BCS XP System

Quick reference guide

www.siemens.com/diagnostics

Answers for life.

Table of contents

1. Startup
2. Hardware overview
3. Software overview
4. Daily setup
5. Weekly maintenance
6. Monthly maintenance
7. Lot data CD
8. Loading reagents
9. QC run
10. Job list symbols
11. Sample processing
12. Calibration Note: This document is for supplemental use only, and not meant to be used in
place of primary technical materials.
13. Data maintenance tool
This quick reference guide, and the software described within, are copyrighted.
14. Shutdown No part of this may be copied, reproduced, translated, or reduced to any
electronic medium or machine-readable form without the prior written consent
15. Abnormal results guide of Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics.

© 2023 Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics, Inc. | All rights reserved | T05001.0002 | Effective 08/02/2023
Starting up the BCS® XP analyzer

1. Turn on the BCS XP analyzer.

2. Turn on the BCS XP computer.
3. When prompted, enter the Windows Operating
System user name and password.
4. BCS XP software will automatically start.
5. When prompted “Do you want to start the
software?” select Yes.
6. Enter the user name and password for the
BCS XP operating system.
7. Select OK.
8. When Ready is displayed on the status line,
instrument is ready for use.

STARTUP
Hardware overview
Protective cover Reagent probe
• Reagent probe
Picks up reagents for processing
• Sample probe
Picks up samples for processing
• Measurement unit
Assay measurement occurs Sample probe

• Rotor waste
Used rotors storage
Measurement unit
• Rack unit
Load Samples rack area
• Dispensing unit
Contains two dilutors:
–– 250uL sample dilutor Dispensing unit
–– 1,000uL reagent dilutor Rack unit
• Protective cover
Protective cover can be lifted Rotor waste

to initialize an emergency stop

HARDWARE
OVERVIEW
Software overview

Menu options
File, Edit, Routine,
Definitions, System and Help

Navigation bar
Loading, Job list, Reagent
overview, Analyzer,
Calibration, Control
journal, and Help

Toolbar
Displays available functions
depending on navigation
icon selected

Status line
Gives working status
of analyzer

SOFTWARE
OVERVIEW
Navigation bar

Loading Calibration
Preloading racks with non-bar-coded samples or reagents Viewing the reference curves and calibration data

Job list Control journal

View sample results Viewing and processing quality control

Reagent overview Help

View all onboard reagent information Further information on errors

Analyzer
Displays the instrument parameters, etc.
system temperatures
System maintenance

Empty the rotor waste bin.

Replenish rotor supply.

Change washing solution.

Empty liquid waste.

Refill distilled water and disinfectant.

DAILY
SETUP
Daily maintenance

1. Check tubing and syringes Select System > Syringe > Continue >
No. of rinsing cycles: 1 > Rinse

2. Clean exterior of probes Select System > Park position > Login
Clean probes with alcohol pad
Press Done when complete

3. Check probe functionality Select System > Probe > Continue

Select check boxes for left probe
Washing intensity: Check probe > Start
Repeat for right probe

4. Shift Change Select System > Shift change

Delete samples: Clears all samples and results
from joblist
Delete results: Clears sample results only
Delete control journal: Clears previous QC results
control journal
Disinfection: Select to disinfect system
Weekly maintenance

1. Disinfect the rinse container.

Analyzer: On BCS XP program is running
2. Disinfect the tubes leading to rinse container. 1. Disinfect the distilled water container with disinfectant.
Then rinse the container thoroughly with distilled water
3. Clean instrument surface. before refilling with distilled water.
4. Check tubing for crimps and dirt. 2. Disinfect rinse container tubing:
Select System.
5. Clean and disinfect rack lanes. Select Tube disinfection. After the message has been
confirmed, the Disinfect tubes dialog opens; follow the
6. Disinfect racks. instructions in the dialog.

Close the BCS XP software;

Power off computer and analyzer
3. Clean the surface of the instrument with disinfectant.
4. Check tubing for bends and dirt.
5. Clean and disinfect the rack lanes with disinfectant. Lightly
dampen a lint-free cloth with disinfectant and open the front
cover to access rack lanes.
6. Disinfect the racks. Spray the racks with disinfectant.

WEEKLY
MAINTENANCE
Monthly maintenance
1. Oil black tip syringes.

