Thermo Scientific Shandon Cytospin 4
Thermo Scientific · Model Shandon Cytospin 4
Safe and Reliable • Auto-locking, plastic outer lid • Autoclavable Sealed Head • Disposable sample chambers with caps • Safety alarms that protect users and specimens • Wipe-clean control panel Features • Process 12 specimens at one time • Accepts all protocols from Shandon Cytospin 1, 2, and 3 • Redesigned Lid-release Mechanism allows for one-handed opening and closing of the outer lid for easy access • Excellent safety design prevents accidental fluid spillage from damaging the mechanical or electronic components and allows for easy disinfecting • Pull-out Program Card allows for up to nine programs to be logged for fast and convenient retrieval (erasable ink pen included) Shandon Cytospin Sealed Head • One Sealed Head is included with the Cytospin, but many laboratories shorten preparation time by having a second Sealed Head ready for when the first finishes processing • Autoclavable, 12-chamber Head seals completely Simple and Precise Controls • Protected Program Memory stores up to 23 routines for instant recall and protects from power loss • Program Key Pad has “easy-touch” design that allows for easier keystrokes and more intuitive programming • Speed window displays the programmed spinning speeds from 200 – 2000 rpm • Three Acceleration Control buttons allow the operator excellent flexibility and exceptional protection for fragile samples • Time window displays the programmed and remaining run time from 1– 99 minutes • Control feature has a standby power saving mode. Displays are also turned on and off by the standby key Safety Alarms • Audible alarm that signals the operator if the Shandon Cytospin Cytocentrifuge is out of balance, outside the speed tolerance, or if the lid is not properly locked. As an extra measure of safety for the user, the unit will not spin if the lid is not locked • Specimen safety alarm feature has been added to remind users at one-minute intervals to remove specimens, protect them from “air-drying” and ensure consistent results
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.
Technical Specs
- Height
- 9.5 in with closed lid
- Length
- 24.5 in
- Weight
- 26.5 kg
- Width
- 16 in
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
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 →