Abacus junior 30

ND
Abacus junior 30
Hematology Analyzer

Service Manual
Rev 1.0
 INTRODUCTION

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Abacus junior 30 .............................................................................................................................................. 1
Abacus junior 30ND ........................................................................................................................................... 1
Hematology Analyzer ................................................................................................................................ 1
1.1. Name and serial number ............................................................................................................. 5
1.2. Intended use .................................................................................................................................... 5
1.3. Integrated software....................................................................................................................... 5
2. FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION ............................................................................................................. 6
2.1. Main electronic parts of the analyzers................................................................................... 6
2.1.1. Counting chamber with electrodes and measuring aperture .............................. 8
2.1.2. HGB Measuring Head ........................................................................................................... 9
2.1.3. Cell Counter Amplifier Board ........................................................................................ 10
2.1.4. MAIN CPU Board................................................................................................................. 10
2.1.5. Dimm-PC* Module ............................................................................................................. 12
2.1.6. Opto sensors......................................................................................................................... 13
2.1.7. Valve boards ......................................................................................................................... 13
2.1.8. TFT Display and START button Board ....................................................................... 14
2.1.9. External Power Supply ..................................................................................................... 14
3. MAIN MECHANIC AND FLUIDIC PARTS ..................................................................................... 15
3.1.1. Sample/Horizontal and Vertical motors ................................................................... 16
3.1.2. Sampling needle.................................................................................................................. 17
3.1.3. Needle washing head ........................................................................................................ 17
3.1.4. Puffer reservoir ................................................................................................................... 18
3.1.5. Dilutor block......................................................................................................................... 18
3.1.6. Measuring block.................................................................................................................. 19
3.1.7. Pump ....................................................................................................................................... 19
3.2. Assembled Analyzer................................................................................................................... 20
3.2.1. Front Panel............................................................................................................................ 20
3.2.2. Rear Panel ............................................................................................................................. 20
3.2.3. Construction Front ............................................................................................................ 21
3.2.4. Construction Side ............................................................................................................... 21
4. OPERATION OF THE FLUIDIC SYSTEM ...................................................................................... 23
4.1. Initialization of the Fluidic System....................................................................................... 23
4.2. Operation of the fluidic system in Abacus Junior 30 ..................................................... 24
4.2.1. Flow diagram of measurement ..................................................................................... 24
 INTRODUCTION

4.2.2. Sampling process................................................................................................................ 26

4.2.3. Needle washing process .................................................................................................. 27
4.2.4. Diluting process .................................................................................................................. 28
4.2.5. Lysing process ..................................................................................................................... 29
4.2.6. Counting process ................................................................................................................ 30
4.2.7. Chamber draining process .............................................................................................. 31
4.2.8. Shutdown process .............................................................................................................. 31
5. ADJUSTMENTS ..................................................................................................................................... 32
5.1. Common adjustments ................................................ Hiba! A könyvjelző nem létezik.
5.1.1. Vertical movement, setting timing belt tension ..................................................... 32
5.1.2. Vertical opto sensor and needle settings .................................................................. 32
5.1.3. Setting the needle shaft.................................................................................................... 34
5.1.4. Setting the position of the chambers .......................................................................... 34
5.2. ABACUS JUNIOR 30 specific adjustments ........... Hiba! A könyvjelző nem létezik.
5.2.1. Setting the dilutor mechanics ........................................................................................ 35
5.2.2. Setting the horizontal movement ................................................................................ 35
5.4. Service Calibration ..................................................................................................................... 36
5.5. Setting RBC amplifier gain ....................................................................................................... 37
5.6. Setting WBC amplifier gain ..................................................................................................... 38
6. CHECKING THE PROPER OPERATION ....................................................................................... 38
6.1. Self Test........................................................................................................................................... 38
6.1.1. Self Test Screens ................................................................................................................. 38
6.1.2. Normal range of Self Test parameters ....................................................................... 38
6.1.3. Troubleshooting Guide for Self test ............................................................................ 39
6.2. Service Menu................................................................................................................................. 40
6.2.1. Entering to Service Menu ................................................................................................ 40
6.2.2. Troubleshooting ................................................................................................................. 40
6.2.3. Stress ....................................................................................................................................... 41
6.2.4. Needle position check....................................................................................................... 42
6.2.5. Log in as SERVICE User .................................................................................................... 42
7. SERVICE OPERATION ........................................................................................................................ 44
7.1. Possible Causes of Noise .......................................................................................................... 44
7.1.1. Contaminated reagent ...................................................................................................... 44
7.1.2. Bad earth grounding ......................................................................................................... 44
7.1.3. External electrical noise .................................................................................................. 44
 INTRODUCTION

7.1.4. Internal noise sources ...................................................................................................... 45

8. MAINTENANCE .................................................................................................................................... 47
8.1. Weekly User Maintenance ....................................................................................................... 47
8.1.1. Cleaning needle washing head ...................................................................................... 47
8.2. Periodic Maintenance by Service .......................................................................................... 47
8.2.1. Check Self test and Device statistics ........................................................................... 47
8.2.2. Cleaning and Greasing Dilutor Block .......................................................................... 47
8.2.3. Checking and Lubricating Dilutor Piston Tips ........................................................ 48
8.2.4. Checking and Replacing Washing Head..................................................................... 48
8.2.5. Bleaching of Fluidic System............................................................................................ 48
9. APPENDICES ......................................................................................................................................... 49
9.1. Warning flags ................................................................................................................................ 49
9.2. USB B connector communication ......................................................................................... 50
9.2.1. Characters and basic structure ..................................................................................... 50
9.2.2. Details of the 3.1 protocol ............................................................................................... 51
9.3. Cabling diagram ........................................................................................................................... 53
9.3.1. ABACUS JUNIOR 30 Cabling diagram ......................................................................... 53
9.4. Tubing schematics ...................................................................................................................... 54
9.4.1. ABACUS JUNIOR 30 Tubing schematics .................................................................... 54
9.5. Recommended kit of tools ....................................................................................................... 54
9.6. Spare parts..................................................................................................................................... 55
9.7. Revision history ........................................................................................................................... 56
 INTRODUCTION

1. INTRODUCTION
Since Abacus junior 30 and Abacus junior 30ND differ in software we issue a common
Service Manual covering both instruments. Information herein applies for all
instruments unless otherwise noted.
To be well up in the instruments, please read this manual carefully to have the
knowledge for servicing the instruments perfectly and avoid extra costs and wasting
precious time.
In this manual, we are using the following conventions:
AJ30 – stands for Abacus junior 30
AJ30ND – stands for Abacus junior 30ND
This Abacus junior 30 Service Manual contain the functional descriptions of all
analyzers, operation of the fluidic systems, adjustments and settings, and very important
information for the Service Personnel about the service operations and possible
problems.

1.1. Name and serial number

Name: Abacus junior 30Hematology Analyzer
Serial No.: Every instrument has its own serial number, which is printed on the rear
panel label and it can be read out from Device Information or from the self
test submenu. This identity number is write-protected by Diatron.

1.2. Intended use

Abacus junior 30 hematology analyzers are fully automated cell counters for in vitro
diagnostic use. The compact instruments were developed for small clinics, point-of-
cares, and hospitals.
Abacus junior 30 can process 30 samples per hour and they are intended to determine
the following 18 hematology parameters from a 25µl whole blood sample:
• WBC – LYM* - MON* - GRA* - LYM%* - MON%* - GRA%* (three-part WBC
differential*)
• HGB - RBC - HCT - MCV - RDW - MCH - MCHC
• PLT - MPV - PCT – PDW

* Only in Abacus Junior 30

1.3. Integrated software

The integrated software controls the instrument operations, displays, stores, recalls
data, and allows the user to perform QC and calibration procedures and modify the user
settings. The software version number can be read out from the Device Information or
from the Self test submenu.

