Beckman Coulter Ac·T 5diff AL
Beckman Coulter · Model Ac·T 5diff AL
Closed vial sampling that accommodates a variety of collection of tube sizes Small 18 uL sample size in either closed or open vial modes User-definable high/low flagging of patient results and quality control simplifies data interpretation Automated quality assurance functions improve productivity Closed vial sampling for controls and calibrators provides operator safety Compact benchtop design requires only two square feet of counter space Zero routine maintenance and high system reliability help contain costs.
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.
Aperture / flow-cell blockage or partial obstruction
HighSymptoms: Flagged or implausible CBC counts, voteouts, clog alarms, poor precision.
Root cause: Debris or a clot partially blocking a counting aperture or the flow cell.
Sample probe / piercer / valve wear
MediumSymptoms: Short samples, aspiration errors, cap-piercing failures, carryover.
Root cause: Worn or bent sample probe / closed-vial piercer, or a worn shear / segment valve.
Reagent / lyse delivery fault
MediumSymptoms: WBC, HGB or diff results shifted, high background, reagent alarms.
Root cause: Reagent depleted or wrong lot, or a pinch-valve / tubing fault.
Optics / laser fault (diff)
MediumSymptoms: Diff scattergrams abnormal, missing populations, flow-cell or laser alarm.
Root cause: Contaminated or aged flow cell, or the laser / optics.
Vacuum / pressure out of range
MediumSymptoms: Multiple parameter errors, priming failures.
Root cause: Pump or regulator drift.
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.
Sample probe / closed-vial piercer
Class Periodic replacementRel. cost $$R&R Moderate
Shear / segment valve
Class Periodic replacementRel. cost $$$R&R Difficult
Pinch-valve / peristaltic tubing
Class Frequent wear itemRel. cost $R&R Moderate
Flow cell
Class Periodic replacementRel. cost $$$R&R Difficult
System reagents / controls
Class ConsumableRel. cost $$R&R Easy
| Part | Service class | Relative cost | R&R difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sample probe / closed-vial piercer | Periodic replacement | $$ | Moderate |
| Shear / segment valve | Periodic replacement | $$$ | Difficult |
| Pinch-valve / peristaltic tubing | Frequent wear item | $ | Moderate |
| Flow cell | Periodic replacement | $$$ | Difficult |
| System reagents / controls | Consumable | $$ | Easy |
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: Clog alarm or flagged counts
- Run the instrument's aperture / flow-cell clear and flush cycles.
- Run a background count and confirm it is within limits.
- Run controls at all levels.
- Clean or replace the aperture bath / flow cell if clogs recur.
- Confirm precision on a replicate sample before releasing results.
Symptom: Short samples or aspiration errors
- Inspect the sample probe / piercer for wear or a bend.
- Check the shear / segment valve and tubing for leaks or wear.
- Verify vacuum and pressure against the service spec.
- Replace the probe / piercer, valve or tubing as found.
- Re-run controls.
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
Safety & Recalls
Synced live from the FDA openFDA API.
- RECALL
The recall was initiated because Beckman Coulter has confirmed that an issue has been identified with one of the raw materials used to manufacture the Coulter A T 5 diff PN 8547171.
- RECALL
The recall was initiated because Beckman Coulter identified a problem with occasional unexpectedly high results for RBC, HCT, PLT and MPV without instrument generated messages, for the first run of a capped patient sample. Upon repeat analysis the results are correct. Patients could be affected as described below: (1) False high RBC and HCT may result in a delay of treatment, or the delivery of
- RECALL
Software anomaly causes sample results to be not credible, reported as '0' or left blank. The next sample will also be incorrectly reported for the same parameter.
- RECALL
Samples with high fat content will not count platelets accurately.
Related calculators
From BioLab, for work done with this kind of equipment.
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