Decloaking Chamber Plus
Decloaking Chamber™ Plus Manual
Digital programmable pressure system for heat-induced epitope retrieval
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www.biocare.net U.S. patent number 6,580,056
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Biocare Medical
Technical Support:
800-799-9499 Option 3
Customer Service:
800-799-9499
Fax:
925-603-8080
Corporate Office:
60 Berry Drive
Pacheco CA 94553
www.biocare.net
Table of Contents
Overview ................................................................................................................................................................................ 1
Specifications ........................................................................................................................................................................ 1
Decloaking Chamber - Intended Use ................................................................................................................................ 1
Transportation, Storage and Handling ....................................................................................................................................... 2
Unpacking ............................................................................................................................................................................. 2
Parts List ............................................................................................................................................................................... 2
Description of Parts ................................................................................................................................................................ 3
Related Consumables.............................................................................................................................................................. 4
Important Notes ..................................................................................................................................................................... 5
Important Safety Guidelines .................................................................................................................................................... 6
Operating Instructions ............................................................................................................................................................. 6
Safety First ................................................................................................................................................................... 6
Assembly and Setup ...................................................................................................................................................... 6
Recommended Protocols ................................................................................................................................................ 7
Beginning Operation ...................................................................................................................................................... 7
Programming ................................................................................................................................................................. 8
To Initiate a Run ............................................................................................................................................................ 8
After Run Completion ..................................................................................................................................................... 8
Positioning the Decloaking Chamber for Emergency Disconnection ................................................................................... 11
Actions In Case of a Malfunction ................................................................................................................................... 11
Programming Display ............................................................................................................................................................ 12
Programmable Features ................................................................................................................................................ 12
Default Settings .......................................................................................................................................................... 13
Changing the Default Settings ....................................................................................................................................... 13
USB Flash Drive Feature ....................................................................................................................................................... 14
How to use the USB flash drive ..................................................................................................................................... 14
Start Program .............................................................................................................................................................. 15
End Program ............................................................................................................................................................... 15
Run Report ................................................................................................................................................................. 16
Maintenance ........................................................................................................................................................................ 17
Safety and Electrical Precautions ........................................................................................................................................... 17
Quick Instructions ................................................................................................................................................................ 18
Assembly and Setup .................................................................................................................................................... 18
Programming ............................................................................................................................................................... 18
To Initiate a Run .......................................................................................................................................................... 18
After Run Completion ................................................................................................................................................... 19
Symbol Glossary ................................................................................................................................................................... 20
Troubleshooting and Service .................................................................................................................................................. 20
Not for use with flammable solvents or gases
Warranty
The Decloaking Chamber warranty is for one year from receipt of purchase and covers all parts and labor when performed solely by
Biocare Medical. Warranty is invalidated if equipment is abused, damaged, or improperly maintained by customer. Warranty is not
transferable to any other party should the equipment be resold or transferred by the customer to another party. To the extent permitted
by law, Biocare Medical disclaims any liability for any incidental or consequential damages related to this equipment or for any warranty
related services it performs.
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Overview
The new and improved Decloaking Chamber Plus has been redesigned with a programmable walk-away capability, a cooling fan for
more rapid antigen retrieval and an optional stainless steel rack holder for plastic slide containers. Furthermore, a USB port enables the
laboratory to utilize a flash drive to track and save run data for quality control purposes. The pressure gauge has a new feature in which
the needle remains at the highest pressure reading during the run, validating that antigen retrieval has occurred properly. This feature
allows for a complete walk-away procedure. When the procedure is completely finished, an audible beep alerts the user.
The Decloaking Chamber is an excellent tool for heat-induced epitope-retrieval (HIER) methods. The proper use of heat and pressure
in conjunction with the appropriate buffer solutions is of the utmost importance for consistent immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining.
The Decloaking Chamber is designed to optimize and standardize antibody staining procedures and has been engineered to pass strict
laboratory safety requirements. Temperature, pressure and pH can be monitored and recorded with the Decloaking Chamber to produce
consistent staining, which will reduce repeat testing and false negatives.
Specications
Decloaking Chamber - Intended Use
The Decloaking Chamber is a programmable bench top pressure cooker intended for laboratory use only. It is programmed to allow the
precise pressurized heating necessary for antigen retrieval and also has the capability to perform at a variety of temperatures ranging
from 37 °C to 125 °C + 5 °C.
Model: DC2008US
Model: DC2008US-RH
Voltage: 110-120 volts, 800 watts, 60 HZ
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Model: DC2008INTL
Model: DC2008INTL-RH
Voltage: 220-240 volts, 900 watts, 50 HZ
Dimensions:
31cm (W) X 29cm (D) X 28cm (H)
Pan Capacity:
3.2 liters
Weight:
3.7 kg (8.18 lbs)
CE Listed
ETL Approved
On/Off button
Body LCD
Lid
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Transportation, Storage and Handling
Storage: environment is 10-40 °C (50-104 °F). Do not stack. Protect from rain. Duration not to exceed 1 year; may be extended with inspection
Transportation: Shipping environment is 0-50 °C (32-122 °F). Do not stack. Protect from rain. In addition to the ASTM regulation
required markings, label shipping container with shipping and storage temperatures, a warning indicating do not stack and protect
from rain.
Handling: The Decloaking Chamber may be safely handled by one person capable of lifting 20 pounds (18 kg). Lift by the handles
only. Do not move until completely cooled.
Action Upon Delivery
Unpacking should be performed or supervised by trained laboratory personnel or facility engineer who will record any issues with regard to
missing or damaged contents. In the event the instrument is damaged in transit, do not operate and contact Biocare Medical for instructions.
Operating Environment
Laboratory conditions: 15-30 °C; 15-80% relative humidity; maximum elevation 2000 M
Unpacking
Review and follow the instructions on the "Important Shipping Notice" insert.
Review the Contents of Your Package
Upon receipt of the Decloaking Chamber, inspect the packaging and become familiar with the parts. Save the packaging in case
returning the instrument becomes necessary.
Note
Be sure to remove any packing material from inside of the Decloaking Chamber before operating!
Failure to do so will result in FIRE.
Parts List
` Lid with pressure gauge and hot sticker
` Gasket (removable)
` Weight (petcock)
` Pan (removable)
` Rack holder (removable) - only with Cat. No. DC2008US-RH and DC2008INTL-RH
` Body with programmable digital timer
` Electric power cord
` Heat shield
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Description of Parts
Pan
The main removable metal chamber that is placed within the
outer shell. The pan comes in contact with the heat sensor and
heat plate.
Vent Nozzle
The top center of the chamber lid where the weight (petcock)
is placed.
Heat Sensor
A circular spring-loaded device within the main body that senses
the actual temperature during operation.
Heat Plate
A large metal disc area within the main body of the chamber
that surrounds the heat sensor.
Heat Shield
A circular, concave metal disc with perforations on it that is
placed in the center of the pan.
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Rack Holder
A circular stainless steel basket, capable of holding plastic slide
containers.
Cat. No. RMDC085
Weight Valve
Regulates the amount of steam released.
Cat. No. RMDC038
Fuse
Type 217 Fast acting 4 amp 250V. Prevents electrical shorting.
(For 220 V markets only)
Gasket
The rubber seal between the pan and the lid that ensures an
airtight chamber.
Cat. No. DC037
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1) Pressure gauge
2) Weight (Petcock)
3) Vent nozzle
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4) Heat plate
5) Heat sensor
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Description of Parts (continued)
IMG_2069.JPG
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6) Gasket
7) Removable pan
8) Rack holder
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9) Hot sticker will display this warning when hot.
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10) Heat shield
Related Consumables (Not provided)
Retrieval Solutions
Biocare Medical retrieval solutions are specially formulated for pH stability at high temperature. Our retrieval solutions incorporate
ASSURETM technology that contains a color-coded pH indicator for quality control and visual inspection.
Steam Monitor Strips
The heat and pressure sensitive steam strip allows the end-user to monitor both pressure and heat inside the Decloaking Chamber.
The best temperature for a Steam Monitor Strip to show quality control is 125 °C + 5 °C. It is at this temperature and relative
pressure that a dark brown to black color is achieved. Lower temperature and pressure will produce a lighter strip. The steam strip
can be dated and recorded for laboratory and CAP inspections.
Cat. No. 613 (C,D,H)
QC Heat-Tested pH Strips
The pH of retrieval solutions at high temperatures can be critical for proper IHC staining. However, the pH of retrieval solutions can
change at high temperatures. To assure quality control and consistent staining, Biocare Medical has developed heat-tested strips that
give accurate and true pH at high temperatures. The pH of a solution at a certain temperature can be recorded on a daily basis to
comply with JCOHA and CAP recommendations.
Cat. No. PH615 (pH 7.5-10.5), PH616 (pH 4-7)
USB flash drive
The Decloaking Chamber Plus is equipped with a USB flash drive feature that will create and save a data file for every run. The USB
flash drive feature requires the use of a USB 2.0 flash drive with a minimum capacity of 512 MB.
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Important Notes
The Decloaking Chamber has been designed with many unique safety features. However, when using heating and electrical equipment,
basic precautions should be used. This is a heating device under pressure. Please read these notes before operating the instrument.
` Lift the lid gently
When operating, make sure the lid is in the closed position. When there is resistance, don’t open the lid by force. Tip the weight
(petcock) carefully to release any residual pressure and make sure that the pressure in the pan is at zero on the pressure gauge.
Gently push down on the brown handle, turn the lid counter clockwise and slowly lift off the lid.
` Always be sure there is water in the chamber before use
VERY IMPORTANT! Make sure there is deionized or distilled water in the pan. Do not turn on the heat when the pan is empty as
it may cause a malfunction or damage the instrument.
` Check the weight each time before use
Make sure the weight (petcock) is secure. Do not operate without the weight properly installed.
` Handle with care
Dropping or roughly jolting the instrument will cause damage and deformation leading to malfunctions.
` Avoid touching the pan or lid when in use - HOT!
When in use, the pan, lid and weight get very hot—avoid touching them. There is a hot sticker to warn that the lid is hot. The
circular sticker reads “HOT” at elevated temperatures.
` Do not operate the Decloaking Chamber near a heat, flame or gas source
Never place the instrument directly on a stove or other heat source.
` Keep the exterior dry
Remove foreign matter and water drops. The heating plate, sensor and the area outside of the pan must be dry and clean to work
properly.
` Cool down after each use
Make sure the Decloaking Chamber is cooled down after each use. Replace hot water with cool water and make sure the
temperature is 37 °C or less before starting again. If starting temperature is above 37 °C, an error signal might be activated or
optimum temperature and pressure may not be obtained.
` Check the gasket periodically
The gasket must be consistently checked for tears or damage. A replacement gasket can be ordered (Cat. No. DC037). A weak
Steam Monitor Strip color may indicate that the gasket needs replacement.
` Fill the pan with only 500 ml deionized water
500 ml is all that is needed for heat-induced epitope-retrieval methods. Special stains and other histology procedures may
require 1,000-2,500 ml.
` Do not use glass containers
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