Swelab Alfa
Swelab · Model Alfa
MCI -20ul micro capillaries started directly in the system. Pre-dilutes -Separate inlet with built in dispenser function. Open tubes -With automatic cleaning of probe. Closed tubes -Available on Cap Pierce and Auto Sampler models. Multi-view function Display results as preferred. Classic view with histograms. Reference scales for quick overview. Sample list for analysed samples. Automated QC With the barcode-interfaced administration of calibrators and controls handling is simple and pool-proof. Patient profiling Programmable patient profiles with unique analyzer settings. Create reports having everything from just a HGB value or a full blood status, or use this function to make separate analyzing profiles for infants or other patient groups with different characteristics.
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
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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