Nihon Kohden Celltac Alpha MEK-6500K
Nihon Kohden · Model Celltac Alpha MEK-6500K
Built-in open and closed tube mode To reduce the risk of contamination, the Celltac α MEK-6500K includes both, an open and a closed tube mode for easy blood sampling. Auto dilution mode change You can set panic value thresholds (abnormal high and low values) to trigger re-measurement in preset dilution ratio modes (low, normal, high, higher). In higher mode the measuring range for WBC can be extended to 599 x 10³/µl while the low dilution mode gives high accuracy even in low values of WBC or PLT. Capillary mode The Celltac α MEK-6500K allows you to analyze capillary blood with only 10 µl. This is the ideal method to perform CBCs inclusive 3-part-diff for pediatric and geriatric patients. Unlimited patient memory The instrument can store unlimited patient samples together with QC results and alarm logs by using SD-card memory (2GB can store 30 000 patient samples).
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.
Aperture / flow-cell blockage or partial obstruction
HighSymptoms: Flagged or implausible CBC counts, voteouts, clog alarms, poor precision.
Root cause: Debris or a clot partially blocking a counting aperture or the flow cell.
Sample probe / piercer / valve wear
MediumSymptoms: Short samples, aspiration errors, cap-piercing failures, carryover.
Root cause: Worn or bent sample probe / closed-vial piercer, or a worn shear / segment valve.
Reagent / lyse delivery fault
MediumSymptoms: WBC, HGB or diff results shifted, high background, reagent alarms.
Root cause: Reagent depleted or wrong lot, or a pinch-valve / tubing fault.
Optics / laser fault (diff)
MediumSymptoms: Diff scattergrams abnormal, missing populations, flow-cell or laser alarm.
Root cause: Contaminated or aged flow cell, or the laser / optics.
Vacuum / pressure out of range
MediumSymptoms: Multiple parameter errors, priming failures.
Root cause: Pump or regulator drift.
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 probe / closed-vial piercer
Class Periodic replacementRel. cost $$R&R Moderate
Shear / segment valve
Class Periodic replacementRel. cost $$$R&R Difficult
Pinch-valve / peristaltic tubing
Class Frequent wear itemRel. cost $R&R Moderate
Flow cell
Class Periodic replacementRel. cost $$$R&R Difficult
System reagents / controls
Class ConsumableRel. cost $$R&R Easy
| Part | Service class | Relative cost | R&R difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sample probe / closed-vial piercer | Periodic replacement | $$ | Moderate |
| Shear / segment valve | Periodic replacement | $$$ | Difficult |
| Pinch-valve / peristaltic tubing | Frequent wear item | $ | Moderate |
| Flow cell | Periodic replacement | $$$ | Difficult |
| System reagents / controls | Consumable | $$ | 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
Error Codes
Extracted directly from this unit's own service manual.
00001Open Voltage Operation Error Control error for air pressure source condition
Contact your Nihon Kohden representative.
00002Air Opening Error During air opening operation, pressure is outside the range
00003ISO Chamber Positive Pressure Error During ISO chamber pressurization, pressure is outside the ran
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: Clog / aperture / flow-cell alarm or flagged CBC counts
- Run the instrument's aperture / flow-cell clear (burn / back-flush) and flush cycles.
- Run a background count and confirm it is within limits.
- Run controls at all levels.
- Clean or replace the aperture bath / flow cell if clogs recur.
- Confirm precision on a replicate sample before releasing results.
Symptom: Short samples / aspiration errors / carryover
- Inspect the sample probe / closed-vial piercer for wear or a bend.
- Check the shear / segment valve and the tubing for leaks or wear.
- Verify vacuum and pressure against the service spec.
- Replace the probe / piercer, valve or tubing as found.
- Re-run controls and a carryover check.
Symptom: WBC / HGB / diff shifted / high background
- Confirm reagents and lyse are in date, primed and the correct lot.
- Check the pinch valves and tubing for wear or air.
- Run the fluidics prime and a background count.
- Recalibrate if the shift is confirmed against controls.
- Escalate an optics / laser fault if scattergrams are abnormal.
Symptom: Autoloader / transport jam
- Clear the jammed tube / rack and note where it hangs up.
- Inspect the autoloader belt, gripper and mixing station.
- Check the rack sensors.
- Cycle several racks.
- Replace the belt / gripper as found.
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
Related calculators
From BioLab, for work done with this kind of equipment.
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