tbs electronics SHURCut 2500, SC2500 Operator's Manual

®

A Division of General Data Healthcare

Histology Innovation for a NEW Generation

SHURCut™ 2500 Microtome

Product Name

Semi-Automated Rotary Microtome

Here

Catalog #

SC2500

Pub No.: OM SC2500-1
October 2013
SC2500

Operator’s Manual

Copyright© 2009 General Data Company. All rights reserved

This document may not be copied in whole or in part or reproduced in any other media without the express
written permission of TBS-A Division of General Data Healthcare, or General Data Healthcare. Please note
that under copyright law, copying includes translation into another language.

General Data Healthcare TBS-A Division of General Data Healthcare

Corporate Headquarters 3014 Croasdaile Road
4354 Ferguson Drive Durham, NC 27705
Cincinnati, Ohio 45245 tel. [phone]

Tel. [phone] Fax. [phone]
Fax.[phone]

User Resources and Customer Support

Contact your TBS representative for customer support. For the latest information on TBS products and services,
please visit the TBS website at: www.trianglebiomedical.com

.

Scope

This document contains basic information on the use and operation of a SHURCut™ 2500 Microtome and assumes
you have received basic training on the instrument. Please contact your TBS representative for information not
provided in this manual.

Intended Use

The SHURCut™ 2500 Microtome is designed to section embedded specimens with up to .5 micron precision to
provide best possible samples in the field of histology.

Installation Procedure

The SHURCut™ 2500 must be installed, and instrument performance is to be verified, at the customer site by
trained TBS representatives.

Disclaimers

This manual is not a substitute for the detailed operator training provided by TBS, or for other advanced instruction.
A TBS representative should be contacted immediately for assistance in the event of any instrument malfunction.

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Operator Controls and Components

Operator’s hand wheel

Hand wheel locking mechanism

Lever for 360° hand wheel
brake

Section waste tray
Blade holder

Display panel

Storage Tray
Quick-Release cassette clamp

Clamp Adjuster

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Table of Contents

Operator Controls and Components ....................................................................................................... 4

Declaration of Conformity ....................................................................................................................... 6

Instrument Compliance ............................................................................................................................ 7

Section1 | Safety Instruction .................................................................................................................... 8

Summary......................................................................................................................................................................... 8

Safety Notes.................................................................................................................................................................... 8

Safety Devices ................................................................................................................................................................ 9

Section 2 | Specifications ......................................................................................................................... 10

T echnical Data .............................................................................................................................................................. 10

Section 3 | Preparation ............................................................................................................................. 11

Installation Site Requirements ...................................................................................................................................... 11

Standard Accessory List ............................................................................................................................................. 11

Installation .................................................................................................................................................................... 12

Blade Holder ............................................................................................................................................................. 12

W aste Tray ................................................................................................................................................................ 12

Electrical Connection ................................................................................................................................................... 13

Section 4 | Operation ............................................................................................................................... 14

Control Panel and Its Features ...................................................................................................................................... 14

Display Panel ............................................................................................................................................................ 14

Blade Holder ................................................................................................................................................................. 16

Specimen Clamping System ......................................................................................................................................... 17

Clamping the Specimen and Blade Installation ............................................................................................................ 18

Activating Trimming .................................................................................................................................................... 19

Activate Sectioning ..................................................................................................................................................... 19

Section 5 | Cleaning and Maintenance .................................................................................................. 21

Cleaning the Clamp ...................................................................................................................................................... 21

Cleaning the Blade Holder: .......................................................................................................................................... 22

Section 6 | Troubleshooting .................................................................................................................... 23

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Declaration of Conformity

Konformitätserklärung
Déclaration de conformité
Declaración de Confomidad
Verklaring de overeenstem ming
Dichiarazione di conformità

We/Wir/ Nous/WIJ/Noi

TBS-A Division of General Data Healthcare.

