demographics, then choose the Assign button.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
160 Routine operating tasks

7 Check whether the test profile is correct, if required

choose a different profile from the Test profile drop-
down list.

8 In the detail panel, choose the Save button.

f The order is now defined.

9 To process the order, place the rack with the sample

tube on the correct position on the analyzer.
I If it is a priority rack, place it on the priority rack
slot.

u Related topics
• Managing patients (190)

Loading racks
In this section
About loading racks (160)
Priority racks (163)

About loading racks

! CAUTION
Personal injury due to contact with moving parts
Racks are moved automatically on the input buffer by the
rack pusher. If you place your hands or fingers on the
buffer while racks are moved you may get your fingers
caught.
r Do not place your hands on the input buffer or the
racks while testing is in progress.

NOTICE
Impaired tube content level detection due to metal
objects on tubes
Metal objects attached to tubes can impair the
5 Operation

functioning of the liquid level detection mechanism.

r Do not attach any materials to tubes other than
barcodes.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Routine operating tasks 161

NOTICE
Stand-alone operation
Malfunction and analyzer damage due to
obstructions
Placing objects on the rack tray or the input buffer may
cause rack jamming and malfunction when moving the
racks.
Placing racks or a rack tray on the input buffer when the
rack pusher is not in its resting position may cause rack
jamming and malfunction.
r Ensure that the rack trays and the input buffer are
always free of any foreign objects.
r Do not load racks or rack trays when the rack pusher
is not in its resting position.

q If you work with an input connection unit, rack

loading is done automatically.

A B C D

A Priority rack slot C Single rack slot

B Rack tray D Rack pusher in resting position

w Rack loading with input buffer

You have several options for loading racks:

• You can load a rack tray with racks on the buffer (B).
5 Operation

• You can place a single rack on the single rack slot (C).
• You can place a single rack on the priority rack slot
(A).

In all cases, the analyzer automatically registers that a

rack is present and proceeds to process the rack on the
priority rack slot or the one nearest to it.

Ensure that the sample barcodes point towards that long

side of the rack where the rack barcode is affixed.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
162 Routine operating tasks

w Samples on a rack

Operation with input connection unit The racks are automatically fed onto the rack conveyor
belt of the input connection unit (A) by the rack conveyor
belt on the connection line (B).

A Rack conveyor belt of the input connection unit B Rack conveyor belt of the connection line

w Rack loading with an input connection unit

5 Operation

u Related topics
• Racks (79)

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Routine operating tasks 163

Priority racks
Any rack that is placed on the priority rack slot is treated
as a priority rack.

Ensure that the rack barcode faces you and that sample
barcodes point towards that long side of the rack where
the rack barcode is affixed.

! WARNING
Incorrect results due to sample mismatch when
loading samples on the wrong rack
If you work with Sample sequence number mode and
place a STAT sample on a routine rack, the next routine
sample sequence number is assigned to this STAT
sample and the sample is processed as a routine sample
and not a STAT sample. Equally, if you place a routine
sample on a STAT rack, the next STAT sample sequence
number is assigned to this routine sample and the sample
is processed as a STAT sample and not a routine sample.
r Make sure you place every sample on the appropriate
rack.

NOTICE
Stand-alone operation
Malfunction and analyzer damage due to
inappropriate rack loading
Loading a rack on the priority rack slot while the rack
conveyor belt of this slot is moving or when the rack
pusher is not in its resting position may cause
malfunction of the instrument.
r Do not load a rack on the priority rack slot while the
rack conveyor belt is moving.
r Do not load a rack on the priority rack slot if the rack
pusher is not in its resting position.

Priority racks are loaded on the priority rack slot (A).

5 Operation

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
164 Routine operating tasks

w Priority rack slot

Processing of the priority rack starts as soon as all

samples of the rack are processed that is currently on the
rack conveyor.
u Loading a priority rack (166)

Operation with input connection unit Priority racks are loaded on the rack conveyor belt of the
input connection unit (A).

B
5 Operation

A Rack conveyor belt of the input connection unit B Rack conveyor belt of the connection line

w Rack loading with an input connection unit

u To load a priority rack when working with an

LAS (167)

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Routine operating tasks 165

Starting the testing process

In this section
Starting sample testing (165)
Loading a priority rack (166)

Starting sample testing

! CAUTION
Sample mismatch due to pending sample orders
Having pending sample orders in the order list may lead
to sample mismatch.
r Delete any pending sample orders from the order list
before starting the measurement.

q Sample barcode could not be read

If a sample barcode cannot be read, the analyzer
automatically defines an order using a generated sample
ID and the default test profile. The samples on the rack
whose barcodes could be read will be processed as
normal.
If you work with a laboratory information system, results
of samples whose barcode could not be read are not
transmitted to the host computer.
To identify results whose sample barcode could not be
read, check the message list and in the result list, check
for and for unusual sample IDs.
If you work with Sample sequence number mode, the
next sample sequence number is assigned to the sample
when the tube is on the measuring position.
u Non-routine situations (183)

r To start sample testing

1 Start sample testing:

5 Operation

• Place the rack on the input buffer.

f Processing starts automatically.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
166 Routine operating tasks

Loading a priority rack

! CAUTION
Personal injury due to contact with moving parts
Racks are moved automatically on the input buffer by the
rack pusher. If you place your hands or fingers on the
input buffer while racks are moved you may get your
fingers caught.
r Do not place your hands on the input buffer or the
racks while the analyzer moves racks.
r Do not load racks while the analyzer moves racks on
the input buffer.

NOTICE
Malfunction and analyzer damage due to
inappropriate rack loading
Loading a rack on the priority rack slot while the rack
conveyor belt of this slot is moving or when the rack
pusher is not in its resting position may cause
malfunction of the instrument.
r Do not load a rack on the priority rack slot while the
rack conveyor belt is moving.
r Do not load a rack on the priority rack slot if the rack
pusher is not in its resting position.

q You can load priority racks any time, as long as the

analyzer is not in the process of moving racks on the
input buffer.

q If you work with Sample sequence number mode,

the next STAT sample sequence number is assigned to
the sample when the tube is on the measuring position,
provided you use an assigned STAT rack.

r To load a priority rack

5 Operation

1 Place the rack on the priority rack slot. Ensure that the
barcodes face towards the back of the analyzer.
f Processing starts automatically.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Routine operating tasks 167

r To load a priority rack when working

with an LAS
1 On the Overview work area, choose the Priority rack
button.
f A callout is displayed, asking you to wait until the
current operation is finished.

2 When the message on the callout asks you to do so,

place the priority rack on the rack conveyor belt of the
input connection unit.
f When the rack is placed, the callout disappears
and processing starts automatically.

Checking the status of processing

The analyzer constantly monitors the status of its
hardware and software components, and it tracks the
progress of the testing activities.

The starting point for checking the analyzer status is the

task list. The following table provides an overview of the
various possibilities that are open to you.
u Checking the status of the system (193)

Task list Tab or panel Key status elements

Message list Red Immediate user intervention is
required.
Orange Earliest possible user
intervention is required.
Gray Information about ongoing
tasks. If operator intervention is
required, perform it.
Light gray There are no messages. No
operator intervention is
required.
y Checking the operation status
5 Operation

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
168 Routine operating tasks

Task list Tab or panel Key status elements

Manage supplies Error All analyzer activities have
stopped. An exceptional
hardware situation has
occurred, for example a
connector is unplugged.
Alarm All analyzer activities have
stopped. The situation can be
resolved by user intervention, for
example by refilling some
consumable.
Warning Operator intervention is
required as soon as possible,
otherwise processing may stop,
for example because the system
water level is getting low.
OK Everything is fine. No
intervention is required.
Order list Pending, measurement has not
started yet.

The order is being processed.

An error occurred during

measurement, no result was
generated. (Check the Status
information in the detail panel.
The associated message will
give you more detailed
information, you may need to
rerun the test.)(1)(2)
Order for routine sample testing.

Order for STAT sample testing.

Order for QC testing.

y Checking the operation status

5 Operation

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Routine operating tasks 169

Task list Tab or panel Key status elements

Result list
The order is being processed.

Ready for validation.

Validated.

Validated and successfully sent

to the host computer.

An error occurred during

measurement, no result was
generated. (Check for messages
in the message list, you may
need to rerun the test.)(1)(2)
Result cannot be validated. User
intervention is required, check
its status.
Not applicable. No
measurement is required on this
analyzer.
y Checking the operation status
(1) If more than one erroneous event has occurred that would trigger the error symbol, the associated message describes the event that occurred
first.
(2) In some cases, an erroneous event has to occur three times before the measurement is stopped. The error symbol is displayed after the first
occurrence of such an event.

q When all tests of an order have successfully been

performed the order is deleted from the orders list.

r To check the status of order

processing
1 Choose Routine > Manage sample orders.

2 Choose a view if required or use the search function

to find a particular order or group of orders.
5 Operation

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
170 Routine operating tasks

3
3 Display the complete orders list and check the status
indicators.

4
4 If there are errors:
• Choose the entry in the main panel.
• Choose the Status field in the detail panel.
f The message details are displayed.
5 Operation

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Result handling 171

Result handling
! CAUTION
Data loss due to failure of performing regular data
backup
The analyzer has limited storage space for results (for up
to 10 000 test results, depending on the system setup,
and for 300 each for QC, photometer calibration, and
measuring cell calibration.
Depending on the analyzer setup, when these limits are
reached, the oldest results may automatically be
overwritten or testing may stop.
r Periodically back up the database to an external
storage device and export the results.

u Managing the result storage capacity (288)

In this section
Viewing results (171)
Validating results (172)
Managing invalid SG results (176)
Assigning patients (178)
Generating reports (179)

Viewing results
Results are displayed in a dedicated panel, both overview
and detail displays are available. Exactly which results are
displayed can be defined with the help of so-called views
or the text filter.

r To view test results

1 Choose Routine > Manage test results.

2 To determine which results should be listed, select a

5 Operation

view from the drop-down list.

3 To find the results of a certain sample ID or ID range,

enter the ID or part of it in the Search field and
choose .

4 In the main panel, choose the sample whose results

you are interested in.
f The result is displayed in the detail panel.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
172 Result handling

5 To view the associated sample information, choose

the sample button at the top of the panel.

6 If rules were applied to a result, choose the Show

rules button to see exactly which.

Validating results
All results need to be validated, the analyzer provides
several aids for doing so:
• You can set up the analyzer to automatically accept all
results or to exclude results from automatic validation
if they have certain data alarms associated with them.
You can also choose to validate all results manually.
u Defining the validation method (250)

q If you work with a laboratory information system,

validated results are automatically sent to the host
computer.

• In the result list, results that have a data alarm

associated with them are marked with in the
column.
• If you work with Sample sequence number mode,
the sample IDs for routine test results are marked with
an “N” preceding the sample sequence number, and
“E” for STAT test results.
• In the result list, a yellow background in a Sample
ID field indicates that the SG parameter did not yield a
valid result.
• In the result details, the results are color coded to
indicate whether the values are normal ( green),
low pathological ( yellow) or pathological ( red).
• A red background with a dash in the SG result field
indicates that the SG parameter did not yield a valid
result.
• You can print the results and save them in PDF format.
• You can export the results in CSV format and process
them on an external computer.
5 Operation

The examination of the results may lead to further

activities.
u Rerunning tests (184)
u Managing invalid SG results (176)
u Generating reports (179)
u Non-routine situations (183)

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Result handling 173

If you work with patient demographics, you need to

assign the patients to the results.
u Assigning patients (178)

Progress statuses
The order is being processed.

Ready for validation.

Validated.

Validated and successfully sent to host computer.

An error occurred during measurement, no result

was generated. (Check for messages in the message
list, you may need to rerun the test.)

Result cannot be validated. User intervention is

required, check its status.

Data alarms
No data alarm was generated.

! SG result was manually edited.

A Abnormal result.

Cp Calibration. The measuring cell calibration results

were no longer valid when the result was generated.

Cs Calibration. The photometer calibration results were

no longer valid when the result was generated.

H High temperature. The upper temperature limit has

been exceeded.

K The color ranges for the COL parameter were

changed.

L Lysed erythrocytes were detected for concentrations

≤50 ERY/μL. (The software cannot reliably identify
hemolyzed erythrocytes in concentrations
>50 ERY/μL.)

N The SG parameter did not yield a valid result.

(If you work with automatic validation and a LIS, the
5 Operation

validated results of the other parameters are sent to

the host as usual.)

O Parameter is out of range.

P u 601 reduced test profile.

Q Invalid QC. QC failed or QC material has expired.

R Test strip cassette onboard stability has expired.

S Sieve result.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
174 Result handling

T Trace result. Borderline or "soft positive" result.

X A cross-check rule has been triggered.

# A Roche Service representative did not cancel a

service or troubleshooting function, and it can only
be canceled by a Roche Service representative. All
results have this data alarm and the validity of these
results cannot be guaranteed. (For example, expired
materials may have been used).
If you find this data alarm, contact your Roche
Service representative immediately.

r To validate a result

1 Choose Routine > Manage test results.

2
2 From the Views drop-down list, choose Unvalidated
results.
f All results that have not been validate are listed.
f If your analyzer is connected to a LIS, all validated
results are automatically sent to the host computer
and would not be displayed in the result list.
f Results for which a data alarm was generated are
marked with in the column.
f In the column, the progress status is indicated.

q For more information on progress statuses, see

the following section:
u Progress statuses (173)

3 In the result list, check for visual cues and unusual

sample IDs.
• indicates that the result cannot be validated.
User intervention is required, check its status. The
status for these results is Action required.
See step 5.
• If you work with Sample sequence number
mode, the sample IDs for routine test results are
marked with an “N” preceding the sample
sequence number, and “E” for STAT test results.
5 Operation

• In the result list, a yellow background in a

Sample ID field indicates that the SG parameter
did not yield a valid result.
• A red background with a dash in the SG result
field indicates that the specific gravity did not yield
a valid result.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Result handling 175

q In cases where the sample barcode could not be

read, you must define the sample ID as defined in the
barcode before you can validate the result.
u Adjusting sample information (188)

4
4 In the main panel, check for entries with a symbol
and choose one.
I The results are displayed in the detail panel.

5
5 Observe the status information in the detail panel.

q The Action required status may have the one of

the following reasons:
o The barcode could not be read. You need to enter
the correct barcode information manually.
o There already exists an order for this result. Delete
the order or rerun the test.
u Non-routine situations (183)
Rerunning tests (184)

6 Check for data alarms in the column.

q For more information on data alarms, see the

following section:
u Data alarms (173)

7 Check the Information column.

q Whether there is an Information column

5 Operation

depends on the measurement units you work with.

For more information, see:
u Defining the units in which results are displayed and
reported (249)

8 To add a comment, choose the Edit button in the

detail panel.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
176 Result handling

9 When you have entered the comment, choose the

Save button.

10 If there is an X entry in the column, a rule was

triggered and the Show rules button would be
available. Choose the Show rules button to see which
rules were triggered.

11
11 To validate the result, choose the Validate button.
f Accepted (validated) results are marked with in
the status column in the result list.

12 To manually send validated results, select them in the

results list and choose the Send button.

q If you work with a laboratory information system,

validated results are automatically transmitted to the
host computer.
Validated results that were successfully sent to the
host computer are marked with the symbol.

Managing invalid SG results

If the sample is very turbid, no SG results can be
generated. In such cases, you can measure SG using a
standard refractometer or a dedicated test strip and enter
the result manually on the analyzer.

To be able to deal with invalid SG results, the analyzer

must be set up not to automatically validate results with
invalid SG results. There is a validation rule for this
purpose.
u Defining the validation method (250)

r To identify samples with an invalid SG

result
1 On the analyzer, choose Routine > Manage test
5 Operation

results.

2 Choose the SG invalid view.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Result handling 177

3
3 In the main panel, choose the entry of a sample with
an invalid SG, it is marked yellow .

4 In the detail panel, choose the sample button at the

top of the panel.

5
5 In the detail panel, note the rack ID and sample
position.
f You can now measure SG for this sample
manually.

r To manually enter the SG result

1 Measure the SG using a refractometer or a dedicated

strip.

2 On the analyzer, choose Routine > Manage test

results.

3 Choose the SG invalid view.

5 Operation

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
178 Result handling

4
4 In the main panel, choose the entry of the sample
whose SG you just have measured.

5 In the detail panel, choose the sample button at the

top of the panel.

6
6 In the detail panel of the result details screen, choose
the Edit button.

7 In the SG field, enter the result.

I You can enter values in the range of 1.000 to 1.050.

8 Choose the Save button.

9 In the main panel of the result details screen, choose

the Validate button.

Assigning patients
You typically use patient demographics if you want to
generate a patient report for the physician.
u Managing patients (190)
u Generating reports (179)

q If the patient data is sent from the host to the

analyzer, then the patient data cannot be changed on the
analyzer. You can view and delete patient data.
5 Operation

r To assign a patient to a result

1 Choose Routine > Manage test results.

2 In the result list, choose the result to which you want

to assign a patient.
f The result details are displayed in the detail panel.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Result handling 179

3 In the detail panel, choose the No patient assigned

button.
f A list of defined patients is displayed.
f If there is already a patient assigned and you want
to change it, choose the button containing the
patient name instead of No patient assigned,
then proceed as described below.

4 Select the patient by selecting the check box next to

its name.
I To unassign a patient, clear the check box.

5 Choose the Assign button.

f The result list is displayed again, and the patient is
indicated in the detail panel.

Generating reports
You can print selected results or save them to a file in
PDF format. You can also export the results in the
character separated values (CSV) data format for
reporting purposes or for processing in a spreadsheet
program.
u To export all results (289)

Result report To print or save to file results of certain samples, you can
filter and select results in the result list.
u To print results (result report) (180)
To save results to files (result report) (180)

Patient report To print or save to file results of certain patients, you can
select the patients in the patient list and then choose
which results of these patients you want to report.
u To print results (patient report) (180)
To save results to files (patient report) (181)

The analyzer can be connected to a network or directly to

a printer.
u Defining the look, content, and handling of
5 Operation

reports (270)

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
180 Result handling

r To print results (result report)

1 Choose Routine > Manage test results.

2 Select the results that you want to print.

q Use the View or Search function if required and

select one or several samples.
u About filtering table information (130)

3 Choose the Report button.

f A callout is displayed.

4 From the Output mode drop-down list, choose Print

to print the results on your default printer.

5 Choose the Yes button.

f The results are printed.

r To print results (patient report)

1 Choose Routine > Manage patients.

2 Select the patients whose results you want to print.

q Select one, several or all check boxes.

u About filtering table information (130)

3 Choose the Report button.

f A callout is displayed.

4 Select one of the Result selection options.

5 From the Output mode drop-down list, choose Print

to print the results on your default printer.

6 Choose the Yes button.

f The results are printed.
5 Operation

r To save results to files (result report)

1 Choose Routine > Manage test results.

2 Select the results that you want to export.

q Use the View or Search function if required and

select one or several samples.
u About filtering table information (130)

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Result handling 181

3 Choose the Report button.

f A callout is displayed.

4 Using the Output mode drop-down list, define where

the results should be saved to.
• To save the results in a file in PDF format, choose
Export to PDF.
• If you want to save the data to a location other
than the default location, choose the Select
button and define the file location. (This can either
be a USB storage device connected with the USB
port, preferably on the front of the instrument, or a
mapped network path.)

q For information on the USB port location, see the

following illustration:
u Main components (63)

5 Choose the Yes button.

f The results are saved to files.

r To save results to files (patient

report)
1 Choose Routine > Manage patients.

2 Select the patients whose results you want to print.

q Select one, several or all check boxes.

u About filtering table information (130)

3 Choose the Report button.

f A callout is displayed.

4 Select one of the Result selection options.

5 Using the Output mode drop-down list, define where

the results should be saved to.
• To save the results in a file in PDF format, choose
Export to PDF.
5 Operation

• If you want to save the data to a location other

than the default location, choose the Select
button and define the file location. (This can either
be a USB storage device connected with the USB
port, preferably on the front of the instrument, or a
mapped network path.)

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
182 Result handling

q For information on the USB port location, see the

following illustration:
u Main components (63)

6 Choose the Yes button.

f The results are saved to files.
5 Operation

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Non-routine situations 183

Non-routine situations
The examination of the results and the messages in the
message list may point to one of the following situations.

