Leica Biosystems ST5010 Autostainer XL - Manual (Page 18)

Instructions for Use V 2.3 – 10/2012 18
5. Operation
Introduction
This chapter describes how to operate AutoStainer XL. It includes sections
on how to use the control panel functions and other indicators, how to cre-
ate and edit programs and how to stain slides.
AutoStainer XL offers some unique features not available in other stainers
and these are explained in subsequent sections. Firstly, slide racks are loaded
and unloaded by means of drawer, not by opening the lid. If the instrument is
free to accept a rack for staining the Load LED will be on. After loading, the
Load key must be pressed to inform the instrument to begin processing. Simi-
larly, if a rack is finished staining in the Exit drawer the Exit LED will be on.
The Exit key must be pressed to inform the instrument when the rack is re-
moved. Programs can finish at any station. However, if the EXIT drawer is
not the last step then the LCD will inform you of the station to unload from.
In this case, the lid will have to be opened to remove the rack.
AutoStainer XL can accept racks whenever the Load LED is on and process
up to 11 racks simultaneously.
Each rack can be processed according to any of the 15 programs, provided
that the reagents are available and the program chosen is compatible (no
conflicting sequence) with programs already being used.