Every ABACUS JUNIOR 30 software version is upgradeable (using an USB flash drive) by
the latest program developed by Diatron, and it can be downloaded from:
http://www.diatron.com
 FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION

2. FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION
2.1. Main electronic parts of the analyzers
ABACUS JUNIOR 30 contains the following electronic parts:

1. Counting chamber with electrodes and measuring aperture

2. HGB Measuring Head
3. Cell Counter Amplifier Board
4. MAIN CPU Board with Dimm-PC and measurement processing unit, 4 motor
controllers, valve & pneumatic controller/driver, pump driver and power supply
for internal printer (+7.5V) and digital circuitry (+5V, +3.3V)
5. DIMM-PC module
6. Motors with opto-boards of needle moving motor (H) and sample rotor/needle
moving motor (V)
7. Dilutor block with opto-board for sampling, diluent, lyse and cleaner
8. Valve boards (set of 5 and max. 7)
9. Peristaltic Pump
10. USB interface
11. Graphic LCD Display Module with touch-screen
12. Start Button Panel
13. Internal Printer
 Abacus Junior 30

MAIN Board (CPU, Pneumatic and Power Board) Fluidic System

Amplifier Board
Internal printer
interface
Motor driver 1 Rotor motor Counting chamber
(MIX/WBC in Cell counter Amplifier
HC60TS)
Motor driver 2 Motor driver 1
12 VDC
external Power Dilutor motor( 2 in HGB measuring head
Supply Motor driver 3 HGB interface
HC60TS)

Motor driver 4 (used

in HC60TS only) Snap in optosensors
RBC chamber AJ-Meas v3.1
Digital power 5V (in HC60TS only) (HC30TS)
Opto sensor interface
Valve block I_II AJ5-Meas v1.0
(HC60TS)
External printer
Digital power 3.3V Valve drivers
Pump

Pump driver

USB A 1
FPGA Pressure sensor
XCS30XL
USB A 2
External keyboard Measure control
DIGIO Display
USB A 3 Assembly

HVB(50V, 150V)
USB A 4
USB stick
DC/DC ±12V
320*240 (QVGA)
USB DIMMPC
TFT modul
HUB AMD Elan SC-520 Start
PIC24 w/ touchscreen
μController To PIC ADC button & w/ LED backlight
Status
LED board

USB B
LCD backlight driver
Sign Collection Board
External PC
BLTS v1.0
Touchscreen
interface

Start Button, Status

LEDs interface

ACS Main Board v2.2 LCD driver

 FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION

2.1.1. Counting chamber with electrodes and measuring aperture

Impedance method is used for determination of volume and number of cells. In this
method a known volume of dilution is drawn through a small aperture. Constant current
is passed through the aperture from one side to the other. When a cell passes through
the aperture, it causes a change in resistance, which generates a voltage pulse.
The amplitude of the voltage pulse is proportional to the ratio of cell volume per
aperture volume. This is used to determine the volume of cells. The number of cells can
be obtained by counting the pulses. In the AJ30 there is one cell-counter probe: the
aperture size is 70 µm and has a reference electrode assembly and U-shaped metal fixing
as it is shown in the figure below.

Washing
inlet
Chamber
extender

Counting
chamber Platinum
electrode

Draining
Opening for connection
measuring tube

Assembled measuring tube

with the reference electrode Measuring tube with
and U-shaped fixing aperture (70 m)

Aperture

Reference electrode U-shaped metal

O-rings
assembly fixing

The aperture is made of ruby and it is molded into the end of the measuring tube.
 FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION

2.1.2. HGB Measuring Head

Hemoglobin head is placed around one measuring chamber in all instruments.
It contains: light source (LED) at 540 nm wavelength and Photo Detector (TSL235). The
Photo Detector converts the light to frequency. The HGB concentration is a logarithmic
function of this frequency measured by the FPGA circuit of the MAIN board

Connection to the amplifier

LED TSL235

The analyzer performs enhanced hemoglobin measurement technology for HGB

measurement. The frequency output signal of TSL235 is counted by a digital counter in
the FPGA circuit.
This counter counts up while the LED is on and counts down while the LED is off. The
LED and direction of counting are switched with a 100 Hz signal. This method provides
“real time backlight correction”, which makes the HGB measurement more precise in
changing backlight environment situation as well.
There are two kinds of HGB measurement:
Sample measurement (before RBC counting)
Diluent/blank measurement (in WBC washing phase)
The HGB result is calculated from these measurements by:
HGB log (CNTdiluent light / CNTsample light)
Due to enhanced HGB technology, AJ30 is less sensitive to incident light changes.
However, it is recommended to keep side door closed during measurements.
 FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION

2.1.3. Cell Counter Amplifier Board

Connection to
CSA1 on Main

Connection Connection to
to HVB on DIGIO on Main
Main

Amplifier board includes its own voltage regulator, connection interfaces to HGB head
and to MAIN board. There is a current generator circuit on it, which works from 50V
measuring voltage (generated by MAIN) and the probe voltage (DC) is amplified with a
voltage follower (output: ELV). Nominal measuring current is 870 µA.
Amplifier board includes one input connector for the chamber (measuring electrode).
There are two opto switches (U1, U3) to connect high voltage to the probe with HSW
signal and isolate the input of the amplifier. Test circuit makes possible to generate test
pulses (with TEST and PLS signals through FETs) for checking the proper operation of
the amplifier channel.
Amplifier board includes a 3-stage main amplifier channel, which gains input signal to
the 0...3.3 V range (this is the input range of the A/D converter, which is placed on the
MAIN board). The RSW signal changes the gain (RBC, WBC) in the feedback of the
second amplifier stage with U2 (MAX319) analog switch. Amplifier gain and offset are
adjusted by software.
DHON signal switches on the LED and the MVON signal – which is active during counting
– switches off the Photo Detector in the HGB head, to prevent noise generated by the
HGB detector.
The other side of the amplifier board contains special connectors for the chamber and
the HGB head (JP4).

2.1.4. MAIN CPU Board

This board contains:
- DIMM-PC and measurement processing unit,
- 4 motor controllers,
- valve & pneumatic controller/drivers, pump driver(s)
- power supply for internal printer (+7.5V) and digital circuitry (+5V, +3.3V)
 FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION

MAIN board is responsible to control the instrument: contains the main power
regulator circuits, valve and motor driver circuits and other connections for the fluidic
and pneumatic system’s parts, responsible for the specific measurement processing
functions.
The central micro-controller with a FPGA and with several other digital chips (buffers,
decoder, multiplexer) handles the pneumatic system, displaying, measurement and data
management.
Power system: filtering the +12V Input and generates +3.3V (FPGA), +5V (Digital
power), +7.5V (Printer power). Filtered +12V is used for the power of motors and
valves.
Motor drivers: 4 power drivers; Horizontal, Vertical/Sample rotor motors and dilutor
motors have separated ribbon cable connections.
Valve driver: consists two 8-bit, powered output shift registers (with built in protection
diodes) and there is one common ribbon cable connection for the valve boards. The
peristaltic pump has a separated power FET driver circuit for more reliable operation.
Measurement processing: the A/D conversion made by the micro-controller itself, but
several preprocessing steps (time limits, noise handling, pulse integration) taken by the
external analog circuitry.

