PRECISIONARY TEC-200 Precision Cut Lung Slices User Manual

PRECISIONARY TEC-200 Precision Cut Lung Slices

COMPLETE TISSUE EMBEDDING CENTER ТЕС-200
User Manual Includes: Paraffin Dispenser Cold Plate
www.precisionary.com

• Abigail Chu, MD-PhD
• Chief Scientific Officer (CSO)
• Precisionary Instruments
• 617-682-0586

Introduction & Important Information

Thank You
We would like to extend our sincere gratitude for selecting the TEC-200 Paraffin Dispenser and Cold Plate System for your tissue embedding needs in histopathology. Your decision to trust Precisionary Instruments is greatly appreciated.
The TEC-200 Paraffin Dispenser and Cold Plate System is a comprehensive solution desig­ned to meet the demands of tissue embedding in histopathology with precision and efficiency. We have dedicated extensive efforts to ensure that this system not only meets but exceeds your expectations, providing you with the necessary tools to achieve accurate and reliable results in your research and diagnostic endeavors.
Your purchase of the TEC-200 Paraffin Dispenser and Cold Plate System marks the begin­ning of a collaborative partnership. Our team is committed to providing exceptional custo­mer support, ensuring a seamless experience with our system from installation to opera­tion.
Once again, thank you for choosing Precisionary Instruments. We are excited to embark on this journey with you and contribute to your success in histopathology.

Note

• The information provided in this User Manual represents the current state of scientific knowledge and technological advancements as understood by Precisionary Instruments. We are not obligated to regularly update this manual or provide additional copies or upda­tes based on the latest technical developments.
• Precisionary Instruments shall not be liable for any errors, inaccuracies, or omissions in this manual. We do not accept responsibility for any financial loss or consequential damage resulting from compliance with the information contained herein.
• Statements, illustrations, and other information in this manual do not constitute warranted characteristics of our products unless explicitly stated in the contract between Precisionary Instruments and our customers.
• We reserve the right to modify technical specifications and manufacturing processes without prior notice to continuously improve our products.
• This document is protected by copyright laws, and all copyrights are held by Precisionary Instruments. Reproduction of any part of this manual requires prior written permission from Precisionary Instruments. For the instrument’s serial number and year of manufactu­re, please refer to the nameplate located on the back of the instrument.

Components of the TEC-200
The TEC-200 is a comprehensive tissue embedding center set designed to streamline the tissue embedding process. It con­sists of two primary components:

• Hot Paraffin Wax Dispenser: The hot paraffin wax dispenser is a crucial component of the TEC-200. It is designed to melt and dispense paraffin wax at an optimal temperature for tissue embedding. This ensures that the wax is in a liquid state and ready for use in embedding tissue samples.
• Cold Plate: The cold plate is another essential element of the TEC-200. It provides a chilled surface for tissue embedding, helping to quickly solidify the paraffin wax around tissue sam­ples. This facilitates the creation of well-embedded tissue blocks with minimal distortion.

In the following sections of this user manual, we will provide detailed instructions for using each component of the TEC-200 to achieve optimal results in tissue embedding.

Safety
Safety Instructions for the Paraffin Embedding Center

• Ensure the TEC-200 Paraffin Embedding Center is transported upright after unpacking and placed on a level laboratory table.
• Avoid exposing the instrument to direct sunlight or extreme tern peratu res.
• Use only grounded power sockets and appropriate voltage settings (100~120 V or 220~240 V).
• Maintain a well-ventilated installation location, free from igni­tion sources.
• Do not operate the instrument in hazardous locations.
• Allow at least two hours for condensation to dissipate if extre­me temperature fluctuations occur.
• Handle paraffin with care due to its flammable nature.
• Use the provided plastic spatula to remove solidified paraffin, avoiding damage to surface coatings.
• Be cautious of hot surfaces during operation, including the paraffin tank, embedding mold tray, cassette tray, work area, and forceps holder.
• Do not move the instrument while in operation.
• Keep combustible and flammable substances away from the instrument, and maintain a safe distance from ignition sources (e.g., Bunsen burners).
• Allow 30 minutes before handling the instrument after shut­down.
• Follow manufacturer’s safety instructions and laboratory regu­lations when using cleaners.
• Disconnect the instrument from power before changing fuses, ensuring compliance with safety precautions.
• Avoid liquid contact with the instrument during operation or cleaning.
• ove solidified paraffin, avoiding damage to surface coatings.
• Be cautious of hot surfaces during operation, including the paraffin tank, embedding mold tray, cassette tray, work area, and forceps holder.
• Do not move the instrument while in operation.
• Keep combustible and flammable substances away from the instrument, and maintain a safe distance from ignition sources (e.g., Bunsen burners).
• Allow 30 minutes before handling the instrument after shut­down.

