multiuser instruments

From: Abby Allen (allen@cbr.med.harvard.edu)
Date: Mon Jun 09 1997 - 16:57:46 EST


Hello All!

I am back again with a question regarding multi-user instruments (ours
is a FACSCalibur).  Our institute does not believe in paying one person
to monitor the instrument (yet), so our current setup involves a monthly
rotation where each lab is responsible for the instrument.  In that
month, that lab is required to run beads and do the monthly instrument
cleaning protocol.  The only other cleaning that is done is by the
user.  Each user is required to clean with 10-20% bleach for 10 min
followed by deionized water for 10 min.  

Guess what?  This hasn't been working.  I have had to do the monthly
maintenence cleaning three times over the past two weeks.  I suspect
that some have not been doing their post sample run cleaning, but of
cours,e I have no way to prove that this is the case (do I?).

To all people in similar situations:  HELP - I am running out of ideas. 
The FACSCalibur was purchased specifically because of its hands - off
reputation.  Any suggestions on how to improve this nasty situation?  I
am sick of having to clean the instrument for 45 minutes every time I
want to run samples.

Thanks!
Abby
-- 
**********************************************************************
Abby Allen
Center for Blood Research
800 Huntington Ave.
Boston, MA  02115

allen@cbr.med.harvard.edu
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