Check the needle of the dilutor tool monthly for damage, bending or clogging. Replace it if it is damaged, bent or clogged. The needle is replaced while the tool is still attached to the robot arm.
For needle replacement, start the needle change procedure from the service tools on the instrument interface. This moves the tool to the service position at the front of the instrument and the lower needle guide moves upwards. This provides the necessary clearance to the right of the tool for loosening and removing the needle.
CAUTION
Biological Hazard
The needle, or the instrument deck could be contaminated with hazardous chemicals or biologic pathogens.
Wear gloves to protect yourself from potential chemical or biological exposure and deck contamination.
When removing, installing, or replacing the needle:
- Make sure to handle the tool with care and caution. The light guides and the tubing attached to the tool must not be kinked or damaged.
- The needle must not be bent either during removal or installation.
- The needle consists of a total of three parts - the needle itself, a cylindrical seal, and a locking ring. Make sure to remove all three parts when removing the old needle and to install the new needle together with the two new parts supplied with the new needle.
- Make sure to trigger the workflow for the needle exchange from the instrument interface.
- Make sure the tool moves to the front service position, is lowered and the lower needle guide is retracted.
- Make sure the front door is open and the needle is accessible and ready for replacement.
CAUTION
Sharp Object
Not being careful with the needle while performing preventative maintenance can cause piercing and a puncture wound.
Procedure
- Unscrew the union nut counterclockwise.
Unscrew the union nut - Move the union nut down the needle shaft.
Remove the union nut - Detach the needle hub from the union.
Detach the needle from the union - Ensure the needle locking ring and the seal remain with the needle hub.
Needle seal and locking ring No. Description No. Description 1
Needle seal
2
Needle locking ring
- Swing the union away from the needle axis. It must remain fixed on one side. Be careful not to damage the solution line in the process.
Move the needle holder away - Pull the needle and the union nut straight up as far as possible and then remove it to the side.
Remove the needle - Wipe and dispose off the old needle.
- Insert the new needle assembly with the union nut into the needle guide.
Insert replacement needle with the union nut - Swing the union into position above the needle axis.
Swing the union back above the needle - Ensure that the needle locking ring is present on the shaft below the hub as well as the seal on top of it.
Needle seal and locking ring No. Description No. Description 1
Needle seal
2
Needle locking ring
- Attach the needle hub to the union.
Attach the needle to the union - Move the union nut up the union and tighten it.
Move the union nut up to the union Screw on the union nut