Declare under our sole responsibility that the product,
erklären, in alleniniger Verantwortung,daß dieses Produkt,
déclarons sous notre seule responsabilité que le produit,
declaramos, bajo nuestra sola responsabilidad, que el producto,
verklaren onder onze verantwoordelijkheid, dat het product,
dichiariamo sotto nostra unica responsabilità, che il prodotto,

SHURCut™ 2500 Semi-Automated Rotary Microtome

to which this declaration relates is in conformity with the following standard(s) or other normative documents.
auf das sich diese Erklärung bezieht, mit der/den folgenden Norm(en) oder Richtlinie(n) übereinstimmt.
auquel se réfère cette déclaration est conforme à la (aux) norme(s) ou au(x) document(s) normatif(s).
al que se refiere esta declaración es conforme a la(s) norma(s) u otro(s) documento(s) normativo(s).
waarnaar deze verklaring verwijst, aan de volende norm(en) of richtlijn(en) beantwoordt.

a cui si riferisce questa dichiarazione è conforme alla/e seguente/i norma/o documento/i normativo/i

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Instrument Compliance

TBS-A Division of General Data Healthcare hereby declares the equipment specified conforms to the Classification(s),
Directive(s) and Standard(s) set forth in this document.

Certifications: CE, TUV

EMC Emissions

FCC 47 CFR Part 2, Part 15 CISPR PUB.22 (USA)

EMC Immunity:

EN 55011:2007: (Class B), EN 61000-3-2:2006/A2:2009, EN 61000-3-3:2008, EN 61326-1:2006
IEC 61000-4-2:2008, IEC 61000-4-3:2010, IEC 61000-4-4:2010, IEC 61000-4-5:2005, IEC 610 00-4-6:2008
IEC 61000-4-8:2009, IEC 61000-4-11:2004

EN 61010-1: (Third Edition) :2001, EN61010-1:2010

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Section1 | Safety Instruction

Note： Safety instruction labels on the instrument must be kept in the original place to

The instrument may only be transported in an upright position.

Never lift the instrument by the hand wheel or the cassette clamp. Always

instrument.

Check to make sure that the voltage available at your facility complies with the

Connect the unit using the power cable provided. It is critical to connect to a

Do not operate in rooms with explosion hazards.

Do not tamper with the safety devices of the unit.

Take great care in handling microtome blades. The cutting edge is extremely

Always remove the blade and put in a safe location before detaching the blade

Always clamp the specimen block before inserting or clamping the blade.

Always keep the hand wheel locked when handling the blade or specimen on

Summary

This instrument was built and tested in accordance with the safety regulations as specified below:

Gb9706.1-1995 medical electricity equipment

avoid an accident, personal injury, or damage to the instrument.

Safety Notes

The following instructions are regarding the transport, installation, regulation, operation

and maintenance of the instrument which must be read and complied with.

Warnings-Transport and Installation

remove the section waste tray and blade holder before transporting the

requirements of this unit.

grounded socket.

Warnings-Working with the Instrument

sharp and can cause serious injury.

holder from the unit.

the unit. Cover the cutting edge with the blade guard.

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Place the blade guard over the blade when sectioning.

Make sure that liquids do not enter the interior of the instrument.

Only authorized and qualified service personnel may access the internal

Before each cleaning, switch the unit off, disconnect the power plug, and

Lock the hand wheel before each cleaning.

Do not use any solvents containing acetone or xylene for cleaning.

Make sure that liquids do not enter the interior of the instrument when

Let the unit dry completely before powering up again.

Turn the unit off and disconnect the power plug before replacing fuses. Only

manual.

Do not lock the handwheel (1) when the handwheel is rotating as it will

Whenever cleaning the unit, changing the specimen, or changing the blade,

1
2

1.2.3 Warnings-Cleaning and Maintenance

components of the instrument for service and repair.

remove the blade holder completely and clean it separately.

cleaning.

Safety Devices

use fuses of the same specification and replace them as described in the

Handwheel Locking Mechanism

There are two handwheel locking mechanisms.

• Locking mechanism indicated by (1) on the

diagram can be engaged by flipping the
corresponding switch and rotating the hand
wheel to the upper most position where it will
lock into position.

