Published on LMS

The annual maintenance protocol for the Cartridge-based Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (CBNAAT) instrument involves calibration of the machine. 

Calibration:

It is important to adhere to the manufacturer's installation guide for optimal performance of the Cartridge-based Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (CBNAAT) machine. This guide should be kept in the laboratory. It is important to thoroughly read the instalment steps given in the brochure supplied with the machine.

Strict monitoring of these criteria should be carried out by the laboratory personnel:

Maintenance of the CBNAAT instrument is an essential activity to be performed in the laboratory setting and involves:

Preventive Maintenance Tasks

• Performed regularly by the user
• Ensure the good performance of the system
• Avoid problems of malfunction

Need-based Maintenance Tasks

• Performed in specific situations
• Performed or guided by manufacturer representatives

Frequency-based Tasks for the CBNAAT Instrument

Some Cartridge-based Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (CBNAAT) machine errors will indicate test failure without Error Codes.

Error: Invalid

Problem: 

Sample Processing Control (SPC) failed.

Origin: 

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was inhibited due to food particles or blood in the sample.

Solution:  

Laboratory Technician (LT) needs to collect another specimen, if necessary.

Prevention: 

Error - 2014, 3074, 3075 and 1001, in the Cartridge-based Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (CBNAAT) machine are related to ‘Heating Component Related Issues’.

Problem:

Temperature/ Heater Failure

Origins:

• High temperature in module 
• Heater component failure 
• Broken fan 
• Dust on filter near the fan

Troubleshooting:

In the CBNAAT Dx System window:

During the use of the Cartridge-based Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (CBNAAT) machine, Error- 2008 and 2009 may appear on the screen and needs troubleshooting.

Problem:

2008: Pressure reading exceeds the maximum

2009: Syringe pressure is below the protocol limit

Figure: Error 2008

Origins:

One of the common problems encountered while using the CBNAAT machine is the non-detection of the module.

Usually, there is a loss of communication between modules and software, leading to non-detection.

Origins:

• Ethernet connection between Personal Computer (PC) and CBNAAT is bad
• Power supply issue (main power or Universal Power Supply (UPS) fluctuations)
• Bad connection points between gateway board and modules
• Too high room temperature 

Solutions:

If the barcode scanner is not working, enter the cartridge barcode manually (Figure):

• Step 1: Click on “Create Test”
• Step 2: A dialogue box - Scan Cartridge Barcode will appear. Click on “Manual Entry”
• Step 3: Manually type the 2-line numbers of the cartridges

Figure: Process for Manual Entry of the Cartridge Barcode

The Cartridge-based Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (CBNAAT) test has some limitations such as:

The test results of the Cartridge-based Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (CBNAAT) assay are displayed in the ‘View Results’ window, of the CBNAAT software.

For visualizing the results after the test is completed: