Accuri Cytometers C6 Flow Cytometer
Accuri Cytometers · Model C6 Flow Cytometer
Decade dynamic range: The totally digital C6 Flow Cytometer has state-of-the-art electronics that make it possible to simultaneously collect 16 million channels of digital data. Optical bench needs no alignment: The C6 optical bench is compact and employs components that have evolved to be smaller, more robust, and less expensive. Fluidics control: The C6 uses a unique low-pressure pumping system to drives fluidics as opposed to more expensive pressurized systems. Maintenance made simple: The C6 automatically runs Decontamination fluids through the fluidics lines and then replaces it with sheath upon instrument shutdown. Works with current protocols and reagents: Accuri developed the C6 to use the same reagents you currently use on the market-leading cytometers. FCS 3.0 compatible file format Compact size Low power usage: The C6 Flow Cytometer operates on a low power, universal power supply (100-240V, 50-60Hz).
Key tips
- ·Run QC controls before trusting any repair - an analyzer that passes self-test can still report clinically wrong results.
- ·Rule out a reagent lot change before opening the instrument - it can look exactly like a hardware fault.
- ·Centrifuge rotors have a hard retirement age/cycle limit regardless of visible condition - don't eyeball it.
Typical Failure Modes
Compiled for this model from its own documentation and established engineering knowledge for this equipment class - not from a verified service record. Confirm against the manufacturer's service manual.
Poor optical alignment / low signal / high CV
HighSymptoms: Bead CVs out of spec, scatter or fluorescence signal low or noisy, compensation drift.
Root cause: Flow-cell contamination or an air bubble, laser degradation / misalignment, or an optics / PMT fault.
Fluidics / sheath-pressure fault
MediumSymptoms: Unstable event rate, boost / prime failures, sheath or waste alarm, clogs.
Root cause: Sheath / waste tank issue, a peristaltic / vacuum fault, or a partially blocked sample line / flow cell.
Sample probe / SIP clog or crash
MediumSymptoms: No or low event rate, probe-position error, carryover.
Root cause: Clogged or bent sample probe, or a clot.
Laser fault
MediumSymptoms: A laser-line-specific parameter fails, laser-error message.
Root cause: Laser at end of life or a power-supply / interlock fault.
Workstation / software fault
LowSymptoms: Acquisition hangs, data will not export, instrument not recognised.
Root cause: Workstation PC or the acquisition software / link.
Serviceable Parts & Consumables
Serviceable items for this model, compiled from its documentation and engineering knowledge for this equipment class. Service class and relative cost are estimates, not manufacturer figures; no part numbers are given. Confirm intervals and pricing against the manufacturer.
Flow cell
Class Periodic replacementRel. cost $$$R&R Difficult
Sample probe / SIP
Class Periodic replacementRel. cost $$R&R Moderate
Peristaltic pump tubing
Class Frequent wear itemRel. cost $R&R Moderate
Sheath / waste filters
Class Frequent wear itemRel. cost $R&R Easy
Laser
Class Periodic replacementRel. cost $$$$R&R Difficult
| Part | Service class | Relative cost | R&R difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flow cell | Periodic replacement | $$$ | Difficult |
| Sample probe / SIP | Periodic replacement | $$ | Moderate |
| Peristaltic pump tubing | Frequent wear item | $ | Moderate |
| Sheath / waste filters | Frequent wear item | $ | Easy |
| Laser | Periodic replacement | $$$$ | Difficult |
Relative cost: $ lowest · $$$$ highest service-part cost for this equipment class. Not a price.
PM Checklist
Preventive-maintenance tasks typical of this equipment class. Perform to the manufacturer's procedure and your facility's policy - this is general reference, not a schedule for this specific unit.
- ·Daily QC controls run and reviewed
- ·Calibration verification per assay
- ·Routine cleaning and decontamination
- ·Scheduled reagent-path and pump-tubing maintenance
Troubleshooting Approach
A starting sequence for this model, compiled from its documentation and engineering knowledge for this equipment class. Follow the manufacturer's service documentation for the actual procedure.
Symptom: Poor optical alignment / low signal / high CV
- Run the daily startup / cleaning and a flow-check bead panel.
- Prime / de-bubble the flow cell and de-gas the sheath.
- Run an unclog / long-clean cycle.
- Verify each laser-line parameter against the beads.
- Escalate a confirmed laser or optics fault to the OEM.
Symptom: Fluidics / sheath-pressure fault / unstable event rate
- Check the sheath and waste tanks and their connections.
- Inspect the sample probe / SIP for a bend or clog and clear it.
- Replace worn peristaltic pump tubing and the sheath filter.
- Run a boost / prime.
- Confirm a stable event rate on a control.
Symptom: Workstation / acquisition software fault
- Restart the acquisition software and the instrument.
- Check the instrument-to-PC link.
- Confirm free storage and the database.
- Update to compatible software / firmware.
- Escalate a persistent link fault to the OEM.
Typical Location
Where this class of equipment is typically deployed - general reference, not this unit's own placement record.
- Central / core laboratory
- Point-of-care testing stations
- Blood bank
- Microbiology lab
Documents & Manuals
Related calculators
From BioLab, for work done with this kind of equipment.
Troubleshoot this device with Bio
Describe a symptom or error code. Bio answers from this device's own documented error codes, failure modes, parts, and guides.
Ask Bio