• Locking mechanism indicated by (2) on the

diagram can be engaged in any position of the
handwheel by rotating the handle 180°
clockwise. To unlock, rotate 180° counter
clockwise.

damage the unit.

make sure the handwheel is locked with either mechanism (1) or (2).

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SC2500

Item:

Description:

Dimensions

Length: 21.6 in (55 cm)

Height: 12.6 in (32 cm)

Weight:

92 lbs. (42 kg)

Environment requirements:

Working temperature：+10℃—40℃

Working pressure:（86～106）kpa

Power Supply:

110/220 v ac±10 %

Frequency:

50/60 Hz

Fuse:

1.5 Amps

Safety Classification:

I - Type b

Blade Profile

Low Profile Blade – Recommended, DMB-LP SHUR/Sharp™

x 0.312” x 3”

Trimming/Section

0.5 to 600µm

100 to 600µm - 50µm increments

3

Blade guard

• Position the blade guard (3) over the blade

when not operating the unit to avoid personal
injury and prevent damaging the blade edge.

• The blade guard（3）in Fig is shown in the up

position where it protects the blade.

Section 2 | Specifications

Technical Data

Width: 16.5 in (42 cm)

Working humidity: <80%

Disposable Microtome Blade, Low Profile, Teflon Coated; (0.012”

Thickness:

0.5 to 2µm - 0.5µm increments
2 to 10µm - 1µm increment
10 to 20µm - 2µm increments
20 to 100µm - 5µm increments

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SC2500 (cont.)

Item

Description

Retraction thickness:

20µm

Specimen horizontal feed:

20mm

Specimen vertical feed:

70mm

Maximum specimen size:

40mm x 50mm x 30mm or standard cassette size

Specimen holder

Horizontal orientation: ±8°
Vertical orientation： ±8°

Left/Right Blade holder
adjustment:

50mm

Place the unit on a well-supported table. Ensure the table is sitting level.

Ensure that the operating temperature and humidity is according to spec.

Ensure that there is nothing obstructing the handwheel operation.

Part:

Quantity:

Microtome

1

Blade holder

1

Quick Release Clamp for Standard Cassette

1

Waste Tray

1

M3 Wrench

1

M4 Wrench

1

Disposable Blades

1

Fuse

2

Operation Manual

1

adjustment system:

Section 3 | Preparation

Installation Site Requirements

Standard Accessory List

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1 2 3

Installation

Blade Holder

Remove the blade holder (1) from the box, and
push it along the track as it is showed in the
picture, and then rotate the blade holder locking
lever (2) to lock the blade holder.

Waste Tray

Remove the waste tray (3) out from the box and
push it along the track as it is showed in the picture.

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4 5 6

Check to make sure that the voltage available at your facility complies with the
requirements of this unit.

Connect the unit using the power cable provided. It is critical to connect to a
grounded socket.

Before changing a fuse, make sure to disconnect power from the unit.

Electrical Connecti on

1. Insert the fuse (6) into the fuse socket (5) as it is

showed in the picture and the insert the whole fuse
socket into the socket (4).

2. Energize the equipment with the switch at

the rear right side. The instrument should
initialize.

3. After the microtome is energized, the display

field in the control panel will illuminate. The
specimen holder will automatically retract
back to zero. This is followed by a beep.

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Section 4 | Operation

LCD display: section

Buttons for setting
Coarse feed

The button activates

The button activates

Button to clear the display

Control Panel and Its Features

All the parameters are set and displayed via the control panel. After being energized, use the control
panel to operate the instrument, the following is a diagram explaining the functions of the control
panel.

thickness / trimming
thickness; section
counter & total
sectioned amount

section thickness and
trimming thickness

Backwards / Forwards

the sectioning mode

the trimming mode

parameters to 0:

1. section counter

2. section thickness sum

Display Panel

• The value in the first line of the display window is the set

sectioning or trimming thickness.
The value in the second line of the display window is the
section or trim counter and section or trim thickness sum (total
advance).