Pump drivers Valve drivers

Power Supply
for internal
printer 7.5VDC

Opto detectors’ shift register

Motor drivers

USB HUB
TFT backlight driver

RS232/USB Converter

DIMMPC TFT connection

Speaker

FPGA Microcontroller

Power Supply
12VDC-> 5VDC, 3.3VDC

High Voltage Circuit

12VDC -> ±12VDC,
50VDC for measurement
150VDC for cleaning
 FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION

Valves Connector Pump Connector #1

Pump Connector #2 (HC60TS Only)

Pressure Sensor

Motor Connectors Connectors to Optos

Front Panel USB Connector

USB A Type Interfaces

Connector to TFT
Backlight and Start Button

USB B Type Interface

Power Switch Connector

Connectors to Amplifiers

Power Connector

Internal battery

2.1.5. Dimm-PC* Module

The MAIN board incorporates a credit-card sized PC, named Dimm-PC*. The processor on
the Dimm-PC is a 133MHz Pentium-class core, with 32Mbytes on-board RAM, and 32Mbytes
on-board flash. This is the SSD (Solid Sate Disk) of the analyzer, so instrument software with
all user settings, calibration, database, etc. is stored on the Dimm-PC.
* DimmPC® is the Trade Mark of Kontron Embedded Modules GmbH
 FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION

Flash BIOS SSD

32 Mbytes RAM SSD

controller

CMOS EEPROM Realtime clock

On-board SMPS Super I/O

AMD Elan
Edge connector SC520 CPU

2.1.6. Opto sensors

Opto sensor snap-in modules are responsible for checking motor positions. There are 5
opto sensors in AJ30 (see cabling diagram).

2.1.7. Valve boards

There are two kinds of valve boards: Valve board 1-5 and Valve board 6-10.

Valves

Valve Board

Connection to MAIN
 FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION

The valve boards are connected to controller and driver chips are located on the MAIN
BOARD.

2.1.8. TFT Display and START button Board

Touchscreen
connector
TFT connector to
MAIN BOARD

TFT Backlight
connector

Ribbon cable from

Start button TFT/Touch board to
& statusLED MAIN BOARD
Connector

2.1.9. External Power Supply

The analyzer works with an external power supply. The figure below shows the power
supply unit generating 12VDC.
The power supply modules have an auto range input, which makes possible to use them
with 230V or 115V mains outlet and it has the CE and UL safety certificate. The input
socket of the power supply is a standard 3-terminal plug, with power cable connection;
the output is a coaxial power connector.

230V AC inlet
12V DC outlet
 MAIN MECHANIC AND FLUIDIC PARTS

3. MAIN MECHANIC AND FLUIDIC PARTS

ABACUS JUNIOR 30 Analyzers consist of the following mechanic and fluidic parts:
1. Sample rotor
2. Sampling needle
3. Washing head
4. Sample/Horizontal moving unit
5. Micro Dilutor
6. Dilutor
7. Chamber
8. Cell-counter probe
9. Puffer reservoir
10. Pump
11. Valves
12. Tubing
 MAIN MECHANIC AND FLUIDIC PARTS

V2 DilWash

1
3
V4 DilNeedle

2
1
2 1
V3 DilChamber

3
3

2
V5 LyseWbc DILUENT
1 2

3 2 1

Pressure V1 Cleaner
Meter
P
3
V9 DilAperture
1 2

CLEANER
Puffer
RBC
Reservoir

1
WBC
Macro Lyse

3
V8 Bubble

2
Micro dilutor
Dil M3
HGB

2
LYSE V7 DrainAperture
M2

1
Ver

2
V6 DrainChamber
2 1

1
3

V10 DrainPuffer
Sample/
M1 H motor

Pump

2 1 1 2 3-way
Stepper Motor 2-way Valve
M1 Valve
Closed = Off 3
WASTE 1-3 = Off
Open = On
2-3 = On

ABACUS JUNIOR 30fluidic schematic

3.1.1. Sample/Horizontal and Vertical motors

ABACUS JUNIOR 30 Hematology Analyzers has a sample rotor for safety and more
precise sample handling. Commonly used sample tubes are supported by replaceable
tube adapters.
The Sample rotor unit uses a stepper motor, connected to the MAIN board directly. The
rotor has opto sensors for positioning.
 MAIN MECHANIC AND FLUIDIC PARTS

Vertical motor

Sample/Horizontal
motor (not visible)

Sample rotor is maintenance-free.

3.1.2. Sampling needle

Sampling needle is assembled in the H&V moving unit and it makes the sample
aspirations. Correct setting of sampling needle is necessary and very important (see
Chapter Adjustments).

3.1.3. Needle washing head

Washing head is located at the bottom of the H&V moving unit and it is for cleaning the
outer surface of the sampling needle. This washing process is made with diluent reagent
and the fluid is drained by the pump. The arrows on the picture show the direction of
diluent flow during sampling needle washing.

Clean diluent

Pump to waste

Clean or replace washing head yearly, or after 10 000 measurements.

 MAIN MECHANIC AND FLUIDIC PARTS

3.1.4. Puffer reservoir

The glass puffer reservoir is directly connected to the pressure sensor.

During measurement, there is no pump activity, so the puffer reservoir
maintains measuring vacuum stable.
The instrument measures relative pressure so measuring vacuum is
independent of atmospheric pressure.

3.1.5. Dilutor block

Pistons

Diluent syringe

Micro dilutor
Lyse syringe

Positioners

In AJ30 this unit includes one dilutor stepper motor. The Micro dilutor syringe makes
the aspirating while the motor moves down. The syringes are mechanically connected
with a loose mechanism, so there is a phase along the track, where the micro dilutor
doesn’t move.

Maintenance should be provided to the piston tips, by applying neutral silicon

grease to the cogged end of the Macro and Lyse pistons, between the syringe and
the tip itself. This will ensure optimum sealing and longer lifetime of piston tips.
Greasing of the cogged transmission parts (cogwheel and cogged bar) should be
done regularly using machine grease.
It is recommended to check and repeat greasing of piston tips, and transmission
gear every year, or after 10000 measurements.
 MAIN MECHANIC AND FLUIDIC PARTS

3.1.6. Measuring block

The measuring block contains all components, counting chamber, measuring tubes, HGB
head, draining tubes.

3.1.7. Pump
Pump generates regulated vacuum and drains the fluidic system. It is connected to the
MAIN board and it has its own driver circuit (Power FET).
The pump is maintenance free.
 MAIN MECHANIC AND FLUIDIC PARTS

3.2. Assembled Analyzer

3.2.1. Front Panel

TFT display

Start button

Sample
holder/Sample rotor

USB socket

3.2.2. Rear Panel

Power switch

Cover screws
USB A
inlets

USB B
inlet

12VDC power
IN

Reagent Grounding
inlets screw
 MAIN MECHANIC AND FLUIDIC PARTS

3.2.3. Construction Front

Valves

MAIN Dilutor
board motor

Vertical
motor

Pump Sample/Horizontal motor

3.2.4. Construction Side

Valves 1-5
Puffer
reservoir

Micro
dilutor
Lyse
Dilutor syrenge

Counting
chamber
Valves 6-10
 MAIN MECHANIC AND FLUIDIC PARTS

MAIN board

Dimm-PC
 OPERATION OF THE FLUIDIC SYSTEM

4. OPERATION OF THE FLUIDIC SYSTEM

This section describes the main fluidic steps of ABACUS JUNIOR 30 measurement cycle.
The instrument’s Fluidic Schematics are shown in Section 2.2. of this manual. The
following figures show total measurement flow diagram and detailed descriptions of
processes for understanding the fluidic system work.

The following steps are introduced in this section:

1. Flow diagram of measurement
2. Initialization process
3. Sampling process
4. Needle washing process
5. Diluting process
6. Lysing process
7. Counting process
8. Chamber draining process
9. Shutdown process

In the detailed process description figures, the active tube is filled with black color,
while an arrow ( ) shows the direction of the flow. Moving mechanic parts have another
arrow indicating direction of movement. Only opened (On) valves are mentioned in this
section while all the other valves are closed (Off).

ABACUS JUNIOR 30 employs software counters to estimate waste (and other reagent)
level. Software integrates volume of the reagents used, and gives a message when this
volume reaches the preset tank capacity.

