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What This Guide Helps With
Addresses reported fluid-handling or aspiration-type faults while avoiding assumptions about components not used in the HistoCore SPECTRA ST workflow.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
1. Protect Slides and Confirm the Device Involved
Stop affected processing if fluid handling is unreliable. The HistoCore SPECTRA ST is a slide-staining platform, so first confirm that the reported probe, pipettor, or aspiration error actually originates from this device and not another analyzer or connected workflow component.
Expected outcome: The correct equipment and failure are identified before troubleshooting begins.
2. Record the Exact Message
Document the complete displayed message, screen location, affected station, and point in the staining cycle when the condition occurs.
Expected outcome: The reported condition is described using the device's actual terminology rather than an assumed analyzer function.
3. Inspect Accessible Reagent and Fluid Containers
Confirm that required reagent or fluid containers are present, correctly seated, and not obviously empty, displaced, leaking, or obstructed.
Expected outcome: External fluid resources are correctly installed. If correcting a container condition clears the fault, proceed to final verification.
4. Inspect Accessible Fluid Connections
Check user-accessible water, drain, waste, or other external fluid connections applicable to the installation for kinks, disconnection, leakage, or blockage.
Expected outcome: External fluid paths are secure and unobstructed.
5. Look for Air, Leaks, or Visible Flow Problems Externally
Without opening protected covers, inspect accessible tubing or connections for obvious air gaps where abnormal, loose fittings, leaks, or evidence of restricted flow.
Expected outcome: No visible external fluid-path abnormality is present.
6. Check Reagent Station Setup
Verify the affected staining station contains the intended reagent and that the container is properly positioned and unobstructed.
Expected outcome: Reagent placement is correct and the system has access to the expected fluid.
7. Inspect for Spills or Residue
Look for dried reagent, staining residue, broken slide material, or other debris in accessible areas that could interfere with fluid handling or station operation.
Expected outcome: Accessible areas are clean and free of obvious obstruction.
8. Perform One Controlled Retest
After correcting any external issue, run the applicable approved readiness or test process without risking patient material.
Expected outcome: The reported fluid-handling condition does not recur. If normal operation is restored, proceed to final verification.
9. Perform Final Functional Verification
Confirm normal reagent handling, rack movement, staining readiness, waste/fluid status, and absence of recurring system messages.
Expected outcome: The stainer operates consistently without the reported fault. The issue is resolved and troubleshooting can stop.
10. Escalate if the Condition Persists
Do not disassemble pumps, valves, tubing assemblies, sensors, or other internal fluid-control components as part of routine external troubleshooting.
Expected outcome: Persistent faults are routed for qualified service evaluation.
If the Problem Persists
External reagent placement, accessible fluid connections, leaks, obstructions, and workflow conditions have been ruled out. The remaining issue may involve an internal pump, valve, sensor, fluid pathway, controller, or device configuration condition.
Remove the device from service if reliable staining cannot be assured, label it Out of Service, and send it for repair or bench evaluation. Use appropriate Leica Biosystems service documentation and approved test equipment. Internal fluid-path repair or configuration changes should be completed only by qualified personnel.
Complete functional and staining verification before return to service. Knowing when to stop external troubleshooting is proper troubleshooting.
Clinical Use Tip
Verify the exact device-generated message before treating a reported “aspiration” problem as a sample-probe fault on a slide-staining system.
Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
"Laboratory staff reported a fluid-handling fault during operation of the HistoCore SPECTRA ST."
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
"Clinical Engineering found an external fluid connection was kinked and restricting normal flow."
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
"Clinical Engineering corrected the external tubing position, verified normal fluid status and operation, completed functional testing, and returned the stainer to service."
Helpful Details to Include (If Known)
- Exact device-generated message
- Point in cycle when the fault occurs
- Reagent station involved
- Water, drain, or waste status
- External tubing and connection condition
- Evidence of leakage or residue
- Whether patient slides were affected
- Retest results
- Final functional result
- Final device status
Final Thought
Confirm the actual device function being reported, rule out accessible fluid and reagent problems first, avoid unsupported internal fluid-system work, verify normal operation after correction, and escalate persistent faults.
That is successful troubleshooting.