Situation Possible tasks See …

Questionable result Rerun the test. u Rerunning tests (184)
Perform maintenance actions as indicated
in a message in the message list and then
rerun the test.
Sample barcode could not be read If a normal result was generated: u Adjusting sample information (188)
o Select the result and correct the sample
ID before you validate the result.
If a normal result was generated and you
work with a LIS:
o Obtain the correct order information
from the LIS or someone with access to
the LIS.
o Select the result, correct the order
information and add a comment before
you validate the result.

q Note that such results are only

transmitted to the host if the sample and
order information agrees with the
information of the LIS order.

o If the test that was performed does not u Rerunning tests (184)
agree with the one defined in the LIS
order, rerun the test.
If a questionable result was generated: u Rerunning tests (184)
o Rerun the test using the Rerun
function.
If no result was generated: u Rerunning tests when working with
o Adjust the order information and reload sample barcodes (184)
the sample.
o Make sure you are using a type of rack u Adjusting sample information (188)
that is recommended by Roche. u Tubes (78)
Rack barcode could not be read 1. Remove the rack from the output buffer.
2. Check the barcode for soiling, clean it.
If you could clean it, reload the rack.
3. If the barcode looks damaged, transfer
the tubes to another rack and load the
new rack.
y Exceptional processing situations
5 Operation

In this section
Rerunning tests (184)
Adjusting sample information (188)

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
184 Non-routine situations

Rerunning tests
You would typically rerun a test if no result could be
generated or if you want to retest the sample with a
different test profile.

q To rerun a test that yielded a result you use the

Rerun function. To rerun a test that did not yield a result,
you need to re-define the associated order first.
(If you work with sample barcodes and rerun a test for a
sample using the same barcode, the second result
overwrites the first result, provided it has not been
validated yet.)

In this section
Rerunning tests when working with sample
barcodes (184)
Rerunning tests when working with Sample sequence
number mode (185)

Rerunning tests when working with sample barcodes

q You can rerun a test as long as its results have not

been validated.

Situation before rerun What you need to do What the analyzer does
The test has yielded a result. o Choose Routine > Manage test
results.
o From the result list, choose the result.
o Choose the Rerun button. A callout is displayed
o In the callout, choose the test profile, The new order is added to the orders list.
then choose the Create order button
o Place the sample tube on a rack, then The test is performed.
load the rack.
The test has not yielded a result. o Check the message in the message list. A message alerts you of the fact that no
result was generated.
The order is still on the analyzer.
o Choose Routine > Manage sample
order.
5 Operation

o In the main panel, choose the order.

o In the detail panel, choose the Edit
button.
o Choose the test profile, if required.
o Choose the Save button.
o Place the sample tube on a rack, then The test is performed.
load the rack.
y Rerunning tests when working with sample barcodes

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Non-routine situations 185

Situation before rerun What you need to do What the analyzer does
The sample yielded results and the o Make a note of the sample IDs of the The orders are no longer available in the
results are already validated samples you want to rerun. orders list.
o Choose Routine > Manage test
results.
o Delete the results of the samples you
want to rerun.
o Place the sample on the rack, then load The test is performed.
the rack.
If you want to change the test profile:
o Make a note of the sample IDs of the The orders are no longer available in the
samples you want to rerun. orders list.
o Choose Routine > Manage sample
orders.
o Choose the Create button.
o Enter the original sample ID.
o Choose the test profile, if required.
o Assign the patient, if required.
o Choose the Save button. The new order is created.
o Place the sample on the rack, then load The test is performed.
the rack.
y Rerunning tests when working with sample barcodes

Situation before rerun What you need to do What the analyzer does
The sample does not have a o Make a note of the sample IDs of the The orders are no longer available in the
barcode label, the test has yielded a samples you want to rerun. orders list.
result and the result has been o Choose Routine > Manage test
validated. results.
o Delete the results of the samples you
want to rerun.
o Choose Routine > Manage sample
order.
o Choose the Create button.
o Enter the original sample ID.
o Enter the rack ID.
o Enter the rack position.
o Choose the test profile, if required.
o Assign a patient, if required.
o Choose the Save button. A new order is created.
o Be sure to place the sample on the rack The test is performed.
and position as defined above, then
5 Operation

load the rack.

y Rerunning tests when there is no barcode label and there is an already validated result for the test

Rerunning tests when working with Sample sequence number mode

q You can rerun a test as long as its results have not

been validated.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
186 Non-routine situations

The following table lists a few typical situations and it

illustrates how the analyzer reacts in these situations and
what you need to do to rerun a test.

Situation before rerun What you need to do What the analyzer does
The test has yielded a result (not o Choose Routine > Manage test
validated) results.
o Select the result in question.
(You can select more than one result.)
o Choose the Rerun button. A callout is displayed.
o In the callout, choose the test profile, A new order is created.
then choose the Create order button. (If you selected more than one result, a new
order is created for each of them.)
o Choose Routine > Manage sample
orders.
o Select the order that was just created.
o In the detail panel, choose the Edit The original sample ID and the current date
button. and time are contained in the form.
(You cannot change this ID if you work with
Sample sequence number mode.)
o Enter the rack ID.
o Enter the rack position.
o Assign the patient, if required.
o Choose the Save button. The new order is created.
o Be sure to place the sample on the rack The test is performed.
and position as defined above, then
load the rack.
The test has not yielded a result o Choose Routine > Manage sample The order remains in the orders list.
orders.
o In the detail panel, choose the Edit The original sample ID and the current date
button. and time are contained in the form.
(You cannot change this ID if you work with
Sample sequence number mode.)
o Enter the rack ID.
o Enter the rack position.
o Choose the test profile, if required.
o Assign the patient, if required.
o Choose the Save button. The new order is created.
o Be sure to place the sample on the rack The test is performed.
and position as defined above, then
load the rack.
y Rerunning tests when working with Sample sequence number mode and without sample barcodes
5 Operation

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Non-routine situations 187

Situation before rerun What you need to do What the analyzer does
The sample yielded results and the o Make a note of the sample IDs of the The orders are no longer available in the
results are already validated samples you want to rerun. orders list.
o Choose Routine > Manage test
results.
o Delete the results of the samples you
want to rerun.
o Choose Routine > Manage sample
orders.
o Choose the Create button.
o Enter the rack ID.
o Enter the rack position.
o Choose the test profile, if required.
o Assign the patient, if required.
o Choose the Save button. The new order is created. It gets the next
free sequence number, the deleted
sequence number cannot be re-used.
o Be sure to place the sample on the rack The test is performed.
and position as defined above, then
load the rack.
The STAT sample was placed on a o Choose Routine > Manage test
routine rack results.
o Select the sample and choose the
Rerun button.
o Choose Routine > Manage sample
orders.
o Select the order and choose the Edit
button.
o Adjust the rack ID and the rack The STAT rack ID is entered.
position. Order type is set to STAT .
o Place the rack on the priority rack slot. The rack barcode is read and the sample is
processed.
The routine sample was placed on a o Choose Routine > Manage test
STAT rack results.
o Select the sample and choose the
Rerun button.
o Select the order and choose the Edit
button.
o Adjust the rack ID and the rack The routine rack ID is entered.
position. Order type is set to routine .
o Place the rack on the priority rack slot. The rack barcode is read and the sample is
processed.
y Rerunning tests when working with Sample sequence number mode and without sample barcodes
5 Operation

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
188 Non-routine situations

Situation before rerun What you need to do What the analyzer does
You detect a sample mismatch and Reset the sample sequence number and
need to rectify the situation. run all tests of the rack again.
o Choose Routine > Manage sample
sequence numbers.
o Choose the Edit button.
o As the Next sequence No., enter the If you enter a number lower than the next
lowest sample sequence number that free sample sequence number, the results
was used for samples on the rack. Enter of the numbers greater than the one you
it in either the Routine or STAT entry entered are deleted. For example: The next
field, as appropriate. free sample sequence number is 150 and
you enter 140, the results for numbers 140
to 149 are deleted.
If you enter a number higher than the next
free sample sequence number, the
numbers between are blocked. For
example: The next free sample sequence
number is 150 and you enter 160, numbers
150 to 159 are blocked and cannot be used.
o Choose the Save button.
o Place the tubes in the correct potions
on the rack.
o Load the rack. New sample sequence numbers are
assigned to the samples and the tests are
processed.
y Rectifying sample mismatch

Adjusting sample information

You typically need to adjust the sample information if the
sample barcode could not be read and the analyzer
generated a default sample ID.

This situation is indicated by the icon in the column

of the result list.

r To change the sample ID

1 Choose Routine > Manage test results.

5 Operation

2 Select the result for which you want to change the

sample ID.

3 At the top detail panel, choose the sample button.

4 In the detail panel, choose the Edit button.

5 In the Sample ID field, enter the new sample ID.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Non-routine situations 189

6 Choose the Save button.

5 Operation

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
190 Managing patients

Managing patients
Patient demographics can be defined separately or when
you assign patients. You can assign patients to results
and orders, and you can change patient demographics
later.

q If the patient data is sent from the host to the

analyzer, then the patient data cannot be changed on the
analyzer. You can view and delete patient data.

u Assigning patients (178)

r To define a new patient

1 Choose Routine > Manage patients.

2 Choose the Create button.

f In the detail panel the callout for entering
information is displayed for the first information
item that needs to be defined, i.e. the patient’s first
name.

3 Enter the first name and choose the Enter key.

f The virtual keyboard for entering the last name is
displayed.

4 Enter the last name and choose the Enter key.

f The calendar for defining the date of birth is
displayed.

5 Define the date of birth.

• From the year drop-down list, select the year.
• From the month drop-down list, select the month.
• In the calendar, select the day.
• Close the callout.

6 From the Gender drop-down list, choose the gender.

7 If you want to define the patient’s physician, select the

5 Operation

Ordering doctor field and in the virtual keyboard

enter the doctor’s name, then choose the Enter key.
f The callout for entering a comment is displayed.

8 Enter a comment, if required, then choose the Enter

key.

9 Choose the Save button.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Managing patients 191

r To change patient demographics

1 Choose Routine > Manage patients.

2 In the patient list, choose the patient name whose

data you want to change.

3 In the detail panel, choose the Edit button.

f You can now select the fields and change their
content.

4 Select a field whose content you want to change.

f The virtual keyboard is displayed.
f Enter the required information or choose it from
lists.

5 Change all fields that need changing in the same way.

6 Choose the Save button.

r To delete patient demographics

1 Choose Routine > Manage patients.

2 In the patient list, choose the patient name whose

data you want to delete.

3 Choose the Delete button.

4 On the callout, confirm the deletion.

f All data relating to this patient are deleted,
including its association with results.

5 Operation

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
192 Routine maintenance actions

Routine maintenance actions

In this section
About routine maintenance actions (192)
Checking the status of the system (193)
Washing the fluid system (197)
Air purge (198)
Filling the water container (199)
Emptying the liquid waste container (200)
Emptying the solid waste container (201)
Replacing the test strip cassette (202)

About routine maintenance actions

The following sections describe how to perform the
maintenance actions that you may have to perform during
routine testing.

NOTICE
Malfunction due to failure of performing due
maintenance actions
Failing to perform maintenance actions that are due may
impair the functioning of the analyzer.
r Always perform all maintenance actions as soon as
they become due.

NOTICE
Damage to the analyzer due to use of inappropriate
cleaning solution
Using inappropriate cleaning solutions may damage the
parts you cleaned.
r Only use recommended cleaning solutions.
u Cleaning solutions (113)
r Never use the wash solution for manually cleaning the
analyzer.
5 Operation

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Routine maintenance actions 193

These are the maintenance actions you routinely need to

perform:
u Checking the status of the system (193)
u Washing the fluid system (197)
u Air purge (198)
u Filling the water container (199)
u Emptying the liquid waste container (200)
u Emptying the solid waste container (201)
u Replacing the test strip cassette (202)

Checking the status of the system

The analyzer constantly monitors the status of its
hardware and software components, and it tracks the
progress of the testing activities. Various sensors and
counters allow the monitoring of fill levels and the
determination of dates when maintenance actions are
due.

To check for tasks that need doing you can use the
Tasks and Overview groups in the Overview work area.

w Task list in the Overview work area

5 Operation

In this section
Checking the status of order processing (194)
Checking for tasks that need doing (194)
Checking the current hardware status (195)
Checking the status of supplies (196)

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
194 Routine maintenance actions

Checking the status of order processing

r To check the status of order

processing
1 Follow the instructions in Checking the status of
processing (u 167).

Checking for tasks that need doing

r To check for tasks that need doing

1
1 Check the task indicator and the task list in the
Overview work area for red or orange items.

q The messages and tasks that are represented by

the buttons are grouped first by their analyzer, then by
their thematic category (supply, messages, orders,
results) and then their priority.
In the rightmost part of a task button, there is
indicated which panel will be displayed if you choose
it (message list or a panel for managing either the
supplies, the orders, or the results).

2 Choose a red or orange task button.

3 Deal with the issues.

• In the message list, choose a red or orange
message. In the detail panel a description of the
issue is displayed, together with possible causes
and remedies. If a wizard is available its button
would be displayed as well.
• In the supplies list, choose a task with a status
5 Operation

other than OK. (u 196)

• In the orders list, make the necessary adjustments.
(u 159)
• In the result list, check for unusual results. (u 171)

4 Deal with the issues until there is no red or orange

task button.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Routine maintenance actions 195

Checking the current hardware status

Color Meaning
Red There is at least one issue that requires
immediate operator attention. Operation may
have stopped.
Orange There is at least one issue that requires early
operator attention. Operation may otherwise
stop.
Light There are no current issues. The hardware
gray element works fine.

y Color coding for hardware elements

r To check the current hardware status

1
1 In the Overview work area, choose the analyzer in the
Overview illustration.
f A schematic representation of key hardware
elements is displayed.
f The color of the elements represents the severity of
the underlying issues.

q For more information on element colors, see the

following table:
u Color coding for hardware elements y (195)

2
2 In the analyzer overview, choose a colored element.
I A callout is displayed containing a description of
the issue and possibly a wizard button. The
described issue is the one with the highest priority.

3 Address the issues as described on screen.

5 Operation

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
196 Routine maintenance actions

Checking the status of supplies

Status Meaning
Error All analyzer activities have stopped. An exceptional
hardware situation has occurred, for example a
connector is unplugged.
Alarm All analyzer activities have stopped. The situation
can be resolved by user intervention, for example by
refilling some consumable.
Warning Operator intervention is required as soon as
possible, otherwise processing may stop, for
example when the system water level gets low.
OK Everything is fine. No intervention is required.
y List of statuses

r To check the status of supplies

1
1 Choose Monitoring > Manage supplies.
I In the Status column, the status is indicated.

q For more information on statuses, see the

following table:
u List of statuses y (196)

2 In the main panel, choose an item.

f In the detail panel, information such as fill levels
are displayed. If user intervention is required, a
wizard button is displayed at the bottom of the
detail panel.

3 Choose the wizard button at the bottom of the detail

panel to deal with the issue.
5 Operation

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Routine maintenance actions 197

Washing the fluid system

The fluid system must be washed daily with wash solution
to prevent proteinization and buildup of other pollutants
in the probe and the fluid system.

The fluid system is typically washed in the following

situations:
• As part of shutting down the system.
u Shutting down the analyzer (206)
• When a message in the message list indicates that
this action is due.

During the fluid system wash, the analyzer performs the

following actions:
1. The rack ID is scanned, the rack is recognized as a
wash rack.
2. Wash solution is aspirated.
3. The probe is lowered into the rinse station and
solution is pumped into the probe chamber.
4. The solution remains in the tubing, probe, and probe
chamber for a predefined amount of time to dissolve
any residues.
5. The wash solution is pumped into the liquid waste
container.
6. The whole fluid system is rinsed with water.

Wash racks q Be sure to use a defined wash rack. If you use a

different rack, the analyzer will treat the wash solution as
a normal sample and perform tests on it.

j m A wash rack is defined.

m Wash solution is available.
u To define a wash rack (276)
u Wash solution (113)

r To wash the fluid system

5 Operation

1 Prepare the wash rack.

• Fill a tube with at least 4 mL of wash solution and
place it on the wash rack.

2 Place the wash rack on the input buffer, if the wash

should be performed immediately, place it on the
priority rack slot.
f The wash action starts automatically.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
198 Routine maintenance actions

3 When the wash is complete, remove the wash rack

from the output buffer, dispose of the left-over wash
solution according to the relevant local regulations
and store the rack in its accustomed place.

r To wash the fluid system when

working with an LAS
1 Prepare the wash rack.
• Fill a tube with about 4 mL of wash solution and
place it on the wash rack.

2 On the Overview work area, choose the Priority rack

button.
f A callout is displayed, asking you to wait until the
current operation is finished.

3 When the message on the callout asks you to do so,

place the prepared wash rack on the rack conveyor
belt of the input connection unit.
f When the rack is placed, the callout disappears
and processing starts automatically.

4 When the wash is complete, remove the wash rack

from the output buffer, dispose of the left-over wash
solution according to the relevant local regulations
and store the rack in its accustomed place.

Air purge
Air purge is periodically performed to remove any
possible air pockets in the tubing. This is achieved by
pumping system water through the whole fluid system.
You may also need to perform this action as a result of a
message in the message list or as part of troubleshooting.
u To define how frequently automatic air purge is
performed see Defining the operating
environment (264).
5 Operation

q Air purge is normally performed automatically,

without operator intervention.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Routine maintenance actions 199

r To perform air purge

1 Start the air purge maintenance action.

• In the message list, choose the message that
indicates that air purge is due, then choose the
Perform air purge button in the detail panel.
• Choose Monitoring > Analyzer > u 601, then
choose the Perform air purge button.
f The maintenance action is started.

2 Wait until the system status changes to Idle.

Filling the water container

The fill level is continuously monitored and when the level
is getting low, a message is added to the message list.
When the water container is empty processing stops and
another message is added to the message list and an
acoustic signal sounded, if so configured.

q Roche recommends emptying the corresponding

liquid waste container whenever you refill a water
container.
u Emptying the liquid waste container (200)

! CAUTION
Incorrect results due to using unsuitable system
water
Using unsuitable system water may influence the
measured values and lead to incorrect results.
r Always use water of the specified quality:
u Water quality (112)

NOTICE
Analyzer damage due to using unsuitable system
water
5 Operation

Using unsuitable system water may cause proteinization

and buildup of other pollutants in the probe and the fluid
system.
r Always use water of the specified quality:
u Water quality (112)

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
200 Routine maintenance actions

! CAUTION
Incorrect results due to not using the wizard
Failing to use the Fill water container wizard when
refilling water may lead to air bubbles in the fluid system,
which may lead to incorrect pipetting and consequently
to incorrect results.
r Always use the Fill water container wizard when
refilling water.

r To refill a water container

1 Start the Fill water container wizard.

• In the message list, choose the message that
indicates that the water container needs filling,
then choose the Fill water container button in
the detail panel.
• Choose Monitoring > Manage supplies
> System water, then choose the Fill water
container button in the detail panel.
f The wizard is started.

2 Follow the on-screen instructions.

Emptying the liquid waste container

The analyzer monitors the fill level of the liquid waste
containers. When a certain fill level is reached a message
is added to the message list. Processing still continues as
normal, but you should empty the waste container as
soon as possible. When the container is full, processing
stops and another message is added to the message list.

r To empty a liquid waste container

1 Start the Empty liquid waste container wizard.

• In the message list, choose the message that
5 Operation

indicates that the liquid waste container needs

emptying, then choose the Empty liquid waste
container button in the detail panel.
• Choose Monitoring > Manage supplies
> Liquid waste, then choose the Empty liquid
waste container button in the detail panel.
I The wizard is started.

2 Follow the on-screen instructions.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Routine maintenance actions 201

Emptying the solid waste container

The analyzer monitors the fill level using counters. When
a certain fill level is reached a message is added to the
message list. Processing still continues as normal, but you
should empty the waste container as soon as possible.
When the container is full, processing stops and another
message is added to the message list.

NOTICE
Incorrect fill level indication and analyzer damage
due to re-insertion of non-empty waste container
Fill level monitoring is performed with the help of a
counter. When you confirm that you have emptied the
container, the counter is reset to zero.
If the solid waste container is full, test strips may get
stuck in the waste chute and interfere with the measuring
mechanism.
r Always empty the waste container before you confirm
its emptying and placing it on the analyzer again.

NOTICE
Incorrect counters due to not using the wizard
Failing to use the Empty solid waste container wizard
when emptying the solid waste may lead to incorrect
counters and consequently to inaccurate fill level
warnings. If the solid waste container is full, test strips
may get stuck in the waste chute and interfere with the
measuring mechanism.
r Always use the Empty solid waste container wizard
when emptying the solid waste.

! CAUTION
Personal injury due to touching internal mechanism
If the solid waste container is removed, parts of the rack
transport mechanism can be accessed from the opening
for the solid waste container. If you insert your hands
while the analyzer is processing, you may get your fingers
5 Operation

caught in the mechanism.

r Do not touch any internal mechanisms through the
opening for the solid waste container.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
202 Routine maintenance actions

r To empty a solid waste container

1 Start the Empty solid waste container wizard.

• In the message list, choose the message that
indicates that the solid waste container needs
emptying, then choose the Empty solid waste
container button in the detail panel.
• Choose Monitoring > Manage supplies > Solid
waste, then choose the Empty solid waste
container button in the detail panel.
f The wizard is started.

2 Follow the on-screen instructions.

Replacing the test strip cassette

When the number of test strips left in the cassette
reaches a certain low level, a message is added to the
message list. Processing still continues as normal, but you
should get ready a new test strip cassette. When there is
no test strip left in the cassette no further pipetting takes
place and a further message is added to the message list.

