Mesalabs EZTest 1410 Operation Manual

1410Self-Contained

EZTest®Incubator

OPERATIONMANUAL

Part # 9183 Rev. A

For use with the EZTest

Biological Indicator Products

Model 1410

®

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Model 1410

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TableofContents

Introduction 3

Safety Information 4

Installation & Warm Up 5

Temperature Selection 6

Operation 7

Maintenance & Service 9

Warranty 11

Specifications 12

Introduction

The Mesa Labs biological indicator incubator is designed for convenient and effective incubation
of EZTest self-contained biological indicators requiring an incubation temperature of 37°C, 57°C,
or 60°C. The incubator features a built-in thermometer with LED display, 13 incubation cavities,
and an integrated activation (crushing) cavity.

An EZTest self-contained biological indicator consists of a capped thermoplastic culturing vial
containing a glass media ampoule and a carrier inoculated with bacterial spores. Upon removal
from the sterilizer, the indicator is activated by flexing the plastic culturing vial to crush the inner
glass ampoule which allows the growth medium to contact the spore carrier. The activated
indicator is then incubated for a specified length of time and observed for color change of the
growth medium. If the medium turns yellow during incubation, the test is positive indicating
growth and inadequate sterilization.

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SafetyInformation

Handle with caution. The surface of the incubator may become hot to the touch.

The incubator has been designed with function, reliability, and safety in mind. It is the user’s
responsibility to install it in conformance with local electrical codes. For safe operation, please
pay attention to the alert boxes throughout the manual.

Warning

UseOnlyasDirected

• Indoor use only.

• Temperature 10°C to 35°C.

• Maximum relative humidity 80% for temperatures up to

31°C decreasing linearly to 50% relative humidity at 35°C.

• Main power supply voltage fluctuations not to exceed ±10%
of the nominal voltage.

• Installation class II service.

• Polution-Degree 2 environments.

• Altitude less than 2000m.

Caution

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Note

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Refer to manual.

Cautions alert you to potential equipment damage
and hazards.

Notes alert you to pertinent facts and conditions

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InstallationandWarmUp

The incubator is designed for continuous operation and does not have a power switch. The
incubator will power on when it is plugged into a power source.

Note: the incubator must be installed in a location where temperature is maintained between 10°C
(50°F) and 35°C (95°F).

1. Remove the incubator from its packaging.

2. Unpack the power supply. The power supply includes four interchangeable blades (plugs).
Select the appropriate blades for your region and attach the blades to the power supply.

3. Plug the power supply into a power source.

4. Insert the small connector from the power supply into the matching recepticle in the back
of the incubator (see Figure 1).

5. The incubator will automatically power on and perform a self-test. Upon completion, the
installed firmware revision will be displayed on the LED screen for two seconds.

6. The incubator will begin its warm-up phase. During this time the configured temperature
setpoint will fade in and out on the LED screen.

7. The incubator is ready to use when the configured setpoint is no longer fading in and out,
and the LED screen displays the current operating temperature of the incubator.

Note: it may take approximately 30 minutes for the incubator to warm up to operating temperature,
depending on the selected incubation temperature and the temperature of the environment in which
the incubator is installed.

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Temperature Selection

The incubator can be configured to operate at 37°C for biological indicators containing Bacillus
atrophaeus, or 57°C or 60°C for biological indicators containing Geobacillus stearothermophilus.

The incubator is initially configured to operate at 60°C.

Caution: failure to set the correct incubation temperature will yield invalid test results. It is not

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1. With the incubator powered on, simultaneously press and hold the two small buttons on

2. Release the buttons, then press either button repeatedly to toggle between the available

3. When the desired temperature setpoint is blinking on the display, press and hold both

4. The configured setpoint will fade in and out on the LED screen until the incubator has

possible to incubate at multiple temperatures simultaneously. Refer to the instructions for use for
your biological indicators to select the appropriate incubation temperature.

the rear of the incubator (see Figure 1) for ~2 seconds until the currently selected
temperature setpoint blinks on the LED display.

temperature setpoints (37°C, 57°C, or 60°C).

buttons for ~2 seconds.

reached temperature, upon which the actual temperature of the incubator will be
displayed.

Figure 1 - Rear of Incubator

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Operation

Note: refer to the instructions for use supplied with your biological indicators for information on
processing, incubation, interpretation of results, and using positive controls.

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When the incubator has reached the configured temperature, the actual temperature of the
incubator will be shown on the LED display, indicating that the unit is ready to accept biological
indicators. Verify that the temperature displayed is within the allowable range for your biological
indicator before proceeding (see the instructions for use supplied with your biological indicators).

Biological Indicator Activation

Prior to incubation, the biological indicator must be activated by crushing its internal glass
medium ampoule. This allows the color-change medium from the ampoule to contact the spore
carrier.

The incubator contains an activation (crushing) cavity to simplify activation (see Figure 2). Place
the processed or positive control biological indicator into the left side of the activation cavity and
flex the indicator to the right until the glass ampoule breaks.

WARNING: allow a processed BI to cool for at least 10 minutes upon removal from the sterilizer. Failure to
do so may cause the glass medium ampoule to burst during activation, resulting in injury from hot liquid or
flying debris.

Note: you may have to grip the incubator by the base while activating a BI so that it does not tip over.

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Incubation

To confirm adequate sterilization (negative result), self-contained biological indicators must be
incubated for the appropriate length of time (“incubation time”). Please refer to the instructions
for use that came with your biological indicators for the proper incubation time.

