Pointe Scientific 180-PLUS
Pointe Scientific · Model 180-PLUS
BICHROMATIC PHOTOMETER SYSTEM - Differential wavelengths to correct for test tube imperfections and to help remove interfering substances. ON-BOARD INCUBATOR - 12 wells at 37° C. TEMPERATURE CONTROLLED CUVETTE WELL - Constant 37° C. This feature is necessary for performing kinetic assays. INTERNAL TEMPERATURE CONTROL - The analyzer monitors the incubator and cuvette well temperatures. The temperatures are automatically corrected and the actual temperature in degrees (°C) is displayed on the screen. LAMP SAVING FEATURE - The instrument automatically shuts off the lamp if the instrument has not been used for 15 minutes. This feature can preserve the lamp for up to two (2) years, depending on actual usage. MAINTENANCE FREE - The instrument does not require any scheduled maintenance procedures. SELF-PROMOTING OPERATION - The analyzer leads the user through test performance in a step-by-step manner. TEST TUBE ACTIVATED READING - The analyzer reads test tubes upon insertion-no need to press a button. FAST READOUT - The analyzer reads, calculates and prints results in under three (3) seconds. PREPROGRAMMED CHEMISTRY PROCEDURES - Optimized parameters for Pointe Scientific reagents are already entered-just select the test number. Open channels are available for programming other tests. PREPROGRAMMED DATA REDUCTION - Calculation programs for cardiac risk factors, Glycohemoglobins and Iron/TIBC are part of the general test menu. PREPROGRAMMED NORMAL RANGES - The analyzer prints the normal ranges and can be edited to fit the area or population. PREPROGRAMMED FLAGS - The analyzer will flag results that are out of the normal range or exceed the linear limits of the analyzer or reagents. AUTOMATIC WAVELENGTH SELECTOR - The analyzer automatically positions the preselected filters for each test. The inclusion of the 340nm filter enables the analyzer to perform assays in the ultra-violet (UV) mode, which is the preferred mode for enzyme/kinetic, assays.
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.
Technical Specs
- Height
- 10 cm
- Length
- 34 cm
- Width
- 24 cm
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.
Related calculators
From BioLab, for work done with this kind of equipment.
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