2. Validate the analyzer.

3. Clean bar code scanner.

4. Clean keyboard and mouse.

5. Clean rubber gripper pads.

Note: Maintenance procedures detailed on following pages.

MONTHLY
MAINTENANCE
Monthly maintenance: Oil black tip syringes
Removing the syringes 3. Wipe the tip of the black Teflon head with
a lint free cloth to remove excess oil.
1. Select System > Syringe > Continue.
4. Place the plunger back into the syringe
2. Select left and right syringes. Valve
barrel. Move it up and down several Luer lock
3. Select Change syringe. times to ensure that it moves freely Luer sleeve
4. A window will appear prompting you within the syringe.
Barrel of
to change the syringe. the syringe
5. Open the dilutor cover.
Replacing the syringe Plunger

6. Loosen the knurled nut and lift the Plunger head

1. Holding the syringe barrel, insert the
plunger head out of the straining ring. Syringe platform
syringe into the Luer lock by turning it with straining ring
7. Holding the syringe barrel, remove to the right until it is tight.
the syringe from the Luer lock by Knurled nut
2. Pull the head of the plunger down into Plunger driver
turning the barrel to the left and
the straining ring.
remove the syringe.
3. While pushing down on the plunger
head, screw the knurled nut to close Note: The analyzer will automatically rinse.
Oiling the black-tip syringe the straining ring until tight. Verify that there are no bubbles in the
1. Pull plunger out of the glass barrel. 4. Tug gently on the plunger to ensure syringes once the rinse is complete. If there
there is no movement are still bubbles at the completion of the
2. Place a small drop of silicon oil from rinse, continue rinsing in the syringe dialog
the lubrication kit on a plastic bag 5. Select Done. until all of the bubbles have been dispersed.
provided in the kit. Roll the sides
of the plunger’s black Teflon tip in oil.
Monthly maintenance: Validate the analyzer
Using the BC validation kit, verify that the BCS XP System Testing
meets precision and accuracy specifications.
Perform the tests listed in the following order. Do not begin the
Preparation next test until results from the previous are acceptable.
1. Open validation kit. Fill tube Empty Tube 0101 with DH2O. 1. Request Precision Sample test for sample number 105.
Fill bottle labeled Empty Bottle with DH2O. Do not select any other tests until the result of sample
2. Ensure at least 5 rotors are loaded. 105 is displayed. The result of sample 105 must be less than
or equal to 5.0. This is the precision of the sample probe. If
3. Remove all caps. Load Test Solution R and bottle
the result is greater than 5.0, perform an intensive wash and
of DH2O into reagent rack onto rack lane 4.
repeat the Precision Sample test. When the result is correct,
4. Load sample tubes 101, 105, 106, 107, and 108 into continue with Step 2.
a sample rack.
2. Request Precision Reagent test for sample 101. Do not
5. Load the rack in any rack lane 5 through 14. select any other tests until the result of sample 101
is displayed. The result of sample 101 must be less than
or equal to 5.0. This is the precision of the reagent probe.
If the result is greater than 5.0, perform an intensive wash
and repeat the precision sample test. When the result is
correct, continue with Step 3.
3. Request Precision Sample Rep test for samples 106, 107
and 108. Each sample must have a value between 0.95 and
1.05. If any sample is out of range, perform probe maintenance
and repeat the test.
Monthly maintenance: Cleaning
Clean the barcode scanner Clean the rubber gripper pads
Clean the barcode scanner with a cloth dampened 1. Open lid of the left rotor storage and manually move the
with disinfectant. rotor handler over the waste position.
2. If this is not possible, remove the measurement unit cover
Clean the keyboard and mouse to allow better access.
Clean the keyboard and mouse with a cloth dampened Note: The measurement unit cover can be removed only
with disinfectant. if the sample probe is parked.
3. Move rotor handler rotor waste position.
4. Open waste lid and remove waste container.
5. Clean the gripper pads with a lint-free cloth and water.
(You can get to the gripper pads by reaching upwards
to the gripper through the rotor waste.)
6. Put the waste container back in place and close.
7. If removed, remount the measurement unit cover.
Updating lot data
The file can only be installed when the BCS XP program 4. The file will be installed automatically.
is running. 5. If installation was successful the following dialog
1. Insert the BCS XP lot data CD. is shown:
2. Double click EasyLot XP icon from computer-desktop.
3. The following dialog will appear:

6. Eject the CD.

7. Click the Quit button to close installer program.

LOT DATA
CD
Loading Innovin after loading new information
from Lot Data CD
1. After loading the information from the lot data CD,
Always select Do not change
unload the Innovin reagent.
2. Reload the Innovin reagent.
3. When prompted, “Should the ISI value X.XX and the
MNPT value XX.X for the thromboplastin lot XXXXXX
be overwritten with X.XX and X.XX?”
Loading barcoded reagents
1. Select Analyzer icon.
2. Select a rack and press Eject .
3. Place reagents in rack with barcode visible.
Note: GW-5 vials require an adaptor.
4. Insert rack.
5. Select the Reagent overview icon to view
stability and volume.