Safety Instructions for the Cold Plate

• Ensure the instrument is placed on a stable, vibration-free laboratory table with a horizontal, flat tabletop.
• Avoid exposure to direct sunlight or strong temperature fluc­tuations; maintain room temperature between +20 °c and +30 oc.
• Keep relative air humidity below 80%, and ensure proper air circulation around the instrument.
• Install the instrument in a location that allows easy access to the power supply and the power cable.
• Prioritize stable power supply to prevent instrument damage.
• Always switch off and disconnect the instrument before servi­cing or cleaning to avoid accidents or damage.

Unpacking

1. Remove the packing strap and adhesive tape.
2. Open the package and lift up to remove the carton wall.
3. Take out the accessory box.
4. Remove the foam pads one by one.
5. Ensure that when removing the instrument from the pallet, it is carried out by two people lifting four lower corners of the hou­sing base.
6. Place the instrument on a stable laboratory table.
7. Remove the accessories from the accessory box on the base of the pallet

Anatomy of the Tissue Embedding Center
In this section, we will explore the intricacies of the paraffin dispenser component of the TEC-200 tissue embedding center, offering a detailed breakdown of its key elements and functio­nalities. Understanding the anatomy of the paraffin dispenser is essential for users to effectively operate and maintain this criti­cal component of the tissue embedding process.

Technical Specifications

TEC-200: Paraffin Embedding Center

General Information

Description of Paraffin Dispenser
The Paraffin Dispenser is a key component of the TEC-200 Para­ffin Embedding Center. It is designed to efficiently melt and dispense paraffin wax at a controlled temperature, ensuring optimal embedding conditions for tissue samples. The Paraffin Dispenser is utilized in various experimental applications within the histopathology workflow, including:

• Tissue Embedding: The dispenser melts paraffin wax to the desired consistency for embedding tissue samples, facilitating the creation of well-embedded tissue blocks for microtome sec­tioning.
• Sample Encapsulation: It allows for precise dispensing of para­ffin wax around tissue samples, ensuring thorough encapsula­tion and preservation of tissue morphology during embedding. Routine Histology: The Paraffin Dispenser is an essential tool in routine histology procedures, enabling consistent and reliable embedding of tissue samples for downstream histopathological analysis.
• In summary, the Paraffin Dispenser plays a critical role in the TEC-200 Paraffin Embedding Center, facilitating efficient and precise embedding of tissue samples for a wide range of histo­pathological applications.

Intended Use of Paraffin Dispenser
The TEC-200 Paraffin Embedding Center is specifically designed for embedding histological tissue specimens in molten paraffin for use in pathology laboratories.
It’s intended use is limited to the following tasks:

• Melting solid paraffin to prepare it for sample embedding and maintaining the molten paraffin at the required temperature.
• Dispensing paraffin into embedding molds where the speci­mens are placed.
• Heating and maintaining the temperatures of embedding cas­settes containing specimens and molds, as well as the required forceps.

Qualification of Personnel

• The TEC-200 Paraffin Embedding Center is to be operated exclusively by trained laboratory personnel. This instrument is intended for professional use only.
• All designated laboratory personnel responsible for operating the TEC-200 must thoroughly read and understand these Instructions for Use and acquaint themselves with all technical aspects of the instrument before commencing operation.

Setting Up

Location for Set Up

• Place the TEC-200 Paraffin Dispenser on a stable, vibra­tion-free laboratory table with a horizontal, flat tabletop, prefe­rably on a surface that minimizes vibrations.
• Avoid positioning the instrument near air conditioner outlets or in direct sunlight to prevent interference with its operation.
• Maintain a gap of at least 15 cm behind the instrument to ensure proper heat dissipation.
• Install the instrument in a location where it can be easily disconnected from the power supply, with the power cable accessible for quick reach.
• Ensure the surrounding work area is free from oil and chemi­cal vapors to maintain optimal operating conditions.

Installation

Prepare the instrument for use by installing the following acces­sories and making necessary adjustments:

• Attach any additional accessories.
• Connect the optional foot switch.
• Connect the instrument to the power supply.

