Beckman Coulter Z1
Beckman Coulter · Model Z1
No calibration drift with constant current technology Safe & environmentally friendly mercury-free metering system Automated calibration using NIST traceable standards Storage & automated recall (up to 5 user specified settings) for individual cell lines Self-contained, disposable reagent paks for safe & convenient biological waste management.
Key tips
- ·When no category-specific guidance fits, default to the manufacturer's own service manual and the general troubleshooting method in the Engineer's Guide.
- ·Run an incoming and annual electrical safety test regardless of how niche the device is.
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.
Out of calibration / accuracy suspect
HighSymptoms: Readings disagree with a reference standard, verification check outside tolerance.
Root cause: Normal drift - the instrument needs its scheduled factory / accredited calibration (at least every 12 months).
Will not power on / battery fault
MediumSymptoms: Dead unit, short battery life, will not charge.
Root cause: Depleted or aged battery, or a power / charger fault.
Test lead / probe / adapter fault
MediumSymptoms: Open or intermittent readings, connection errors, a specific function fails.
Root cause: Worn or broken test leads, mains adapters, patient-lead adapters, or a sensor cable.
A measurement / simulation function fails
MediumSymptoms: One parameter (leakage, insulation, ECG / SpO2 / IBP simulation, defib / pacer energy, ventilator flow / pressure, light / dose) errors or is out of range while others work.
Root cause: An internal source / measurement circuit fault on that channel.
PC / software communication fault
LowSymptoms: The automation / logging software will not connect.
Root cause: USB cable / port or driver.
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.
Test-lead / adapter set
Class Periodic replacementRel. cost $$R&R Easy
Battery
Class Periodic replacementRel. cost $$R&R Easy
Calibration (factory / accredited)
At least every 12 months per the manufacturer.
Class Frequent wear itemRel. cost $$R&R Easy
Communication cable
Class Periodic replacementRel. cost $R&R Easy
| Part | Service class | Relative cost | R&R difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Test-lead / adapter set | Periodic replacement | $$ | Easy |
| Battery | Periodic replacement | $$ | Easy |
| Calibration (factory / accredited) At least every 12 months per the manufacturer. | Frequent wear item | $$ | Easy |
| Communication cable | Periodic replacement | $ | 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.
- ·Follow the manufacturer's PM schedule
- ·Perform incoming and annual electrical safety testing per facility biomedical program
Error Codes
Extracted directly from this unit's own service manual.
ABNORMAL APERTURE FLOW RATEAperture blocked. Press to clear.
UNBLOCK
ABNORMAL APERTURE RESISTANCEAperture not submerged in diluent, or aperture blocked, or improperly made up electrolyte. If aperture submerged in diluent, press to clear, check electrolyte solution preparation.
UNBLOCK
ADJUSTING THRESHOLDSample Analysis stopped to change Upper (Tu), or Lower (Tl) Thresholds.
None
APERTURE IS NOT PRIMEDNo diluent in Aperture Tube, or aperture not submerged in sample. Check sufficient sample in beaker. Press , FUNCTIONS select Prime Aperture. Press . START
Check sufficient sample in beaker. Press , FUNCTIONS select Prime Aperture. Press . START
APERTURE Kd IS INVALIDKd > aperture diameter, or < 0.25 x aperture diameter. Check correct entry for Select Aperture and Aperture Kd in Setup Menu.
Check correct entry for Select Aperture and Aperture Kd in Setup Menu.
APERTURE DRAINED AND VENTEDCompletion of Drain Aperture function on screen F1 of Functions Menu.
None
APERTURE PRIMEDCompletion of Prime Aperture function on screen F1 of Functions Menu.
None
APERTURE VENTEDCompletion of Vent Prime Aperture function on screen F1 of Functions Menu.
None
BUILDING VACUUMis pressed. Shows instrument preparing to carry out an analysis or a procedure on screen F1 of Functions Menu.
START
CALIBRATINGCalibration underway.
None
CALIBRATOR TOO DILUTENot enough particles counted during calibration for Kd factor to be calculated. Increase analysis volume or add more calibrator to sample beaker.
Increase analysis volume or add more calibrator to sample beaker.
