Beckman Coulter AU480
Beckman Coulter · Model AU480
Intuitive graphical user interface Embedded maintenance videos Universal applications Plug and play calibration via 2-D barcode Reagent reduction Low consumable usage Microsampling ideal for pediatrics Positive sample identification Beckman Coulter flexible racks to handle all commonly used tube sizes in parallel Barcoded racks to define different sample materials 80 samples on board at any time Automatic repeat and reflex capability Dedicated STAT rotor with 22 positions and integrated barcode reader Full STAT capabilities during routine operation Refrigerated area for calibrators and controls Combined routine and emergency work area 76 refrigerated reagent compartments Ready to use liquid stable reagents Automatic bottle switch capabilities Advanced calibration Liquid detection and remaining test number calculation.
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.
Assay / QC failure across a channel or the whole system
HighSymptoms: Controls out of range, calibration fails, flagged results, drift over a shift.
Root cause: Reagent or cuvette issue, lamp ageing, a probe / mixer / wash-station fault, or ISE-module problems.
Sample / reagent probe clog or crash
MediumSymptoms: Short aspiration, no dispense, clot detection, probe-position error.
Root cause: Clogged or bent probe, or a clot in the sample.
Cuvette / reaction-rotor fault
MediumSymptoms: High cuvette blanks, non-uniform results by position, rotor-drive error.
Root cause: Worn / scratched cuvettes or a wash fault, or a rotor-drive fault.
ISE module fault (Na / K / Cl)
MediumSymptoms: Electrolyte results biased or noisy, ISE calibration fails.
Root cause: Aged ISE electrodes / reference, or a pinch-valve / tubing fault.
Water / vacuum / pressure system fault
MediumSymptoms: Multiple station alarms, priming failures, poor wash.
Root cause: Water / DI supply quality, a pump, or a vacuum / pressure regulator.
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 / reagent probes
Class Periodic replacementRel. cost $$R&R Moderate
Photometer lamp
Class Frequent wear itemRel. cost $$R&R Moderate
Reaction cuvettes / segment
Class Frequent wear itemRel. cost $$R&R Easy
ISE electrodes (Na / K / Cl) & reference
Class Frequent wear itemRel. cost $$R&R Fairly easy
Peristaltic / pinch-valve tubing
Class Frequent wear itemRel. cost $R&R Moderate
| Part | Service class | Relative cost | R&R difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sample / reagent probes | Periodic replacement | $$ | Moderate |
| Photometer lamp | Frequent wear item | $$ | Moderate |
| Reaction cuvettes / segment | Frequent wear item | $$ | Easy |
| ISE electrodes (Na / K / Cl) & reference | Frequent wear item | $$ | Fairly easy |
| Peristaltic / pinch-valve tubing | Frequent wear item | $ | Moderate |
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: Assay or QC failure
- Run fresh controls at all levels.
- Confirm reagents are in date, correctly loaded and mixed.
- Run the photometer check and replace the lamp if energy is low.
- Clean the probes, mixers and wash stations.
- Recalibrate the affected assay / ISE module and re-run QC.
Symptom: Probe clog or crash
- Inspect the probe for a bend or blockage and clear it.
- Run the fluidics prime / wash cycle.
- Check for a clot in the sample.
- Verify liquid-level sensing and probe positioning.
- Replace the probe if aspiration is still short.
Technical Specs
- Height
- 1205 mm
- Throughput
- 400 samples/hr (800 with ISE)
- Wavelength Range
- 340 to 800 nm
- Length
- 760 mm
- Power Requirements
- 100-240 VAC
- Reaction Time
- 8 min 37.5 sec
- Sample Types
- Serum, plasma, urine, other
- Sample Volume
- 1 to 25 µL
- Width
- 1450 mm
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
Beckman coulter has received complaints regarding leaking and cracked C cups. When the cup cracks, coolant can leak onto the connectors of the Printed Circuit Boards (PCB) in the analyzer, resulting in a short-circuit causing the instrument to go into a stop mode.
- RECALL
The recall was initiated because Beckman has confirmed that the AU Clinical Chemistry Analyzers may experience cuvette overflow.
Related calculators
From BioLab, for work done with this kind of equipment.
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