Immediately upon activation, place the indicator into one of the thirteen numbered incubation
cavities (see Figure 2). Record the incubation start time and cavity number.

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Observe the color of the growth medium in the BI at regular intervals during incubation. A color
change to yellow during the incubation time indicates bacterial growth (positive test). If the
incubation time expires and no color change to yellow is observed, this indicates a negative test.

Caution: if a positive control does not grow, do not use the remaining units from the box and contact

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inadvertent sterilization of the box of indicators, or improper storage. If the control is negative because of one of
the latter two causes, do not use any of the other biological indicators from the same box.

your dealer immediately. A positive control that does not turn yellow is a serious problem. Fortunately,
the causes are few: a grossly malfunctioning incubator, inadvertent sterilization of the control vial,

Figure 2 – Top of Incubator

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Maintenance&Service

The incubator requires no maintenance other than cleaning as necessary.

Cleaning

1. Unplug the incubator before cleaning.

2. To clean the exterior, use a cloth dampened with isopropyl alcohol.

3. To clean the incubation and activation cavities, use a cotton swab dampened with
isopropyl alcohol.

WARNING: DO NOT IMMERSE THE UNIT IN ANY LIQUID AND DO NOT SPRAY OR POUR
LIQUID DIRECTLY ONTO THE UNIT. DOING SO MAY DAMAGE THE INCUBATOR AND
VOID YOUR WARRANTY.

Replacement Parts

Description

Power Supply

Quantity Required

1 P6-1000

Part Number

Temperature Verification

The incubator, including the LED temperature display, is factory calibrated using a NIST traceable
temperature standard and does not require user calibration.

Incubation temperature can be verified by placing an NIST traceable thermometer into one of
the incubation cavities and allowing 30 minutes for temperature stabilization. The temperature
reading should be within +/- 2°C of the incubator set-point temperature.

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Service

The incubator is not field-serviceable. In the event of an incubator malfunction, please contact
your dealer immediately.

When requesting service, please have ready the model and serial number of the incubator. The
model and serial number are located on the bottom of the unit.

Prior to returning any materials, a Return Goods Authorization (RGA) must be obtained from your
dealer. Any materials returned without an RGA will be refused.

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Warranty

Mesa Labs expressly warrants the Model 1410 biological indicator incubator manufactured by it
as set forth herein. Mesa Labs makes no other warranties, either express or implied. No warranty
as to merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose shall apply. In addition, the following shall
constitute the exclusive remedies of buyer for any breach by Mesa Labs of its warranty
hereunder.

Material and Workmanship: Mesa Labs warrants the Model 1410 incubator manufactured by
Mesa Labs shall be free from defects in material and workmanship, under normal use and service,
for a period of fifteen (15) months from the date the product shipped from Mesa Labs. If any
part of the equipment is returned within this time and found by Mesa Labs to be defective in
workmanship or material, it will be replaced or repaired, free of charge and returned F.O.B. your
plant. Any equipment or part thereof so replaced or repaired shall be warranted by Mesa Labs
for the remainder of the original warranty period. All replacements or repairs necessitated by
inadequate preventive maintenance, or by normal wear and usage, or deterioration under
unsuitable environmental conditions shall be at Buyer's expense. Buyer may incur service charge
for evaluation of returned equipment not found to be defective. Mesa Labs shall not be obligated
to pay any charges incurred by Buyer except as may be agreed upon in writing in advance by
Mesa Labs.

Limitation of Remedy: Mesa Labs shall not be liable for damages caused by delay in performance.
The sole and exclusive remedy for breach of contract shall be limited to repair or replacement
under the standard warranty clause. In no case shall Mesa Labs liability exceed the price to buyer
of the specific goods manufactured by Mesa Labs giving rise to the cause of action. Buyer agrees
that in no event shall Mesa Labs liability extend to include incidental or consequential damages.

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20% -

80%

Non-condensing

Specifications

Incubator

Catalog Number I1410

Overall Dimensions Width 3.5 in / 9 cm

Height 2.0 in / 5.08 cm
Depth 4.0 in / 10.2 cm
Weight 0.89 lb / 0.4 kg

Incubation Cavities Number 13

Diameter 0.375 in / 0.94 cm
Depth 1 in / 2.54 cm

Thermometer Accuracy + / - 1ºC

Electrical Ratings
(for use with certified class 2
power supply)
Operating Range Temperature 37ºC / 57ºC / 60ºC
Environmental Conditions Ambient Temperature 10ºC - 35ºC

Conformance CSA/C/US, CE, RoHS, FCC Part 15 Class A, ICES-003 Class A

Volts 12VDC
Watts 18.0
Amps 1500 mA

Relative Humidity

Power Supply

Catalog Number P6-1000

Rated Input Voltage 100 – 240VAC
Input Voltage Range 90 – 264VAC
Rated Frequency 50-60Hz
Rated Input Current 1.0A
Output Voltage 12VDC
Max Output Current 2.5A
Max Output Wattage 30W
Safety Approvals UL/cUL, GS, CCC, RCM
EMC/EMI FCC class B, CE, VCC I class II
RoHS Compliant Yes
Storage Temperature -10°C – 70°C
Storage Humidity 10 – 90%
Operating Temperature 0 – 40°C

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12100 West 6th Ave.
Lakewood, CO 80228 USA
[phone]
FAX [phone]
www.mesalabs.com

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