Test strip cassettes are equipped with RFID tags, which

contain the following information:
• Lot number
• Expiry date
• Load date
• Onboard stability
• Number of test strips left

q Roche recommends emptying the solid waste

container whenever you replace a test strip cassette.
u Emptying the solid waste container (201)
5 Operation

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Routine maintenance actions 203

! CAUTION
Incorrect results due to deteriorated test strip
quality
The test strip cassette compartment is designed to
maintain a constant low humidity. Exposing the test strip
cassette to the general laboratory environment air may
lead to rapid water uptake by the pads on the test strips
and so change their chemical characteristics, which may
lead to incorrect results.
r Always load the test strip cassette within 3 minutes
after removing it from its airtight packaging. Follow
the instructions given in the Instructions for Use.
r Do not open the test strip cassette compartment
unless you are going to replace the test strip cassette.
r Be sure to always close firmly the cassette
compartment door.

NOTICE
Test strip handling error due to touching of test
strips
Touching test strips may deform them and cause
handling problems.
r Do not touch test strips inside the test strip cassette.

NOTICE
Damage to test strips and test strip cassettes due to
inappropriate handling
Trying to force the test strip cassette into the test strip
cassette compartment may damage the test strips and
the test strip cassette.
r Do not force the test strip cassette into the
compartment. Be sure to align it properly and follow
the instructions given in the wizard.
r Do not shake or drop the test strip cassette.

r To replace the test strip cassette

5 Operation

1 Start the Exchange test strip cassette wizard.

• In the message list, choose the message that
indicates that the test strip cassette needs
replacing, then choose the Exchange test strip
cassette button in the detail panel.
• Choose Monitoring > Manage supplies > Test
strip, then choose the Exchange test strip
cassette button in the detail panel.
f The wizard is started.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
204 Routine maintenance actions

2 Follow the on-screen instructions.

5 Operation

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 At the end of the shift 205

At the end of the shift

The following sections describe the typical tasks you may
want to perform at the end of a work shift.

In this section
Logging off (205)
Shutting down the analyzer (206)
Keeping the analyzer clean (208)

Logging off
Only one user can be logged on the analyzer at any time.
You can log off any time, even while the analyzer is
processing tests.

q Relation between the user who is logged on

and orders and results
Generally, orders and their results are associated with the
operator who is logged on at the time of their generation
and processing (for auditing purposes).
o If the operator logs off during processing and nobody
else logs on, the assignments remain.
o If the operator logs off during processing and
somebody else logs on, the results of the tests that
were processing while logging off remain associated
with the previous operator, all remaining results will
be associated with the operator who just logged on.

q Automatic logging off

You can set up the analyzer to automatically log off the
current user after a predefined period of time of inactivity
on the analyzer.
u Defining the operating environment (264)
5 Operation

r To log off

1 Choose Overview > Log off.

f The Log on button is displayed in the global
information area.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
206 At the end of the shift

Shutting down the analyzer

! CAUTION
Loss of data due to using the power switch
Switching off the analyzer by pressing the on/off switch
or the power switch does not allow for an orderly
software shut-down and may lead to loss of data.
r Do not use the on/off switch or the power switch to
shut down the analyzer, instead use the Shut down
button on the Overview work area.

! CAUTION
Incorrect results due to using the on/off or the
power switch while processing tests
Switching off the analyzer while processing tests does not
allow for an orderly software shut-down and may lead to
incorrect results and to loss of data.
r Do not use the on/off switch or the power switch
while processing is going on.

In this section
Shutting down the analyzer (206)
Putting the analyzer into standby (207)
Switching off the power supply (208)

Shutting down the analyzer

Status indicator in the global information area

NOTICE
Possible analyzer damage due to using the on/off
switch
Using the on/off switch during shutdown may cause
hard-disk damage.
5 Operation

r Do not use the on/off switch during shutdown.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 At the end of the shift 207

r To shut down the analyzer

1 Ensure that the analyzer status in the global

information area is Idle.

2 On the Overview work area, choose the Shut down

button.
f A callout is displayed, asking you whether you
want to perform the daily wash maintenance
action.

3 If you want to perform the wash now, choose the Yes

button.
f A confirmation callout is displayed.

4 To perform the wash, do the following:

• Prepare the wash rack.
• Load the wash rack on the input buffer.
• On the callout, choose the Confirm button.
f The wash action starts.
f When the wash action is complete, the software is
shut down and the analyzer is switched off.

5 If you want to perform the wash later, choose the No

button.
f The software is shut down and the analyzer is
switched off.

Putting the analyzer into standby

q This function sets the analyzer in a state of minimal

power consumption.

r To put the analyzer into standby

1 Choose Overview > Stand by.

f The screen goes black.

q You can re-activate the analyzer by touching the

5 Operation

screen anywhere.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
208 At the end of the shift

Switching off the power supply

q Roche recommends to switch off the power supply if

you intend not to use the analyzer for some time or if you
want to relocate it.

r To switch off the power supply

1 Shut down the analyzer. (u 206)

2
2 Put the power switch at the back of the analyzer in the
A
off position .

A Control unit version 1 B Control unit version 2

Keeping the analyzer clean

In this section
5 Operation

About keeping the analyzer clean (209)

Cleaning the input and output buffers (210)
Cleaning the rack conveyors (211)
Cleaning the rack trays (211)
Cleaning the test strip tray and transporter (215)
Cleaning the probe bend detector (218)
Cleaning the test strip pipetting area (218)
Cleaning the analyzer housing and the input and output
buffers (219)

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 At the end of the shift 209

About keeping the analyzer clean

! CAUTION
Skin inflammation or injury caused by working
solutions
Direct contact with cleaning solutions or other working
solutions may cause skin irritation, inflammation, or
burns.
r If a cleaning solution or other working solution comes
into contact with your skin, wash it off immediately
with water and apply disinfectant. Consult a physician.

NOTICE
Damage to the analyzer due to use of inappropriate
cleaning solution
Using inappropriate cleaning solutions may damage the
parts you cleaned.
r Only use recommended cleaning solutions.
u Cleaning solutions (113)
r Never use the wash solution for manually cleaning the
analyzer.

NOTICE
Damage to the analyzer due to excessive liquid
Any liquid spilled on the analyzer may result in
malfunction or damage.
r Do not spray any liquid on any of the analyzer
surfaces.

5 Operation

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
210 At the end of the shift

q All the following cleaning tasks are performed with

the analyzer shut down and switched off.

To ensure trouble free operation of the system, Roche

recommends cleaning the following items and parts:
• Input and output buffer
u Cleaning the input and output buffers (210)
• Rack conveyors
u Cleaning the rack conveyors (211)
• Rack trays
u Cleaning the rack trays (211)
• Test strip tray and transporter
u Cleaning the test strip tray and transporter (215)
• Probe bend detector
u Cleaning the probe bend detector (218)
• Analyzer housing
u Cleaning the analyzer housing and the input and
output buffers (219)

Materials required • Paper towel

• Lint-free cotton swabs
• Cleaning solution
u Cleaning solutions (113)

Cleaning the input and output buffers

r To clean the input and output buffers

1 Remove all racks and rack trays from the buffers.

2 Wipe all surfaces of the buffers, including the rack

conveyors, using a paper towel moistened with
cleaning solution.

3 Remove all residual moisture from all surfaces of the

5 Operation

buffers, using a dry paper towel.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 At the end of the shift 211

Cleaning the rack conveyors

r To clean the rack conveyors

1
1 Wipe the rack conveyors near the input and output
buffers using a paper towel moistened with cleaning
solution.

2
2 Fold down the rack transport rail. Hold the rail at both
ends and pull it out firmly.

3 Wipe the rack conveyor using a paper towel

moistened with cleaning solution.

4 Fold up the rack transport rail. Hold the rail at both

ends and push it in firmly.

Cleaning the rack trays

! WARNING
Infection by samples and associated materials
Contact with samples containing material of human origin
may result in infection. All materials and mechanical
components associated with samples of human origin are
potentially biohazardous.
r If any biohazardous material is spilled on the rack tray
surface, wipe it up immediately and apply disinfectant.
5 Operation

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
212 At the end of the shift

! WARNING
Personal injury and infection due to the edges on
the rack tray’s center guide rail
The edges on the rack tray’s center guide rail may cause
personal injury and infection.
r Avoid contact with all edges, even when wearing lab
gloves.
r Wear personal protective equipment such as lab
gloves.
r Carefully observe all instructions given in this task.

r To clean the rack trays

1
1 Use personal protective equipment when cleaning the
rack tray.

A B C D
A Rail edge C Rail center
B Rail grove D Rack tray

2
2 Wipe the rail center in both directions with a cotton
swab moistened with cleaning solution.
• If there is sticking and crystallized dirt on the rack
tray, scrape it with a cotton swab.
5 Operation

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 At the end of the shift 213

3
3 Wipe the rail edge in both directions with a cotton
swab moistened with cleaning solution.
• If there is sticking and crystallized dirt on the rack
tray, scrape it with a cotton swab.

4
4 Wipe the rail groove in both directions with a cotton
swab moistened with cleaning solution.
• If there is sticking and crystallized dirt on the rack
tray, scrape it with a cotton swab.

5
5 Wipe the edges on the bottom of the rack tray in both
directions with a cotton swab moistened with cleaning
solution.
• If there is sticking and crystallized dirt on the rack
tray, scrape it with a cotton swab.

6
6 Wipe the surface of the rack tray, starting from the
center in both directions with an at least 10 mm thick
pile of lint-free cloth moistened with cleaning solution.
• Hold the rack tray with one hand, the pile of lint-
free cloth with your fingers, and wipe the surface
of the rack tray.
5 Operation

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
214 At the end of the shift

7
7 Wipe the rear surface of the rack tray, starting from
the center in both directions with an at least 10 mm
thick pile of lint-free cloth moistened with cleaning
solution.
• Hold the rack tray with one hand, the pile of lint-
free cloth with your fingers, and wipe the surface
of the rack tray.

8
8 Wipe the bottom surface of the rack tray, starting from
the center in both directions with an at least 10 mm
thick pile of lint-free cloth moistened with cleaning
solution.
• Hold the rack tray with one hand, the pile of lint-
free cloth with your fingers, and wipe the surface
of the rack tray.

9 Visually check the rack trays.

• Make sure that there is no textile remaining on the
rack tray.
• Make sure that there are no wet areas on the rack
tray.

10 NOTICE Only use supported rack trays.

10 Ensure that the rack tray is supported by the analyzer
before using.
5 Operation

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 At the end of the shift 215

Cleaning the test strip tray and transporter

Test strip tray (version 1)

Test strip transporter (version 1)

! WARNING
Malfunction, pipetting errors and incorrect results
due to using test strip tray and transporter (version
1) on different instruments
The test strip tray and transporter (version 1) are
guaranteed to work properly with the instrument they are
delivered with. (The test strip tray and transporter (version
1) are specifically calibrated to the instrument they are
installed on.)
Using a test tray and transporter (version 1) on a different
instrument may lead to malfunction, pipetting errors and
possibly to incorrect results.
r Do not use the test strip tray or transporter (version 1)
other than on the instrument they were originally
delivered with.

5 Operation

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
216 At the end of the shift

Test strip tray (version 2)

A Groove

Test strip transporter (version 2)

q The test strip tray and transporter (version 2) are

interchangeable and guaranteed to work properly with
instruments designed for version 2.
The test strip tray (version 2) is identifiable by a groove
and the test strip transporter (version 2) is identifiable by
a hook.

! WARNING
A
Incorrect results and malfunction due to damaged
test strip tray or transporter
A Hook
Incorrect handling, for example knocking or dropping,
may damage the test strip tray and test strip transporter.
r Handle the test strip tray and transporter with care.
r Make sure you do not drop the test strip tray or
transporter and place them gently when putting them
down.

q The test strip tray and transporter of version 1 can

be replaced by version 2 by your Roche Service
representative.
You can order the test strip tray and transporter of
version 2 as accessories.
5 Operation

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 At the end of the shift 217

r To clean the test strip tray and

transporter

1
1 Pull out the test strip transporter (A).
A B
2 Pull out the test strip tray (B).

3 Give the parts a thorough clean by washing them

using a commercial household detergent.

4 Wipe the test strip transporter and the test strip tray
using a paper trowel moistened with cleaning
solution.

5 Dry the test strip transporter and the test strip tray
using a dry paper towel.
I Leave the parts to dry completely.

A Test strip transporter B Test strip tray

6
6 Insert the test strip tray in the two support pins (B)
B A B and push it firmly in.

7 Insert the test strip transporter in its support bar (A)

and push it firmly in.

A Support bar for the B Support pins for the test

test strip transporter strip tray
5 Operation

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
218 At the end of the shift

Cleaning the probe bend detector

r To clean the probe bend detector

1 Wipe the top and the inside of the probe bend

1
detector using a cotton swab moistened with ethanol.

2 Wipe the top and the inside of the probe bend

detector with a dry cotton swab to remove all residual
cleaning solution.

Cleaning the test strip pipetting area

r To clean the test strip pipetting area

1
1 Wipe the test strip pipetting area using a paper towel
moistened with ethanol.

2 Wipe the test strip pipetting area with a dry paper

towel to remove all residual cleaning solution.
5 Operation

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 At the end of the shift 219

Cleaning the analyzer housing and the input and output buffers

r To clean the analyzer housing and the

input and output buffers
1 If there are rack trays on the input and output buffers,
remove them and wipe them using a paper towel
moistened with cleaning solution, then dry them with
a clean paper towel.

2 Wipe the input buffer using a paper towel moistened

with cleaning solution, then dry it with a clean paper
towel.

3 Wipe the output buffer using a paper towel moistened

with cleaning solution, then dry it with a clean paper
towel.

4 Wipe the analyzer housing using a paper towel

moistened with cleaning solution, then dry it with a
clean paper towel.

5 Operation

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
220 Calibrating the photometer unit

Calibrating the photometer unit

In order to ensure proper functioning of the photometer
unit, a calibration test needs to be performed every 4
weeks. It consists of measuring the pads of a dedicated
calibration strip and of the built-in reference plate.

When the calibration becomes due a message is added to

the message list. You can continue performing tests, but
the results will be marked with C in the column.

Reference plate The built-in reference plate is always measured along

with each pad on every calibration strip. The relation is
established between the reference plate results and the
results of each measured pad on the calibration strip. This
value must remain within certain ranges, otherwise a
message is added to the message list and no valid
calibration result can be established.

External target value Each pad of the calibration strip has its defined
reflectance value (supplied with the calibration strip).

Internal target value, correction factor To actually calibrate the analyzer, a dedicated calibration
strip is used, for which the values for each pad are known
(external target values). During the calibration process,
both the calibration strip pads and the built-in reference
plate are measured. Then, for each pad on the calibration
strip, the relation between the calibration strip pad results
and the built-in plate results is established (internal target
value) and compared with the external target values. This
results in the correction factor.

Result calculation (reflectance values) For each test, the reference plate and all the pads on the
test strip are measured and for each pad the relation
between the results of the reference plate and the test
pad is established and then multiplied with the correction
factor.

No valid calibration The system performs plausibility checks for the results. If
no valid calibration result can be established, calibration
must be repeated, otherwise performing tests is not
possible.
u For information on how to proceed if calibration is still
5 Operation

not successful, see No photometer calibration can be

generated (306).

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Calibrating the photometer unit 221

! WARNING
Incorrect results due to biased calibration results
Soiling on calibration strips may influence the calibration
results and consequently impair the validity of the test
results.
r Do not touch the pads of the calibration strips and
avoid placing them on any surface other than the test
strip transporter.
r Do not re-use calibration strips. Always use a new
calibration strip for each calibration, including repeats.

r To calibrate the photometer using the

calibration strip
1 Start the Calibrate photometer wizard.
• In the message list, choose the message that
indicates that the calibration is due, then choose
the Calibrate photometer button in the detail
panel.
• Choose Monitoring > Manage calibrations
> Calibrate photometer, then choose the
Calibrate photometer button in the main panel.
f The wizard is started.

2 Follow the on-screen instructions.

5 Operation

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
222 Calibrating the measuring cell

Calibrating the measuring cell

In order to ensure proper functioning of the measuring
cell, the clarity and specific gravity of system water is
periodically measured as part of the normal measurement
procedure. Calibration of the measuring cell should be
performed every 4 weeks or as part of troubleshooting.

When the calibration becomes due a message is added to

the message list. You can continue performing tests, but
the results will be marked with C in the column.

r To calibrate the measuring cell

1 Start the Calibrate measuring cell wizard.

• In the message list, choose the message that
indicates that the calibration is due, then choose
the Calibrate measuring cell button in the detail
panel.
• Choose Monitoring > Manage calibrations
> Calibrate measuring cell, then choose the
Calibrate measuring cell button in the main
panel.
f The calibration is performed.
5 Operation

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 QC tasks 223

QC tasks
When the lot of the QC material expires or the QC test has
failed a message is added to the message list. Tests are
still performed but the test results are marked with Q in
the column.

You generally perform QC tasks when instructed to do so:

w Displaying a QC message

u To check for tasks that need doing (194)

In this section
Performing QC measurements (223)
Reviewing QC results (230)

Performing QC measurements
In this section
About performing QC measurements (224)
Preparing the QC rack (224)
Performing a QC measurement (225)
Performing a QC measurement when working with an
LAS (225)
5 Operation

Defining QC materials (225)

Changing QC material data (228)
Making test parameter related changes (229)
Including or excluding tests from the QC
measurements (229)
Deleting QC materials (230)

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
224 QC tasks

About performing QC measurements

Perform QC measurements according to your laboratory
regulations. When the lot of the QC material expires or
the QC test has failed a message is added to the message
list. Test are still performed but the test results are
marked with Q in the column.

! CAUTION
Incorrect results due to sample mix-up
Tubes on QC racks are not individually identified. It is
assumed that the fluids are valid and placed as defined in
the QC rack definitions.
r Be sure to use the QC material that has been defined
on the analyzer.
r Be sure to fill the tubes with the prescribed QC
materials and place them on the predefined positions.

Preconditions • There is sufficient QC material in the tubes.

• A QC rack is defined.
u Managing racks (276)

q If you use QC materials of a new lot, define the new

lot first.
u Defining QC materials (225)

Preparing the QC rack

r To prepare the QC rack

1 Choose Monitoring > Routine > Manage racks.

2 Select a defined QC rack.

3 Note which position on the rack must contain which

liquid.
5 Operation

4 Place the tubes on the appropriate positions on the

rack.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 QC tasks 225

Performing a QC measurement

r To perform a QC measurement

1 Prepare the QC rack. (u 224)

2 Place the prepared QC rack in the priority rack slot.

f The rack is recognized as the QC rack, the tests
are performed.

3 Check the results for possible data alarms. (u 230)

4 Remove the QC rack from the output buffer.

Performing a QC measurement when working with an LAS

r To perform a QC measurement when

working with an LAS
1 Prepare the QC rack. (u 224)

2 On the Overview work area, choose the Priority rack

button.
f A callout is displayed, asking you to wait until the
current operation is finished.

3 When the message on the callout asks you to do so,

place the prepared QC rack on the rack conveyor belt
of the input connection unit.
f When the rack is placed, the callout disappears
and processing starts automatically.

4 Check the results for possible data alarms. (u 230)

5 Remove the QC rack from the output buffer.

Defining QC materials
5 Operation

QC materials, including the lot information, can be

defined manually or by reading the RFID tag on the
material packaging. You can change the data later and
you can also exclude tests from being performed during
the QC measurements.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
226 QC tasks

q There are separate data for each QC level.

Each QC material is, when it is defined, associated with
the currently active range table.

u To manually define a new QC material (228)

u To define a new QC material by reading the RFID
tag (227)
u To change QC material data (228)
u To include or exclude tests from the QC
measurements (230)
u To delete QC materials (230)
u To print QC results or save them to a file (233)

About defining a new QC material by reading • If the new QC material has more levels than the
the RFID tag currently defined maximum number, this maximum
number is automatically increased to the number of
levels of the new QC material.
• If the number of QC levels of the new QC material is
different from that of the current QC material, a yellow
message is generated.
• If the number of QC levels is higher than the defined
maximum level, there are no current QC results for the
highest level and you need to perform QC. Check the
yellow messages.
• If the number of QC levels is smaller than the defined
maximum level, change the number of QC levels to
reflect the number of levels coming from the QC RFID.
u To define the number of QC levels (263)

When reading the RFID tag the following data are read
and stored on the analyzer:
• QC level
• Target ranges
• Lot number
• Expiry date
5 Operation

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 QC tasks 227

r To define a new QC material by

reading the RFID tag
1 Choose Routine > Manage QC > Manage QC
materials.

2
2 Present the RFID tag of the QC material to the RFID
reader at a distance of between 1 and 25 mm (0.04-
1 in).
f The QC material data are registered and displayed
on screen.

q If the RFID tag is not valid, an acoustic signal is

sounded.
If there is more than one QC level, a material entry is
created for each level, and you need to perform the
following steps for each of them.

3 In the QC material list, choose the new entry, if

required.

4 In the QC material field, enter the material name.

I If the new material is of the same lot as the
previous material, make sure to enter the same
name. This ensures that the results will be included
in the QC chart.

