FAQ Leica CV5030

Yes, since August 2006, both workstations can be operated with the deep load container. Thus, the covering on the slides will be improved and problems during coverslipping, like the forming of bubbles, will be eliminated.

In order to ensure the proper function of the deep load container in the CV/ST combinations, the workstations have to be modified before using the container. A catch plate is already installed and the spacer has to be modified to ensure correct function.

Please contact your local Leica service representative for further details. Without prior retrofitting of the instruments, the use of the deep load container will lead to substantial functional problems.

Too much or too little medium is dispensed
Enter the settings menu and increase the volume setting (VOL) as described in the operator’s manual and/or change to a nozzle larger in diameter (smaller number). In addition or alternatively, you may change the medium type setting using the TYP menu option as described in the operator’s manual. Please bear in mind that a lower setting may be helpful in particular for low viscosity media.

Medium stroke setting is not correct
Enter the settings menu and increase the stroke length (LEN). In addition or alternatively, you may change the position of the stroke on the slide using the STP menu option as described in the operator’s manual.

Reagent level in the load container is too low If wet coverslipping is performed, microbubbles near the label area may be generated by a low reagent level in the load container. Either top up the reagent or switch to the optional, deeper load container (only possible in stand-alone mode, not in workstation mode).

Reagent incompatibility - e.g. between mounting medium and load container reagent, or between old and new mounting medium.

Check the type of mounting medium and ensure compatibility of all reagents/media used in the system.

Amount of medium dispensed is not sufficient to fully spread out under the coverslip.

Check if the operator’s manual contains a description of the correct settings for your particular mounting medium and change the current settings accordingly (e.g. either increase the volume of mounting medium dispensed or change the mounting medium type). Alternatively (or in addition) you may need to install a different size nozzle and/or vary the STP (Stroke Position) or LEN (Stroke Length) settings in the instrument menu as described in the operator’s manual.

The nozzle type is not right for the medium dispensed (viscosity of mounting medium either too low or too high for the nozzle type used) Try another nozzle type.

Nozzle is off center

Visually check if medium is applied right along the center of the slide. If this is not the case, ask your Leica service engineer to re-adjust the nozzle.

Nozzle is partially blocked with dried medium

See Release the nozzle as described in the operator’s manual, clean it (needle) and thoroughly soak/rinse it in xylene for a few hours.

A: Suction cups dirty, faulty or deformed

Check the integrity and cleanliness of the suction cups. If necessary, clean suction cups with a tissue moistened with xylene and dry them for approx. 1 hour before re-installing.

A: Medium volume setting possibly incorrect

Increase/decrease the volume and run a few samples for checking.

A:Nozzle height is incorrect

Check the nozzle height – there must be a 0.8 mm gap between the nozzle and the slide surface.

A:Working pressure (on the media bottle) is not kept constant This can only be checked by a Leica Service engineer!

Broken coverslips and/or slides have to be removed from the load area and the output rack bay

To remove the glass debris, open the side panel and check that the bottom of the rack bay is clean. The left side panel can be opened with a screw-driver or a coin. Glass and glass particles may easily be removed using a brush and slides can just be picked up and removed from the instrument.

Typically, slides crash if they are not correctly positioned (e.g. in the input or output rack) due to obstruction by dirt (e.g. glass particles), dried mounting medium or labels protruding over the edge of the slides

Ensure that the slides are correctly inserted into the load rack (and that the rack is inserted correctly into the load container).
To avoid problems, make sure all instrument parts involved in transporting and/or holding the slides such as output racks, slider arms and slider mechanics are clean and obstructions such as glass particles are removed. Use xylene or a xylene substitute to remove dried mounting medium.
Sticky labels need to be attached on the slide surface so they do not protrude over the edge of the slides. Otherwise, protruding labels could stick to the gripper jaw.

Another reason why slides break is when they "vibrate" when being moved from the coverslipping position to the output rack. This happens if the slider mechanism moving the slide is obstructed by dirt (glass particles).

Make sure all instrument parts involved in transporting and/or holding the slides such as output racks, slider arms and slider mechanics are clean and obstructions such as glass particles are removed.

The slides are not fully immersed in reagent inside the load container

If you wish to do wet coverslipping, always ensure that the load container (“bath”) is completely filled with reagent. Check the fluid level in the load container and add reagent, if necessary. Should the maximum filling level not be enough to keep the slides immersed, consider ordering the alternative container of larger size and volume. Please be aware, however, that the larger container is compatible only with the stand-alone CV5030 and NOT with any of the workstations (Autostainer XL or ST5020)!

The racks do not fit properly into the rack holder inside the load container

Ensure that you have the matching rack holder for your racks. In addition, check the bottom of the load container (“bath”) for any debris, e.g. glass particles which may prevent the racks from fitting correctly into the rack holder. If necessary, clean the container.

