Beckman Coulter Synchron LX20
Beckman Coulter · Model Synchron LX20
Throughput of 1,440 test per hour (maximum) Multiple tube sizes for complete flexibility Direct tube pediatric sampling Unique autoloader for walkaway automation On-board auto-dilution speeds workflow Automatic Critical Sample rerun Critical care chemistries in 42 seconds Clot Detection and autocorrection Automatic checking of serum indices (hemolysis, icterus, lipemia) Review-by-exception, based on user-defined criteria, improves operator's focus on abnormal results Reflex testing, based on user-defiined criteria, eliminates manual re-programming Delta Checking automatically compares the current result to the previous result Automatic STAT notification Interfaces up to three Beckman Coulter instruments on a single workstation.
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.
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
No documents available for this device yet.
Safety & Recalls
Synced live from the FDA openFDA API.
- RECALL
Beckman Coulter has identified that there is an increased probability Synchron Systems Direct LDL Cholesterol (LDLD REF 969706) reagent lot M404166 may generate false high results. The issue was discovered internally and confirmed on August 19, 2025 by Beckman Coulter.
- RECALL
Specific SYNCHRON Systems Modular Chemistry Phosphorus (PHOSm REF 467868) reagent lots may fail calibration before the lot expiration date which causes a delay in obtaining patient results.
- RECALL
Cholesterol Reagent may fail with Out of Calibration Range Low (OCR Low) and/or Back to Back (B/B) errors. Low quality control recovery failures may be observed after passing calibration. Brown particulates in compartment C of the reagent cartridge may be observed. Continued use may lead to, 1) failed QC and/or calibrations, 2) Erroneous low Cholesterol patient results.
- RECALL
The firm has identified that cross-reactivity testing may not meet the claims indicated in the Barbiturates Reagent Chemistry Information Sheet (CIS). The presence of certain compounds in urine may result in false positive or false negative results.
- RECALL
The recall was initiated because Beckman Coulter has confirmed a mislabeling error, some Synchron Systems Multi Calibrator Diskettes (REF 442600, lot M002642G) may actually be Thyroxine (T4) Reagent Calibrator Diskettes.
- RECALL
The recall was initiated because Beckman has confirmed that the all in date lots of Synchron Rheumatoid Factor (RF) Reagent might generate false positive results or calibration failures.
- RECALL
The recall was initiated because Beckman Coulter has received reports of incorrect electrolyte results on Synchron LX systems due to a variety of maintenance-related hardware issues.
- RECALL
This recall was initiated because Beckman Coulter has confirmed that for User-Defined Chemistries (UDRs), the polychrome correction is not automatically updated when wavelengths are modified.
- RECALL
The recall was initiated after Beckman Coulter Inc. confirmed reports of high recovery of immunoglobulin A (IgA) in proficiency surveys or patient samples using Synchron Ig-A reagent lots M812164 or M902345. Using these reagent lots, some samples deficient in IgA have yielded results in the normal range. Other samples with normal levels of IgA have yielded falsely high results.
- RECALL
A recall was initiated because Beckman has confirmed that the standardization of the Immuno Protein Calibrator Set has been re-established to IFCC Reference Preparation for Plasma Proteins, BCR-470 beginning with lot number M901330.
- RECALL
The recall was initiated because Beckman Coulter has confirmed reports of variability in results with the lots of Phenobarbital (PHE) reagent and calibrator.
- RECALL
The Salicylate Reagent lots listed here may fail calibration and/or fail to maintain linearity at the upper end of analytical range.
- RECALL
Intermittent Failure of Stirrer Motor-Beckman Coulter has determined that incorrect Glucose results on LX20 or DxC instruments have been related to an intermittent failure of the stirrer motor. -Stirrer motors can stall without any flags or motion errors. -If a stall occurs during a GLUm test near the time of sample inject, results may be affected. -Affected GLUm results may be high or low.
- RECALL
Beckman Coulter has received reports of patient samples and quality control recovery shifting low when using Vancomycin reagent lots M507219 and M511327. Internal QC recovery was as much as 15% lower than the assigned target value.
- RECALL
It was confirmed that the ORDAC (Over Range Detection And Correction) feature (auto & manual) does not perform correctly for the glucose cup chemistry (GLUCm) when sample type of 'Other' is selected w/operating software version 4.5. Results for these samples could be elevated as much as twice the actual value. The ORDAC feature does function properly w/serum, plasma, urine & CSF.
- RECALL
Synchron LX Systems Operating Software Version 4.5/v4.6 CBD (Chemistry Database) introduced an adjustment to the urine Uric Acid database calculation scheme which for some patients, depending on the volume of 24 hour urine sample, results may be reduced from above the upper limit of the laboratory's reference interval to below the limit.
- RECALL
Beckman Coulter has confirmed that occasionally a cuvette may be skipped during the SYNCHRON Lipase Wash (LIWA) procedure. If this occurs, there is the potential for carryover into the SYNCHRON Lipase (LIPA) assay, resulting ina substantial positive bias affecting Lipase (LIPA) results.
- RECALL
Results of tests are biased low due to a vendor change in formulation not brought to the attention of the recalling firm.
- RECALL
incorrect Calibration Acceptance Limits.
- RECALL
Numeric results are erroneously accepted by the in-house information system without qualifying symbols "<" or ">". In addition, the in-house system may interpret the results incorrectly.
- RECALL
'Initial Rate High' parameter for User Defined Reagents does not perform as indicated in the Synchron LX Clinical Systems Operations Manual.
- RECALL
Incorrect units are printed in labeling but not in software.
- RECALL
Sample wheel may home to the wrong position.
- RECALL
Sample values may be decreased by between 9 and 12 percent.
- RECALL
Firm shortened calibration frequency to 7 days from 14 days.
- RECALL
Product was found to produce higher recoveries by about 7-12% compared to other lots.
- RECALL
Instability leading to falsely elevated patient results, out of range controls, or error code.
- RECALL
The quality control samples for Vancomycin would not recover correctly when compared to the S.I. unit values listed in the incorrectly printed product insert. The incorrectly printed values were higher than they should be by a factor of 3 (three).
- RECALL
The disk that controls the home position of the sample wheel comes loose preventing a proper home sequence.
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