5 Choose the Save button.

6
6 If you want to use the QC material straight away you
need to activate it: select the material and choose the
Activate/deactivate button.
f Active materials are marked with in the Active
column.

q To be able to activate the QC material, a QC

material name must have been defined and the
system status must be Idle.
o Only one lot can be active per QC level.
o Lots that have expired are automatically
deactivated.
o To be able to perform a QC measurement, all levels
5 Operation

of the QC material must be activated.

o When you try to perform a QC measurement and
no QC material is activated, then a yellow message
is generated. Check this message.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
228 QC tasks

r To manually define a new QC material

1 Choose Routine > Manage QC > Manage QC

materials > Create.
I To define a material on the basis of an existing
one, choose Routine > Manage QC > Manage
QC materials, select the entry of the existing
material and choose the Copy button. Then
change the values as required.

2 Open the Instructions for Use.

3 Enter the values exactly as defined in the Instructions

for Use.

4 Choose the Save button.

f The material is added to the QC materials list.

5
5 If you want to use the QC material straight away you
need to activate it: select the material and choose the
Activate/deactivate button.
I Only one lot can be active per QC level. Lots that
have expired are automatically deactivated.
Active materials are marked with in the Active
column.

Changing QC material data

q You can only change QC data of materials that are

not currently activated or with which no QC
measurements have been performed yet.

r To change QC material data

1 Choose Routine > Manage QC > Manage QC

materials.

2 In the main panel, choose the material you want to

change.
5 Operation

3 In the detail panel, choose the Edit button.

4 In the detail panel, enter the new values as required.

5 If you want to change test parameter related values,

choose the Manage ranges button. (u 229)

6 Choose the Save button.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 QC tasks 229

7 If you want to change the current usage status,

choose the Activate/deactivate button in the QC
materials list.

Making test parameter related changes

q You can only change QC data of materials that are

not currently activated or with which no QC
measurements have been performed yet.
In the QC results list, only those test parameters are
displayed that are enabled.

r To make test parameter related

changes
1 Choose Routine > Manage QC > Manage QC
materials.

2 In the main panel, choose the material.

3 In the detail panel, choose the Manage ranges

button.
f The QC material screen is displayed.

4 Choose the Edit button.

5 In the test list, use the drop-down lists to enter the

new values as required.

6 Choose the Save button.

Including or excluding tests from the QC measurements

q You can define which tests are performed with the

QC measurements, for example, you can exclude tests for
which there are no range values defined for the QC
material you use.
5 Operation

You can only change QC data of materials that are not

currently activated or with which no QC measurements
have been performed yet.
In the QC results list, only those test parameters are
displayed that are enabled.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
230 QC tasks

r To include or exclude tests from the

QC measurements
1 Choose Routine > Manage QC > Manage QC
materials.

2 In the main panel, choose the material.

3 In the detail panel, choose the Manage ranges

button.
f The QC material screen is displayed.

4 Choose the Edit button.

5 To enable or disable a parameter, select or clear its

Enabled box.
I You must enable a parameter before you can
change its limit values.

6 Choose the Save button.

Deleting QC materials

q You can only delete QC materials that are not

currently activated or with which no QC measurements
have been performed yet.

r To delete QC materials

1 Choose Routine > Manage QC > Manage QC

materials.

2 In the main panel, choose the material you want to

delete.

3 Choose the Delete button.

4 In the callout, confirm the deletion.

f The QC material is deleted.
5 Operation

Reviewing QC results
Possible result symbols
Passed

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 QC tasks 231

Not passed

Color coding
Green The result is within target range.

Red The result is outside target range.

Possible data alarms

There are no data alarms.

Cp Calibration. The measuring cell calibration

results were no longer valid when the result
was generated.

Cs Calibration. The photometer calibration

results were no longer valid when the result
was generated.

H High temperature. The upper temperature

limit has been exceeded.

L Lysed erythrocytes were detected for

concentrations ≤50 ERY/μL. (The software
cannot reliably identify hemolyzed
erythrocytes in concentrations
>50 ERY/μL.)

N The SG parameter did not yield a valid

result.
(If you work with automatic validation and a
LIS, the validated results of the other
parameters are sent to the host as usual.)

O Parameter is out of range.

R Test strip cassette onboard stability has

expired.

# A Roche Service representative did not

cancel a service or troubleshooting
function that can only be canceled by a
Roche Service representative. (As a result,
for example, expired materials may have
5 Operation

been used.) All results have this data alarm

and the validity of these results cannot be
guaranteed.
If you encounter this data alarm, contact
your Roche Service representative
immediately.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
232 QC tasks

q You typically delete results if you find you made a

mistake in the QC material definition or in performing the
QC test, or if you want to exclude results from the QC
chart.
You can store up to 300 QC results on the analyzer. When
this number is reached, the oldest result is overwritten
when the next QC test is performed.

r To review QC results

1
1 Choose Routine > Manage QC > Review QC
results.
f The results are displayed.

2 Select a result. (u 230)

f The details are displayed in the detail panel.

3 To view the results in chart format, choose the QC

chart button.

q For more information, see:

u Working with QC charts (133)

4 To add a comment to the result, choose the Edit

button and enter the text in the Comment field.

r To delete QC results

1 Choose Routine > Manage QC > Review QC

results.

2 Select the results you want to delete.

I Select individual check boxes at the beginning of
the result entries or select the check box in the
table header to select all results in the list.

3 Choose the Delete button.

5 Operation

4 In the callout, confirm the deletion.

f In the callout, the progress of the deletion process
is indicated.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 QC tasks 233

r To print QC results or save them to a

file
1 Choose Routine > Manage QC > Review QC
results.

2 In the main panel, select the results you want to print

or save to file.

q Select one, several or all check boxes.

u About filtering table information (130)

3 In the main panel, choose the Report button.

f A callout is displayed.

4 In the callout, define whether to print or export the

data (Output mode).

5 In the callout, if you want to save the data to a location

other than the default location, choose the Select
button and define the file location. (This can either be
a USB storage device connected with the USB port,
preferably on the front of the instrument, or a mapped
network path.)

q For information on the USB port location, see the

following illustration:
u Main components (63)

6 In the callout, choose the Yes button.

5 Operation

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
234 Additional operating tasks

Additional operating tasks

This section describes some tasks that you may need to
perform occasionally.

In this section
Stopping and restarting sample processing (234)
Changing the password (235)
Removing the test strip cassette (236)
Printing and exporting information, generating
reports (237)

Stopping and restarting sample processing

Sample processing can be stopped any time. You may
want to do so, for example, to perform some routine
maintenance actions.

Stopping the sample processing has the following

consequences:
• All tests for which orders are defined are completed.
• While testing goes on, the Stop status is displayed in
the global information area, when the testing activities
are complete the Idle status is displayed and there are
no messages in the message list that refer to ongoing
analysis.
• If there are unprocessed samples on the rack, it
remains on the conveyor.

q Ensure that all covers and drawers are closed.

r To interrupt sample processing

1 Choose Overview > Stop.

2 Wait until the system status is Idle.

5 Operation

r To resume sample processing

1 Choose Overview > Start.

f Testing resumes where it stopped when you used
the Stop button.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Additional operating tasks 235

Changing the password

There are two possible password modes: With Simple
password mode the system administrator (user of the
Supervisor user group) defines the password and the
general user cannot change it. With Strong password
mode, the system defines the initial password and the
user then can change it, in fact, he or she must change
the initial password during their first logon, and from then
on they must change it every 60 days.

When working with Simple password mode, password

information is case-sensitive and must contain at least
one alphanumeric character. Spaces are allowed.

When working with Strong password mode, password

information is case-sensitive and must meet the following
conditions:
• At least eight characters
• At least one upper case letter
• At least one lower case letter
• At least one digit
• Must not repeat a character more than four times
• Must not contain any part of the user name of more
than four characters
• Must not be identical to the previous password

q As a user of the User user group, you can change

the password only if the system works with Strong
password mode.

r To change the password

1 Choose the Log on button.

f A dialog box is displayed.

2 Enter your user name and password.

3 Choose the Change password button.

5 Operation

f A dialog box is displayed.

4 Enter your new password and then re-enter it.

5 Choose the Confirm button.

f If the change was not successful a message is
displayed. Read the information carefully and then
change the passwords again.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
236 Additional operating tasks

Removing the test strip cassette

In rare circumstances, for example when you want to
move a test strip cassette from one analyzer to another or
when you intend not to use the analyzer for a long time,
you may want to remove the test strip cassette without
replacing it with a new one.

When you remove the test strip cassette the number of

test strips left and the onboard stability are written to its
RFID tag.

! CAUTION
Incorrect results due to deteriorated test strip
quality
The test strip cassette compartment is designed to
maintain constant low humidity. Exposing the test strip
cassette to the general laboratory environment air may
lead to rapid water uptake by the pads on the test strips
and so change their chemical characteristics, which may
lead to incorrect results.
r Always reload the test strip cassette immediately after
removing it from an analyzer.

NOTICE
Test strip handling error due to manual touching of
test strips
Touching test strips may deform them and cause
handling problems.
r Do not touch test strips inside the test strip cassette.

r To remove the test strip cassette

1 Choose Monitoring > Manage supplies > Test

strip, then choose the Exchange test strip cassette
button in the detail panel.
f The wizard is started.
5 Operation

2 Follow the on-screen instructions.

3 In step 5, instead of inserting a new test strip cassette,

choose the Continue without test strip cassette
loaded button.

4 Follow the on-screen instructions.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Additional operating tasks 237

Printing and exporting information, generating reports

You can print and export critical information to files. The
process usually involves the steps described in the
following section:
u To print or export information (238)

The following table lists which data can be printed and

exported, and it provides information on the various
options that are available.

Type of information Navigation path Callout items Comment on callout item

Any listed below ... > Report Output mode (1) Print: Print on the default printer.
Export to PDF: Save the information in
PDF format to the default file location.
File path(1) Available with Export to PDF Output
mode.
If you want to save the data to a location
other than the default location, choose
the Select button and define the file
location. (This can either be a USB
storage device connected with the USB
port, preferably on the front of the
instrument, or a mapped network path.)
Axeda is intended for direct upload to
Roche Service. Do not use this
destination unless instructed to do so by
your Roche Service representative.
Selected results Routine > Manage test results Analyzer Available if you work with cobas® 6500
(result report) urine analyzer series.
u To print results (result Output mode Export images only: Available if your
report) (180) system includes a microscopy analyzer.
To save results to files Save each image in a file. (You cannot
print images directly on a printer. You
(result report) (180)
need to save them as files first and then
use a graphics tool to print them.)
Results of a patient Routine > Manage patients Analyzer Available if you work with cobas® 6500
(patient report) urine analyzer series.
u To print results Result selection Define which results of this patient
(patient report) (180) should be printed or saved to files.
To save results to files Output mode Export images only: Available if your
(patient report) (181) system includes a microscopy analyzer.
Save each image in a file. (You cannot
print images directly on a printer. You
need to save them as files first and then
use a graphics tool to print them.)
5 Operation

QC results Routine > Manage QC > Review

u To print QC results or QC results
save them to a
file (233)
Photometer calibration Monitoring > Manage
results calibrations > Calibrate
photometer
y Printing and exporting information, generating reports

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
238 Additional operating tasks

Type of information Navigation path Callout items Comment on callout item

Measuring cell calibration Monitoring > Manage
results calibrations > Check measuring
cell
Problem report Monitoring > Perform Include failsafe Save the photometer images that were
u To create a problem maintenance > Create problem photometer taken when an error was detected to a
report images separate password protected file. These
report (305)
images are intended for Roche Service
representatives only.
Screenshots Monitoring > Perform Save the last 100 screenshots that were
maintenance > Export screen generated using the print screen
shots function to a location that is
accessible by the user.
System settings and Administration > System Analyzer Available if you work with cobas® 6500
configuration configuration > Import or export urine analyzer series.
u To generate a report system settings > Report system
settings
of the system
settings (275)
Cross-check rule Administration > System settings Analyzer Available if you work with cobas® 6500
definitions > Measurement settings urine analyzer series.
> Cross-check rules
Limit definitions Administration > System settings The report includes the limits for trace,
> Measurement settings > u 601 abnormal, and sieve of all parameters.
> Limit configuration
Range table definitions Administration > System settings
> Measurement settings > u 601
> Range table configuration
Range table activities Administration > System settings List of all actions performed with range
> Measurement settings > u 601 tables.
> Range table configuration
> History
Color range definitions Administration > System settings
for COL parameter > Measurement settings > u 601
> Color range configuration
y Printing and exporting information, generating reports
(1) This option is available for all types of information.

r To print or export information

1 Access to the relevant screen and select the data, if

required.

2 Choose the Report button.

5 Operation

f A callout is displayed.

3 In the callout, define whether the data should be

printed on a printer or exported to files, for example in
PDF format or, for images, in a graphics file format
(Output mode).

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Additional operating tasks 239

4 In the callout, if you want to save the data to a location

other than the default location, choose the Select
button and define the File path. (This can either be a
USB storage device connected with the USB port,
preferably on the front of the instrument, or a mapped
network path.)

q For information on defining default values, see:

u Defining the look, content, and handling of reports (270)

5 In the callout, choose the Yes button.

f The information is processed as defined.

5 Operation

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
240
5 Operation Additional operating tasks

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 241
Table of contents

Configuration 6

This chapter describes how to adjust the operating

environment to your local needs.

In this chapter 6
User management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Defining a new user . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Changing user data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Resetting the password . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Activating and deactivating a user . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
System settings: Defining the test environment. . . . . 247
About system settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Defining the units in which results are displayed
and reported . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Defining the order in which test parameters are
shown. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Defining the validation method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Defining cross-check rules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Defining a cross-check rule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Changing a cross-check rule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Deleting a cross-check rule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Managing the result storage capacity . . . . . . . . . . 253
Defining how the sample IDs are generated . . . . 254
Defining range tables. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
6 Configuration

Choosing the range table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256

Defining a new range table. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Making changes to range tables . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Limit configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Defining the ranges for the colors of COL . . . . . . 261
Defining warning limits for supplies and solid
waste . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Defining the QC environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Defining the default test profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
System configuration: Defining the operating
environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
242
Table of contents

Defining the operating environment . . . . . . . . . . . 264

About defining the operating environment . . . 265
About the Basic configuration 1 panel . . . . . . 266
About the Basic configuration 2 panel . . . . . . 267
Performing basic configuration. . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Defining when notifications should be generated 268
Defining the barcode check parameters. . . . . . . . 269
Configuring the host connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Defining the look, content, and handling of
reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Installing a new language . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Changing the user interface language . . . . . . . . . 272
Importing and exporting system settings . . . . . . . 273
Checking the versions of the installed software
components. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Managing racks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
Adjusting the probe action . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
6 Configuration

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 User management 243

User management
User management consists of the following tasks:
• Defining new users
• Changing user data
• De-activating users
• Defining new passwords
• Resetting passwords
In this section
Defining a new user (243)
Changing user data (245)
Resetting the password (246)
Activating and deactivating a user (246)

Defining a new user

For defining user data you must have Supervisor rights.

q During the installation of the analyzer, a user of the

Supervisor and User user group are defined.

User group rights

User group Description
User Users with User rights can perform all actions
that are required for daily operation.
o Order management
o Test activities
o Calibration activities
o QC activities
o Result handling
o Result reporting
o Daily maintenance
o Reporting and exporting system settings
Supervisor In addition to all actions of the User group,
users with Supervisor rights can perform the
following tasks:
6 Configuration

o User configuration
o System settings (test definition, profiles)
o User interface language installation
o System configuration (operating system,
communication)
o Screen sharing
Service In addition to all actions of the User and
Supervisor groups, users with Service rights
can perform the following tasks:
o Software installation
y List of user group rights

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
244 User management

User statuses
Status Description
Active The user can log on to the analyzer.
Inactive The user cannot log on to the analyzer but remains
on the analyzer and can be activated any time.
u Activating and deactivating a user (246)
y List of user statuses

r To define a new user

1 Choose Administration > User management.

2 Choose the Create button.

f A detail panel is displayed that contains all items
that need to be defined.

q Items marked with an asterisk are mandatory.

3 Define the user’s first name.

I Enter 1 to 32 alphanumeric characters, spaces are
allowed. This name will be displayed in the global
information area of the screen. This entry is
compulsory.

4 Define the user’s last name.

I Enter 1 to 50 alphanumeric characters, spaces are
allowed. This name will be displayed in the global
information area of the screen. This entry is
compulsory.

5 Define the user name.

I Enter 4 to 20 alphanumeric characters. This will be
required during logon and it will be displayed with
results and log information.

6 Choose the user group. (u 243)

7 Choose the user status. (u 243)

I Because every result must be associated with a
6 Configuration

user, you cannot delete users from the database,

they are deactivated instead.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 User management 245

8 Choose the Create password button.

• If you work with Simple password mode, enter
the password in the callout and choose the
Confirm button.
• If you work with Strong password mode the
system automatically defines a password and
displays it in a callout. Choose the Confirm button.
The user will have to change the password when
logging on for the first time and from then on every
60 days.

q When working with Simple password mode,

password information is case-sensitive and must
contain at least one alphanumeric character. Spaces
are allowed.
When working with Strong password mode,
password information is case-sensitive and must meet
the following conditions:
o At least eight characters
o At least one upper case letter
o At least one lower case letter
o At least one digit
o Must not repeat a character more than four times
o Must not contain any part of the user name of
more than four characters
o Must not be identical to the previous password

9 Choose the Save button.

Changing user data

For changing user data you must have Supervisor rights.

r To change user data

6 Configuration

1 Choose Administration > User management.

2 In the main panel, choose the user whose data you

want to change.
f In the detail panel, this user’s details are displayed.

3 Choose the Edit button and change the information as

required. (u 243)

4 Choose the Save button.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
246 User management

Resetting the password

For resetting a password, you must have Supervisor
rights.

r To reset the password

1 Choose Administration > User management.

2 In the main panel, choose the user whose password

you want to reset.
f In the detail panel this user’s details are displayed.

3 Choose the Edit button.

4 Choose the Create Password button.

f A callout is displayed.

5 If you work with Simple password mode, enter the

password twice in the callout and choose the
Confirm button.

6 If you work with Strong password mode, make a

note of the password and in the callout choose the
Confirm button.

7 Choose the Save button.

Activating and deactivating a user

Active users can log on to the analyzer, inactive users
cannot, but they remain on the analyzer and can be
reactivated any time.

q Because every result must be associated with a user,

you cannot delete users from the database, they are
6 Configuration

deactivated instead.

For activating and deactivating a user, you must have

Supervisor rights.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 System settings: Defining the test environment 247

r To activate or deactivate a user

1 Choose Administration > User management.

2 In the main panel, choose the user that you want to

deactivate.
f In the detail panel, this user’s details are displayed.

3 Choose the Edit button.

4 From the Status drop-down list, choose Active or

Inactive.

5 Choose the Save button.

System settings: Defining the test

environment
In this section
About system settings (247)
Defining the units in which results are displayed and
reported (249)
Defining the order in which test parameters are
shown (249)
Defining the validation method (250)
Defining cross-check rules (251)
Managing the result storage capacity (253)
Defining how the sample IDs are generated (254)
Defining range tables (254)
Limit configuration (259)
Defining the ranges for the colors of COL (261)
Defining warning limits for supplies and solid waste (262)
Defining the QC environment (263)
Defining the default test profile (263)
6 Configuration

About system settings

q Generally, users with the user group User can view

all definitions, but to define and change them, you need
the Supervisor user group. All users can create a
problem report and export and report the system settings.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
248 System settings: Defining the test environment

Choose Administration > System settings to access

the test related settings.

System settings

Result presentation
Measurement settings QC settings 'HIDXOWWHVWSURÀOH
settings

• Number of QC levels • 7HVWSURÀOH

Select measurement units Validation

• Automatic validation of all

Measurement unit on u 601
• Automatic validation rules
• Manual validation

Change test result order

Cross-check rules

u 601 • Delete
• Activate/deactivate
• Report
Change test result order • Create
in report • Referenced range table u 601
Cross-check rules
u 601
• Rule name
• Suggestion
• Items

General

Database limits for samples

• Storage limit
• Warning limit
• If database is full
Sample ID

• Generation mode

Multiple measurement

• Number of measurements

u 601

Range tables

• Active range table

5DQJHWDEOHFRQÀJXUDWLRQ

Limits for data alarms

/LPLWFRQÀJXUDWLRQ

&RORUUDQJHFRQÀJXUDWLRQ
6 Configuration

Warning limits for test strips

• Remaining capacity in solid

waste container
• Remaining capacity in test
strip cassette

Available to all users Item To new screen, panel, or callout • Item Item, function summary

Available to users with Supervisor rights only Item Panel on same screen

w Navigation map for System settings (International)

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 System settings: Defining the test environment 249

Defining the units in which results are displayed and

reported
You can define the units in which results are displayed
and reported.

The following table shows an example of how the results

are displayed, depending on the unit convention that was
selected.

Display examples for cobas u 601 urine

analyzer
Unit Test column Result column Information column
Conventional GLU 100 mg/dL
SI GLU 6 mmol/L
Arbitrary GLU 2+
Conventional and arbitrary GLU 100 mg/dL 2+
SI and arbitrary GLU 6 mmol/L 2+
y Result display of the cobas u 601 urine analyzer, depending on the selected unit convention

r To define the display units

1 Choose Administration > System settings

> Result presentation settings > Select
measurement units.