CALIBRATOR TOO LARGECalibrator Diameter > 20% of selected aperture. Calibration inhibited until calibrator diameter < 20% entered.
Calibrator diameter < 20% entered.
CALIBRATOR TOO SMALLCalibrator Diameter < 5% of selected aperture. Calibration inhibited until calibrator diameter > 5% entered.
Calibrator diameter > 5% entered.
CHECK DILUENT VESSELDiluent vessel empty. Fill Diluent Jar with diluent.
Fill Diluent Jar with diluent.
CHECK METERING SYSTEMMetering pump reached end of travel. Call Coulter Service.
Call Coulter Service.
CHECK SAMPLE LEVELNo current between electrodes. Check aperture filled/sample present.
Check aperture filled/sample present.
CHECK VACUUM SYSTEMUnable to achieve stable vacuum for sample analysis. Call Coulter Service.
Call Coulter Service.
CHECK WASTE LEVELWaste Jar Full. Empty Waste Jar.
Empty Waste Jar.
CONTROL VALVE FAILEDControl Valve selected on screen T1 of User Testing Menu. Call Coulter Service.
Call Coulter Service.
COUNTINGAnalysis underway, results being gathered.
None
DOOR IS OPENIf pressed when Screened Door is open, procedure is inhibited and instrument reset. Ensure Screened Door closed. Press . START
Ensure Screened Door closed. Press . START
DRAINING APERTUREDrain Aperture procedure underway.
None
DRAINING SYSTEMDrain System procedure underway.
None
FILLING SYSTEMFilling System procedure underway.
None
FLUSHINGFlushing procedure underway.
None
FLUSH COMPLETEDFlushing procedure completed satisfactorily.
None
HIGH CONCENTRATIONNumber of particles too high to establish proper base line, analysis may be affected. Prepare new sample at higher dilution. Press , enter new dilution factor. Repeat analysis.
Prepare new sample at higher dilution. Press , enter new dilution factor. Repeat analysis.
HIGH MASKINGToo many pulses with large pulse widths at Lower Threshold setting. Check aperture size (too small), lower threshold setting.
Check aperture size (too small), lower threshold setting.
LOW CONCENTRATIONNumber of particles too low for accurate results. Message only occurs during calibration. Can not occur during sample analysis. Add more calibrator, repeat calibration procedure.
Add more calibrator, repeat calibration procedure.
MEASURING APERTURE FLOW RATEInforms operator flow rate is being measured. Only occurs if Measure Aperture selected on screen S2 of Setup Menu.
None
MEASURING APERTURE RESISTANCEInforms operator aperture resistance is being measured. Only occurs if Measure Aperture selected on screen S2 of Setup Menu.
None
METERING PUMP FAILEDMetering Pump selected on Screen T1 of User Testing Menu. Call Coulter Service.
Call Coulter Service.
NOISE MISMATCHAperture impedance and preamplifier impedance not matched. Occurs when conductivity of electrolyte solution significantly changed without going back through Setup Menus. Press , check SET-UP recommended settings before repeating analysis.
Press , check SET-UP recommended settings before repeating analysis.
PERFORMING CALCULATIONOccurs during calibration calculations.
None
PLATFORM IS DOWNpressed when sample platform is down. Procedure inhibited, instrument reset. Raise platform until aperture submerged in sample beaker diluent.
Raise platform until aperture submerged in sample beaker diluent.
PREPARING TO COUNTResetting instrument prior to counting.
None
PREPARING TO CALIBRATEResetting instrument prior to calibrating.
None
PRESS 'START ' TO CONTINUEOperator decision. Press . START
START
PRIMING APERTUREPrime Aperture procedure underway.
None
RESETTING METERING SYSTEMResetting Hydraulics System.
None
SELECTED CURRENT TOO HIGHAperture current selected requires aperture supply voltage exceeding maximum available. Reduce selected aperture current, check gain to obtain better match.
Reduce selected aperture current, check gain to obtain better match.
STOP KEY PRESSEDSTART/STOP pressed during instrument procedure. Press again to remove inhibit.
Press again to remove START inhibit.
SYSTEM DRAINED/APERTURE VENTEDCompletion of System Drain function. Operator decision to refill with fresh diluent or leave empty for storage or transportation.