• The system is in trimming mode after energize the
instrument.

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SECT Button

• SECT button activates the sectioning mode. The first line on the

display will show [SECT=]. Used to adjust section thickness

TRIM Button

• TRIM button activates the trimming mode. The first line on the

display will show TRIM=. Used for setting the TRIM thickness

• When the unit is powered on, it will display the last set value for

the section or trimming mode.

• Pressing the CLEAR button will clear the section / trimming counter

and the thickness sum (total advance).When the instrument is
energized, the value of the section counter and section thickness sum
will automatically go back to zero.|

• Press the + (plus) button or – (minus) button to set the section or trim

value.

Adjusting range: 0.5 to 600µm

0.5 to 2µm，0.5µm increments
2 to 10µm，1µm increment
10 to 20µm，2µm increments
20 to 100µm，5µm increments
100 to 600µm，50µm increments

• The arrow buttons control the forward and backward direction of the

arm that holds the specimen. The advance and retract speed is
750µm/s.

• The max forward and backward distance is 20mm. If the maximum

distance is exceeded, the specimen holder will stop moving and an
alarm will sound.

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Always remove the blade first before detaching any of the components of the blade

Always make sure that all 4 levers on the blade holder are tight before using the

The lever on the left operates

The lever on the right
The lever on the left operates

4 2 1

3

Blade Holder

• The blade holder consists of the blade holder base

(2), X-axis slider (3), and the blade holder clamp
(4).

• The whole assembly sits on the base plate (1)

attached to the microtome.

• The X-axis slider (3) allows for 10 degrees of

adjustment of the blade with respect to the specimen.

• The pictures below explains which component each

lever locks.

the blade holder clamp.

operates the X axis slider
clamp.

the Y axis slider clamp.

holder assembly.

microtome to avoid potentially ruining a specimen sample.

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1

2 6 4 5 3 8 7

9

Specimen Clamping System

• To actuate the specimen holding arm (1), rotate the

handwheel (2) clockwise.

• The specimen clamping system comes with two separate

clamps:

o Quick Release Clamp (5):

Dimension of Specimen:

40mm x 50mm x 30mm or the standard
cassette size.

o C-Type Clamp (6) (Optional Accessory):

Dimension of Specimen:

Accepts standard cassette size as well as any
specimen carrier that is less than 40mm in
length/width. The clamp will also accept
carriers as small as 12mm in length/width.

• The clamps (5 or 6) attach to a connector (4) which

attaches itself to the adjuster (3).

• To attach a clamp, first attach the connector (4) to the

adjuster (3) using four screws. Then attach either the
Quick Release Clamp using two screws or the C-Type
Clamp using four screws.

• The specimen clamp adjustor allows for the specimen to

be swiveled in the horizontal and vertical direction:

o Horizontal orientation: ± 8°
o Vertical orientation： ±8°

• To make an adjustment, first loosen the lever (7). Next,

you are able to either adjust the vertical orientation using
the knob on top (8) or the horizontal orientation using the
knob of the right side (9). After the adjustments are made,
retighten the lever (7).

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Always clamp the specimen

1 3 4 2 6

5

8

10 9 7

11

Clamping the Specimen and Blade Installation

Clamping the specimen:

• Using the C-Type Specimen Clamp：

o Put the specimen (4) into the clamp (1) as is

• Using the Quick Release Clamp:

o Pull the clamp handle (5) in the direction

shown in the picture. Then rotate the nut (3)
clockwise to tighten the clamp. To remove
the specimen, rotate the nut
counterclockwise.

showed in the picture. The clamp will open.
You can now insert the specimen (6) into the
clamp (2). Release the handle (5), the
specimen will be clamped automatically. To
remove the specimen, repeat the same
operation.

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first before installing the blade
to avoid injury.

Installing the blade:

• Before installing the blade in the blade holder

clamp, make sure that the blade holder base is

secured (9). Then, choose the angle of the X-Axis
slider and secure it using lever (10). Choose the
lateral location of the blade holder clamp and
secure it using lever (8). Finally, place the blade
in the blade holder clamp as shown by the red
arrow (11) and secure it using lever (7).

