Drucker Diagnostics QBC STAR Dry Hematology Analyzer - Manual (Page 10)

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QBC Star System Operator’s Manual
Hematological results are shown on the Liquid Crystal Display. Results are also automatically printed
by the internal thermal printer onto a 2.25-inch paper tape.
The instrument contains the following subsystems:
• The centrifuge for mixing and separating the blood sample
• An embedded microprocessor for machine control, blood sample analysis, and communications
• An internal printer for printing results
• A Liquid Crystal Display to show results, prompts, and messages
• USB ports for communication with optional external devices such as a keyboard, barcode scan-
ner, or external printer
• An ethernet connection for use with Laboratory Information Systems
Instrument Power on self-Test and
Analytical Quality Control Checks
When the instrument is powered on and the door is closed, the system software performs a power on
self-test to verify proper operation (or once every 8 hours if power is left on continuously). The power
on self-test checks such things as: centrifuge motor at various speeds, emission filter assembly, optics
assembly, light source, optical clarity and focus, internal printer and setup keypad.
The instrument runs a built-in analytical quality control checks every time a sample is processed.
Sample integrity checks include: statistical matching of band lengths, ratios and absolute values for
signal levels, ratios that are used to evaluate the quality of interfaces, measurement of float length,
verification of optics and sensors, measurement and evaluation of sample fill volume. additional tests
performed as part of each assay cycle include centrifuge speed and electro-optical verification. results
are reported on tube tests only if all analytical quality control checks pass.
The power-on self-test and analytical quality control checks provide verification of instrument parameters
including but not limited to timing, speed, disposable integrity, and reagent stability.
In addition to these checks, the system monitors the temperature inside and outside the instrument
before and during each test. The system will allow operation of the instrument if the temperature is
higher than 32° C, but with limited reports. If the sample temperature exceeds 45° C, the unit will be-
come too hot to operate.
Since the QBC STar instrument contains a centrifuge, centrifuge speed measurements are verified
each time a sample is processed.
If any part of the power on self-testing or analytical quality control checks fails, a message is displayed.
Confirmation of the success of power on self-tests is provided by the “Ready” message. In addition,
each results printout indicates the outcome of analytical quality control checks.
If any part of the self-testing or calibration process fails, a message is displayed. Confirmation of the
success of self-tests is provided by the “Ready” message. In addition, each results printout indicates
the outcome of analytical QC.
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