Operation

Filling the Paraffin Tank
Here’s how to safely fill the paraffin tank in your TEC-200:

• The paraffin tank can hold up to 4 liters of paraffin. You can set the paraffin temperature between 50°C (122° F) and 75°C (167° F) in increments of 1 ° c (or 1 ° F). Always make sure the lid is secure­ly in place to maintain the set temperature. An over-temperatu­re cutout feature is included to prevent overheating if tempera­ture control fails.
• The tank includes a built-in filter to prevent any particles from entering the tubing system.
• Be cautious when closing the paraffin tank lid to avoid pinching.
• Avoid using recycled paraffin in the TEC-200, as it may lead to contamination.
• Using low-quality paraffin can cause blockages. Make sure to use high-quality paraffin to avoid issues.
• Refilling the tank with different types of paraffin may result in cracks in the paraffin blocks. It’s best to stick to the same type of paraffin for consistency.
• When refilling the paraffin tank, be careful to avoid burns from hot paraffin.

Turning on the Paraffin
Here’s how to turn on the paraffin dispenser for the first time: Dispenser

1. Fill the paraffin tank with paraffin.
2. Set the power switch. Use the power switch only if the instru­ment will be turned off for an extended period or if you need to apply new settings for the Start time and End time.
3. Set the temperature of the heating area, working day, local time, Start time, and End time. Refer to the figure for guidance.
4. The heaters will become active, and you can modify the tem­perature settings during the heating phase.

Before using the TEC-200 Paraffin Embedding Center or after servicing, it’s essential to check the paraffin tank and dispenser. There may be a small amount of clean paraffin in the tank or dispenser from the factory testing. You can work with this para­ffin without any issues.

Control Panel & Settings

The control panel beside the power switch is equipped with a backlit touchscreen. It comprises icons and touchable control and programming buttons.

Upon pressing the “Settings” button, the interface transitions to a second screen, offering additional options for configuring specific settings. Below, we detail each setting available on this secondary screen for comprehensive customization.

paraffin tank heating. Enter “99” for standby without scheduled times . Follow recommended usage guidelines .
| |
| |
2| Factory Reset| Resets the unit to its factory default settings. Use with caution, as all custom settings will be lost.
3| Tuning| Intended for engineers during instrument quality testing; users do not need to adjust this setting . Leave untouched unless instructed.
4| Dispenser Timer| Sets the maximum duration for continuous wax dispensing. Recommended setting : 15 seconds. Helps prevent accidental continuous flow.
5| Screen Brightness| Adjusts the brightness of the LED touchscreen panel. Customize according to user preference.
6| Lighting Intensity| Sets the brightness of the work area illumination near the dispenser . Adjust to optimize visibility as needed.
| |
7| Exit| Returns to the main page with temperature settings. Use to navigate back to main operations.

The dial located above the paraffin dispenser allows users to adjust the flow volume by using the metering screw. This feature offers precise control over the amount of paraffin dispensed, ensuring accurate embedding of tissue samples.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Proper maintenance and cleaning ensure the longevity and performance of your TEC-200 Paraffin Embedding Center. Follow these guidelines for effective maintenance:

• Cleaning the Paraffin Dispenser
  • Avoid using xylene for cleaning, as xylene vapors can ignite at a distance from the heat source, posing a fire hazard.
  • Use only recommended cleaning products to prevent contamina­tion of specimens.
  • Use the paraffin scraper supplied with the instrument to avoid scratching the surface. Metal tools should never be used for clea­ning.
• Cleaning the Work Surfaces
  • Clean the work area with common laboratory cleaning products suitable for paraffin removal, such as Polyguard or xylene substitu­tes.
  • Avoid prolonged exposure of organic solvents on the instrument surface.
  • Use a dry, lint-free tissue paper to clean condensed water on the cold spot when necessary.
• Cleaning the Control Panel
  • Clean the control panel weekly with a dry, lint-free cloth.
  • Carefully remove any solidified paraffin from the control panel if present.
• Cleaning the Paraffin Tank
  • Prevent contaminants from entering the paraffin tank.
  • Drain paraffin through the dispenser, leaving a residual amount to prevent solid contaminants from entering.
  • Absorb residual paraffin with tissue or paper towel before cleaning the tank interior with a tissue.
• Cleaning the Forceps Holder
  • Clean the forceps holder weekly with a lint-free cloth dipped in the cleaning reagent to prevent contamination.
• Cleaning the Paraffin Collection Tray
  • Empty the paraffin collection trays while warm.
  • Do not reuse paraffin from the collection trays to avoid carry-over into the instrument.
  • Regularly empty both trays to prevent overflow and potential damage to the instrument. Emptying intervals should be at least daily, depending on usage.
  • Failure to regularly empty trays may result in excess paraffin flowing into the instrument, presenting a burn hazard and causing damage.