2 Choose the Edit button.

3 From the Measurement unit on u 601 drop-down

list, choose the unit convention for the test strip
analyzer.

4 Choose the Save button.

Defining the order in which test parameters are shown

6 Configuration

You can define the order of test parameters as they are

displayed in the results displays, printouts, and exports.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
250 System settings: Defining the test environment

r To define the order in which

parameters are displayed in result
displays
1 Choose Administration > System settings
> Result presentation settings.

2 Choose where the order applies.

• To define the order for on-screen displays choose
the Change test result order button.
• To define the order for result printouts and exports,
choose the Change test result order in report
button.

3 Choose the Edit button.

4 Select a parameter and choose or to move it up

or down in the list.

5 Do the same for all parameters you want to move.

6 Choose the Save button.

Defining the validation method

You can set up the analyzer to automatically accept all
results or to exclude results from automatic validation if
they have certain data alarms associated with them. You
can also choose to validate all results manually.

Validation methods
Methods Description
Automatic All results are automatically validated.
validation of all If you work with a LIS validated results
are automatically sent to the host.
Automatic All results are automatically validated,
validation rules unless an additional condition (rule)
applies, (a cross-check rule was
triggered, a trace, sieve, or SG alarm
was generated, an abnormal result was
6 Configuration

generated).
If you work with a LIS validated results
are automatically sent to the host.
Manual validation All results must be validated manually.
y List of validation methods

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 System settings: Defining the test environment 251

r To define the validation method

1 Choose Administration > System settings

> Measurement settings > Validation.

2 Choose the Edit button.

3 From the drop-down list, choose a method. (u 250)

q In the following situations, automatic validation is

never applied:
o The sample barcode could not be read (if you work
with the generation mode Barcode).
o There already exists an order for this result.

4 If you chose the Automatic validation rules

condition, select all boxes of the rules that you want
applied.

5 Choose the Save button.

Defining cross-check rules

In this section
Defining a cross-check rule (251)
Changing a cross-check rule (252)
Deleting a cross-check rule (253)

Defining a cross-check rule

Cross-check rules serve to define additional actions that
should be taken as a result of certain result qualities or
values.
• Each cross-check rule is, when it is defined,
associated with the currently active range table.
6 Configuration

• You can activate and deactivate a cross-check rule

that is associated with a result, but you cannot change
or delete it.
• You can make changes to a cross-check rule or delete
it if it is not associated with a result and if it is
associated with the currently active range table.
• You can print and export the cross-check rules.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
252 System settings: Defining the test environment

r To define a cross-check rule

1 Choose Administration > System settings

> Measurement settings > Cross-check rules.

2 Choose the Create button.

3 Enter or select the values.

I Rule name: Alphanumeric characters.
Suggestion: Describe what needs to be done if
the rule applies.
Item: Choose values from the drop-down lists to
define a condition.

4 Choose the Save button.

5 In the main panel, choose the Activate / deactivate

button.

Changing a cross-check rule

q You can make changes to a cross-check rule if it is

not associated with test results. If you need to make
changes to a cross-check rule that is associated with test
results, you have to define a new cross-check rule.
You can activate or deactivate a cross-check rule if it is
associated with the active range table.

r To change a cross-check rule

1 Choose Administration > System settings

> Measurement settings > Cross-check rules.

2 In the detail panel, choose the Edit button.

3 Change the values as required.

I Rule name: Alphanumeric characters.
6 Configuration

Suggestion: Describe what needs to be done if

the rule applies.
Item: Choose values from the drop-down lists to
define a condition.

4 Choose the Save button.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 System settings: Defining the test environment 253

Deleting a cross-check rule

q You can delete a cross-check rule if it is not

associated with results.

r To delete a cross-check rule

1 Choose Administration > System settings

> Measurement settings > Cross-check rules.

2 In the rule list, choose the rule you want to delete.

3 Choose the Delete button.

4 In the callout, confirm the deletion.

f The rule is deleted.

Managing the result storage capacity

You can define what should happen when the storage
capacity for result data is exhausted.

r To manage the sample storage

capacity
1 Choose Administration > System settings
> Measurement settings > General.

2 Choose the Edit button.

3 In the Storage limit field, enter the maximum number

of sample test results that can be stored (1000-
10 000). The limits for QC, photometer calibration and
measuring cell calibration are 300 each and cannot be
6 Configuration

changed.

4 In the Warning limit field, enter the threshold value

when a messages should be added to the message
list.

5 Define whether the oldest data should be overwritten

when the database is full or whether processing
should stop.

6 Choose the Save button.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
254 System settings: Defining the test environment

Defining how the sample IDs are generated

Sample IDs are either read from the sample barcode or
they are automatically generated using a sample
sequence number.

q If the analyzer is connected to an LAS, the

Generation mode Sample sequence number is not
available. The mode is automatically set to Barcode
during startup of the system.

Generation modes
Mode Description
Barcode Use this value if you work with sample
barcodes and the sample ID is
contained in your sample barcodes.
Sample sequence Use this value if you do not work with
number sample barcodes.
y Generation modes

r To define how the sample IDs are

generated
1 Choose Administration > System settings
> Measurement settings > General.

2 Choose the Edit button.

3 Define the Generation mode. (u 254)

4 The number of measurements for each sample is set

by the manufacturer. Your Roche Service
representative can change it.

5 Choose the Save button.

Defining range tables

6 Configuration

Test results, QC materials, and cross-check rules are

always associated with the range table that was active
when they were generated or defined. The associated
range table is indicated when you display the results, QC
materials, or cross-check rules.

Range tables that are associated with a result, cross-

check rule or a QC material cannot be changed. If you
need changes in such a range table, you first need to
define a new range table or delete the associated results.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 System settings: Defining the test environment 255

q Changing reflectance values leads to different

evaluation sensitivities of the respective test
Lowering the reflectance value of the negative (neg)
range leads to a decrease of the sensitivity of the test
evaluation, raising it increases the sensitivity. In this way,
the sensitivity can be adjusted to the requirements of the
individual laboratory.
The accuracy of results obtained after changing the
ranges or reflectance values is not warranted by Roche.
The user is responsible for validating the consistency of
results after changes have been made.

q Choosing a different range table as the active range

table affects some settings:
o It deactivates the cross-check rules and QC materials.
Therefore, you need to define the QC materials anew
and, if required, define new cross-check rules.
The deactivated cross-check rules and QC materials
can only be reactivated by choosing the associated
range table again, but they can be deleted if they are
not associated with any results.
o It resets the limits of ranges to their default values.
u To define the limit values (261)

Range table types

Table type Description
International The predefined range table reflects the
legal and customary requirements for
result validation.
Name of user- For details on such range tables, see:
defined range tables u To define a new range table (256)

y Range table types

q Use a predefined range table as the basis for a new

range table and then change the ranges as required. You
cannot use a user-defined range table as the basis for a
new one.
6 Configuration

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
256 System settings: Defining the test environment

q You can change user-defined range tables, provided

they are not associated with any test results, QC material,
or cross-check rule. If you need to make changes to a
range table that is associated with any test results, you
need to define a new one instead.
You cannot change or delete predefined range tables.

In this section
Choosing the range table (256)
Defining a new range table (256)
Making changes to range tables (258)

Choosing the range table

r To choose the range table

1 Choose Administration > System settings

> Measurement settings.

2 Choose the u 601 button.

3 Choose the Edit button.

4 From the Active range table drop-down list, choose

the range table.

q For more information on range table types, see:

u Range table types y (255)

5 Choose the Save button.

6 Define new QC materials. (u 225)

7 Define new cross-check rule, if required. (u 251)

6 Configuration

Defining a new range table

r To define a new range table

1 Choose Administration > System settings

> Measurement settings.

2 Choose the u 601 button.

3 Choose the Range table configuration button.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 System settings: Defining the test environment 257

4 From the Range table drop-down list, choose the

base range table.

5 Choose the Create button.

6 In the callout, enter the name of the new table, then

choose the Save button.
f The values of the base range table are displayed.

7 Choose a parameter.
f The current ranges are displayed in the detail
panel.

8 Use the panel splitter to display the complete range.

9 Choose the Edit button.

10 If there are no values displayed for the selected

parameter, choose the Create range button.

11 Choose the first of the range fields and enter the

required new value. Choosing Enter on the keyboard
takes you to the next field.
I The fields of changed values and empty fields that
must contain a value are marked yellow .
If you want to revert to the original values of the
base range table, choose the Set to default
button. This discards all changes that you have
made so far.

q You can also delete an existing range and add

new ranges.
o If you add a new range, it is added at the bottom of
the table.
o Delete range always deletes the last range in the
table.

12 Choose the Save button.

13 Activate the table. (u 256)

6 Configuration

14 Define new QC materials. (u 225)

15 Define new cross-check rules, if required. (u 251)

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
258 System settings: Defining the test environment

Making changes to range tables

r To make changes to range tables

1 Choose Administration > System settings

> Measurement settings.

2 Choose the u 601 button.

3 Choose the Range table configuration button.

4 In the Range table configuration panel, choose a

parameter.
f In the detail panel, the range values are displayed.

5 Use the panel splitter to display the complete range.

6 Choose the Edit button.

7 Choose a value you want to change and enter the new

value. Do this for all items you want to change.
I The fields of changed values and empty fields that
must contain a value are marked yellow .
If you want to revert to the original values of the
base range table, choose the Set to default
button. This discards all changes that you have
made so far.

q You can also delete an existing range and add

new ranges.
o If you add a new range, it is added at the bottom of
the table.
o Delete range always deletes the last range in the
table.

8 Choose the Save button.

f In the Range table configuration main panel, the
parameter name is marked yellow to indicate that
6 Configuration

a range has been changed.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 System settings: Defining the test environment 259

Limit configuration
Value ranges and limits are used to determine whether a
result is positive or negative and whether to trigger data
alarms and actions such performing additional tests.

Limits are used in several ways: In a straight limit, a result

is either below or above the limit value and renders a
positive or negative result. In a range, two limit values are
defined, which can be interpreted in two ways: The result
is either within the range (negative) or outside the range
(positive); or the values within the range render a "soft"
positive result and values outside the range render a
positive and negative result.

The following illustrations show examples of how

different kinds of data alarm can be triggered.

1+ 2+ 3+ 4+ 5+

A Limit for abnormal data alarm

w Limit for abnormal data alarms

1+ 2+ 3+ 4+ 5+

A B

A Limit for trace data alarm B Limit for abnormal data alarm

w Limits for abnormal and trace data alarms

1+ 2+ 3+ 4+ 5+
6 Configuration

A B

A Limit for abnormal data alarm B Upper limit for sieve data alarm
Lower limit for sieve data alarm

w Limits for abnormal and sieve data alarms

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
260 System settings: Defining the test environment

1+ 2+ 3+ 4+ 5+

A B

A Limit for abnormal data alarm B Upper limit for sieve data alarm
Lower limit for sieve data alarm Results within the range of 1+ and 3+ trigger a sieve data
alarm

w Limits for abnormal and sieve data alarms

1+ 2+ 3+ 4+ 5+

A B C

A Limit for trace data alarm C Upper limit for sieve data alarm
Lower limit for sieve data alarm Results ≥ 1+ trigger a sieve data alarm
B Limit for abnormal data alarm

w Limits for abnormal, trace and sieve data alarms

1+ 2+ 3+ 4+ 5+

A B C

A Limit for trace data alarm C Upper limit for sieve data alarm
B Limit for abnormal data alarm Results ≥ 2+ trigger a sieve data alarm
Lower limit for sieve data alarm

w Limits for abnormal, trace and sieve data alarms

In a sieve limit, the limit value is usually arrived at on the

basis of range values. It determines whether microscopy
analysis should be performed after test strip analysis.

You can also define your own ranges by creating new

6 Configuration

range tables.
u To define a new range table (256)

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 System settings: Defining the test environment 261

Limit values
Value Description
Trace value Value that defines when a sample
should have a follow-up test. It must be
≤ Abnormal value.
Abnormal value Values ≥ this value are outside the
normal or trace range. It must be ≥
Trace value.
Sieve lower limit Values ≥ this value trigger an additional
test.
Sieve upper limit Values ≤ this value trigger an additional
test.
y Limit values

r To define the limit values

1 Choose Administration > System settings

> Measurement settings.

2 Choose the u 601 button.

3 Choose the Limit configuration button.

4 In the main panel, choose a test and then choose the

Edit button in the detail panel.

5 Define the values as required (u 259), then choose

the Save button.

6 Define the values for the other tests in the same

manner.

Defining the ranges for the colors of COL

It is possible that the color that is displayed in the results
table does not quite agree with the actual color of the
urine. If a regular pattern is recognized, you can adjust
the color ranges to reflect this.
6 Configuration

q Results generated with adjusted colors will be

marked with the K data alarm.

Possible color changes for COL

Selected color field Available fields in value table
Pale yellow Pale yellow to yellow/amber
Orange to pale yellow
Yellow Yellow to amber
Amber Amber to brown
y Possible color changes for COL

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
262 System settings: Defining the test environment

Selected color field Available fields in value table

Orange Orange to amber/brown
Brown None, select Orange or Amber instead
Red Red to pale yellow/orange
Green Green/others to yellow, pale yellow
and red
Others to green
Other None, select Green instead
y Possible color changes for COL

r To adjust the color ranges

1
1 Choose Administration > System settings
> Measurement settings > u 601 > Color range
configuration.

2 Choose the Edit button.

3 In the color board, choose the area of the color that

you want to change. (u 261)
I The corresponding current values are displayed in
the fields on the right.

4 Choose the percentage field and enter the new value.

5 Choose the Save button.

Defining warning limits for supplies and solid waste

r To define the warning limits

1 Choose Administration > System settings

> Measurement settings.
6 Configuration

2 Choose the u 601 button.

3 Choose the Edit button.

4 Define the limits.

5 Choose the Save button.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 System settings: Defining the test environment 263

Defining the QC environment

q If you define a new QC material using the RFID

reader and this QC material has more levels than the
currently defined maximum number, this maximum
number is automatically increased to the number of levels
of the new QC material.

r To define the number of QC levels

1 Choose Administration > System settings > QC

settings.

2 Choose the Edit button.

3 Enter the number of levels you want to work with.

I You can work with up to five levels.

4 Choose the Save button.

Defining the default test profile

Default test profiles
Profile Description
u 601 The samples are tested for all test strip
analysis parameters.
u 601 reduced The samples are tested for all test strip
analysis parameters, but no measuring
cell measurements (SG, CLA) are
performed.
y Default test profiles

r To define the default test profile

6 Configuration

1 Choose Administration > System settings

> Default test profile.

2 Choose the Edit button.

3 From the drop-down list, choose the profile. (u 263)

I Test profiles are predefined and cannot be
changed.

4 Choose the Save button.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
264 System configuration: Defining the operating environment

System configuration: Defining the

operating environment
In this section
Defining the operating environment (264)
Defining when notifications should be generated (268)
Defining the barcode check parameters (269)
Configuring the host connection (270)
Defining the look, content, and handling of reports (270)
Installing a new language (272)
Changing the user interface language (272)
Importing and exporting system settings (273)
Checking the versions of the installed software
components (275)

Defining the operating environment

In this section
About defining the operating environment (265)
About the Basic configuration 1 panel (266)
About the Basic configuration 2 panel (267)
Performing basic configuration (267)
6 Configuration

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 System configuration: Defining the operating environment 265

About defining the operating environment

Choose Administration > System configuration to
access configuration items that define the operating
environment.

6\VWHPFRQÀJXUDWLRQ

%DVLFFRQÀJXUDWLRQ %DVLFFRQÀJXUDWLRQ :DUQLQJLQWHUYDOV %DUFRGHFRQÀJXUDWLRQ

%DVLFFRQÀJXUDWLRQ %DVLFFRQÀJXUDWLRQ :DUQLQJVEHIRUHH[SLUDWLRQ • (QDEOHFKHFNVXP

• (QDEOHFKHFNRIOHQJWKDQG
• 6\VWHPQDPH • 4&PDWHULDO GHÀQHOHQJWK
• (QDEOHVFUHHQVKDULQJ
• /DQJXDJHVHOHFWLRQ • 5HJLRQDOVHWWLQJV • 7HVWVWULSFDVVHWWHRQERDUGVWDELOLW\
• 3DVVZRUGPRGH • &DOLEUDWLRQV
&KDQJHGDWHDQGWLPH
$ODUPVRXQG VHWWLQJV
0DLQWHQDQFHLQWHUYDOV
• 9ROXPH
• 1XPEHURIUHSHWLWLRQV • ,QLWLDOL]DWLRQ
9LUWXDONH\ERDUG • $LUSXUJHX

:DUQLQJVEHIRUHSUHYHQWLYH
• (QDEOHYLUWXDONH\ERDUG PDLQWHQDQFH
$XWRPDWLFORJRII • 3UHYHQWLYHPDLQWHQDQFHX

• (QDEOHDXWRPDWLFORJRII
• 7LPHRXWPLQ

,PSRUWRUH[SRUWV\VWHP
+RVWFRQÀJXUDWLRQ 5HSRUWFRQÀJXUDWLRQ ,QVWDOODWLRQ
VHWWLQJV

+RVWFRQÀJXUDWLRQ 5HSRUWKHDGHU
,QVWDOOODQJXDJH ,PSRUWV\VWHPVHWWLQJV
• (QDEOHKRVWFRQQHFWLRQ • 7LWOH
• (QDEOHUDZGDWD • 6XEWLWOH
([SRUWV\VWHPVHWWLQJV
WUDQVPLVVLRQ • 6XEWLWOH
• ,3DGGUHVV 3ULQWHUVHWWLQJV
• 3RUW 5HSRUWV\VWHPVHWWLQJV
• 7LPHRXWVHF • 3ULQWHU
• +RVWSURWRFROYHUVLRQ • &RORUJUD\VFDOH

5HSRUWFUHDWLRQ
9HUVLRQV

• $QDO\]HU
• )LOHSDWK
• 2XWSXWPRGH
• 5HSRUWFRQGLWLRQ
6 Configuration

$YDLODEOHWRDOOXVHUV ,WHP 7RQHZVFUHHQSDQHORUFDOORXW • ,WHP ,WHPIXQFWLRQVXPPDU\

$YDLODEOHWRXVHUVZLWK6XSHUYLVRUULJKWVRQO\ ,WHP 3DQHORQVDPHVFUHHQ

w Navigation map for System configuration

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
266 System configuration: Defining the operating environment

About the Basic configuration 1 panel

This panel serves to define the following items:
• Name of the system
• User interface language
• The way passwords are generated and checked
• The volume of the alarm sounds and how often they
should be repeated
• Whether the virtual keyboard should be displayed on
screen
• Whether and if so after what period of inactivity on the
analyzer users should automatically be logged off

NOTICE
Basic configuration 1 items
Using both virtual and external keyboard
Using the virtual keyboard and the external keyboard at
the same time could lead to operating complications.
r Do not use both keyboards at the same time.

Item Description
System name Any alphanumeric characters. This is
displayed in the global information area.
Language de: German
selection(1) en: English
es: Spanish
fr: French
it: Italian
ko: Korean
pl: Polish
pt: Portuguese
ru: Russian
tr: Turkish
zh: Chinese
Only the installed languages are
available.
Password mode o Simple password mode: The
password is defined manually
during user definition. It cannot be
changed by the general user.
o Strong password mode: The
system generates a random
6 Configuration

password of 8 character length

during user definition, which has to
be changed at the first logon by the
user, and consequently every
60 days.
u To define a new user (244)
y Basic configuration 1 items

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 System configuration: Defining the operating environment 267

Item Description
Enable virtual Clear the check box if you want to use
keyboard the external keyboard instead of the
virtual keyboard.
Enable automatic If you select the check box also enter a
logoff time-out value between 1 and
1000 minutes.
y Basic configuration 1 items
(1) This list is not necessarily complete, further languages may become
available and different languages may be installed on your analyzer.

u Related topics
• Performing basic configuration (267)

About the Basic configuration 2 panel

This panel serves to define the following items:
• Whether screen sharing with remote access is
permitted
• The way lower measurement limit values are reported
• The geographic area where the system is installed
• Date and time settings

Basic configuration 2 items

Item Description
Enable screen Allow screen sharing when remote
sharing service is active.
Regional settings Regional settings as supported by the
operating system.
Change date and Define system date and time.
time settings

q Note that the format in which date

and time are displayed is linked to the
Regional settings and cannot be
changed.

y Basic configuration 2 items

u Related topics
6 Configuration

• Performing basic configuration (267)

Performing basic configuration

r To perform configuration

1 Choose Administration > System configuration

> Basic configuration 1 or Basic configuration 2.