The rack holder does not fit properly into the load container Check the bottom of the load container (“bath”) for any debris, e.g. glass particles which may obstruct the rack holder. If necessary, clean the container. Also, check for any imperfections of the inner walls / bottom of the load container. The container must be free from any imperfections like welding material, etc. (discoloration is acceptable). If the problem cannot be corrected, you may have to call a Leica Service representative to check the system.

Most likely, the problem is caused by some sort of mechanical obstruction

The transport mechanism consists of a chain module located on the bottom of the load area. Check whether the chains are running when the load drawer is pulled out. If not, the chains may be blocked e.g. by broken glass particles or dried mounting medium. Use an appropriate reagent, e.g. xylene, to clean the transport area. If the chain mechanism does still not work after it has been cleaned, you may need to call a Leica service representative for help.

Yes, since August 2006, both workstations can be operated with the deep load container. Thus, the covering on the slides will be improved and problems during coverslipping, like the forming of bubbles, will be eliminated.

In order to ensure the proper function of the deep load container in the CV/ST combinations, the workstations have to be modified before using the container. A preassembled catch plate will be installed and the spacer has to be modified to ensure correct function.

Please contact your local Leica service representative for further details. Without prior retrofitting of the instruments, the use of the deep load container will lead to substantial functional problems.

Positioning error

Ensure that all parts (rack holder and rack) are inserted correctly and remove debris from the load container.

Slide detected as ‘out of tolerance’ (sensor adjustment issue)

During installation of the CV5030, the slide gripper sensor needs to be adjusted to a slide size typically used in the laboratory (“teach-in”). This setting determines the largest slide dimensions accepted by the instrument.

Slide quality issue

For automated coverslipping, a certain minimum slide quality is needed in order to allow trouble-free performance of the coverslipper. Slides with broken edges, for example, may cause problems for the slide gripper. We recommend using slides conforming to an international standard, such as ‘ISO 8037’.

Slide sensor error

Clean the slide sensor (located in the small silver housing on the right hand side of the loading bay) with a soft cloth which may be moistened with some xylene. After you have finished cleaning, ensure that no cloth fibers remain on the sensor.

Faulty rack

Ensure that the rack is completely intact, i.e. not broken or bent. If you are unsure whether the rack is in good enough condition, use a new one.

Gripper sensor error Call a Leica service representative to check the system.

Probably the slide sensor is dirty

Clean the slide sensor (located in the small silver housing on the right hand side of the loading bay) with a soft cloth which may be moistened with some xylene. After you have finished cleaning, ensure that no cloth fibers remain on the sensor.

If the problem cannot be remedied, call in a Leica service representative to check the system.

Different amounts of medium may be required at different times of the day

The viscosity of mounting media is temperature-dependent. As a rule of thumb, the viscosity of the medium becomes lower when ambient temperature rises. You may need to change the general settings (e.g. reduce volume, type, nozzle size) at certain times of each day, if you experience such problems.

We recommend reading the operator’s manual first. There are several options to de- and increase the volume, type (pressure) and/or the installation of a nozzle with a larger diameter.

The mounting medium in the bottle is kept under pressure, which, combined with the viscosity of the mounting medium, may cause problems when attempting to open the bottle cap.

Always press the “Vent Bottle” button to de-pressurize the bottle to make it easier to open and always keep the mouth of the bottle clean from mounting medium.

Several things should be observed.

If you continue using the same medium, prepare a new bottle of the same medium by opening it and placing it in the fume hood over night for de-gassing. This will reduce the risk of air bubbles forming under the coverslip. When changing the medium bottle, press the “Vent Bottle” button to de-pressurize the medium bottle. This will make it easier to open and keep the mouth of the new bottle clean from any mounting medium. Screw down the red lid, place the dispenser needle over a large vessel and press the “Prime” button continuously until the medium is dispensed bubble-free and there are no bubbles left in the medium tube either.
If you switch to a different medium, proceed as described above and, in addition, flush the system with at least 500 ml (one bottle volume) of xylene before starting to use the new medium. This rinsing procedure will eliminate any problems caused by incompatibility of the old and new mounting medium.

The dispenser system is blocked Remove the dispensing nozzle and soak in xylene over night. Remove any dried medium remnants with a fine needle and ensure the nozzle is perfectly clean and straight before re-installation. You may have to purchase a replacement nozzle. After the nozzle has been reinstalled, flush the system with at least 500 ml (one bottle volume) of xylene before starting to use the new medium.

 A new medium type, which requires different settings, is being used

When changing to a new medium type, your CV5030 settings need to be re-optimized. Try a larger nozzle diameter and proceed from there.

Medium bottle is made of plastic Do not use plastic mounting medium bottles with the CV5030. The CV5030 is equipped with a pressure/vacuum system which is not compatible with plastic bottles. Using plastic bottles with the CV5030 will damage the instrument.

The magazine is not inserted correctly

Ensure that the coverslip magazine is filled with coverslips and inserted correctly into the magazine position. Place coverslips flush with one end.

Coverslips stick together

Use high-quality coverslips only and always store them in a dry place (if necessary in a desiccation chamber). Moist (or electrically charged) coverslips tend to stick together firmly. If your current supplier does not have the appropriate quality available, you may have to consider a change of brand.

