Priming and Waste Counting Theory

General

All fluid pumps require priming for proper operation.
The Panther uses various types of pumps for dispensing fluids during AssayProcedures required to prepare and perform a specific test. In the context of this document, assay refers exclusively to a Hologic test, such as Aptima Combo or Ultrio. processing.
All these pumps must be kept primed for accurate dispensing during Assay Processing.
Panther software monitors prime intervals and enforces priming operations as needed to guarantee that the fluidic lines are always primed and ready.

Definitions of Priming State

Valid Priming State

Panther priming intervals are based on the time that the system is idle in the states other than Assay Processing.
When the pumps are primed and ready, the priming state is indicated as valid.

Invalid Priming State

When the system exceeds the maximum idle time, the priming state becomes invalid.
Replacing any Universal Fluid bottle will also invalidate priming.
When priming is invalid, Assay Processing cannot be started until the required priming operation has completed.

Timeout Intervals

There are two timeout intervals defined in the Panther System Configuration file for controlling priming.
These intervals determine whether a full prime or mini-prime is needed.

Starting a Priming Operation

Priming may be started by clicking the PrimeOperation of pumping fluid through tubing to ensure proper and consistent fluid delivery (remove air from the tubing, etc.). button on the Tasks screen of the Panther System UI.

Starting in the Invalid State

If the priming state is invalid, either a mini-prime or a full prime will be started, depending on the elapsed idle time or if Universal Fluids have been loaded. If the elapsed idle time is greater than 26 hours a full prime will be performed.
Replacement of a Universal Fluid bottle will also require a full prime.
A mini-prime will be performed if the elapsed idle time is between 4 hours and 26 hours.

The initial prime after a new Universal Fluid kit is loaded does not impact the Solid and Liquid Waste remaining test count.
All subsequent primes from that kit will impact Solid and Liquid Waste capacity.

Priming Operations

There are three types of priming operations in the Panther System.

Full Prime

Full prime is the most thorough priming operation and primes all pumps in the system, including:

• Magnetic Wash 1: Wash-A and Oil-A
• Magnetic Wash 2: Wash-B and Oil-B
• Auto Detect 1: A and B
• Auto Detect 2: A and B
• Output Queue: Buffer A, Buffer B, and Bleach

A full prime requires 10 MTUs and takes 13 minutes to complete.

• A Full Prime will take place:
  • If system fluids have been changed,
  • the system has been shut down,
  • 26 hours have passed since the last prime, last sample result or last mini prime
• Uses 10 MTUs
• Takes 13 minutes to complete
• Waste count: 100 solid, 100 liquid

Mini-Prime

Mini-prime is an abbreviated priming operation designed to maintain priming on the Mag Wash and Auto Detect subsystems.
It conserves time and resources while maintaining prime for the most demanding subsystems.
This operation primes the following pipettors:

• Magnetic Wash 1: Wash-A and Oil-A
• Magnetic Wash 2: Wash-B and Oil-B
• Auto Detect 1: A and B
• Auto Detect 2: A and B

This operation requires 3 MTUs and takes 10 minutes to complete.

• Current interval is 7.5 hours
• Uses 3 MTUs
• Takes 10 minutes to complete
• Waste count: 15 solid, 15 liquid

Leading MTU

Leading MTUs are used to ensure that the priming paths for the Mag Wash and Luminometer fluids are fully primed. Three extra MTUs are used for this purpose for each assay run.

• Leading MTU1 precedes the first MTUMulti-tube unit—Container used to process tests in the instrument. An MTU contains five separate reaction tubes. The MTU is moved through the instrument by the linear distributor and includes five tiplets for pipettiing to be used in the mag wash station. into Magnetic Wash 1
• Leading MTU2 precedes the first MTU into Magnetic Wash 2
• Leading MTU3 precedes the first MTU into the Luminometer
• Waste count: 5 tests per MTU

Priming States

A prime can be started any time the system is in the Ready state, regardless of whether priming is valid or invalid.

However, when priming is invalid, priming must be performed before any Assay Processing can continue.
If the idle time has exceeded the PrimeMaxValid Time interval, then a full prime will be performed.
Otherwise, a mini-prime will take place.

Idle Time Timer

The Idle Time Timer keeps track of how long the system has been idle.
It is used to trigger the invalid state and to determine which priming operation is required.
When priming is completed, the Idle Time Timer is reset.