Roche LightCycler
Roche · Model LightCycler
A thermocycler for the rapid analysis of PCR applications 30 amplification steps including analysis of results can be carried out in less than 30 minutes. Fluorimetric analysis of the PCR products formed is performed as real-time measurement either continuously or at a specifically defined time during each PCR cycle. The analyses can be monitored online by the LightCycler’s user-friendly software.
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.
Centrifuge imbalance / bearing
HighSymptoms: Vibration, loud noise, stop error.
Root cause: Worn bearing or unbalanced rotor.
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.
Sample aspiration probe
Frequent R&R on high-throughput analyzers.
Class Periodic replacementRel. cost $$$R&R Moderate
Peristaltic pump tubing
Consumable - replace proactively.
Class Frequent wear itemRel. cost $R&R Easy
Xenon / LED light source
Class Periodic replacementRel. cost $$$R&R Moderate
Centrifuge rotor & bearings
Class Major service partRel. cost $$$R&R Difficult
| Part | Service class | Relative cost | R&R difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sample aspiration probe Frequent R&R on high-throughput analyzers. | Periodic replacement | $$$ | Moderate |
| Peristaltic pump tubing Consumable - replace proactively. | Frequent wear item | $ | Easy |
| Xenon / LED light source | Periodic replacement | $$$ | Moderate |
| Centrifuge rotor & bearings | Major service part | $$$ | Difficult |
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.
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
Safety & Recalls
Synced live from the FDA openFDA API.
- RECALL
Roche has detected a problem with the MagNA Pure LC 1.0 (software version 3.0.11) and the MagNA Pure LC 2.0 (software versions 1.1.23 and 1.1.24) instruments. Under certain circumstances, only a fraction of each sample is processed which may lead to false negative results, and an impact to patient health if used in a homebrew diagnostic application.
- RECALL
If the bar code is printed from the Batch Results Screen, a wrong batch ID may be printed, while the correct batch ID is still assigned to the batch in the data repository of the MPLC 2.0 software. This may result in sample mis identification. If printed from the ordering screens, the bar code is printed with the correct batch ID.
- RECALL
Within the Precautions and Warning Section, Polymorphism heading, of the Product's Package Insert, it stated that mutations at positions 20207, 20209, 20218 and 20221 exist and these mutations are spanned by the mutation probe. These rare mutations will lead to an unknown result after performing genotyping.
- RECALL
False Negative Results: Air bubbles in the lens or the area surrounding the lens of the LightCycler 100 uL capillaries may cause false negative results. The affected capillaries showed up to a 40% reduction in signal
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