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
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.
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.
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