2 Choose the Edit button.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
268 System configuration: Defining the operating environment

3 Define the items as required.

q For more information, see:

u About the Basic configuration 1 panel (266)
About the Basic configuration 2 panel (267)

4 Choose the Save button.

Defining when notifications should be generated

You can adjust some intervals to suite your local
laboratory requirements. They are divided into groups:
• Warnings before expiration
- Advanced expiry warnings for QC materials, test
strip cassettes, and calibrations.
• Maintenance intervals
- Frequency for system initialization.
Periodic initialization is required to ensure the
proper functioning of the analyzer, for example for
the correct probe bend detection.
- Frequency for air purge.
Air purge is periodically performed to remove any
possible air bubbles in the tubing. Your Roche
Service representative can change this interval.
• Warnings before preventive maintenance
- Frequency for preventive maintenance.
During preventive maintenance, a number of items
are cleaned or replaced, for example the tubing
and filters are replaced.
This interval reflects the number of tests performed
and the time since the last maintenance. Your
Roche Service representative can reset the counter
for this interval.
6 Configuration

r To adjust selected advance

notification times
1 Choose Administration > System configuration
> Warning intervals.

2 In the detail panel, choose the Edit button.

3 From the drop-down lists, choose the required time

indications.

4 Choose the Save button.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 System configuration: Defining the operating environment 269

Defining the barcode check parameters

Enabling the checks increases the reliability of the
barcode readings.

! CAUTION
Incorrect results due to undetected reading errors
Barcode reading errors could potentially go undetected if
a checksum is not used, which could lead to sample
mismatch.
r Use only barcodes with checksum.
r Use only barcode labels of a good print quality.

Barcodes contain Enable checksum check? Transmit and show checksum characters?(1)
checksum characters?
Yes
The checksum character is transmitted to the host and also included
in the sample ID.
Yes Yes
No
The checksum character is not transmitted to the host and it is not
included in the sample ID.
No No(2) No

y Recommended barcode checksum configurations

(1) Definition made by Roche Service representative during installation of the analyzer
(2) Enabling checksum checking while using barcodes that do not contain checksum characters causes the analyzer to generate its own sample
IDs.

r To define the barcode checks that are

applied
1 Choose Administration > System configuration
> Barcode configuration.

2 Choose the Edit button.

3 Define whether the checksum should be checked.

4 Define whether the barcode length should be

6 Configuration

checked.

5 If you defined that the barcode length should be

checked, use the slider to define how many characters
long the checksum should be.

6 Choose the Save button.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
270 System configuration: Defining the operating environment

Configuring the host connection

The exact values depend on your IT infrastructure. Refer
to the relevant documentation of your IT components.

q Instrument priority when working with Sample

sequence number mode
Orders are always processed and results marked
according to the type of rack and the way it was loaded
on the analyzer, irrespective of the order type (e.g. STAT)
that might have been issued by the host.

Port settings
Port Description
c 6500 Host protocol versions 8 and older.
c 6500_09 Host protocol versions 9 or more recent.
This version is not backward compatible
with version 8 and older.
y Port settings

r To configure the host connection

1 Choose Administration > System configuration

> Host configuration.

2 Choose the Edit button.

3 Select or clear the check boxes and enter the

information in the fields as required.
I Port settings: Refer to the relevant documentation
for the host interface and drivers you are using.

q For more information on port settings, see the

following table:
u Port settings y (270)

4 Choose the Save button.

6 Configuration

Defining the look, content, and handling of reports

Reports are usually used as handouts to physicians, either
as printed copies or as PDF files.

You can define default values for the content of the report
header, the printer, the analyzer whose results should be
reported, the file location and the type of reporting you
want to use.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 System configuration: Defining the operating environment 271

Parameter Description
Report header The Report header definitions are used for patient
reports.
Title e.g. facility name.
Subtitle 1 e.g. laboratory name.
Subtitle 2 e.g. department name.
Printer settings Printer Printer that is connected to the analyzer or any defined
network printer.
Report creation The Report creation definitions are used as default
values in all reports. They can be changed during report
creation.
File path The paths the user can select when saving data to files or
creating a report. It must be a mapped network drive.
Axeda is intended for direct upload to Roche Service.
Output mode Print: Send the report to the printer.
PDF: Save the report as a PDF file.
Report condition Automatic: Generate a report for every result.
Data alarm: Generate a report for results with the data
alarms listed in Assigned data alarms. (To include a data
alarm in this list, choose the data alarm from the Available
data alarms drop-down list and then choose the Create
button. To remove the data alarms from the list, choose the
Clear button.)
Manual: Only generate a report when requested to do so.
y Report items

r To define how reports should look,

what they should contain and where
they should be printed or saved
1 Choose Administration > System configuration
> Report configuration.

2 Choose the Edit button.

3 Define the items as required.(u 270)

4 Choose the Save button.

6 Configuration

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
272 System configuration: Defining the operating environment

Installing a new language

You can update language files and add additional
languages. The language code in the file name defines
the language.(1)

Code Definition
de German
en English
es Spanish
fr French
it Italian
ko Korean
pl Polish
pt Portuguese
ru Russian
tr Turkish
zh Chinese
y Language codes

r To install a new language or update it

1 Choose Administration > System configuration

> Installation > Install language.

2 Navigate to the folder where the language file is

stored and select the language file.

3 Choose the Install button.

I A callout is displayed when the installation is
complete.

4 Choose the OK button.

Changing the user interface language

6 Configuration

You can change the user interface language any time to

any language that is currently installed on the analyzer.

Code Definition
de German
en English
es Spanish
fr French
y User interface languages
(1) This list is not necessarily complete, further languages may become
available and different languages may be installed on your analyzer.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 System configuration: Defining the operating environment 273

Code Definition
it Italian
pl Polish
pt Portuguese
ru Russian
tr Turkish
zh Chinese
y User interface languages

q This list is not necessarily complete, further

languages may become available and different languages
may be installed on your analyzer.

r To change the user interface

language
1 Ensure that the analyzer is not performing any test or
action.

2 Choose Administration > System configuration

> Basic configuration 1.

3 In the detail panel, choose the Edit button.

4 In the Language selection drop-down list, choose

the language you want to use. (u 272)

5 Choose the Save button.

f A callout is displayed.

6 On the callout, choose the Restart button.

f The system software will be restarted. Wait until
the Overview work area is displayed, it will be in
the new language.

Importing and exporting system settings

6 Configuration

The system settings do not include data that relate to

users, patients, results, orders, and maintenance
counters.

q You need to delete all sample and QC results before

you can import system settings.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
274 System configuration: Defining the operating environment

Importing system settings You can import system settings that were previously
exported, even if they were saved with a different
software version. In the latter case, you need to have
installed software version 2.1.1 or more recent.
• If the configuration file to be imported contains an
item that does not exist in the current setup it is
ignored and not imported.
• If a setting value does not exist in the configuration
file to be imported, but is defined in the current
software, the default value is set during next software
startup.

System settings report The system settings report provides the system settings in
an easily readable form.

All users can generate a report of the system settings.

r To import the system settings

1 Choose Administration > System configuration

> Import or export system settings > Import
system settings.

2 In the callout that is displayed, confirm the action.

• If there are results on the analyzer, choose the Yes
button to confirm their deletion and to continue
with the import.
• If there are no results on the analyzer, choose the
Confirm button to continue.

3 Choose the device where the settings file is stored,

e.g. a USB storage device.

4 Choose the Open button.

f The analyzer software will shut down and restart
automatically.
f When the Overview tab is displayed again and the
analyzer status is Idle the import has been
successful.
6 Configuration

r To export the system settings

1 Choose Administration > System configuration

> Import or export system settings > Export
system settings.
I All users can export the system settings.

2 In the callout, choose the device where the settings

file should be stored, e.g. the USB storage device, then
choose the Save button.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 System configuration: Defining the operating environment 275

r To generate a report of the system

settings
1 Choose Administration > System configuration
> Import or export system settings > Report
system settings.

2 In the callout, choose the output mode.

• If you choose Export to PDF, also choose the
Select button to define the file path.
f If you choose Print, the report will be printed on
your default printer.

3 In the callout, choose the Yes button.

Checking the versions of the installed software

components
This information may be helpful for the Roche Service
representative during troubleshooting.

q All users can view the system information.

r To display the versions of the

installed software components
1 Choose Administration > System configuration
> Versions.
f The information is displayed in the detail panel.

6 Configuration

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
276 Managing racks

Managing racks
You can define STAT racks, QC racks, and wash racks,
which means that STAT testing, QC testing and the wash
action start automatically as soon as you place such a
rack on the input buffer. This is achieved by assigning
certain rack IDs to the STAT testing, QC testing and wash
actions.
u Rack IDs (81)

! WARNING
Sample mismatch due to inconsistent rack ID
definition
It may be possible that you have several racks with the
same rack ID. For a given analyzer, rack IDs must be
unique.
r Make sure that the rack IDs that you assign to STAT
racks are not used at the same time for routine racks
that might be processed on your analyzer.

r To define a STAT rack

1 Choose Monitoring > Manage racks.

2 Choose the Create button.

3 Note the human readable rack ID of the rack you want

to use as the STAT rack and enter it without any
spaces or special characters in the Rack ID field.

4 From the Assignment drop-down list, choose STAT.

5 Choose the Save button.

r To define a wash rack

6 Configuration

1 Choose Monitoring > Manage racks.

2 Choose the Create button.

3 Note the human readable rack ID of the rack you want

to use as the wash rack and enter it without any
spaces or special characters in the Rack ID field.

4 From the Assignment drop-down list, choose Wash.

5 Choose the Save button.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Managing racks 277

r To define a QC rack

1 Choose Monitoring > Manage racks.

2 Choose the Create button.

3 Note the human readable rack ID of the rack you want

to use as a QC rack and enter it without any spaces or
special characters in the Rack ID field.

4 From the Assignment drop-down list, choose QC.

5 Define at least one rack position for each QC level you

are using by choosing a QC level from the drop-down
list. You can assign the same level to several positions.

q The positions do not have to be adjacent, but

Roche recommends to choose positions that are easily
remembered.

6 Choose the Save button.

6 Configuration

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
278 Adjusting the probe action

Adjusting the probe action

If you decide to use a different type of tube or rack on the
cobas u 601 urine analyzer, a teaching procedure for the
probe must be performed.

This ensures that the probe does not touch the tube
bottom and that it is properly immersed in liquid when
aspiring.

You perform this task with the help of the Adjust rack
and tube wizard.

Urine Monovettes For Urine Monovettes, performing the standard teaching

procedure is not sufficient to guarantee trouble-free
operation. In this case, your Roche Service representative
must perform the rack and tube teaching.

Materials required m 5 mL pipette with selection of variable volumes

m 1 sample rack with a tube containing 1.8 mL tap water
on position 1 and a tube containing 1.3 mL tap water
on position 2
m 1 wash rack with a tube containing 3.8 mL tap water
on rack position 1

The values for the sample rack are automatically valid for
the QC rack as well, therefore, no QC rack needs to be
prepared.

r To adjust the probe action

1 Choose the Assistance tab.

2 Choose the Wizards on u 601 task button.

3 To start the wizard, choose the Adjust rack and tube

task button.

4 Follow the on-screen instructions.

6 Configuration

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Maintenance

7 Maintenance ..........................................................................................................281

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 281
Table of contents

Maintenance 7

In this chapter, you find instructions on how to perform

maintenance actions that are not part of the daily routine
operation.

In this chapter 7
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Routine maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Miscellaneous maintenance actions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Cleaning the water container . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Managing the result storage capacity . . . . . . . . . . 288
Keeping your data safe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
About exporting and importing the setup
data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
Backing up the database. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
Issues with the probe. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
If you are not going to use the analyzer for some
time. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294

7 Maintenance

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
282
Table of contents
7 Maintenance

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Safety 283

Safety
! Read and understand the information in the
Safety chapter

The following safety messages are particularly relevant:

Warning messages:
u Biohazardous materials (27)
u Waste (27)

Caution messages:
u Mechanical safety (30)
u Working solutions (30)
u Influence of vibrations (31)

Notice messages:
u Spillage (33)
u Excessive ambient humidity (33)

NOTICE
Damage to the analyzer due to use of inappropriate
cleaning solution
Using inappropriate cleaning solutions may damage the
parts you cleaned.
r Only use recommended cleaning solutions.
u Cleaning solutions (113)
r Never use the wash solution for manually cleaning the
analyzer.

7 Maintenance

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
284 Routine maintenance

Routine maintenance
All routine maintenance actions can be performed using
wizards. They are grouped into actions relating to
consumables (supplies) and actions related to keeping
the analyzer working (maintenance).

When a maintenance action is due you are informed by a

message in the task list. Choosing such a message
displays detailed information including a description,
possible causes and recommended remedies. If a wizard
is available, its button is available in the detail panel.

The following table provides an overview of when a

routine maintenance action is due.

Interval Routine maintenance action

Daily u Washing the fluid system (197)
End of shift u Cleaning the input and output buffers (210)
u Cleaning the rack conveyors (211)
u Cleaning the rack trays (211)
u Cleaning the test strip tray and transporter (215)
u Cleaning the probe bend detector (218)
u Cleaning the test strip pipetting area (218)
u Cleaning the analyzer housing and the input and output buffers (219)
Every 14 days u Replacing the test strip cassette (202)
Only required, if the onboard stability of 14 days is due.
Every 28 days u Calibrating the photometer unit (220)
u Calibrating the measuring cell (222)
u Cleaning the water container (287)
y Intervals of routine maintenance actions

You can always start consumables related wizards by

choosing Assistance > Wizards or Monitoring
> Manage supplies.
7 Maintenance

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Routine maintenance 285

Wizard name When to be performed Purpose

Fill water container At the beginning of a shift or when The fill level is monitored and a message is
prompted to do so generated when the level gets low. When the
container is empty processing stops. Use type
II/IF water.
u Filling the water container (199)
Exchange test strip cassette When prompted to do so The fill level is monitored and a message is
generated when the level gets low. When the
cassette is empty processing stops.
u Replacing the test strip cassette (202)
Empty the solid waste container When loading a new test strip cassette or The fill level is monitored and a message is
when prompted to do so generated when the level gets high. If the
solid waste container is full, test strips may get
stuck in the waste chute or the test strip tray
and interfere with the measuring mechanism.
Dispose of the waste according to the relevant
local regulations.
u Emptying the solid waste container (201)
Empty the liquid waste container When filling the water container or when The fill level is monitored and a message is
prompted to do so generated when the level gets high. When the
container is full processing stops. Dispose of
the waste according to the relevant local
regulations.
u Emptying the liquid waste container (200)
Calibrate photometer When prompted to do so Calibration of the photometer is required
every 4 weeks to ensure its proper functioning
and correct result calculation.
u Calibrating the photometer unit (220)
Exchange probe When prompted to do so If the automatic probe positioning calibration
To avoid processing delays, Roche test fails or the probe is visibly damaged, e.g.
recommends to keep a replacement bent, the probe needs to be replaced.
probe on site. u To replace the probe (293)
Adjust rack and tube When a different tube type is going to be To avoid probe crashing and to ensure correct
used. and accurate pipetting, the pipetting
mechanism must be adjusted to the new tube
dimensions.
u Adjusting the probe action (278)
y Wizards on the cobas u 601 urine analyzer

You can always start following wizards by choosing

Monitoring > Perform maintenance.
7 Maintenance

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
286 Routine maintenance

Task name When to be performed Purpose

Create problem report As part of troubleshooting The problem report contains the most
recent 1000 messages and the most recent
10 000 entries in the audit trail, as well as
information on the installed software
versions, languages, online help, and the
current counter values.
u To create a problem report (305)
Export screenshots As part of troubleshooting Export all screenshots that were created
using the screenshot button, so they
can be viewed by the user. When you
create a screenshot, it is stored internally.
Up to 100 screenshots can be stored
internally.
u Screenshots (303)
Initialize system As part of troubleshooting or when System initialization resets the hardware
prompted to do so elements to their default positions and so
establishes a clean state from where to
proceed.
Backup database For data security, as part of troubleshooting The database backup includes all database
content, including order and result data,
user and encrypted patient demographics,
as well as all setup, definition and logging
data.
If the database backup is generated for
troubleshooting purposes, exclude the
patient demographics by selecting the
Create anonymized database backup
check box in the callout.
u To back up the database (291)
Restore database As part of troubleshooting Import a database that was generated
using the Backup database function.
Export data in CSV format As part of troubleshooting or when Export of result data.
prompted to do so u To export all results (289)
Perform wash As part of shutting down the system To remove soiling and prevent
proteinization and buildup of other
pollutants in the probe and the fluid system,
in particular the rinse station, the fluid
system needs to be washed daily.
u Washing the fluid system (197)
Unload rack In emergency situations Move the rack that is on the conveyor to
the output buffer.
y Further guided maintenance actions
7 Maintenance

The following maintenance action is started by choosing

Monitoring > Analyzer > u 601 > Perform air purge.

Task name When to be performed Purpose

Perform air purge Air purge is automatically performed and To remove any possible air pockets in the
does not normally require user intervention. tubing. This is achieved by pumping system
You may also need to perform this action as water through the whole fluid system.
a result of a message in the message list or u Air purge (198)
as part of troubleshooting.
y Further maintenance actions

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Miscellaneous maintenance actions 287

Miscellaneous maintenance actions

Some maintenance actions need to be performed
periodically, others as and when required.

In this section
Cleaning the water container (287)
Managing the result storage capacity (288)
Keeping your data safe (290)
Issues with the probe (292)
If you are not going to use the analyzer for some
time (294)

Cleaning the water container

To prevent deposits inside the water container, you can
clean it with 1% NaOCl solution.

q Clean the standard water container if the analyzer

has not been used for some time.

q Clean the water container for external water supply

once a month.

Materials required • 1% NaOCl (You can use commercially available

5% NaOCl solution and dilute it 5 times with distilled
water.)
• Purified water
u Water quality (112)

r To clean the water container

7 Maintenance

1 Start the Fill water container wizard.

I Check whether there are deposits on the inside of
the water container.

2 Before you fill the container with water, rinse the

container with warm tap water several times.
I If the water container is visibly soiled, rinse it with
1% NaOCl solution.

3 Rinse the water container with purified water.

4 Fill the container with water and continue as

described in the wizard.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
288 Miscellaneous maintenance actions

5 If the problem persists, contact your Roche Service

representative.

r To clean the water container for

external water supply
1 Turn off the external water supply.

2 Remove the water tubing adapter from the water

container.
I Keep the bottom of the tubing in the water
container until water stops running.

3 Empty the water container.

4 Rinse the water container with 1% NaOCl solution.

5 To remove any NaOCl residues, rinse the water

container with purified water.

6 Wipe the liquid level detection sensors and the float

valve with a cloth damped with 1% NaOCl solution.

7 To remove any NaOCl residues, wipe the level

detection sensors and the float valve with a cloth
damped with purified water.

8 Insert the water tubing adapter in the water container

and screw it on.

9 Turn on the external water supply.

Managing the result storage capacity

Your analyzer can be set up to automatically overwrite the
oldest data entry when the database is full or to stop
processing when the database is full.
u Managing the result storage capacity (253)
7 Maintenance

A message in the message list will inform you when the

database is getting full.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Miscellaneous maintenance actions 289

There are two ways of exporting results:

• You can export selected or all results contained in the
result list in PDF format to an external storage device.
u To save results to files (result report) (180)
• You can export all results on the analyzer, including
QC and calibration results, to a file in CSV format and
then process them in a spreadsheet program.

To keep the result list manageable and to free space you

should periodically delete results.

r To export all results

1 Choose Monitoring > Perform maintenance

> Export data in CSV format.
f A callout is displayed.

2 If instructed to do so by your Roche Service

representative, select the Include extended data
check box to include all raw data and compress the
data in a ZIP file.
f The resulting file is password protected.

3 Choose the Yes button to export all results that are

currently stored on the analyzer.
f A callout is displayed for defining where the files
should be saved.

4 Choose a destination.

5 Choose the Save button.

f A progress indication callout is displayed. This
action may take some time.
f A CSV file and, if you include the raw data, a ZIP
file are generated, their file names start with
RawData_.
7 Maintenance

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
290 Miscellaneous maintenance actions

r To delete results

1 CAUTION! Loss of result data due to erroneous

deletion
Choosing Delete while deletion is already in progress
may cause a further result to be deleted.
Do not choose Delete while deletion is in progress.
Always double-check your result selections before
choosing Delete.
1 Display the result list:
• Choose Routine > Manage test results.
• Choose Routine > Manage QC > Review QC
results.

2 Use the View and Search functions to display the

results you want to delete.

3 Select the results you want to delete.

I Select individual check boxes at the beginning of
the result entries or select the check box in the
table header to select all results in the list.

4 Choose the Delete button.

I Deleting results from the result list also removes
them from the database.

5 In the callout, confirm the deletion.

Keeping your data safe

You can export your setup data and the complete
database to an external device and import these data
again as required.

In this section
About exporting and importing the setup data (290)
Backing up the database (291)
7 Maintenance

About exporting and importing the setup data

The setup data include all definitions made in System
settings and System configuration. They do not
include any order, result, user, or patient related data.

You can backup your setup data by exporting and

importing the system settings.
u Importing and exporting system settings (273)

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Miscellaneous maintenance actions 291

Backing up the database

You can back up the database to an external device.

The backup includes all database content, including

order and result data, user and encrypted patient
demographics, as well as all setup, definition and logging
data.

You can create a backup where the patient

demographics are not included. In this case,
demographic data cannot be recovered using Database
restore. Patient demographics that are on the instrument
are deleted during the restore process.

r To back up the database

1 If you want to perform a standard database backup,

choose Monitoring > Perform maintenance
> Backup database.