4.1. Initialization of the Fluidic System

Fluidic initialization process performs the following steps:
Checking of pump and pressure sensor by generating measuring vacuum
Positioning all mechanical components by scanning moving range (with end-
switches)
Priming of reagents
Cleaning of tubing & measuring chamber
Cleaning of aperture with high-pressure back-flush, cleaner reagent & high-
voltage burning
 OPERATION OF THE FLUIDIC SYSTEM

4.2. Operation of the fluidic system in Abacus Junior 30

4.2.1. Flow diagram of measurement

Previous RBC Diluent of standby
dilution in state in chamber
chamber (3ml)

Chamber draining

Fill up with 1ml

diluent for WBC
dilution

Sampling process

Needle washing

Diluting process
(1:160)

Sampling process
(from primary
dilution)

Needle washing

Lysing process
 OPERATION OF THE FLUIDIC SYSTEM

Generating
measuring
vacuum

Fill up with 1ml

diluent for RBC
dilution
WBC counting
process

Dilution process
(1:25600)

HGB
measurement

Needle washing

Extensive cleaning

Generating
measuring
vacuum
Blank HGB
measurement

RBC
measurement

Draining

END
 OPERATION OF THE FLUIDIC SYSTEM

4.2.2. Sampling process

The aspirating needle aspirates 25 µl (50 µl in prediluted mode) of blood sample. The
Micro dilutor syringe makes the aspirating while the M3 Micro-dilutor motor moves
down. The syringes are mechanically connected with a loose mechanism, so there is a
phase along the track, where the micro dilutor doesn’t move.

V2 DilWash

1
3
V4 DilNeedle

2
1
2 1
V3 DilChamber

3
3

2
V5 LyseWbc DILUENT
1 2

3 2 1

Pressure V1 Cleaner
Meter
P
3
V9 DilAperture
1 2

CLEANER
Puffer
RBC
Reservoir
1

WBC
Macro Lyse
3

V8 Bubble
2

Micro dilutor
Dil M3
HGB

2
LYSE V7 DrainAperture
M2
1 Ver
2

V6 DrainChamber
2 1
1

V10 DrainPuffer
Sample/
M1 H motor

Pump

2 1 1 2 3-way
Stepper Motor 2-way Valve
M1 Valve
Closed = Off 3
WASTE 1-3 = Off
Open = On
2-3 = On

There is also another sampling process for the second (RBC) dilution, 25 µl of primary
dilution is aspirated by the sampling needle from the chamber but it is kept in the
sampling needle during the WBC measurement and the cleaning process.
 OPERATION OF THE FLUIDIC SYSTEM

4.2.3. Needle washing process

Both instruments clean the sampling needle with diluent in the washing head after
sampling. It is important to clean the outer surface of the sampling needle to avoid
inaccurate sampling.
The Macro syringe doses and the pump drains the diluent from the washing head, while
sampling needle moves upwards so that the total length of it is washed and cleaned. This
process is called total sampling needle washing, and it is mainly used after taking
primary sample from sample tube.
Another process, which is washing only a smaller part of the sampling needle, is the
same but the needle does not move in the total length. Some procedures perform this
kind of sampling needle washing.

V2 DilWash

1
3
V4 DilNeedle

2
1

2 1
V3 DilChamber
3

3
2

V5 LyseWbc DILUENT
1 2

3 2 1

Pressure V1 Cleaner
Meter
P
3
V9 DilAperture
1 2

CLEANER
Puffer
RBC
Reservoir
1

WBC
Macro Lyse
3

V8 Bubble
2

Micro dilutor
Dil M3
HGB
2

LYSE V7 DrainAperture
M2
1

Ver
2

V6 DrainChamber
2 1
1

V10 DrainPuffer
Sample/
M1 H motor

Pump

2 1 1 2 3-way
Stepper Motor 2-way Valve
M1 Valve
Closed = Off 3
WASTE 1-3 = Off
Open = On
2-3 = On

The Macro syringe pushes the diluent through V4 (Off), V3 (Off), V2 (On). The Pump
aspirates the diluent from the washing head through V10(On), while the M2 Vertical
motor moves the sampling needle up.
 OPERATION OF THE FLUIDIC SYSTEM

4.2.4. Diluting process

The parts of the fluidics are rinsed with diluent reagent. The measuring chamber is filled
up with 1 ml of diluent. This method prevents the chamber from dirt and makes the
diluting process faster.
The sampling process has aspirated 25 µl of sample, which is in the sampling needle. In
the first diluting step the sample is dispensed into the measuring chamber with 3 ml of
diluent, which comes from the Macro syringe through V4 (On) and Micro-dilutor, while
the M3 Dilutor motor moves upwards. This process makes the 1:160 first dilution rate in
the chamber.

V2 DilWash

1
3
V4 DilNeedle

2
1
2 1
V3 DilChamber
3

3
2

V5 LyseWbc DILUENT
1 2

3 2 1

Pressure V1 Cleaner
Meter
P
3
V9 DilAperture
1 2

CLEANER
Puffer
RBC
Reservoir
1

WBC
Macro Lyse
3

V8 Bubble
2

Micro dilutor
Dil M3
HGB
2

LYSE V7 DrainAperture
M2
1

Ver
2

V6 DrainChamber
2 1
1

V10 DrainPuffer
Sample/
M1 H motor

Pump

2 1 1 2 3-way
Stepper Motor 2-way Valve
M1 Valve
Closed = Off 3
WASTE 1-3 = Off
Open = On
2-3 = On

The second sample – 25 µl of primary dilution – is stored in the sampling needle during
the WBC measurement and the cleaning process. The instrument makes the second
(RBC) dilution into the chamber after these processes.
 OPERATION OF THE FLUIDIC SYSTEM

4.2.5. Lysing process

In this step the set lysing reagent is added into the measuring chamber through V5 (On),
while the Lyse syringe moves upwards. This process makes the WBC/HGB dilution with
lyse reagent.

V2 DilWash

1
3
V4 DilNeedle

2
1
2 1
V3 DilChamber

3
3

2
V5 LyseWbc DILUENT
1 2

3 2 1

Pressure V1 Cleaner
Meter
P
3
V9 DilAperture
1 2

CLEANER
Puffer
RBC
Reservoir
1

WBC
Macro Lyse
3

V8 Bubble
2

Micro dilutor
Dil M3
HGB

2
LYSE V7 DrainAperture
M2
1
Ver
2

V6 DrainChamber
2 1
1

V10 DrainPuffer
Sample/
M1 H motor

Pump

2 1 1 2 3-way
Stepper Motor 2-way Valve
M1 Valve
Closed = Off 3
WASTE 1-3 = Off
Open = On
2-3 = On

For better mixing the macro syringe pushes some air bubbles (aspirated through the
washing inlet of the chamber and V8) after the lysing process through V4 (Off), V3 (On),
V9 (Off) V8 (On).
 OPERATION OF THE FLUIDIC SYSTEM

4.2.6. Counting process

The regulated vacuum (it is generated by the pump in the puffer reservoir) aspirates the
diluted sample (WBC or RBC) from the chamber through V7 (On) valve. There is no
volume limiter in the system, the instrument counts the cells for 8.5 seconds in both
counting phases (WBC and RBC).

V2 DilWash

1
3
V4 DilNeedle

2
1
2 1
V3 DilChamber

3
3

2
V5 LyseWbc DILUENT
1 2

3 2 1

Pressure V1 Cleaner
Meter
P
3
V9 DilAperture
1 2

CLEANER
Puffer
RBC
Reservoir
1

WBC
Macro Lyse
3

V8 Bubble
2

Micro dilutor
Dil M3
HGB

2
LYSE V7 DrainAperture
M2
1
Ver
2

V6 DrainChamber
2 1
1

V10 DrainPuffer
Sample/
M1 H motor

Pump

2 1 1 2 3-way
Stepper Motor 2-way Valve
M1 Valve
Closed = Off 3
WASTE 1-3 = Off
Open = On
2-3 = On

For noise prevention there is no mechanical or electronic activity during the counting
process and the door should be closed for better shielding.
 OPERATION OF THE FLUIDIC SYSTEM

4.2.7. Chamber draining process

Chamber draining is made under pressure control. Pump drains chamber while puffer
reservoir and thus the pressure sensor is connected to the draining tube. The
instrument can detect the empty state of the chamber from drop of vacuum.