LOADING
REAGENTS
Loading non-barcoded reagents
1. Place reagent vial in rack with appropriate
adapter if necessary.
2. Load rack on BCS XP analyzer.
3. BCS XP software will eject rack and open
Loading dialogue box, allowing for reagent
identification.
4. Scroll down reagent list displayed and
select reagent and lot number.
5. Select Adapter: with or without.
6. Load rack on the BCS XP.
Changing wash coag solution
1. Select System > Washing solution > Center
bottle > Login.

2. Move the center wash solution to the reagent

probe wash solution position 1 and place the
new wash solution in the center.
Left bottle 1
3. Select Done.

Center bottle
Vial types

1 2 3 4
Vial type Eppendorf BCS cup GW-5 GW-15
Dead volume 150–250 µL
20–50 µL 250–300 µL (with magnetic 300–350 µL
stirrer, 2000 µL)
Quality control
1. Load the control vials in a rack.

2. Select Control journal.

3. Select the test cell of each assay to be requested.

4. Select New. A red X appears.

PROCESSING QC
Job list symbols

Flag Description
3 Result OK

Control not assigned

Analyzer symbol: Samples are on the analyzer

Reference curve is missing

Test has been requested

Results are doubtful

No reaction

Red dash: Results below reference range

Red plus sign: Results above reference range

Red greater-than sign: Results above measurement range

Red less-than sign: Results below measurement range

Red stop sign with exclamation point: Result is invalid

! Invalid QC result

JOB LIST
SYMBOLS
Order test manually, non-barcoded tubes
1. Load rack with samples.

2. The transport mechanism will automatically

eject the rack.

3. The BCS XP software will automatically open

the Loading screen.

4. The rack with the unidentified sample is displayed.

5. Samples are shown as blue circles in the rack.

6. The selected sample is highlighted in blue.

7. Enter the sample ID for the highlighted

in sample ID field.

8. In the Assays window, choose appropriate assay.

9. Select Insert.

SAMPLE
PROCESSING
Calibration

1. Load calibrator and reagents on analyzer.

Select the Calibration dialog.

Select New.

Select the assay name.

Select the lot numbers.

Select Measure curve.

Select Close.

CALIBRATION
Data Maintenance Tool
Performing backup using flash drive 7. Select your removal disk or flash drive.
1. Minimize the BCS XP software by clicking on the symbol. 8. Select Open.
Note: The software automatically names the file.
2. Insert flash drive into USB port.
Note: If you want to use the Data Maintenance Tool 9. Select Save.
to restore data from a previous backup, the BCS XP
software must be closed. 10. Select Start Backup.

3. From the desktop, double-click on 11. To remove flash drive, right-click on flash drive symbol
the Data Maintenance Tool icon. in right hand corner of screen.
A message appears: “The Data Maintenance Tool cannot
be used to restore files because other BCS XP applications 12. Select Remove.
are running. Do you want to proceed?”
13. Select Stop.
4. Select Yes.
14. Select OK.
5. Select Backup.
15. Remove flash drive from computer and select Close.
6. Select My Computer.

DATA
MAINTENANCE
Shutting down the BCS XP analyzer

Select File and Quit from the toolbar.

2. Select Yes to confirm shutdown.

Select or Deselect checkbox for Disinfect instrument.

Job list and Control journal deletions can be performed
here as needed.

Select Continue.