2 If the database backup is generated for

troubleshooting purposes, exclude the patient
demographics by selecting the Create anonymized
database backup check box in the callout.

3 In the callout, confirm the action.

4 In the next callout, choose the destination.

5 Choose the Save button.

I This action may take some time.

7 Maintenance

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
292 Miscellaneous maintenance actions

Issues with the probe

During initialization of the analyzer the probe positioning
is automatically calibrated and its position adjusted. The
probe needs to be replaced if during initialization the
required corrections are consistently outside the allowed
ranges. A message in the message list would alert you to
this fact.

! WARNING
Incorrect results due to touching the probe
Touching the probe with bare fingers may leave residues
on its surface and consequently influence the accuracy of
the results.
r Do not touch the probe except for maintenance as
described in this documentation.

! CAUTION
Skin inflammation or injury caused by working
solutions
Direct contact with cleaning solutions or other working
solutions may cause skin irritation, inflammation, or
burns.
r If a cleaning solution or other working solution comes
into contact with your skin, wash it off immediately
with water and apply disinfectant. Consult a physician.

! CAUTION
Personal injury due to contact with sharp objects
r Avoid contact with the probe tip.

q To avoid processing delays, Roche recommends to

keep a replacement probe on site.
7 Maintenance

If initialization is not successful proceed as follows:

1 Repeat the initialization.

Choose Monitoring > Perform maintenance
> Initialize system.
2 If the problem persists, clean the probe bend detector.
u Cleaning the probe bend detector (218)
3 If the problem persists, clean the probe.
u To clean the probe (293)
y Required tasks

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Miscellaneous maintenance actions 293

4 If the problem persists, replace the probe.

u To replace the probe (293)
y Required tasks

r To clean the probe

1 Start the Exchange probe wizard.

• In the message list, choose the message that
indicates that the probe needs replacing, then
choose the Exchange probe button in the detail
panel.
• Choose Assistance > Wizards > Exchange
probe on u 601.
f The wizard is started.

2 Follow the on-screen instructions. But instead of

removing and replacing the probe just wipe it with a
lint-free cloth.
I Carefully move the cloth from top to bottom, do not
use up and down movements.

r To replace the probe

1 Start the Exchange probe wizard.

• In the message list, choose the message that
indicates that the probe needs replacing, then
choose the Exchange probe button in the detail
panel.
• Choose Assistance > Wizards > Exchange
probe on u 601.
f The wizard is started.
7 Maintenance

2 Follow the on-screen instructions.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
294 Miscellaneous maintenance actions

If you are not going to use the analyzer for some time
Supplies that remain on the analyzer for a long time may
deteriorate. Therefore, if you intend not to use the
analyzer for some time, Roche recommend removing
them from the analyzer.

1 Remove the test strip cassette.

u Removing the test strip cassette (236)
2 Empty the solid waste.
u Emptying the solid waste container (201)
3 Empty the water container.
u To empty the water container (294)
4 Drain all water from the fluid system.
u To drain the system water (294)
5 Empty the liquid waste.
u Emptying the liquid waste container (200)
6 Shut down the system and switch off the power.
u To shut down the analyzer (295)
y Required tasks

Location of status indicator in the global

information area

r To empty the water container

1 Choose Assistance > Wizards > Fill water

container on u 601.

2 Remove the water container and empty the system

water.

3 Install the empty water container.

4 Finish the wizard.

7 Maintenance

r To drain the system water

1 Choose Overview > analyzer illustration of the test

strip analyzer > Perform air purge.

2 Perform the previous step several times until you

cannot see any water in the tubing.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Miscellaneous maintenance actions 295

r To shut down the analyzer

1 Ensure that the analyzer status in the global

information area is Idle.

2 Choose Overview > Shut down.

f A callout is displayed, asking you whether you
want to perform the daily wash maintenance
action.

3 Choose the No button.

f The software is shut down and the analyzer is
switched off.

4 Put the power switch at the rear of the analyzers in the

off position .

7 Maintenance

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
296
7 Maintenance Miscellaneous maintenance actions

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Troubleshooting

8 Troubleshooting ....................................................................................................299

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 299
Table of contents

Troubleshooting 8

In this chapter, you find information on how to recover

from unusual situations.

In this chapter 8
Exceptional situations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Screenshots. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303
Log files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304
No photometer calibration can be generated. . . . . . . 306
No measuring cell calibration can be generated . . . . 306
Detached barcode labels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307
Recovering from an irregular stop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 308
Emergency stop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 309
When you have accidentally pulled the waste
drawer during operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311
Recovering from a power outage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 312
Safety interlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 314
8 Troubleshooting
Clogged inlet water filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 314
Blocked floats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 317

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 300
Table of contents
8 Troubleshooting

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Exceptional situations 301

Exceptional situations
The following table lists, in alphabetical order, exceptional
situations that may occur and points to ways of how to
handle them.

Keyword Situation How to handle the situation

Barcodes Barcode cannot be read. Barcode labels u Detached barcode labels (307)
may become detached and stick to parts of
the rack transport unit or become wedged
between the rack or sample tube and the
analyzer parts.
Calibration You cannot calibrate the photometer. u No photometer calibration can be
Invalid results are produced repeatedly. generated (306)
You cannot calibrate the measuring cell. u No measuring cell calibration can be
generated (306)
Cover You have accidentally opened the main u To recover after accidentally opening
cover. the main cover (308)
Emergency stop All mechanical movement must be stopped u To perform an emergency stop (310)
immediately.
The analyzer is stuck in Processing or Init
status.
Filter Processing stopped due to a clogged inlet u Clogged inlet water filter (314)
water filter.
Floats A float in the water or liquid waste u Blocked floats (317)
container does not move freely or it is
blocked.
The level indications as indicated by
messages might not agree with the actual
levels.
Labels Barcode cannot be read. Barcode labels u Detached barcode labels (307)
may become detached and stick to parts of
the rack transport unit or become wedged
between the rack or sample tube and the
analyzer parts.
You may be using a type of rack that is not
recommend by Roche
Log files All activities on the analyzer are recorded in u Log files (304)
log files. You can export these files for
u To create a problem report (305)
troubleshooting purposes
8 Troubleshooting
Measuring cell calibration You cannot calibrate the measuring cell. u No measuring cell calibration can be
Invalid results are produced repeatedly. generated (306)
Photometer calibration You cannot calibrate the photometer. u No photometer calibration can be
Invalid results are produced repeatedly. generated (306)
Power outage After power is cut, you must follow a u To recover from a power outage (312)
prescribed procedure to avoid data loss.
Problem report All activities on the analyzer are recorded in u To create a problem report (305)
log files. You can export these files for
troubleshooting purposes.
Safety interlock A message is displayed informing you that u Safety interlock (314)
safety interlock in not on.
Shut-down The screen froze completely and you had to u To recover from a forced
shut down using the On/Off switch. shutdown (309)
y Exceptional situations and how to deal with them

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 302 Exceptional situations

Keyword Situation How to handle the situation

Screen The screen froze completely and you had to u To recover from a forced
shut down using the On/Off switch. shutdown (309)
Screenshots You want to document a particular u To generate a screenshot (303)
situation for troubleshooting reasons.
Sensor (floats) A float in the water or liquid waste u Blocked floats (317)
container do not move freely any more or
that they are blocked. The level indications
as indicated by messages might not agree
with the actual levels.
Stop Processing stopped because you have u To recover after accidentally opening
accidentally opened the main cover. the main cover (308)
Processing stopped because you have u To recover after pulling the waste
accidentally pulled out the waste drawer. drawer (311)
Processing stopped due to a clogged inlet u Clogged inlet water filter (314)
water filter.
The analyzer is stuck in Processing or Init u To perform an emergency stop (310)
status.
All mechanical movement must be stopped u To perform an emergency stop (310)
immediately.
The screen froze completely and you had to u To recover from a forced
shut down using the On/Off switch. shutdown (309)
Stuck The analyzer is stuck in Processing or Init u To perform an emergency stop (310)
status.
Waste container A float in the water or liquid waste u Blocked floats (317)
container does not move freely any more or
it is blocked. The level indications as
indicated by messages might not agree
with the actual levels.
Water container A float in the water or liquid waste u Blocked floats (317)
container does not move freely any more it
is blocked. The level indications as
indicated by messages might not agree
with the actual levels.
Water filter Processing stopped due to a clogged inlet u To clean the inlet water filter (315)
water filter. To clean the inlet water filter (external
water supply) (316)
y Exceptional situations and how to deal with them
8 Troubleshooting

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Screenshots 303

Screenshots
As part of troubleshooting, in particular if you need to
contact a Roche Service representative, it is useful to
generate screenshots to capture the exact situation at the
time of a problem occurring.

r To generate a screenshot

1 In the global information area, choose the button.

f An image of the current screen is saved in a file.

2 If you want to examine the screenshot yourself,

choose Monitoring > Perform maintenance
> Export screen shots.
I This function saves the last 100 screenshots that
were generated using the print screen function
to a location that is accessible by the user.

8 Troubleshooting

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 304 Log files

Log files
All activities on the analyzer are recorded in log files.

Message log All users can view the message log, which contains a
chronological log of all messages that were generated by
the analyzer, including the task messages.

Audit trail Users with Supervisor user rights can also view the audit
trail, which contains a chronological log of all activities
and events such as logon, logoff, order handling, sample
processing, result validation, QC, calibration,
maintenance, software updates, and remote access, as
well as those concerning configuration.

Problem report The problem report is a collection of various logs and

comprises the last 1000 messages of the message log, the
last 10 000 entries of the audit trail, counter values, and
information about the installed versions of the software
and online help.

q Problem reports do not contain PDF versions of data,

they are meant for troubleshooting purposes.

You can export the problem report to an external device,

from where it can be sent to experts for analysis.

r To view the message log

1 Choose Administration > Message log.

f The messages are displayed in chronological
order.

r To view the audit trail

8 Troubleshooting

1 Choose Administration > Audit trail.

I You need Supervisor user rights to view the audit
trail.
f The messages are displayed in chronological
order.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Log files 305

r To create a problem report

1 Choose Monitoring > Perform maintenance

> Create problem report.

2 In the callout, define the target location for the report.

q Axeda is intended for direct upload to Roche

Service. Do not use this destination unless instructed
to do so by your Roche Service representative.

3 In the callout, define whether the failsafe images

should be included.
I These are photometer images that were taken
when an error was detected and are intended for
Roche Service representatives only.

4 Choose the Save button.

q For details on defining the default file locations,

see:
u Defining the look, content, and handling of reports (270).

8 Troubleshooting

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 306 No photometer calibration can be generated

No photometer calibration can be

generated
If photometer calibration persistently fails, proceed as
follows:
m Be sure to use a fresh calibration strip with every
photometer calibration.
m Check the calibration strip.
- Check it for soiling. Use a new one.
- Check the expiry date of the calibration strips. Only
use calibration strips that have not expired.
- Check the storage conditions for the calibration
strips. Calibration strips that were stored vertically
may be bent and consequently unsuitable for use.
- Calibrate the photometer unit.
m If the problem persists, contact your Roche Service
representative.

No measuring cell calibration can be

generated
If measuring cell calibration fails proceed as follows:

r To obtain a measuring cell calibration

1 Repeat the calibration.

2 If the problem persists, check that you use water of

the required quality.
8 Troubleshooting

• Change the water, if required, then perform a

wash. (Monitoring > Perform maintenance
> Perform wash)

q Only use water with the specified quality:

u Water quality (112)

3 If the problem still persists, contact your Roche

Service representative.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Detached barcode labels 307

Detached barcode labels

Barcode labels may become detached and stick to parts
of the rack transport unit or become wedged between the
rack or sample tube and the analyzer parts. If this
happens between the rack entry position and the barcode
reader, a message is added to the message list.
Processing stops.

r To recover from processing stop due

to detached barcode labels
1 Display the message details and consult the possible
causes.

2 Open the main cover.

3 Ensure that the affected label does not interfere with

the rack movement. If necessary remove it.

4 Close the main cover.

5 Choose Monitoring > Perform maintenance

> Unload racks.

6 Remove the rack from the output buffer.

7 Replace the barcode.

• If the problem concerns a rack barcode label,
transfer the tubes to a new rack.
• If the problem concerns a sample tube barcode
label, replace the label. You can also just remove
the label and place the tube on its original position.
In this case the analyzer automatically defines a
sample ID and an order using the default test
profile.
8 Troubleshooting
8 Place the rack in the priority rack slot.
f Processing starts automatically.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 308 Recovering from an irregular stop

Recovering from an irregular stop

! CAUTION
Loss of data and sample due to opening the main
cover
Opening the main cover during operation interrupts the
power supply to all units, processing stops immediately
and no status information can be stored. Incomplete tests
and other activities will have to be redone.
r Do not open the main cover while the analyzer is
performing some activity. Only do so in an emergency.

! CAUTION
Loss of data and sample due to turning off the
analyzer using the on/off switch
Pressing the on/off switch for several seconds stops all
processing and shuts down the internal PC. No status
information can be stored. Incomplete tests and other
activities will have to be redone.
r Do not use the on/off switch to turn off the analyzer
except in an emergency, e.g. when the screen is
“frozen” and analyzer does not react to any user
action, on-screen or otherwise.

q If during operation you open the main cover, either

by accident or deliberately, all processing activities stop
immediately (power to all units is cut) and all incomplete
tests and other activities will have to be redone.

q If for example the screen is “frozen” and the analyzer

does not react to any user action on-screen or otherwise,
you may be forced to press the on/off switch for several
8 Troubleshooting

seconds to shut down the analyzer. This stops all

processing and shuts down the internal PC. No status
information can be stored. Incomplete tests and other
activities will have to be redone.

r To recover after accidentally opening

the main cover
1 Close all covers.
f Power is restored to the units.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Emergency stop 309

2 If there is a rack on the conveyor choose Monitoring

> Perform maintenance > Unload racks.

3 Remove the rack from the output buffer.

4 Choose Monitoring > Perform maintenance

> Initialize system.
f Wait until the Overview work area is displayed
again.

5 Check the task list and deal with all red and orange
items.

6 Replenish the samples, if required.

7 Place the rack in the priority rack slot.

r To recover from a forced shutdown

1 Press the on/off switch.

f The analyzer software will start automatically.

2 Wait until the Overview work area is displayed.

3 If there is a rack on the conveyor choose Monitoring

> Perform maintenance > Unload racks.

4 Remove the rack from the output buffer.

5 Check the task list and deal with all red and orange
items.

6 Check the samples for which there are no results.

f Ensure that there is sufficient sample.

7 Place the samples in exactly the same position on the

rack where they were removed from.

8 If you work without sample barcodes, redefine the

8 Troubleshooting

orders. (u 185)

Emergency stop
Use this function if, for some reason, all activities on the
analyzer must be stopped immediately or if the analyzer is
stuck in either the Operating or Init status.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 310 Emergency stop

r To perform an emergency stop

1 On the Overview work area, choose the E. Stop

button.
f All mechanical movement on the analyzer stops.

2 If the analyzer has gone into Standby status, do one

of the following:
• Initialize the analyzer by choosing Monitoring
> Perform maintenance > Initialize system.
• Shut down the analyzer by using the Shut down
button.

3 If the analyzer did not go into Standby status, turn off

the analyzer by using the On/Off switch.

4 If you shut down or switched off the analyzer, sort out

any hardware problems and restart the analyzer.
(u 308)

5 If the problem persists, contact your Roche Service

representative.
8 Troubleshooting

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 When you have accidentally pulled the waste drawer during operation 311

When you have accidentally pulled the

waste drawer during operation
! CAUTION
Loss of data and sample due to opening the waste
drawer
When you pull the waste drawer while the analyzer is
processing tests, all operation stops immediately, the
analyzer displays the Idle status. Any processing
interruption of pipetted samples would affect the
incubation time, which is critical for obtaining correct
results.
All pipetted test strips are discarded and all incomplete
tests need to be performed again.
r Do not open the waste drawer while test processing is
going on.

r To recover after pulling the waste

drawer
1 Close the waste drawer.

2 Choose the Overview work area.

3 Choose the hardware graphic.

4 Choose the Initialize system button.

f This may take a while. Wait until the analyzer is in
Idle status.

5 Remove the rack from the output buffer.

6 Check the samples for which there are no results.

8 Troubleshooting
f Ensure that there is sufficient sample.

7 Place the samples in exactly the same position on the

rack where they were removed from.

8 If you work without sample barcodes, redefine the

orders. (u 185)

9 Place the rack in the priority rack slot.

f New orders are generated and the test are
processed.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 312 Recovering from a power outage

Recovering from a power outage

! CAUTION
Loss of data and sample due to power outage
Accidentally unplugging the power supply or a power
outage stops all processing and no status information can
be stored. Incomplete tests and other activities will have
to be redone.
r Ensure that the mains cables are placed safely away
from areas where personnel might pass through.
r Roche recommends using an uninterruptible power
supply.
u Uninterruptible power supply (UPS) (111)

! CAUTION
Incorrect results due to power outage
Accidentally unplugging the power supply or a power
outage stops all processing. If as a result the test strip
cassette shutter remains open, ambient air can enter the
test strip cassette and influence the chemistry of the test
pads.
r Ensure that the mains cables are placed safely away
from areas where personnel might pass through.
r Roche recommends using an uninterruptible power
supply.
u Uninterruptible power supply (UPS) (111)

r To recover from a power outage

1 Restore power to the analyzer.

2 Press the on/off switch.

8 Troubleshooting

f The analyzer software will start automatically.

3 Wait until the Overview work area is displayed.

4 If there is a rack on the conveyor choose Monitoring

> Perform maintenance > Unload racks.

5 Remove the rack from the output buffer.

6 Check the task list and deal with all red and orange
items.

7 Check the samples for which there are no results.

f Ensure that there is sufficient sample.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Recovering from a power outage 313

8 Place the samples in exactly the same position on the

rack where they were removed from.

9 If you work without sample barcodes, redefine the

orders. (u 185)

8 Troubleshooting

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 314 Safety interlock

Safety interlock
! WARNING
Immediate processing stop due to opening the main
cover
Opening the main cover results in immediate power
interruption to all units and processing stop.
r Do not open the main cover during routine operation.

This feature can be bypassed by the Roche Service

representative for testing and troubleshooting purposes.
When this bypass is on, a message is added to the
message list.

q If a Roche Service representative did not cancel this

bypass, contact your Roche Service representative
immediately.

Clogged inlet water filter

Impurities in the water may cause clogging of the inlet
water filter in the water container. If this is the case, the
situation may occur that the analyzer does not receive
sufficient water and processing may stop.

If such a situation occurs, proceed as follows:

m Check that the water quality is of the required
standard.
u Water quality (112)
m Check whether the inlet water filter is soiled or
8 Troubleshooting

clogged.
u To clean the inlet water filter (315)
u To clean the inlet water filter (external water
supply) (316)
m Check whether the inside of the water container is
soiled or shows deposits.
u To clean the water container (287)
u To clean the water container for external water
supply (288)

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Clogged inlet water filter 315

Water container Water container with external water supply

A
A

B B

C C

A Water tubing adapter B Water tubing

C Inlet water filter
y Water container and Water container with external water supply

r To clean the inlet water filter

1 Start the Fill water container wizard.

I Check for discoloring and soiling of the inlet water
filter.

2 Before you fill the container with water, rinse the inlet
water filter with 1% NaOCl.

3 CAUTION! Incorrect results due to water

contamination
System water that is contaminated with cleaning
solution may lead to incorrect results.
Rinse the filter and the other tubing adapter
components thoroughly with purified water before
8 Troubleshooting
filling the container with system water.
3 Rinse the inlet water filter and the other tubing
adapter components thoroughly with purified water.

4 Fill the container with water and continue as

described in the wizard.

5 If the problem persists, contact your Roche Service

representative.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 316 Clogged inlet water filter

r To clean the inlet water filter

(external water supply)
1 To clean the inlet water filter if an external water
supply is attached, perform the following steps:

q This procedure is not software supported, and it

may interfere with analyzer activities if the analyzer is
running.

2 Shut down the analyzer. (u 206)

3 Turn off the external water supply.

4 Remove the water tubing adapter from the water

container.
I Keep the bottom of the water tubing in the water
container until water stops running.

5 Rinse the inlet water filter with 1% NaOCl.

6 CAUTION! Incorrect results due to water

contamination
System water that is contaminated with cleaning
solution may lead to incorrect results.
Rinse the filter and the other adapter components
thoroughly with purified water before reinserting the
water tubing adapter.
6 Rinse the inlet water filter and the other tubing
adapter components with purified water.

7 Insert the water tubing adapter in the water container

and screw it on.

8 Turn on the external water supply.

8 Troubleshooting

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Blocked floats 317

Blocked floats
It may happen that the floats in the water and liquid
waste containers do not move freely any more or that they
might be blocked. In such situations, the level indications
as indicated by messages might not agree with the actual
levels.

If such a situation occurs, loosen the floats manually.