V2 DilWash

1
3
V4 DilNeedle

2
1
2 1
V3 DilChamber

3
3

2
V5 LyseWbc DILUENT
1 2

3 2 1

Pressure V1 Cleaner
Meter
P
3
V9 DilAperture
1 2

CLEANER
Puffer
RBC
Reservoir
1

WBC
Macro Lyse
3

V8 Bubble
2

Micro dilutor
Dil M3
HGB

2
LYSE V7 DrainAperture
M2
1
Ver
2

V6 DrainChamber
2 1
1

V10 DrainPuffer
Sample/
M1 H motor

Pump

2 1 1 2 3-way
Stepper Motor 2-way Valve
M1 Valve
Closed = Off 3
WASTE 1-3 = Off
Open = On
2-3 = On

4.2.8. Shutdown process

The fluidic shutdown performs the following steps:
Priming chamber with reagent to avoid drying out of aperture
Sampling needle is positioned above counting chamber, needle up
Lyse syringe are positioned up
Diluent syringes are positioned up
Sample rotor moved out
 ADJUSTMENTS

5. ADJUSTMENTS
The adjustments below are made in the factory. Readjustment of following parts is
necessary if some components are replaced.

5.1. Vertical movement, setting timing belt tension

The timing belt tension could
be set with positioning the
vertical motor using the oval
holes in the mounting plate.

5.2. Vertical opto sensor and needle settings

The vertical opto sensor should be set as follows:
The flag (1) mounted on the vertical needle
moving mechanism must run freely between the
two parts (2) of the opto-sensor.

1 - flag

2 – opto-sensor
 ADJUSTMENTS

The vertical position can be set by loosening the

two mounting screws of the opto sensor and
moving it up or down. In the correct setting the end
of the needle is coplanar of the lower plane of
needle cleaner unit. The opto sensor state could be
checked in the software (see chapter 8.2.4)
 ADJUSTMENTS

5.3. Setting the needle shaft

The needle shaft must be fastened. If it was
loose it could be adjusted with the set screw
on top end of the shaft.

5.4. Setting the position of the chambers

After setting the needle position
according to chapter 5.6 and Hiba! A
hivatkozási forrás nem található.. the
horizontal position of chamber bracket
should be checked. The needle must not
go down exactly in the center of the
chamber. Chamber bracket can be
moved left or right if necessary. (see
picture).
 ADJUSTMENTS

5.5. Setting the dilutor mechanics

The micro-dilutor’s movement must
be set by the following procedure:
1. Push the dilutor pistons up as
possible.
2. Fasten the set screw of the
upper fixing ring.
3. Fasten the lower fixing ring’s
set screw in the position shown in
picture on the left.

5.6. Setting the horizontal movement

The setting of the horizontal
movement is correct, when the
opto wheel is in the position
shown in the picture, then the
aspirating needle bracket is as
close to the cantilever as
possible.
 ADJUSTMENTS

5.8. Service Calibration

The analyzer provides a menu for Service calibration purposes.
You can access the service calibration
menu logged in as Service User:
MaintenanceCalibrationService.

Factors: In result calculations the

service calibration factors are used as
the user calibration factors, so they are
multiplied for each parameter:
RBCDisp. = FactRBC User * FactRBC
Serv. * RBCMeasured
If the user factor is near the bound
(0.80 - 1.20), by setting the
corresponding service factor, the user
factor can be adjusted to 1.00 using
Apply user factors button. Example:
Fact RBC User = 1.19 and Fact RBC
Serv = 0.96, and Fact RBC User = 1.00
and Fact RBC Serv = 1.14 gives the
same result for RBC.

Press white data field to modify

calibration factor. A numeric input
screen will show up so that you can
enter values.
All values must be in the 0.8…1.2 range.
Press Accept to proceed with new
settings, or Cancel to keep values
unchanged.
 ADJUSTMENTS

History: You can check the previous

calibration factors with the date of
change in a table form.

Apply user calibration factors

function is used to combine user and
service calibration factors. The
software will multiply the existing
factors, and move them to the Service
level to set user factors to 1.00.

5.9. Setting RBC amplifier gain

If the correct MCV value cannot be
obtained by calibration the amplifier
gain of RBC measurement could be
increased or decreased by approx.
±10%. Please be advised that changing
this value requires to recalibrate the
device to get proper results!
The settings are under
Settings→Measurement→Setting→C
alibration.
 CHECKING THE PROPER OPERATION

5.10. Setting WBC amplifier gain

If the WBC diagram is shifted too far on left or right in WBC histogram the amplifier gain
of WBC measurement could be increased or decreased by approx. ±10%. Please be
advised that changing this value requires to recalibrate the device to get proper results!
The settings are under Settings→Measurement→Settings→Calibration.

6. CHECKING THE PROPER OPERATION

6.1. Self Test
There is a built-in Self test and Service menu in each model. Self test can be used to
check the operation of the instrument.
The test results can be printed or saved to USB flash disk. With the Retry button the self
test is repeated.

6.1.1. Self Test Screens

Every measured value has a check mark if it is in the acceptable range, or a X and a
minus or plus sign if it is below or above the normal range.

HGB measured impulses per second

Measuring Electrode voltage, current
and offset.
Amplifier Noise test during a 5-second
period.
Amplifier transfer by generating
20000 test pulses, incl. gain related
peak value, noise related deviation.
Vacuum reports pump operation
(vacuum made by the pump in a 10-
second period of time).
Drift represents pressure loss of
vacuum measured in a 10-second period of time.
Fast blank meas, the device performs a fast blank measurement. This number is the
PLT count. Probe min, probe max probe voltage are relative numbers during fast blank
measurement.

6.1.2. Normal range of Self Test parameters

Parameter Unit Lower bound Upper bound
HGB light count 3000 60000
Electrode voltage V 45 55
Current µA 830 930
Offset mV -5.0 5.0
Amplifier test count 19990 20050
Peak of test pulses mV 1300 1700
deviation (noise) mV 0 100
 CHECKING THE PROPER OPERATION

Noise test pls/5sec 0 50

Vacuum mBar 300 600
Drift mBar/10sec 0 10
Fast blank meas count 0 100
Fast blank probe min - 280 360
Fast blank probe max - 280 360

6.1.3. Troubleshooting Guide for Self test

Parameter Mark Possible reason Remedy
HGB dark HIGH Instrument door open Close instrument door
Check HGB head connections
HGB head not connected or
LOW check HGB LED during
HGB LED out of order
HGB light measurement
Instrument door open or Close door or replace HGB
HIGH
HGB LED too bright LED resistor on amplifier board
LOW Fault on MAIN Check measuring voltage (50V) on
Electrode voltage or HIGH or Amplifier board High voltage and Amplifier boards
LOW Check current generator, and test
Fault on Amplifier board
Current or HIGH generator FET on Amplifier board
LOW Check the offset potentiometer on
Offset Fault on Amplifier board
or HIGH Amplifier board
LOW Amplifier Boards is not Check cables and connectors coming
Amplifier test connected to main board from the Amplifier
HIGH Instrument not grounded Check mains ground lead
Peak of pulses LOW Check current generator, and test
Fault on Amplifier board
or HIGH generator FET on Amplifier board
Dev. (noise) HIGH Instrument not grounded Check mains ground lead
Noise HIGH Instrument not grounded Check mains ground lead
Vacuum LOW Peristaltic pump failure Check peristaltic pump
Drift HIGH Leakage in pneumatics Check tubing in pneumatics
Fast Blank meas HIGH Contaminated system Run cleaning cycle
Fast Blank probe min HIGH or LOW Fault on MAIN Check measuring voltage (50V) on
or Amplifier board MAIN and Amplifier boards
Fast Blank probe HIGH or LOW Fault on MAIN Check measuring voltage (50V) on
max or Amplifier board MAIN and Amplifier boards
 CHECKING THE PROPER OPERATION

6.2. Service Menu

6.2.1. Entering to Service Menu
There is a Service menu for servicing
and operation checking purposes.
The entry point is in Maintenance 
Diagnostics  Service

The service menu is accessible for only

SERVICE user. To login as service user
please see chapter 6.2.5.