Activating Trimming

• To activate the trimming mode, press the button. The screen

will display the set parameters of trimming.

• To set the trim thickness, press the button. The screen will

display the trim thickness value.

• Press the directional buttons to adjust the specimen

forward and back to ensure the specimen is lined up with the
cutting edge.

Activate Sectioning

• Finally, make sure the levers that secure the blade holder are all

tightened. The unit is now ready to section. Unlock the handwheel
and begin to rotate it clockwise to section.

• To activate the SECT mode, press the button and the

instrument goes into sectioning mode, and the screen will display
the set parameters of sectioning.

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• Press the buttons to set the sectioning thickness value.

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• To obtain optimum quality sections, the following factors need to be taken into consideration:

When finished sectioning, turn the handwheel until the specimen is in the upper most

a. The hardness of the specimen
b. The angle of the cutting blade
c. The blade is clamped tightly
d. The specimen is clamped tightly.

• To obtain a quality section, first adjust the proper angle of the cutting blade and the specimen:
a. The smaller the angle, the less the section will be compressed.
b. The harder the specimen, the larger the angle will be needed.
c. If the section is not good, try increasing the angle from zero.

position, lock the handwheel, remove and safely dispose of the blade.

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2

1 3 4

Section 5 | Cleaning and Maintenance

• Cleaning the Unit:

Use a damp cloth to clean the areas that are always touched when operating the
instrument. For example, the handle and the base holder locking lever and the storage area
on the housing can be cleaned with a damp cloth. Use a dry cloth to clean the other
sections.

• TBS offers PA R A Gard™ Paraffin Repellent for cleaning the SHURCut™ 2500 Microtome.

Please contact your TBS representative for more information.

Cleaning the Clamp

• Quick Release Cassette Clamp

o Position (1) which is often touched when

operating, and position (2) which is in contact with
the specimens, need to be cleaned frequently to
ensure there is no contamination.

• C-Type Specimen Clamp
o Position (3) which is often touched when operating

and position (4) which is in contact with the
specimens need to be cleaned frequently to ensure
there is no contamination.

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Cleaning the Blade Holder:

Only authorized and qualified service personnel may access the internal

Makes sure the unit is off and disconnected from the outlet before starting

The blade must be removed before taking off the blade holder for

Lock the handwheel before cleaning.

Do Not use any solvents for cleaning the unit.

Make sure no liquid enters the interior of the unit when cleaning.

To obtain a high quality section, it is important to keep the instrument clean. The user
must clean the instrument regularly according to recommendations of the manual to
consistently obtain the best sectioning quality.

• Remove all the parts of the knife holder as it is showed

in the picture and then clean all the parts separately.
Remember to clean the blade clamp every time before
installing the blade to ensure good sectioning and no
cross contamination.

components of the instrument for cleaning and maintenance.

to clean the instrument.

cleaning.

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Problem

Description

Remedy

·No display, no reaction to

·Mains cable not properly

·

·

·Check if mains cable is

·

·

·The section is uneven alternately

·Insufficient blade angle.

·

·Increase the blade angle until

·

·The section is not continuous

·The angle between blade and

·

·

·Decrease the angle between

·

·

·The section is curved or

·The wax is wedge shaped.

·

·Trim the embedded specimen

·

Section 6 | Troubleshooting

Below is a list of the problems that most frequently occur in the operation of the SHURCut™ 2500. Be aware that

some issues are operator controlled, so please read the Operator’s Manual carefully before using this instrument.

buttons pressed after the
instrument is energized.

in thick and thin sections. In
extreme case, every second
section is skipped, being
followed by a varied thickness.

connected or there is a break
in the circuit

Main fuses defective

The input voltage does not

match with the voltage
specified for the unit.