! CAUTION
Contamination of the environment by liquid and
solid waste
The waste of the analyzer is potentially biohazardous and
must be treated in accordance with the relevant laws and
regulations.
r When disposing of any waste, do so in accordance
with the appropriate local regulations.
r Any substances contained in QC materials and other
working materials, which are legally regulated for
environmental protection, must be disposed of in
accordance with the relevant water discharge facility
regulations. For the legal regulations on water
discharge, please contact the suppliers of the
materials.

! CAUTION
Infection by liquid waste
Contact with liquid waste may result in infection. All
materials and mechanical components associated with
the waste systems are potentially biohazardous.
r Be sure to wear protective equipment. Take extra care
when working with lab gloves; these can easily be
pierced or cut, which can lead to infection.
r If any biohazardous material is spilled, wipe it up
8 Troubleshooting
immediately and apply disinfectant.
r If liquid waste comes into contact with your skin, wash
it off immediately with water and apply disinfectant.
Consult a physician.
r Observe the safety labels on the equipment.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 318 Blocked floats

r To loosen the floats in the water

container
1 Choose a message that concerns the fill level of water.

2
2 Remove the water tubing adapter (A) from the water
container and place it on a clean surface.
A
3 Hold one of the floats (B) with two fingers and gently
move it back and forth along the float assembly rod.
They should move freely.
I Observe the status of the message on screen,
depending on the position of the float it should
change its color.
Do the same with the other float.

B 4 If a float does not move freely after you have moved it

back and forth or if the massage status does not
change, contact your Roche Service representative.

B 5 Reinsert the water tubing adapter in the water

container.

6 If the problem recurs, contact your Roche Service

representative.

r To loosen the floats in the water

container for external water supply
1 Choose a message that concerns the fill level of water.

2
2 Remove the water tubing adapter (A) from the water
container and place it on a clean surface.
A
8 Troubleshooting

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Blocked floats 319

3
3 Hold one of the floats (B) with two fingers and gently
move it back and forth along the float assembly rod.
They should move freely.
I Observe the status of the message on screen,
depending on the position of the float it should
B change its color.
Do the same with the other float.

4 If a float does not move freely after you have moved it

back and forth or if the massage status does not
change, contact your Roche Service representative.

5 Install the water tubing adapter on the water

container.

6 If the problem recurs, contact your Roche Service

B representative.

r To loosen the floats in the liquid

waste container
1 Choose a message that concerns the fill level of liquid
waste.

2 Start the Empty liquid waste container wizard and

follow its instructions.

3
3 Remove the waste tubing adapter (A) from the liquid
waste container and place it on a clean surface.
A
4 Empty the liquid waste. Dispose of it in accordance
with the appropriate local regulations.
B
5 Hold one of the floats (B) with two fingers and gently
B move it back and forth along the float assembly rod.
They should move freely.
I Observe the status of the message on screen,
depending on the position of the float it should
8 Troubleshooting
change its color.Do the same with the other float.

6 If a float does not move freely after you have moved it

back and forth or if the massage status does not
change, contact your Roche Service representative.

7 Reinsert the waste tubing adapter in the liquid waste

container.

8 If the problem recurs, contact your Roche Service

representative.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 320
8 Troubleshooting Blocked floats

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Glossary

9 Glossary ...................................................................................................................323

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Glossary 323
Analyte - Work area

Glossary 9
The glossary lists terms that are used in the user Wash solution Liquid used for internal washing the
documentation that may not be familiar to the reader fluid system.
or that carry meaning that is specific to this analyzer
environment. Work area Part of the screen, usually a tab, that
groups related information and tasks for the
Analyte See Urine analyte. convenience of the user, for example tasks relating to
performing tests or to setting up the analyzer.
Arbitrary units Result classification using 1+, 2+, 3+
classes instead of numerical concentration results.
Calibration strip Gray plastic strip used for
calibrating the photometer.
Callout Popup window that is displayed on screen to
show information or to accept user input as part of
performing a certain task.
Cleaning solution Liquid used for cleaning and
decontamination of surfaces and parts of a system.
Compensation pad A blank white pad on the test
strip that is used for establishing the intrinsic color of
the urine with the purpose of compensation for this
color value to prevent false results with strongly
colored urine samples.
Failsafe image Failsafe images are photometer
images that are created when a photometer errors
occurs. They are intended for Roche Service
representatives only.
Priority rack Any rack that is placed on the priority
rack slot for immediate processing.
Qualitative determination The measurement of
analytes or features with descriptive (qualitative) result
classification such as negative/positive.
Radio frequency identification (RFID) tag

Electronic tag attached to Roche supplies that

contains critical information such as product ID, lot
number, production date, and a parameter file.
Roche 5-position rack Standard rack that offers
space for five tubes.
Semi-quantitative determination The
measurement of analytes or features in urine yielding
Glossary

an approximation of the quantity or amount of a

substance such as negative/slightly positive/moderate
positive/strongly positive.
Specific gravity The ratio of the density of urine to
the density of water.
Urine analyte Constituent in urine whose
concentration is to be determined.

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
324
9 Glossary

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Index

Index..........................................................................................................................327

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Index 327

Index

A – photometer unit, 220

– probe, 92
Abbreviations, 10 Calibration, overview, 50
Accuracy, 23 Callouts, 124
Activating users, 246 Cassettes
Addresses, 4 – test strips, 98
Adjusting Changes in this version, 11
– See, Changing Changing
Adjusting probe action, 278 – cross-check rules, 252
Administration work area, 125 – language, 272
Air in tubing, 198 – passwords, 235
Air purge – patient demographics, 191
– warning intervals, 266 – probe, 293
– wizard, 198 – QC data, 228
Alarm indications – QC test parameters, 229
– See, Data alarms – range tables, 256
Analyzer – ranges, 258
– clean housing, 219 – sample information, 188
– logging on, 153 – test strip cassette, 202, 236
– not using for some time, 294 – user data, 245
– preparing, 154 Charts, QC, 133
– putting into standby, 207 Check digit
– shutting down, 206 – caution message, 106, 269
– starting, 152 Checking
– status, 193 – analyzer status, 193
– switching off, 206, 208 – barcode parameters, 269
Approvals, 3 – for tasks that need doing, 194
Assigning patients, 178 – hardware, 195
Assistance, 46, 124 – installed software, 275
Assistance work area, 125 – supplies, 196
Audit trail, 304 Classification, safety, 21
Automatic logoff, 266 Cleaning
– analyzer housing, 219
– buffers, 210
B – fluid system, 197
– input buffer, 219
Backing up the database, 291
– output buffer, 219
Barcode readers, 105
– probe, 293
– safety, 28
– probe bend detector, 218
Barcodes, 106
– rack conveyors, 211
– check parameters, 269
– solutions, 113
– could not be read on rack, 183
– test strip pipetting area, 218
– could not be read on sample, 183
– test strip transporter, 215
Biohazard, 27
– test strip tray, 215
Blocked floats, 317
– water containers, 287
Bubbles on sample, 28
Cleaning solutions, specifications, 113
Buffers
Color ranges for COL, 261
– input, 75
Colors
– output, 76
Index

– buttons, 138
Buttons, colors, 138
– messages, 122
– QC results, 231
C – results, 138
Components, 63
Calibrating – optional, 114
– measuring cell, 222, 306 Conditions

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
328 Index

– environmental, 110 – sample ID generation, 254

– operation, 24, 110 – units, 249
– storage, 110 – users, 243
Configuration – validation method, 250
– See also, Defining – warning limits for supplies and waste, 262
– system, 265 – wash racks, 276
Connectors Deleting
– keyboard, 134 – patient demographics, 191
– liquids, 69 – QC materials, 230
– liquids external water suply, 71 – results, 290
– mouse, 134 Detail panels, 124
– overview, 66 Dimensions, analyzer, 110
Consumables, 114 Direct water supply
– See, Supplies – water container, 84
Contact addresses, 4 Display
Containers – See, Screen
– liquid, 83 Display modes, 127
– liquid waste, 85, 200 Displaying information, 129
– solid waste, 201 Disposal, 39
– system water, 199 Draining water, 294
– water, 83 Drawers, pulled accidentally, 311
– water external water supply, 84
Contamination, 31
Copyrights, 3
E
Covers, 64
Edition notice, 2
Creating problem reports, 305
Effective footprint, 110
Cross-check rules, defining, 251
Electrical safety, 26
CSV format, 289
Electromagnetic fields, 32
Emergency stop, 308, 309, 312
D Empty liquid waste, wizard, 200
Empty solid waste, wizard, 202
Daily operation Emptying
– overview, 51 – liquid waste, 200
– short guide, 51 – solid waste, 201
Data alarms – water, 294
– defining limits, 259 – water container, 294
– importance, 196 End of shift, 205
– QC results, 231 – maintenance activities, 208
– results, 173 – overview, 57
Data security, 29 Entering information, 131
Database, backing up, 291 Environmental conditions, 110
Date and time, 267 Errors while processing, 183
Date and time format, 267 Exceptional situations, 183
Deactivating users, 246 Exchange test strip cassette, wizard, 203, 236
Defining Exchanging
– cross-check rules, 251 – See, Changing
– host connections, 270 Exporting
– limits for data alarms, 259 – color definitions for COL, 238
– order of units, 249 – cross-check rule definitions, 237
– orders, 157 – measurement cell calibration results, 238
– passwords, 244 – photometer calibration resluts, 237
Index

– patients, 190 – QC results, 233

– priority racks, 276 – range limit definitions, 237
– QC materials, 225 – range table definitions, 237
– QC racks, 277 – range table results, 237
– racks, 276 – results, 180, 181, 289
– range tables, 256 – screenshots, 237
– reports, 270 – system settings, 274

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Index 329

Exporting information Interfaces, data, 112

– overview, 237 Interfaces, specifications, 112
Interrupts, power, 24
Intervals,defining warnings, 268
F

Fatigue, 32 K
Fill water container, wizard, 200
Film on sample, 28 Keyboard, connecting, 134
Filter, 314 Keyboard, specifications, 114
Filtering information, 130
Flags
– See, Data alarms
L
Floats,blocked, 317
Labels
Fluid system, 89
– detached, 307
– removing air, 198
– stuck in transport unit, 307
– washing, 197
Labels on analyzer, 34
Foam on sample, 28
Language, 266
Footprint, 110
– changing, 272
Forced shutdown, 309
– installing, 272
Formats, date and time, 267
Levels, QC, 263
Fuses, 33
Limits
– defining, 259
G – defining for warnings, 262
Liquid containers, overview, 83
Global information area, 121 Liquid waste containers, overview, 85
Liquids
– connectors, 69
H List of tasks, 50
Loading
Handling
– priority racks, 166, 167
– See, Working with
– racks, 160
Hardware status, 195
– racks with input connection unit, 162
Heat output, 111
Location, 267
Help, 139
Log files, 304
Host connections, defining, 270
– viewing, 304
Humidity, 31, 33
Logging off, 205
Logging on, 153
I Logoff, automatic, 266

Importing system settings, 273

Incline of table, 111
M
Including/excluding
Main panels, 124
– QC test parameters, 230
Maintenance
Infection, 27
– cleaning analyzer housing, 219
Inflammation, safety, 30
– cleaning probe bend detectors, 218
Information
– cleaning rack conveyors, 211
– entering, 131
– cleaning test strip pipetting area, 218
– filtering, 130
– cleaning test strip tray, 215
– on RFID tags, 107
– cleaning the buffers, 210
– selecting, 130
– cleaning water container, 287
– sorting, 130
Index

– end of shift, 208

Initializing the system, 311, 312
– routine, 284
Input buffer, 75
– washing fluid system, 197
– cleaning, 210, 219
Managing patients, 190
Input connection unit, 76
Measurement principles, specifications, 112
Installation, 23
Measurements
Installing language, 272
– clarity, 104
Intended use, 3

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
330 Index

– reflectance photometric, 102 P

– specific gravity, 104
Measuring cell, 104 Panel splitter, 127
– calibration, 222, 306 Panels
Message list, 122 – detail, 124
Messages, color coding, 122 – main, 124
Method of validation, 250 Parts, 24
Minimum sample volumes, 112 Passwords
Monitor, specifications, 113 – changing, 235
Monitoring work area, 125 – defining, 244
Mouse , connecting, 134 – modes, 266
Moving parts, safety, 33 – resetting, 246
Patient demographics, 190
Patient information, 190
N Patients
– assigning, 178
Navigation bar, 123
– changing, 191
Non-routine situations, 183
– defining, 190
Not used for long, 25
– deleting, 191
– information, 190
O – managing, 190
Perform wash, wizard, 197
Online help, 139 Performing QC, 198, 225
Operation Performing QC with LAS, 225
– checking for tasks, 194 Performing tests
– conditions, 24, 110 – short guide, 52, 149
– principles, 47 Photometer, calibrating, 220
– safe, 22 Physical dimensions, 110
– short guide, 52, 149 Pipetting units, 91
Operator qualification, 22 Power
Optional components, 114 – interrupt, 24
Orders – requirements, 111
– defining, 157 Power requirements, 111
Output buffer, 76 Power switches, 72
– cleaning, 210, 219 Powering on/off
Overview – See Switching on/off
– calibration, 50 Precision, 23
– components, 63 Preparing, analyzer, 154
– connectors, 66 Principles , operation, 47
– daily operation, 51, 52, 149 Printing information
– end of shift, 57 – overview, 237
– fluid system, 89 Printing results, 180
– liquid containers, 83 Priority rack, loading, 166, 167
– liquid waste containers, 85 Priority racks, 80, 163
– performing tests, 48 – defining, 276
– QC, 50 Priority racks with input connection unit, 164
– racks, 79 Probe, 90
– result validation, 56 – cleaning, 293
– results, 55 – replacing, 293
– sample handling, 94 Probe bend detector, 92
– solid waste containers, 87 – cleaning, 218
– test strip handling, 95 Probe calibration, 92
Index

– water containers, 83 Problem reports, creating, 305

– water containers external water supply, 84 Processing
Overview work area, 125 – resuming, 234
– status, 167
– stopping, 234
Processing errors, 183
Protective equipment, 23

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Index 331

Q Radio frequency identification

– See, RFID
QC Range tables, 254
– changing data of QC materials, 228 – changing, 256
– changing test parameters, 229 – defining new, 256
– charts, 133 Ranges
– including and excluding test parameters, 230 – changing, 258
– levels, 263 – color, 261
– materials, 225 Recovery
– overview, 50 – accidental opening of main cover, 308
– performing, 198, 223, 225 – emergency stop, 308
– performing with LAS, 225 – forced shutdown, 309
– result colors, 231 – power cut, 312
– result data alarms, 231 Refilling water, 199
– result symbols, 230 Reflectance photometry, 102
– reviewing results, 230 Regional settings, 267
– RFID reader, 227 Replacing
– tasks, 223 – probe, 293
QC charts, 133 Reporting
QC materials – See, Printing, Exporting
– changing, 228 Reports, 179, 237
– deleting, 230 – defining, 270
QC racks, 81 Rerunning tests, 184
– defining, 277 Resetting passwords, 246
– preparing, 224 Results
QC results – colors, 138
– printing, 233 – data alarms, 173
– saving to file, 233 – deleting, 290
QC test parameters – exporting, 289
– changing, 229 – overview, 55
– including, excluding, 230 – printing, 180
Quality control – QC, 230
– See, QC – QC, saving to file, 233
– questionable, 183
– saving, 289
R – saving to file, 180, 181
– status symbols, 173
Rack conveyors, cleaning, 211
– storage capacity, 253, 288
Rack handling, overview, 88
– validating, 172
Rack transport units, 88
– viewing, 171
Rack trays, 81
Resuming sample processing, 234
Racks
RFID tags, 107
– barcodes could not be read, 183
– information, 107
– defining, 276
RFID, reading QC materials, 227
– handling, 88
Rinse station, 93
– loading, 160
Routine maintenance, 284
– loading with input connection unit, 162
Routine work area, 125
– managing, 276
– overview, 79
– priority, 80, 163 S
– priority racks, 276
– priority with input connection unit, 164 Safety
Index

– QC, 81 – ambient humidity, 31, 33

– QC racks, 277 – barcode readers, 28
– sample, 80 – biohazard, 27
– transport units, 88 – classification, 21
– wash, 81 – contamination, 31
– wash racks, 276 – disposal, 39
Rack-transport-mode only, 267 – electrical, 26

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
332 Index

– electromagnetic fields, 32 – overview, 87

– fatigue, 32 – pulled accidentally, 311
– fuses, 33 Solutions, cleaning, 113
– infection, 27 Solutions, for internal wash, 113
– inflammation, 30 Sorting information, 130
– labels, 34 Specifications, 109
– mechanical, 30 – allowed tilt, 111
– moving parts, 33 – cleaning solutions, 113
– operator qualification, 22 – effective footprint, 110
– safe operation, 22 – environmental conditions, 110
– spillage, 33 – heat output, 111
– tiredness, 32 – interfaces, 112
– vibrations, 31, 34 – keyboard, 114
– waste, 27 – measurement principles, 112
Safety interlock, 314 – min. sample volumes, 112
Sample handling, 94 – monitor, 113
Sample IDs, generating, 254 – physical dimensions, 110
Sample racks, 80 – power requirements, 111
Sample sequence numbers, 155, 156, 157, 254 – throughputs, 112
Sample volumes, minimum, 112 – uninterruptible power supply, 111
Samples – wash solution, 113
– adjust information, 188 – waste containers, 113
– barcodes could not be read, 183 – water container, 113
Saving results, 289 – water quality, 112
Saving results to files, 180, 181 Spillages, 33
SavingQC results to files, 233 Standby status, 207
Screen Starting
– assistance, 124 – analyzer, 152
– callouts, 124 – processing tests, 165
– detail panel, 124 Status
– displaying information, 129 – analyzer, 49, 193
– global information area, 121 – data alarms, 196
– key elements, 119 – hardware, 195
– main panel, 124 – of results, 173
– message list, 122 – order processing, 167
– navigation bar, 123 – users, 244
– specifications, 113 Stop sample processing, 234
– tabs, 123, 127 Storage capacity, 253
– task buttons, 122 – for results, 288
– task indicator, 122 Storage conditions, 110
– task list, 122 Strip
– work areas, 125 – See, Test strip
Screen sharing, 267 Stuck floats, 317
Screenshots Supplies, 114
– exporting, 286 – checking, 196
– generating, 303 – warning limits, 262
Screenshots, exporting, 286 Switches, power, 72
Security, data, 29 Switching off the analyzer, 206, 208
Selecting information, 130 Symbols
Send function, 172 – QC results, 231
Sequence number – results, 173
– See, Sample sequence numbers Symbols used, 9
Index

Short guide, daily operation, 51, 52, 149 System configuration, 265
Shutting down the analyzer, 206 System name, 266
Size, analyzer, 110 System settings, 247
Software – exporting, 274
– installed, 275 – importing, 273
– third-party, 24
Solid waste containers

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
 Index 333

T V

Tabs, 123, 127 Validating results, 172

Tags, RFID, 107 Validating results, overview, 56
Task buttons, 122 Validation method, 250
Task indicator, 49, 122 Vibrations, 31, 34
Task list, 50, 122, 193, 194 Viewing log files, 304
Tasks that need doing, 194 Viewing results, 171
Tasks, QC, 223 Virtual keyboard, 266
Technical specifications, 109
Test profiles, 263
Test strip cassette, 98
W
– changing, 202, 236
Warnings
Test strip cassette compartment, 99
– expiry, 268
Test strip pipetting area, cleaning, 218
– intervals, 268
Test strip tray, cleaning, 215
Wash racks, 81
Test strips
– defining, 276
– cassette, 98
Wash solution, 113
– cassette compartment, 99
Wash station
– handling, 95, 101
– See Rinse station
Tests
Washing the fluid system, 197
– performing, 48
Waste
– profiles, 263
– liquid, 200
– rerunning, 184
– safety, 27
– short guide, 52, 149
– solid, 201
– test strip analyzer, 43
– warning limits, 262
Throughput, 112
Waste container, specifications, 113
Tilt, 111
Water
Tiredness, 32
– draining, 294
Trademarks, 3
– refilling, 199
Transport, 25
Water containers, 199
Trays, for racks, 81
– cleaning, 287
Troubleshooting
– clogged filters, 314
– overview, 301
– empty, 294
Tubes, 78
– external water supply, 84
– overview, 83
U – specifications, 113
Water filter, clogged, 314
Uniterruptible power supply, specifications, 111 Water quality, specifications, 112
Units Wizards, 135
– defining, 249 – Air purge, 198
– display order, 249 – Empty liquid waste, 200
Use – Empty solid waste, 202
– not for some time, 25, 294 – Exchange test strip cassette, 203, 236
– of symbols in this documentation, 9 – Fill water container, 200
– of this manual, 7 – Perform wash, 197
– safe, 22 Work areas, 125
– strip analyzer, 7 – Administration, 125
Users – Assistance, 125
– activating, 246 – Monitoring, 125
– changing data, 245 – Overview, 125
Index

– deactivating, 246 – Routine, 125

– defining, 243 Working with
– groups, 244 – lists, 130
– status, 244 – samples, 94
– tables, 130
– test strips, 101

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4
334
Index Index

Roche Diagnostics
cobas u 601 urine analyzer · Software Version 2.3 · Operator’s Manual · Version 2.4