6.2.2. Troubleshooting
With Troubleshooting options provide
tools to test mechanical components.

From the Motor Test submenu the

service person could run each or all
motor tests.
 CHECKING THE PROPER OPERATION

Optosensor’s states can be checked in

this screen.

Pressing the 0 or 1 buttons the valves

could be toggled. 1 stands for
electronically forced state.

Pressing the Pump 0 or 1 button the

peristaltic pump could be switched
on/off.
The current vacuum in the puffer
reservoir is displayed under the
buttons.

You can check the offset on the

amplifier board. The current offset and
the acceptance range are displayed.

6.2.3. Stress
In Stress mode, the instrument performs measuring cycles without sample (blank
measurements) continuously. This can be used for burn-in tests, or to check pneumatic
system after changing any main fluidic parts.
 CHECKING THE PROPER OPERATION

You can have information about stability, cleanliness, HGB operation, and counting time
stability. Results of the PLT and HGB blank results are displayed in table format.
You can detect any kind of noise, or bubbles in the system if the PLT is not stable low, or
HGB has big variation. To exit from this mode press the Abort button (at the end of a
normal cycle) until the Stress operation is finished.

6.2.4. Needle position check

The service personal can check the correct needle setting touching Needle position
check button. If the needle opto is set correctly, then after the button touch the needle
lower end is co-planar with the bottom plane of the washing head. If it doesn’t then
adjust the needle opto up or down and check the position again.

6.2.5. Log in as SERVICE User

Certain service functions are accessible only for the SERVICE user.

In Main menu touch Exit button.

If you are logged in as different user

touch Logout(USERNAME) and then
the Log In button, else touch Log In
button.
 CHECKING THE PROPER OPERATION

At Log In screen Press the START

button on front panel, so the Login
Name will change to Service.
Touch Password empty field.

Type in the Service User password

which is 6484, then touch Enter
button.

Touch Accept button on Log In screen.

 SERVICE OPERATION

7. SERVICE OPERATION
7.1. Possible Causes of Noise
Generally high count of any particle - even if you think it should be low, or near zero -
can be caused by NOISE, i.e. something interferes with measurement.
The most important thing in these cases to identify the source of NOISE, otherwise you
cannot protect the system against it.
NOISE can come from has several sources, and the different NOISE sources are added.
Sometimes we have to fight one of them, but sometimes more. Only one of them is
enough to make problem.

7.1.1. Contaminated reagent

The most probable cause: real particles are in the reagent, and therefore the PLT blank
is continuously high (e.g. always 30-40). You can easily sort out this case by replacing
diluent by opening a new tank. PLT blank must go down is several blank measurements
(below 10).
How can a good reagent become bad by time?
If the reagent tube was contaminated, and some bacteria begin to grow inside, once
you put an infected reagent tube into a new tank, by time it can become infected as
well, i.e. the background (PLT blank) becomes high. Wash the reagent tube - which is
in connection with the reagent - with 1% of bleach solution, then rinse with clean
distilled water or diluent. It can avoid the bacteria to grow inside.
If tank is open – and cap is not installed or closed - external dust can make reagent
dirty.

7.1.2. Bad earth grounding

In this case external - ground referenced - noise can get into the system by ground
coupling. If system ground is not good enough, ground terminal can become a noise
source as well, i.e. external signals will be coupled into the system instead of protecting
it.
If no earth ground is available, you can use a screw at the rear panel to connect a ground
potential to the case, so that noise immunity can be increased.
Measure voltage on ground terminal to make sure earth grounding is correct. AC voltage
lower than 1V is accepted in this case.
At some places - as a bad practice - electricians like to connect earth ground terminal to
neutral wire. Depending on the resistance of the neutral back wire (where it is really
earthed), several volts can appear, and this way any inductive noise will be coupled into
the instrument. It is better to create a real earth grounding and connecting it to the rear
screw.

7.1.3. External electrical noise

If another instrument is near the analyzer can radiate electromagnetic signals in the 1
kHz - 100 kHz frequency region it can be picked up by the system (especially if they
are very close to each other, or the grounding is not quite perfect).
You can easily identify this noise source: by relocating the instrument noise (high PLT
blank) disappears. In this case you have to identify the possible noise source (switch
 SERVICE OPERATION

mode power supplies, computer monitors, since they are not shielded, centrifuges due
to high switching noise of rotor contacts, etc.), the power of the electromagnetic source,
because if high power is present, maybe relocation does not solve your problems,
sometimes the electric power supply makes the coupling, so UPS solves the problem.
Another source of coupling in external noise can be the reagent tanks and tubes.
Especially radio transmitters can cause problems of radiating so that even the reagents
(diluent) guides in the noise. A metal pack for the diluent tank, then a good earth
grounding of this metal box allows this coupling to disappear forever.

7.1.4. Internal noise sources

The most annoying but real cause is some sort of internal noise. The reason for this
phenomenon is that inside electrode - hot point - of the measuring circuit must be well
insulated from surrounding electronics, otherwise inside noise sources can take their
effect.
A. Bad chamber insulation:
bad shielding of the chamber (floating shield couples signals to the chamber, and
does not prevent against them). Check grounding of shield, remove it and clean the
surface between the shield and the metal base.
bad reference electrode connection (floating ground reference). Repair is
required.
bad sealing of aperture. Replacement of measuring tube is required.
broken measuring chamber starts to conduct through the gaps (ground path).
Replacement of chamber is required.
contaminated draining tube starts to conduct due to protein or lipid build-up. It is
very easy to identify this case. After replacing the drain tube of the measuring
chamber (mainly WBC), WBC histogram peak, or PLT becomes low soon. Normally a
good cleaner is required to dissolve lipid or protein build-up. Sometimes the cleaner
is not strong enough to keep this tube clean enough. Periodic washing using 1% hand
warm bleach solution helps.
B. Bad insulation of electronic signal paths:
In these cases check for any capacitive coupling of electronic signals to the chamber:
interference with HGB head (high-frequency signal is coupled to the chamber).
HGB head metal parts must be grounded. The ground comes externally, it must be in
place, otherwise HGB head does not shield, but couples in noise.
interference with internal high voltage inverter (high-frequency signal is coupled
to the chamber). Repair is required: avoid near contact of HVB cable to chamber or
shielded amplifier cable.
interference with internal start button (polling signal to start button may cause
noise). Guide start button wires as far from chamber as possible. You may try mix
them up on the start micro-switch if applicable.
interference with display cable (high-frequency LCD signal is coupled to
the chamber by the ribbon cable). Keep the ribbon cable far from the chamber.
 SERVICE OPERATION