Maintenance
To maintain the reliability of your TEC-200 Paraffin Embedding Center, please follow these guidelines:

• Clean the instrument daily with care to remove any accumulated dirt or debris.
• Regularly clear dust from the ventilation slots on the back of the instrument using a brush or vacuum cleaner.
• Consider entering into a service contract at the end of the warran­ty period for ongoing support and maintenance. For further details, please reach out to our customer service organization.

Changing the Fuse
It may be necessary to change a fuse if the instrument experiences a power issue or stops functioning properly. Follow these instruc­tions precisely to ensure the correct spare fuse is used for the corresponding fuse holder.

1. Before changing a fuse, switch off the instrument and unplug the power plug to ensure safety.
2. Use ONLY the provided replacement fuses to avoid damage to the instrument.
3. Use a screwdriver to release the fuse drawer. Once released, pull out the drawer to access the fuses.
4. Remove the defective fuse from the fuse drawer and insert the new spare fuse.
5. Push the fuse drawer back into its original position securely.

By following these steps, you can safely and effectively change the fuse as needed to maintain the functionality of the instrument.

General Information

Description of Cold Plate
The TEC-200 Cold Plate is a vital component designed to provide a chilled surface for tissue embedding processes. Here’s an overview of its features:

• The cold plate is specifically engineered to maintain a low tem­perature, ideal for quickly solidifying paraffin wax around tissue samples.
• It ensures optimal conditions for embedding tissue samples by preventing distortion and preserving tissue morphology.
• The cold plate is constructed with high-quality materials to ensure durability and reliability in laboratory settings.
• Its design facilitates efficient workflow by providing a stable and consistent cold surface for embedding procedures.
• The cold plate is an essential part of the TEC-200 Paraffin Embedding Center, contributing to the precision and accuracy of tissue embedding processes.

In the following sections of the user manual, we will provide detailed instructions for using and maintaining the cold plate to achieve optimal results in tissue embedding.

Intended Use of Cold Plate
The TEC-200 Cold Plate is intended for specific applications within the tissue embedding process. Here’s a summary of its intended use:

• The cold plate is designed to provide a chilled surface for tissue embedding procedures, facilitating the rapid solidification of paraffin wax around tissue samples.
• It is intended for use in histopathology laboratories, where precise embedding of tissue samples is crucial for downstream analysis.
• The cold plate ensures the preservation of tissue morphology and prevents distortion during the embedding process.
• It is suitable for embedding various types of tissue samples, including those used in routine histology, research, and diag­nostic applications.
• The cold plate is an integral part of the TEC-200 Paraffin Embe­dding Center, contributing to the efficiency and accuracy of tissue embedding procedures.

In the following sections of the user manual, we will provide detailed instructions for the proper use and maintenance of the cold plate to achieve optimal results in tissue embedding.

Qualification of Personnel
Proper operation of the TEC-200 Cold Plate requires trained and qualified laboratory personnel. Here are important considera­tions regarding personnel qualifications:

• The TEC-200 Cold Plate should only be operated by individuals who have received appropriate training and instruction on its use.
• Personnel responsible for operating the cold plate must fami­liarize themselves with the user manual and all safety precau­tions outlined within.
• It is essential that operators have a thorough understanding of tissue embedding procedures and histopathology laboratory practices.
• Personnel should possess basic knowledge of temperature control and maintenance procedures to ensure the optimal functioning of the cold plate.
• Only individuals who have been authorized by laboratory management should be permitted to operate the cold plate.
• Regular training and competency assessments should be con­ducted to ensure continued proficiency in operating the cold plate.

By adhering to these guidelines, laboratory personnel can effec­tively and safely utilize the TEC-200 Cold Plate to achieve accura­te and reliable tissue embedding results.

Setting Up

Operation

time.
 |  | Enables users to set the desired temperature of the cold plate. Recommended range: -15°C to
2| Temperature Setting| -20°C.
3| Current Temp| Displays the current temperature of the cold plate.
 |  | Shows a timer for activated cooling when “Start”
4| Status of Cooling| is pressed. Also indicates if the condenser is actively cooling.
5| Start Button| Initiates the process of cooling the cold plate.
6| Stop Button| Halts the cooling process of the cold plate.
7| Schedule Button| Takes the user to the scheduling screen where a daily program can be entered for the cold plate’s cooling schedule .
| |

cooling times for each day of the week. Enter “99” for
 |  | standby mode.
2| Next Button| Advances to the next scheduling screen.
3| Exit Button| Exits the scheduling screen and returns to the temperature display screen.
4| Factory Reset Button| Resets the unit to its factory default settings.
5| Previous Button| Returns the user to the first scheduling screen .
 |  | Enables users to set the intensity of the LED
6| Backlight Intensity| screen backlight according to preference.

