SOP 9.1
Daily/Weekly Maintenance on the ACL Elite/Elite Pro
Daily
Check Wash Reference Emulsion
● The Wash Reference Emulsion bottle is fitted with a liquid sensor that reports
in real time the amount of solution left in the bottle.
● Check level of Wash Reference Emulsion for at least 1.5 to 2.0 cm and replace
if too low
● 2.0 cm is sufficient for 1-2 rotors
Empty Waste Container
● Check level and empty if necessary
● Ensure waste flows freely into the waste container. Tubing should not be lying
in the waste, but hanging freely in the container, as it may contribute to
contamination.
Needle Cleaning Procedure
● Prepare fresh IL Cleaning Agent-Hypochlorite Clean B (diluted 1:8 with
distilled water). Place 8 mL in 2 empty 10mL vials.
● Place the filled vials in reagent positions R6 and R7. For more detailed
information please refer to 5.1.2 Cleaning.
● Click the Diagnostic button on the Main menu bar and select the Cleaning
option of the Diagnostic submenu to display the Cleaning screen. In this screen
the operator defines the configuration of the cleaning operation, according to the
needs of the instrument (refer to Section 5.1.2).
● Clicking the Start button starts the cleaning cycle and opens a window
displaying a bar that moves to show the elapsed time of the procedure.
● Repeat this procedure substituting the dilute Clean B with Factor Diluent.
● At the completion of the Cleaning cycles perform a system Priming. Repeat
priming two times.
Check Printer Paper
● Check paper supply. Add if necessary.
Perform Priming Procedure
● The priming procedure is used to flush the liquid flow path of the system, thus
ensuring removal of sample or reagent residues that may accumulate during
sample analysis. The priming procedure is an effective way to maintain the
ACL’s needle assembly and the rinse reservoir in good working condition.
● Prime the instrument at the beginning and end of each working day to ensure
complete removal of sample and/or reagent.
1. Click the Diagnostic button on the Main Menu bar and select the Priming
option. The Priming screen opens with a message “Priming in progress” and
priming begins immediately. When the dispenser system finishes flushing the
sample and reagent needles, the instrument returns automatically to the Main
Menu.
2. Ensure the bubbles in the diluter chambers are reduced to a minimum. If
necessary, pinch the chamber outlet tubing while the piston is descending,
releasing before the piston reaches the bottom.
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Medical Laboratory Science BHSc Program: Clinical Hematology
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3. Ensure there are no blockages or leakage and that fluid is flowing freely from
reservoir to dilutors and from diluters to needles.
4. Ensure there is free flow of liquid waste from the washing chamber to the
instrument outlet tube and then to the waste container.
● It is recommended to prime the instrument when changing between
chromogenic and coagulometric testing.
Empty Rotor Waste Note: Not available on the Elite model
● To access the container with the used rotors, open the small door on the front of
the analyzer body, to the right of the reagent area. Grab the handle of the
container and pull outwards to remove it. Properly discard the used rotors found
in the container.
Weekly
External Surface Cleaning Procedure
● Wipe down all exposed surfaces of the analyzer body, the inside of the sample
tray compartment and the new rotor compartment (excluding the analysis area)
using a cloth moistened with Conflikt or current lab bench cleaner. Rinse using a
cloth moistened with distilled water. Wipe dry.
Rinse Reservoir Cleaning Procedure
● Lift the Reagent cover.
● Click the Diagnostic button on the Main menu bar and select Needles Position.
This will cause the needle arm to move to the top of the rotor holder.
● Answer the question- Do you want to open the cover? Yes.
● Remove the rinse reservoir, wash it thoroughly with a 0.1N HCl solution (Clean
A) and rinse it with distilled water.
● Return the rinse reservoir to its position. It should fit smoothly against
● Perform a needle alignment procedure (Refer to section 5.1.5).
● After the alignment check, press the STOP icon and confirm with OK. The
needle arm goes back to the home position into the waste rinse reservoir.
● The instrument returns to the Ready State
References:
1. ACL Elite/Elite Pro Operator’s Manual, IL, Rev 4, November 2011.
University of Ontario Institute of Technology
Medical Laboratory Science BHSc Program: Clinical Hematology
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