interference with CPU fan or other digital logic traces (CPU fan or other digital
signal radiates to chamber or to the shielded amplifier cable). Try keeping the ribbon
cables far from the chamber and shielded cable.
C. Bad components, or connections:
bad soldering, salt residuals or component failure on amplifier (especially if
some reagent could get in the amplifier section). Cleaning of PCB/electrode socket or
replacement of amplifier is required. Check for the correct soldering of reference
cable and its connector.
circuit board bad soldering or component failure. Check the shielded cable
connections as well. Sometimes inside out connection (hot electrode goes outside as
a shield) is the problem: both ends of amplifier signal cable must be reversed.
analog signal ribbon cable (it picks up noise). Check the ribbon cable between the
circuit board and the amplifier. Maybe it is pinched under some screws or
components. This may cause trouble and even noise.
D. Pneumatic failures, liquid paths that conduct noise into the chamber:
liquid remains under the chamber in drain tube (during measurement the
conducting liquid remains inside the drain tube making noise to appear there).
 Check chamber draining path for clogging or salt crystals.
 Check the pump operation. Since draining of the chamber goes under
pressure control, maybe a bad pressure sensor or connection can cause
trouble.
 Clean the draining path. Do not use alcohol, but bleach. Replace chamber if
necessary.
liquid remains in the washing inlet at top of the chamber (during measurement
the conducting liquid remains inside the chamber wash tube making noise to
appear). The software is not compatible with the mechanics, or related valve is
bad/partly clogged, or the tubing is clogged/loose.
lyse path guides in noise (during counting, if the a liquid in the draining tube is
touching lyse reagent in T-fitting, noise can appear). Check the lyse path, and the lyse
valve as well.
 MAINTENANCE

8. MAINTENANCE
8.1. Weekly User Maintenance
Perform weekly maintenance before turning on the power switch. The right side has a
side door giving access to the fluidic system and the mechanical parts easily.

8.1.1. Cleaning needle washing head

Needle washing head cleans the outer surface of the aspirating needle with diluent.
Any salt build-up on the lower surface may cause malfunction during operation. Use a
soft cloth or wiper dampened with water to clean this area. You can see the washing
head indicated in the following figure:

Wash head

Measuring
chamber

Abacus junior 30 chamber

1. Exit Measure menu. Open the side door after the needle has stopped moving.
2. Gently rub the lower surface of the washing head with a damp cloth or wiper
to remove the salt build-up.
3. Close the side door.

8.2. Periodic Maintenance by Service

The instruments should be checked and maintenance must be carried out in every 6-12
months, or after 10 000 measurement cycles.

8.2.1. Check Self test and Device statistics

Run the built-in Self test and check the overall test result. Check the device statistics to
find common problems.

8.2.2. Cleaning and Greasing Dilutor Block

The dilutor block driving wheels and gear bar should be cleaned from dirt and must be
greased between the gear bar and the support, and between cogged wheels.
 MAINTENANCE

8.2.3. Checking and Lubricating Dilutor Piston Tips

The cogged end of PTFE dilutor pistons should be cleaned and lubricated by neutral
silicon grease. Apply just a thin layer, and move it along the perimeter of the piston, so
that some of the material goes into the gaps between the sealing rings.
Repeat this step for lyse and dilutor pistons as well. Check the condition of the micro
piston sealing, and replace if necessary.

8.2.4. Checking and Replacing Washing Head

Check the state of the washing head, and replace if necessary. After replacing washing
head, do not forget to perform correct adjustment of sampling needle height (see Section
4.1.2).

8.2.5. Bleaching of Fluidic System

It is recommended to run a bleaching procedure to remove stains from the fluidic
system.
1. Connect 2-5%, hand warm, clean bleach solution to all reagent inputs, and
perform priming on all reagent inputs.
2. Leave it in the tubing for not more than 2-3 minutes.
3. Remove the bleach, prime on air.
4. Connect distilled water (100 ml), and perform priming all reagents, again.
Connect reagents, and run priming again.
 APPENDICES

9. APPENDICES
9.1. Warning flags
Analyzer SW displays warning flags for each individual measurement to notify user
about status of results. The following table summarizes warning flags and gives
explanation of their possible cause and a few hints to overcome the problem.
Uppercase letters refer to WBC or HGB problems.
Flag Meaning Recommended user action
E No WBC 3-part * Possible lyse problem. May occur in pathological lymphocytosis.
differential
H * HGB blank is high, or no
* Repeat the blank measurement. If HGB blank is not stable there are
HGB blank probably bubbles in the WBC chamber: Run a cleaning and try blank
again. Close the side door if open during measurement.
B * WBC blank is high, or no
* Repeat the blank measurement, or run prime lyse and try blank again.
WBC blank * Possible lyse contamination, or noise problem.
M linearity range exceeded
* The analyzer found that the cell count is higher than the linearity range of
in WBC stage the analyzer. Make a pre-dilution, and run the same sample in prediluted
mode
R RBC cells found in * RBC cells were detected during the WBC measurement. Either the lyse
sample during WBC reagent is not effective enough (volume should be increased) or the
stage RBC’s in the sample are somewhat lyse resistive
W WBC 3-part warning Probably large PLTs or clumped PLTs are present in the sample. Usually
caused by the nature of the sample. cat and goat samples tend to clump.
Intensive, but careful mixing of the sample (e.g. Vortex) can help remove
the clumps. If the rerun sample gives the same results, consider that
WBC and NEU values seem higher because of the clumps. Lyse
modification can’t solve the problem.
L RBC-WBC limit warning Typically insufficiently lysed RBC’s interfere with the start of the WBC
histogram. Repeating the measurement with an increased lyse volume
should provide better separation. If the repeated run reports very similar
results then the MON and NEU results are VALID but the WBC and LYM
results may be higher because of interfering RBCs.
C WBC clogging * Aperture clogging. Perform cleaning and repeat the measurement. If it is
a general problem, please contact your Service Personnel.
* Low temperature reagents can cause it as well (mainly diluent), in this
case you will have to wait until they reach room temperature.

Summary of warning flags related to WBC/HGB

 APPENDICES

Warning flags in lowercase refer to RBC or PLT problems.

Flag Meaning Recommended user action
m linearity range exceeded in The analyzer found that the cell count is higher than the linearity
PLT/RBC stage range of the analyzer. Make a predilution, and run the same sample
in prediluted mode
k RBC peak error Multiple or incorrect RBC peak(s) detected. Try to run the sample
again.
l PLT / RBC limit not correct PLT and RBC cells could not be separated, or the histogram
remained high in the PLT/RBC valley range.
c RBC/PLT clogging The same action as in case of the C warning flag.
p PLT blank is high, or no PLT Run cleaning and repeat the blank measurement.
blank
Diluent or system cleanliness problem. If it is stable high, replace the
diluent by opening a new tank.
b RBC blank is high, or no RBC
Same action as in case of warning flag p.
blank

Summary of warning flags related to RBC/PLT

9.2. USB B connector communication

The byte stream is a human readable ASCII character stream, with occasional control
characters. Most programming environments are able to handle this stream as a simple
ASCII string or text. The stream is line-oriented with special characters to separate
fields. The protocol has a single format for transmitting a single measurement record. If
more records are sent, they are simply chained together one after the other.

9.2.1. Characters and basic structure

The byte stream uses the ASCII characters in the range 1..255
(http://en.wikipedia.org/Ascii ), or 0x01..0xFF in hexadecimal.
A record transmission consists of three parts: a small header, a big text body, and a small
footer. A single record is never longer than 8192 bytes. A transmission always starts
with the control character „Start of Header” (<SOH>, 1, 0x01). The second character is a
counter: it will contain a single uppercase English letter in the range „A” to „Z”,
incrementing with every record. The first record will contain „A”, the second will contain
„B”, etc. If the instrument sends many records without being turned off, the counter will
overflow from „Z” to „A”. The third character is an identifier: if the instrument is an AJ30,
it will be an uppercase „A”, and in case of the AJ30 it will be an uppercase „N”. The fourth
character is the control character „Start of Text” (<STX>, 2, 0x02). The fifth and
consecutive characters form the body of the transmission. The body may contain
characters from the printable range (32..126, 0x20..0xFF), and the control characters
„Horizontal tab” (<HT> or <TAB>, 9, 0x09), „Carriage return” (<CR>,13, 0x0D), and „Line
feed” (<LF>, 10, 0x0A). The body contains several lines separated by a two-byte
sequence <CR><LF>. See below for the detailed description of the contents. The body of
the transmission is closed by the control character „End of Text” (<ETX>, 3, 0x03).
The footer consists of a two-character checksum in a two-digit hexadecimal form. The
checksum is calculated by summing up the values of all characters in the message
header and body, including the beginning <SOT> character and the last <ETX> character,
adding 255 (hex: 0xFF) to it, and keeping only the last two hexadecimal(!) digits.
 APPENDICES

The last character of a record is always the single control character „End of
Transmission” (<EOT>, 4, 0x04). There is no terminating „NULL” (<NUL>, 0, 0x00)
character at the end. The next record can start right after the <EOT> character.