Returns the user to the main temperature display screen.

| |
7| Exit Button| Returns the user to the main temperature display screen .

Maintenance & Cleaning

Cleaning the Cold Plate
To maintain the cleanliness and functionality of the TEC-200 Cold Plate, follow these user-friendly cleaning guidelines:

1. Preparation:
   • Switch off the instrument and disconnect the power plug before cleaning. Adhere to the safety regulations specified by the manufacturer and local laboratory regulations.
2. Work Surfaces:
   • Utilize common laboratory cleaning products suitable for paraffin removal, such as Polyguard or xylene substitutes, to clean the work area.
   • Use a dry, lint-free tissue paper to wipe away any condensed water on the cold plate surface.
3. Instrument and Exterior Surfaces:
   • If necessary, clean painted exterior surfaces with a mild hou­sehold cleaner or soapy water. Wipe the surfaces with a damp cloth.
   • Avoid prolonged contact with organic solvents on instrument surfaces. Do not use xylol, acetone, or alcohol on painted surfa­ces to prevent damage.

By following these simple cleaning instructions, you can ensure the TEC-200 Cold Plate remains in optimal condition for efficient and safe tissue embedding procedures.

Maintenance
To ensure the reliable function of the TEC-200 Cold Plate over extended periods, please follow these maintenance guidelines:

1. Regular Cleaning:
   • After each use, clean the instrument with care to remove any residual paraffin or debris.
   • Use gentle cleaning agents and avoid harsh chemicals that may damage the surface of the cold plate.
2. Ventilation Maintenance:
   • Regularly inspect and remove dust buildup from the ventila­tion slots located on the back of the instrument.
   • Use a soft brush or vacuum cleaner to effectively clean the ventilation slots and ensure proper airflow.

By adhering to these maintenance guidelines, you can ensure the reliable function and longevity of the TEC-200 Cold Plate for your tissue embedding needs.

Changing the Fuse
It may be necessary to change a fuse if the instrument experien­ces a power issue or stops functioning properly. Follow these instructions precisely to ensure the correct spare fuse is used for the corresponding fuse holder.

1. Before changing a fuse, switch off the instrument and unplug the power plug to ensure safety.
2. Use ONLY the provided replacement fuses to avoid damage to the instrument.
3. Use a screwdriver to release the fuse drawer. Once released, pull out the drawer to access the fuses.
4. Remove the defective fuse from the fuse drawer and insert the new spare fuse.
5. Push the fuse drawer back into its original position securely.

By following these steps, you can safely and effectively change the fuse as needed to maintain the functionality of the instru­ment.

Warranty & Service

Precisionary Instruments stands behind the quality of the TEC-200 Complete Tissue Embedding Center with a one (1) year warranty from the date of purchase. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship during normal use.

Procedures for Obtaining Warranty Service
Should any issues arise during the warranty period, customers are required to contact

Warranty Void Conditions
The warranty for the TEC-200 Complete Tissue Embedding Center will be void under the following conditions:

• Any unauthorized attempts to repair or modify the TEC-200, including tampering with control mechanisms or internal com­ponents, will render the warranty void.
• If repairs are attempted by the customer within the warranty period without prior authorization from Precisionary Instru­ments, and these attempts fail, resulting in subsequent repair requests from the customer, the warranty will be void, and the customer will be responsible for all associated shipping and repair costs.

Please note that consumables, shipping fees, handling costs, and training plans are non-returnable under warranty. Delivery is considered complete upon the arrival of items to the custo­mer.

Annual Service Contract
After the warranty period expires, Precisionary Instruments offers continued service and support for the TEC-200 Complete Tissue Embedding Center. Please inquire about extended servi­ce plans and maintenance agreements to ensure optimal per­formance and longevity of your instrument.
For any questions regarding warranty coverage, service, or tech­nical support, please contact Precisionary Instruments Custo­mer Service. We are committed to providing exceptional service and support to meet your tissue embedding needs.

Contact Us
Additional questions? Need assistance? We have multiple ways for you to contact us, including:

• E-mail [email protected]
• Phone
• Customer Service & Quotes: 617-682-0586
• Technical Support: 508-810-0219
• Fax 1-866-424-2217

Mailing Address for Documents, Slicers, & Parts
Precisionary Instruments
200 Butterfield Drive
Unit E
Ashland MA, 01721

Read User Manual Online (PDF format)

Download This Manual (PDF format)

Download this manual  >>