The Siemens Immulite 1000 is built for reliability and ease of use, but like all lab analyzers, it performs best with consistent care. Implementing a daily operation and maintenance routine is essential to keep the system running smoothly, ensure accurate results, and reduce unplanned downtime.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key daily practices your lab staff should follow when operating and maintaining the Immulite 1000.
Why Daily Maintenance Matters
Even minor lapses in analyzer care can affect:
- Result accuracy
- Reagent stability
- Instrument uptime
- Assay performance
A consistent routine reduces errors, extends equipment life, and ensures regulatory compliance.
Daily Operation Checklist
Before starting the day’s testing, follow this startup routine:
✅ 1. Power On the System
- Turn on the main power switch and wait for the system to initialize.
- Confirm that the touchscreen and interface are responding properly.
✅ 2. Check Waste Container Levels
- Empty the liquid waste bottle if nearing capacity.
- Ensure the solid waste tray is clean and free of buildup.
✅ 3. Inspect Reagents & Consumables
- Verify that reagents are not expired and are properly seated.
- Check remaining volumes and restock if necessary.
- Inspect the wash buffer and distilled water levels.
✅ 4. Calibrate If Prompted
- Follow prompts for calibration if required.
- Review calibration curves and validation results.
✅ 5. Run Quality Control (QC)
- Perform daily QC runs as per your lab’s SOP.
- Use both normal and abnormal QC materials to verify accuracy.
- Document all QC results for compliance tracking.
Daily Maintenance Tips
After operations or at end of day, perform the following steps:
🧼 1. Clean Sample & Reagent Probes
- Use the provided cleaning solution or as per Siemens protocol.
- Gently wipe and inspect for clogs or residue buildup.
💧 2. Prime Fluid Lines
- Prime wash buffer lines and reagent paths to remove air bubbles.
- Helps ensure consistent delivery during the next testing session.
🧪 3. Clean Reaction Tube Area
- Remove any spilled reagent or sample debris.
- Wipe the carousel area using lint-free cloths and approved cleaners.
🔍 4. Inspect the Incubator
- Check the temperature and physical cleanliness of the incubator chamber.
- Remove and clean reaction tubes if needed.
🧾 5. Review Log Files & Alerts
- Address any error codes or maintenance prompts shown on screen.
- Clear routine messages to reset the system for the next day.
Tips for Preventing Downtime
- Label all samples and reagents clearly to avoid loading errors.
- Maintain a daily logbook of performed maintenance and QC checks.
- Keep backup consumables and reagents stocked.
- Train staff on basic troubleshooting procedures.
- Schedule monthly and quarterly preventive maintenance with Siemens or a certified technician.
Sample Daily Maintenance Log (Template)
| Task | Completed (✔) | Notes |
| Power on & system check | ✔ | System initialized at 8:00 AM |
| Waste bottle emptied | ✔ | 75% full |
| Reagents inspected | ✔ | All in date |
| QC run (Normal/Abnormal) | ✔ | Results within range |
| Sample probe cleaned | ✔ | No blockage detected |
| Fluid lines primed | ✔ | No air bubbles |
| Surface cleaned | ✔ | Reagent area wiped |
| Error messages reviewed | ✔ | None displayed |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping QC: Can lead to undetected shifts in assay performance.
- Neglecting probe cleaning: May cause sample carryover or clogs.
- Ignoring error codes: Small alerts can signal bigger problems if left unresolved.
- Using expired reagents: Affects assay reliability and result validity.
Final Thoughts
Consistent daily care is the foundation of optimal performance for the Siemens Immulite 1000. By integrating these simple yet critical maintenance and operational tasks into your lab’s workflow, you’ll protect your investment, ensure accurate diagnostic results, and maximize efficiency.
If your team needs training or updated SOPs, Siemens also offers support resources and on-site service to ensure your Immulite system stays in peak condition.