9.2.2. Details of the 3.1 protocol

The body of a transmission is line-oriented, separated by the two-byte „Carriage Return”
„Line Feed” (<CR> <LF>, 13 10, 0x0D 0x0A) sequence. A single line might contain one or
more fields, separated by the „Horizontal tab” (<HT>, 9, 0x09) character.
The following lines are usually composed of an identifier field and one or more value
fields, all separated by the <HT> character. The characters in bold appear in the
transmission exactly as written, without any variance between records. Control
characters are marked with the < and > characters, for example <HT>. {Comments} are
marked with { and }, and are not included in the actual transmission. For a more detailed
discussion on the meanings of the various parameters and histograms, please refer to
the instruments’ user manuals.
header1 {header1 to header8 are the lab header lines}
header2 {these lines are defined by the user in the instrument settings}
header3 {any or all of these lines can be empty}
header4
header5
header6
header7
header8
Serial No.:<HT>serial {serial is the 6 digit serial number of the instrument}
RecNo:<HT>recno {recno is the internal record number, at most 6 digits}
Sample ID:<HT>sampleid {sampleid is at most 8 characters long}
Patient ID:<HT>patientid {patientid is at most 20 characters long}
Patient Name:<HT>patientname {patinetname is at most 32 characters long}
Mode:<HT>mode {}
Doctor:<HT>doctor {doctor is at most 16characters long}
Age:<HT>value<HT>unit {value is a number of at most 3 digits, unit is either „years” or
„months”}
Birth(ymd):<HT>birthdate {birthdate is an 8 digit number, format: yyyymmdd}
Sex:<HT>gender {gender is „Male”, „Female”, „Neutered”, „Spayed” or a single „-”
character}
Test date(ymd):<HT>date {date is an 8 digit number, format: yyyymmdd}
Test time(hm):<HT>time {time is a 6 digit number, format: hhmmss}
Param<HT>Flags<HT>Value<HT>Unit<HT>[min-max] {this is a header line,
always the same}
param<HT>flag<HT>value<HT>unit<HT>[min-max] { there are 24 similar lines
param is the parameter name, at most four characters long, possible
values are (in sequence): WBC, RBC, HGB, HCT, MCV, MCH, MCHC,
PLT, PCT, MPV, PDWs, PDWc, RDWs, RDWc, LYM, MON, NEU, LY%,
MO%, NE%, EOS, EO%, BAS, BA%
flag is a single character indicator, can be „ ” (space), „+”, „-”, „E” and
„*”(asterisk) value is the measured parameter value, exactly 4
characters: number with a possible decimal dot, padded with spaces
on the left side, or 4 minus signs „----”, or 4 spaces „ ” unit is at most
4 characters long, possible values are „10^9/l”, „10^3/ul”, „10^12/l”,
 APPENDICES

„10^6/ul”, „fl”, „%”, „g/l”, „g/dl”, „mmol/l”, „pg”, „fmol”, depending

on the parameter
min and max are the lower and upper bounds of the normal range,
exactly 4 characters, including a possible decimal dot, padded with
spaces on the left side}
Flags:<HT>flags {flags is a series of characters indicating errors, at most 32
characters long, upper or lowercase letters „a” to „z”}
WBC graph {always the same, indicates the beginning of the WBC histogram}
Scale(fl):<HT>wbcscale {wbcscale is maximum 3 digit number, indicating the fl value of
the last channel, value is usually 400}
Channels:<HT>wbcchannels { wbcchannels is the number of channels (columns) in the
histogram, always 256 }
WMarker1:<HT>wm1 {wm1 is the first WBC discriminator channel (RBC/WBC) }
WMarker2:<HT>wm2 {wm2 is the second WBC discriminator channel (LYM/MON) }
WMarker3:<HT>wm3 {wm3 is the third WBC discriminator channel (MON/NEU) }
Points:<HT>ch0<HT> ………<HT>ch255 {chxx is the histogram height at a given channel (range 0..255),
there are always wbcchannels values here (usually 256) }
RBC graph {always the same, indicates the beginning of the RBC histogram}
Scale(fl):<HT>rbcscale {rbcscale is maximum 3 digit number, indicating the fl value of
the last channel, value is usually 200}
Channels:<HT>rbcchannels { rbcchannels is the number of channels (columns) in the
histogram, always 256}
RMarker1:<HT>rm1 {rm1 is the RBC discriminator channel (PLT/RBC) }
Points:<HT>ch0<HT> ………<HT>ch255 {chxx is the histogram height at a given channel (range
0..255),
there are always rbcchannels values here (usually 256) }
EOS graph {always the same, indicates the beginning of the EOS histogram}
Scale(fl):<HT>eosscale {eosscale is maximum 3 digit number, indicating the fl value of
the last channel, value is usually 400}
Channels:<HT>eoschannels {eoschannels is the number of channels (columns) in the
histogram, always 256}
EMarker1:<HT>em1 {em1 is the EOS discriminator channel (WBC/EOS) }
Points:<HT>ch0<HT> ………<HT>ch255 {chxx is the histogram height at a given channel (range 0..255),
there are always eoschannels values here (usually 256) }
PLT graph {always the same, indicates the beginning of the PLT histogram}
Scale(fl):<HT>pltscale {pltscale is maximum 3 digit number, indicating the fl value of the
last channel, value is usually 50}
Channels:<HT>pltchannels {pltchannels is the number of channels (columns) in the
histogram, always 256}
PMarker1:<HT>pm1 {pm1 is the first PLT discriminator channel (PLT start) }
PMarker2:<HT>pm2 {pm2 is the second PLT discriminator channel (PLT/RBC) }
Points:<HT>ch0<HT>ch1<HT>………<HT>ch255 {chxx is the histogram height at a given channel (range
0..255), there are always pltchannels values here
usually 256) }

As mentioned above, after the last channel value in the PLT histogram the body of the record is closed with the
control character „End of Text” (<ETX>, 3, 0x03).
 APPENDICES

9.3. Cabling diagram

9.3.1. ABACUS JUNIOR 30 Cabling diagram

 APPENDICES

9.4. Tubing schematics

9.4.1. ABACUS JUNIOR 30 Tubing schematics

MAIN Board
Pressure
Sensor PUFFER

V1 V2 V3 V4 V5

2 2 2 2 2
3 3 3 3
1 1 1 1 1

M D L

70u

Dilutor

1 1 1 3 1 1
3 3
2 2 2 2 2

V6 V7 V8 V9 V10

out in
Pump
D

9.5. Recommended kit of tools

• Screwdrivers:
o Cross Slot Screwdrivers (Philips)
o Slot Screwdrivers
o Hexagon Screwdrivers (3.5, 2.5, 2.0, 1.5 mm sizes)
• Pocket digital multimeter
• Diagonal Cutter (plier)
• Nipper
 APPENDICES

9.6. Spare parts

 APPENDICES

9.7. Revision history

Revision Section Modification By Date

1.00 All First release G. Farkas 12.05.2010