The clamping setting is not

steady

the embedded cassette is too
large

The set sectioning thickness is

too thick

Blade edge is dull.

properly connected or replace
the main cable

Replace the fuses

Contact TBS to review the
correct voltage requirements.
Do not connect the instrument
as it may cause damage.

optimum clearance has been
found

Check if all the levers are

tightened

the blade and the embedded
specimen

Adjust the thickness setting.

Replace the blade or adjust the

position of the blade.

damaged

to make the top line parallel
with the bottom line, and the
width of the embedded

The embedded specimen is not

parallel with the cutting edge

specimen must be even.

Adjust the specimen clamping
to ensure the top line and the
bottom line of the embedded
specimen parallel with the
cutting edge.

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Problem

Description

Remedy

·The section is curved or damaged

(cont.)

·The density of the paraffin is

·

embedded specimen)

·Remove the uneven paraffin

·

·The section is extremely

·Blade edge is dull.

·

·

·

·

·Sharpen the knife or change

·

·

·

·

·The section is broken or the

·The tissue is not completely

·

·

·

·Dehydrate or clean the tissue

·

·

·

and not too soft.

compressed or wrinkled

uneven

Other outside factors (light,
heater or ventilation affect the
temperature around the

Ambient temperature is too

high

The inclined angle of the blade

is too small

There is a build-up of paraffin
wax on blade edge.

The wax has been used several
times which cause the section
to be damaged

and embed the specimen again

Operate the microtome in a
temperature controlled
environment.

the blade, or adjust the blade
position in horizontal
orientation

Cool down the embedded
specimen and blade in an ice
bath or embed the specimen
with the paraffin which is not
too soft and not too hard

Increase the angle to avoid the
incline plane rubbing the
embedded specimen

Use the wet-cotton and the
cleansing liquid to clean two
sides of the blade from the
bottom. Never clean the blade
from the blade edge because it
may damage the blade and
result in personal injury

Change the paraffin, and
embed the specimen again

specimen is torn.

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dehydrated, or it is not cleaned
correctly.

If the specimen is too soft, it
means the specimen is not
completely penetrated with
paraffin.

The specimen is immersed in
the paraffin too long, or the
paraffin is too ho.t

The specimen is too hard.

again.

Penetrate the specimen with

paraffin and embed it again.

Saving the specimen is

impossible because of damage
to the tissue.

Embed the specimen (tissue)

again in the plastic（histo
resin）or paraffin not too hard

Problem

Description

Remedy

·The section is broken or the

·The blade is uneven

·Sectioning in the even edge of

·The section splits or there is a

·The blade has debris on it.

·

·Clean the blade.

·

·The section sticks to the blade

·The blade edge has debris.

·Clean the blade

·The blade produces scraping

·The angle of blade is not

·Clean the blade

·The blade produces scraping

·The angle of blade is not

·Reinstall the blade and adjust

·The surface of the section is

·The angle of blade is not

·Readjust the angle of the blade

specimen is torn. (cont.)

the blade or change the blade

scratch in length orientation

sounds when sectioning, and
the sections are scratched and
show vibration marks

sounds when sectioning, and
the sections are scratched and
show vibration marks

wavy.

If there are any other maintenance or service issues that cannot be resolved, please contact TBS-A

The specimen is scratched by

hard particles

proper

proper

proper

Division of General Data Healthcare.

Filtrate the paraffin and pump

it slowly

the angle of the blade holder.

holder.

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More Information

PH: 844.643.1129

General Data Healthcare helps labs enhance

productivity and improve workflow with

innovative products, solutions and support that

www.general-data.com/hc

©2014 General Data Healthcare, Inc. All rights reserved. Specications are current at the time of publication; however, they are subject to change without notication. All trademarks and

registered trademarks are property of General Data Healthcare, Inc., Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.

General Data Healthcare, Inc.
Headquarters: 4354 Ferguson Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45245
TBS Facility: 3014 Croasdaile Drive, Durham, NC 27705

focus on delivering better patient safety & care.

Sales Inquiries:
PH: 844.643.1129
Email: [e-mail]
Web: www.general-data.com/hc

Service:
PH: 800.245.5029
Email: [e-mail]