5. Switch off the analyzer.

6. Select Start.

7. Select Shutdown.

8. Select drop-down arrow Shutdown.

9. Select OK.

SHUTDOWN
Abnormal results: PT

Remarks Possible cause Resolutions

AMaxMin: Optically challenged: Hemolysis 1. Verify sample and reagent integrity along with maintenance procedures.
Minimum absorbance too high Icterus 2. Review measurement curve and sample remarks.
Lipemia • If Angle error, reanalyze using Extended Measurement Assay.
• If baseline absorbance is elevated or AMaxMin error occurs, reanalyze
Minimum Delta A: Low fibrinogen
using the 570 wavelength.
Insufficient change in signal Blocked sample probe
Note: Minimum absorbance limit for PT with Innovin is 4000 mA.
Clotted probe
• If Drop or New Wave error, reanalyze sample. If baseline absorbance
Angle: Low fibrinogen is elevated, use the 570 wavelength.
Onset of coagulation doubtful Low factor activity 3. If reanalysis gives results without error, report the result as determined
Anticoagulants by the laboratory policy.
Drug interference 4. If reanalysis produces errors again, evaluate the curve manually. Report
Underfilled sample tube per the laboratory protocol. If the result is unacceptable, follow the
Drop Low fibrinogen laboratory’s alternate protocol.

New wave: Drug interference Note: New wave errors are not reportable.
Ambiguous reaction Optically challenged Measuring range of the optical system exceeded:
Low fibrinogen If occurring on only one sample, follow AMaxMin direction. If occurring
Sample integrity on multiple samples, suspect error with the lamp unit. Contact CCC-TS
Measurement curve without Optically challenged: at 1-800-242-3233, Option 1.
reaction/result invalid Pathological sample
Measurement curve without reaction/result invalid errors are not
Sample contamination
to be reported as “Greater than/less than the reportable limit.”
Instrument problem
(i.e., temperatures out of range, defective
measuring unit, blocked probe)

ABNORMAL
RESULTS GUIDE
Abnormal results: aPTT

Remarks Possible cause Resolutions

AMaxMin: Optically challenged: 1. Verify sample and reagent integrity along with maintenance procedures.
Minimum absorbance too high Hemolysis 2. Review measurement curve and sample remarks.
Icterus • If AngleDB error, reanalyze using Extended Measurement Assay.
Lipemia • If baseline absorbance is elevated or AMaxMin Error occurs, reanalyze
using the 570 wavelength.
AngleDB: Low fibrinogen
Note: Minimum absorbance limit for PT with aPTT is 5000 mA.
Onset of coagulation doubtful Low factor activity
• If Drop error, reanalyze sample. If baseline absorbance is elevated, use
Anticoagulants
the 570 wavelength.
Drug interference
3. If reanalysis gives results without error, report the result as determined
Underfilled sample tube
by the laboratory policy.
Drop Low fibrinogen 4. If reanalysis produces errors again, evaluate the curve manually. Report
Measurement curve without Optically challenged: per the laboratory protocol. If the result is unacceptable, follow the
reaction/result invalid Pathological sample laboratory’s alternate protocol.
Sample contamination Measuring range of the optical system exceeded:
If occurring on only one sample, follow AMaxMin direction. If occurring
Instrument problem on multiple samples, suspect error with the lamp unit. Contact CCC-TS
(i.e., temperatures out of range, defective at 1-800-242-3233, Option 1.
measuring unit, blocked probe)
Measurement curve without reaction/result invalid errors are not
to be reported as “Greater than/less than the reportable limit.”
Abnormal results: Fibrinogen

Remarks Possible cause Resolutions

AMaxMin: Optically challenged: Hemolysis 1. Verify sample and reagent integrity along with maintenance procedures.
Minimum absorbance Icterus 2. Review measurement curve and sample remarks.
too high Lipemia • If Angle or Drop error, reanalyze using Fib.Low Assay.
• If baseline absorbance is elevated or AMaxMin error occurs, reanalyze using
Angle: Low fibrinogen
the 570 wavelength.
Onset of Low factor activity
• If Min Delta A error, reanalyze using Fib.Low Assay, verify the sample is not
coagulation doubtful Anticoagulants
clotted and the sample probe is not blocked.
Drug interference
• If New wave error, reanalyze sample. If absorbance is elevated, use the 570
Underfilled sample tube
wavelength.
Drop Low fibrinogen • If “<” Limits of calibration, reanalyze using Fib.Low Assay.
Minimum Delta A: Low fibrinogen 3. If reanalysis gives results without error, report the result as determined by the
Insufficient change Blocked sample probe laboratory policy.
in signal Clotted sample 4. If reanalysis produces errors again, evaluate the curve manually. Report per
the laboratory protocol. If the result is unacceptable, follow the laboratory’s
New wave: Drug interference
alternate protocol.
Ambiguous reaction Optically challenged
Low fibrinogen Note: New wave errors are not reportable.
Sample integrity Measuring range of the optical system exceeded:
Measurement curve Optically challenged: Pathological sample If occurring on only one sample, follow AMaxMin direction. If occurring
without reaction/ Sample contamination on multiple samples, suspect error with the lamp unit. Contact CCC-TS
result invalid at 1-800-242-3233, Option 1.
Instrument problem Measurement curve without reaction/result invalid errors are not
(i.e., temperatures out of range, defective to be reported as “Greater than/less than the reportable limit.”
measuring unit, blocked probe)
Abnormal results: Innovance D-Dimer®

