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
Failure patterns typical of this equipment class - general BMET reference, not verified against this exact unit's own service history unless flagged. Severity is a category-level estimate.
Sample probe / pipette clog
MediumSymptoms: Aspiration error, short sample, carryover.
Root cause: Clot/crystal obstruction.
Reagent / wash flow fault
MediumSymptoms: Clogs, high blank, QC fail.
Root cause: Pump tube wear, air in line.
Temperature control fault
MediumSymptoms: Incubator out of range.
Root cause: Failed heater/fan or sensor.
Optics / lamp degradation
LowSymptoms: Low signal, wavelength drift.
Root cause: Lamp/LED or monochromator aging.
Serviceable Parts & Consumables
The parts a BMET typically services on this class of equipment. Service class and relative cost are general engineering estimates for the category, not figures from this unit's documentation. Part numbers appear only when pulled from this unit's own service manual. Always confirm intervals and pricing against the manufacturer.
Xenon / LED light source
Class Periodic replacementRel. cost $$$R&R Moderate
Centrifuge rotor & bearings
Class Major service partRel. cost $$$R&R Difficult
Incubator heater / fan
Class Periodic replacementRel. cost $$R&R Moderate
Sample aspiration probe
Frequent R&R on high-throughput analyzers.
Class Periodic replacementRel. cost $$$R&R Moderate
| Part | Service class | Relative cost | R&R difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xenon / LED light source | Periodic replacement | $$$ | Moderate |
| Centrifuge rotor & bearings | Major service part | $$$ | Difficult |
| Incubator heater / fan | Periodic replacement | $$ | Moderate |
| Sample aspiration probe Frequent R&R on high-throughput analyzers. | Periodic replacement | $$$ | 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 structured starting point derived from the failure modes above. Follow the manufacturer's service documentation for the actual procedure.
Symptom: Sample probe / pipette clog
- Confirm the presentation - typically aspiration error, short sample, carryover - and note the exact alarm or message and the conditions when it occurs.
- Check the most likely cause first: clot/crystal obstruction.
- Isolate the affected subsystem using the manufacturer's functional check or self-test, where one is provided.
- If the fault is confirmed and not a field adjustment, service or replace the sample aspiration probe per the manufacturer's service documentation.
- Return the device to service only after the manufacturer's functional and applicable electrical-safety checks pass.
- Record the findings, any parts used, and the verification results in the maintenance history.
Symptom: Reagent / wash flow fault
- Confirm the presentation - typically clogs, high blank, QC fail - and note the exact alarm or message and the conditions when it occurs.
- Check the most likely cause first: pump tube wear, air in line.
- Isolate the affected subsystem using the manufacturer's functional check or self-test, where one is provided.
- If the fault is confirmed and not a field adjustment, service or replace the peristaltic pump tubing per the manufacturer's service documentation.
- Return the device to service only after the manufacturer's functional and applicable electrical-safety checks pass.
- Record the findings, any parts used, and the verification results in the maintenance history.
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.
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 →