Beckman Coulter Epics XL and XL-MCL
Beckman Coulter · Model Epics XL and XL-MCL
3-color fluorescence with 4-color option Air-cooled 488nm 15mw laser 10u x 90u light beam Detector Range: 300nm-800nm Flow-Cell Size: 250u x 250u BioSense Max analysis rate: >3300 cells/sec Min Cell Size, um: 3300 cells/sec Color dot density; contour, isometric, tomogram, overlay, legend and projection plots. PRISM displays; color precedence or color-blend gating; automatic Boolean logic gate creation; 32 gates per file, real-time statistics. Intel Pentium processor and 4 network transputers for digital signal processing. Signal-intensity display, biohazard-safe triple-fluid (sheath/cleanse/waste) system with automated functions and variable flow rate; auto setup; SYSTEM II software with acquisition, list mode, multigraph, reports and utilities. Features FastSet and CellTracker. Opt tetraONE SYSTEM software automates 4-color acquisition and analysis. Retic-ONE SYSTEM software for reticulocyte enumeration. The XL system features the capability to analyze up to 4 colors of immunofluorescence from a single air cooled laser. The instrument is self contained and biohazard safe. The user retains the flexibility to change filter elements for versatility in research settings. For high volume users, the XL-MCL system offers walk away sample handling for superior efficiency with the Multi Carousel Loader (MCL). The XL remains the only flow cytometer to offer state-of-the-art Digital Signal Processing (DSP) for reliable linearity and drift-free amplification and compensation. The XL SYSTEM II™ software fully automates instrument set-up and compensation for 2, 3 and even 4-color applications. The XL is available in 3 or 4-color configurations, with or without the MCL. Ask your Beckman Coulter representative about the configuration that best meets your laboratory's needs.
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
Failure patterns typical of this equipment class - general BMET reference, not verified against this exact unit's own service history unless flagged. Severity is a category-level estimate.
Sample probe / pipette clog
MediumSymptoms: Aspiration error, short sample, carryover.
Root cause: Clot/crystal obstruction.
Centrifuge imbalance / bearing
HighSymptoms: Vibration, loud noise, stop error.
Root cause: Worn bearing or unbalanced rotor.
Reagent / wash flow fault
MediumSymptoms: Clogs, high blank, QC fail.
Root cause: Pump tube wear, air in line.
Optics / lamp degradation
LowSymptoms: Low signal, wavelength drift.
Root cause: Lamp/LED or monochromator aging.
Serviceable Parts & Consumables
The parts a BMET typically services on this class of equipment. Service class and relative cost are general engineering estimates for the category, not figures from this unit's documentation. Part numbers appear only when pulled from this unit's own service manual. Always confirm intervals and pricing against the manufacturer.
Centrifuge rotor & bearings
Class Major service partRel. cost $$$R&R Difficult
Incubator heater / fan
Class Periodic replacementRel. cost $$R&R Moderate
Sample aspiration probe
Frequent R&R on high-throughput analyzers.
Class Periodic replacementRel. cost $$$R&R Moderate
Peristaltic pump tubing
Consumable, replace proactively.
Class Frequent wear itemRel. cost $R&R Easy
| Part | Service class | Relative cost | R&R difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Centrifuge rotor & bearings | Major service part | $$$ | Difficult |
| Incubator heater / fan | Periodic replacement | $$ | Moderate |
| Sample aspiration probe Frequent R&R on high-throughput analyzers. | Periodic replacement | $$$ | Moderate |
| Peristaltic pump tubing Consumable, replace proactively. | Frequent wear item | $ | 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 structured starting point derived from the failure modes above. Follow the manufacturer's service documentation for the actual procedure.
Symptom: Sample probe / pipette clog
- Confirm the presentation - typically aspiration error, short sample, carryover - and note the exact alarm or message and the conditions when it occurs.
- Check the most likely cause first: clot/crystal obstruction.
- Isolate the affected subsystem using the manufacturer's functional check or self-test, where one is provided.
- If the fault is confirmed and not a field adjustment, service or replace the sample aspiration probe per the manufacturer's service documentation.
- Return the device to service only after the manufacturer's functional and applicable electrical-safety checks pass.
- Record the findings, any parts used, and the verification results in the maintenance history.
Symptom: Reagent / wash flow fault
- Confirm the presentation - typically clogs, high blank, QC fail - and note the exact alarm or message and the conditions when it occurs.
- Check the most likely cause first: pump tube wear, air in line.
- Isolate the affected subsystem using the manufacturer's functional check or self-test, where one is provided.
- If the fault is confirmed and not a field adjustment, service or replace the peristaltic pump tubing per the manufacturer's service documentation.
- Return the device to service only after the manufacturer's functional and applicable electrical-safety checks pass.
- Record the findings, any parts used, and the verification results in the maintenance history.
Technical Specs
- Height
- 20 in
- Length
- 22.5 in
- Weight
- 140 lbs
- Width
- 24 in
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 firm has confirmed that the ratio parameter assignments (numerator and denominator) of a protocol may inadvertently change after the Parameter Selection Dialog box is accessed. This issue is limited to only protocols utilizing the Ratio parameter.
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