Operator decision to refill with fresh diluent or leave empty for storage or transportation.
SYSTEM DRAINED: NEED TO FILLAny key pressed when system drained of diluent. Refer to Para 4.5.1
Refer to Para 4.5.1
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: Accuracy suspect / verification check outside tolerance
- Confirm the instrument's calibration certificate is within date (at least every 12 months).
- Verify against a known reference - a decade box, a reference meter, or a second analyser.
- Check the test leads, mains adapters and patient-lead adapters for damage and reseat them.
- If a single function is out (leakage, insulation, a simulation channel, energy, flow / pressure, light / dose), note it for the calibration lab.
- Send the unit for its scheduled factory / accredited calibration if it is due or fails verification.
Symptom: A measurement or simulation function fails while others work
- Repeat the failing function into a known load / source / reference.
- Swap the associated lead / adapter / sensor cable.
- Update the firmware if an update addresses it.
- Check the internal battery / supply is healthy.
- Return the unit for repair of that channel.
Symptom: Will not power on / short battery life
- Fit fresh batteries or confirm the AC adapter output.
- Check the fuse and power switch.
- Try a different outlet / adapter.
- Replace the battery pack.
- Refer the power supply if it will not run on a known-good adapter.
Symptom: PC / logging software will not connect
- Reseat the USB / serial cable and try another port.
- Confirm the driver and the COM-port / baud settings.
- Restart the software and the instrument.
- Try a known-good cable.
- Update the software / firmware to compatible versions.
Typical Location
Where this class of equipment is typically deployed - general reference, not this unit's own placement record.
- Varies by device - check the unit's own manual for facility placement guidance
Documents & Manuals
Safety & Recalls
Synced live from the FDA openFDA API.
- RECALL
Bicarbonate reagent may generate falsely high Bicarbonate results due to interference with Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) in the test sample.
- RECALL
LIH Influence check settings for Lipemia are incorrect which may result patient samples being reported as false low results or cause a high result to report as normal
- RECALL
Beckman Coulter has become aware that the cannula, which is found in the Flowcell and the iQClear Rinse Waste Well Assembly, may rust. Rust from the cannula has the potential to generate erroneous results.
- RECALL
Lipemic interference failed to meet the performance specification listed within the IFU.
- RECALL
A software defect in the DxA Automation System may cause tests to be run on patient samples in tube types not compatible with the requested test, leading to erroneous patient results
- RECALL
There is a potential for a decrease in calibration ODs for Bicarbonate reagent which could result in calibration failures and/or quality control failures.
- RECALL
The reagent lot produces elevated results (approximately >30%) in some (15-20%)patient samples that do not correlate with the results of other thyroid markers nor Free T3 results generated on other platforms. This introduces a risk of the positive bias not being detected by QC with the potential that clinical correlation with other thyroid function tests will be inconsistent requiring additional testing; however the clinical assessment and treatment decisions are not made in isolation on a single test result especially, in the setting of thyroid function testing. False positive test results could lead to a euthyroid patient being interpreted clinically as having elevated thyroid function (hyperthyroid) or a hypothyroid patient being within the normal range. Such misdiagnoses may lead to inappropriate treatment of a euthyroid patient with anti-thyroid medications or hypothyroid patient no
- RECALL
Beckman Coulter has become aware of an increase in customer complaints generated for intermittent IRISpec CB glucose control false positive results when used in conjunction with iChemVelocity Urine Chemistry Strips PN 800-7212
- RECALL
Due to alkaline phosphatase (ALP) associated interference causing falsely elevated uE3 (Unconjugated Estriol assay) results.
- RECALL
Due to customer reports it has been determined that the inoculation system contains the incorrect prompt wands. Use of the incorrect wands could result in false -susceptible results, false-resistant results, possible misidentifications, or possible out-of-range Quality Control results.
- RECALL
Potential exposure to biohazard. Software design problem causes excess speed and vibrations in the unload arm movement which causes caused sample splashing.
- RECALL
Compatibility issue between the software and Microsoft updates to Windows 7, 8, and 10. The compatibility issue causes the software to be unusable which could result in a delay of reporting results.
- RECALL
NAPQI, a metabolite of Acetaminophen, causes negative interference with the recalled product assays at levels present in the serum/plasma of overdose patients.