Remarks Possible cause Resolutions

AMaxMin: Optically challenged: 1. Verify sample and reagent integrity along with maintenance procedures.
Minimum absorbance Hemolysis 2. Review measurement curve and sample remarks.
too high Icterus • If Flag > Limits of calibration, then run DDi.High.
Lipemia • If No linear Range, reanalyze the sample.
V Lin Integral:
Increasing curve • If AMaxMin error, determine if sample is lipemic, icteric, or hemolyzed.
expected Lipemic samples may require additional centrifugation.
3. If reanalysis gives results without error, report the result as determined by the
V Lin Integral: laboratory policy.
No linear range 4. If reanalysis produces errors again, follow the laboratory’s alternate protocol.
Measurement curve Optically challenged: Measuring range of the optical system exceeded:
without reaction/ Pathological sample If occurring on only one sample, follow AMaxMin direction. If occurring
result invalid Sample contamination on multiple samples, suspect error with the lamp unit. Contact CCC-TS
at 1-800-242-3233, Option 1.
Instrument problem
(i.e., temperatures out of range, defective Measurement curve without reaction/result invalid errors are not
measuring unit, blocked probe) to be reported as “Greater than/less than the reportable limit.”

Note: Innovance D-Dimer results are evaluated with the 570 nm wavelength
for all evaluations.
Abnormal results: Chromogenic

Remarks Possible Cause Resolutions

AMaxMin: Optically challenged: 1. Verify sample and reagent integrity along with maintenance procedures.
Minimum absorbance Hemolysis 2. Review measurement curve and sample remarks.
too high Icterus • If AMaxMin error, then reanalyze sample.
Lipemia • If Reaction curve has unacceptable correlation error, then reanalyze
Delta A per Minute:
Increasing/decreasing sample or dilute samples as appropriate.
curve expected • If < or > Limits of the calibration, then dilute sample as appropriate.
• If Increasing/Decreasing curve error, then reanalyze sample or dilute
Delta A per Minute: samples as appropriate.
Reaction curve has 3. If reanalysis gives results without error, report the result as determined by the
unacceptable laboratory policy.
correlation 4. If reanalysis produces errors again, follow the laboratory’s alternate protocol.
Measurement curve Optically challenged: Recollection of the sample should be considered.
without reaction/ Pathological sample Measuring range of the optical system exceeded:
result Invalid Sample contamination If occurring on only one sample, follow AMaxMin direction. If occurring
on multiple samples, suspect error with the lamp unit. Contact CCC-TS
Instrument problem at 1-800-242-3233, Option 1.
(i.e., temperatures out of range, defective
measuring unit, blocked probe) Measurement curve without reaction/result invalid errors are not
to be reported as “Greater than/less than the reportable limit.”

Note: Chromogenic assays are not validated with a 570 nm wavelength option.

Customer Care Center – Technical Solutions: 1-800-242-3233, Option 1

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clinical diagnostics, provides healthcare professionals
in hospital, reference, and physician office laboratories
and point-of-care settings with the vital information
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BCS and Innovance are registered trademarks of

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property of their respective owners.

Product availability may vary from country to country

and is subject to varying regulatory requirements.
Please contact your local representative for availability. Note: This document is for supplemental use only, and not
meant to be used in place of primary technical materials.

This quick reference guide, and the software described

SMN: 10485341
within, are copyrighted. No part of this may be copied,
Order No. A91DX-HHS-140143-UC1-4A00 reproduced, translated, or reduced to any electronic
08/02/2023 | All rights reserved medium or machine-readable form without the prior
© 2023 Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Inc. written consent of Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics, Inc.

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