- RECALL
Sorting-Drive software version 4.2 (released in October 2015) introduced a new option for iPAW and the Sorting-Drive Client that is used for manual printing of barcodes. Sorting Drive software version 4.2 was replaced by 4.2.1 (both versions contain the same option for manual barcode printing). When printing consecutively numbered tube labels using this optional Barcode Counter function, the system incorrectly converts numbers with consecutive multiple zeroes in the middle, potentially leading to wrong barcode IDs. The firm reports this does not affect automated label creation or reprinting of individual labels and that no other system functions are affected.
- RECALL
Beckman Coulter has received customer complaints of lowered minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for antimicrobial agents Cefaclor (Ctr) and Penicillin (P) with control organism Streptococcus pneumoniae (ATCC 49619) during quality control (QC) testing on MICroSTREP plus(R) Panel Type 1 hydrated with Mueller-Hinton Broth with 3% lysed horse blood part number B1015-25 lot number 1005986140.
- RECALL
The system may duplicate sample requests leading to sample misidentification when connected to a Laboratory Information System (LIS)
- RECALL
Beckman Coulter has identified that Dipyrone (Metamizole) may cause erroneous, false low results in the following assays: Cholesterol OSR6X16, Triglyceride OSR6X118, Uric Acid OSR6X98, Lactate OSR6X93, and Lipase OSR6X30.
- RECALL
N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC), when administered in therapeutic concentrations for the treatment of acetaminophen overdose, interferes with the assays for these analytes: Cholesterol OSR6X16, Uric Acid OSR6X98, Lactate OSR6X93, and Lipase OSR6X30. NAC interference may lead to falsely low results.
- RECALL
Beckman Coulter is including additional information and instructions in the Creatinine (OSR6x78) IFU and Setting Sheet, relating to calibration stability and quality control frequency to assure product performance.
- RECALL
The recall was initiated because patient results are falsely elevated by approximately 30% because the reference standard of the Manual Inhibin A ELISA assay has shifted from the assays original calibration. Erroneously elevated results may lead to unnecessary ultrasound testing to confirm gestational age, patient psychological stress until diagnostic testing is completed, and/or medical decis
- RECALL
The recall was initiated because Beckman Coulter has identified a problem with two lots of HbA1c APT reagent OSR61177. When HbA1c APT reagent lots 9390 and 9472 are calibrated with HbA1c calibrator ODR3032, elevated recovery may be observed for patient samples. Falsely elevated HbA1c values may be interpreted as increased risk for diabetes or poorly controlled diabetes. Consequent medical acti
- RECALL
The affected Access Thyroglobulin Antibody II reagent may produce inaccurate results due to a change in the thyroglobulin that was used in the kits.
- RECALL
Beckman Coulter has confirmed reports that the Access Free T3 calibrator lot numbers 989902, 989903, 989904, 989905, 989906 and 989907 will show a decline in performance before reaching their stated expiration date. The affected calibrator lots will cause one or more quality control samples to produce out-of-range high result.
- RECALL
Beckman Coulter incorrectly shipped Access Hybritech PSA calibrators containing dual calibration cards (Hybritech and WHO) to some Access Hybritech PSA Customers. The WHO calibration for PSA is not currently approved in the United States.
- RECALL
Beckman Coulter incorrectly shipped Access Hybritech free PSA calibrators containing dual calibration cards (Hybritech and WHO) to your lab. The WHO calibration for free PSA is marketed without a PMA.
- RECALL
False negative results when used to test serum samples (as compared to plasma samples).
- RECALL
Sporadic absolute count recovery failures with assayed control cell products when using Lot Number 754801F of the Flow-Count Fluorospheres. Additionally, this lot has experienced secondary fluorescent populations containing more than 20% of the total population, as stated in the Evidence of Deterioration section of the Package Insert.
- RECALL
Patient Mis-identification can occur: 1)- When a positive identifier (Sample ID or Cassette/Position) is manually edited to a positive identifier that is already in the To Do list. The workstation will accept the entry and no error message will be generated, creating 2 samples with the identical positive identifier. 2)- When manually entering a Patient ID, if a blank space is entered between th
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