Coverslip sensor requires cleaning Clean the suction cups with a tissue moistened with xylene and dry them for approx. 1 hour before re-installing (work carefully - suction cups must not be immersed in xylene). For a more thorough cleaning job, the sensor can also be removed (details on how to carry out this procedure are available from your Leica service representative).

The coverslip laydown position needs to be optimized
Go to the corresponding menu - see section 9.3.1 of the Operator's Manual for details. If the coverslips are still not positioned correctly, after the adjustment has been completed, the coverslip position may need to be optimized laterally.
This type of adjustment can only be carried out by a Leica service representative.

There are two possible causes –the coverslip sensor or the suction cups require cleaning or the suction cups are deformed

If the coverslip sensor (located between the red suction cups) appears dirty, clean it with a tissue moistened with xylene (work carefully - suction cups must not come into contact with xylene). For a more thorough cleaning job, the sensor can also be removed (details on how to carry out this procedure are available from your Leica service representative).

If the suction cups are dirty, clean them with a tissue. If the suction cups are deformed (possibly caused by exposure to xylene), replace them.

The waste tray needs to be installed.

Possibly, the coverslip sensor needs to be cleaned.

Ensure that the sensor is functioning correctly. If the coverslip sensor (located between the red suction cups) appears dirty, clean it with a tissue moistened with xylene (work carefully - suction cups must not be immersed in xylene). For a more thorough cleaning job, the sensor can also be removed (details on how to carry out this procedure are available from your Leica service representative).

If the problem cannot be remedied through cleaning, you may have to call a Leica service representative to check the system.

Most likely, the coverslip magazine is not correctly inserted.
Ensure that the magazine is inserted correctly.

If the problem cannot be remedied, you may have to call a Leica service representative to check the system.

The nozzle is clogged with dried medium or dried medium has built up around the nozzle.

This can happen, when the dispenser module is left dry for too long and/or if there is a compatibility problem between old and new medium.

Remove the dispensing nozzle and soak in xylene over night. Remove any dried medium remains with a fine needle and ensure the nozzle is perfectly clean and straight before re-installation. After re-installation, flush the system with at least 500 ml (one bottle volume) of xylene before the new medium is being used.

If cleaning the nozzle does not remedy the problem, you may have to purchase a replacement nozzle.

You may also consider changing to a larger diameter nozzle, in which case all settings (in particular volume) will have to be re-adjusted / optimized according to the new nozzle type.

The standard delivery of the CV5030 Coverslipper as of May 2005 will include an additional so-called nozzle cleaner (article number: 047840941). This accessory removes adherend embedding media from the dispenser needle (=nozzle) after each rack. Each Leica CV5030 unit can be upgraded with this accessory.

Recommended usage
a) Change the xylene in the dispenser-brush retainer every day (volume approx. 5,5 ml)

b) Exchange the dispenser brush every day

c) Clean the used dispenser brush carefully from adherend mounting media

The wrong parameters have been chosen in the system settings.

Re-adjust all settings following the instructions in the operator’s manual.

A: The nozzle touches the slide. The nozzle needs to be re-adjusted. The recommended distance between nozzle tip and slide is 8 mm. The dispenser module sits on a large screw which can be turned to adjust the nozzle height. If adjusting the nozzle height does not help, you may have to call a Leica service representative to check the system.

The distance between nozzle and slide is not correct The nozzle needs to be re-adjusted. The recommended distance between nozzle tip and slide is 8 mm. The dispenser module sits on a large screw which can be turned to adjust the nozzle height. If adjusting the nozzle height does not help, you may have to call a Leica service representative to check the system.

The nozzle size is not suitable for the type of mounting medium being used

Change to a dispenser nozzle of larger diameter and optimize all settings (in particular volume) accordingly.

The system settings need to be optimized Reduce the medium stroke position and/or correct the starting point of medium application (see operator’s manual).

The nozzle is not securely fastened in the nozzle holder
Secure the nozzle correctly in the holder.

After work and during longer breaks, the nozzle must be parked in the prime position

If no coverslipping will be done for more than 1 hour, we recommend placing the dispenser module into the prime position to prevent the nozzle from drying out. Before reusing the CV5030, a prime cycle needs to be run (even if the instrument is not prompting to prime). If you find that the nozzle gets clogged after longer work breaks (e.g. over weekends), you may have to replace the medium bottle by a bottle filled with xylene during that time. Also, the system should be flushed with xylene prior to leaving work for the weekend.

One step in the program has no defined station-time. The reagent in the program-step does not correspond with the station or vice versa. The CV5030 is not switched on.

The CV5030 is turned off during the staining process. The cables connecting the ST5020/CV5030 workstation have become loose.

The CV5030 is busy or needs attention, e.g. there’s still a rack in the bath or the transfer station is occupied with three racks.

Except for the last station in a staining protocol, every step can be programmed as an exact step. The last station always needs an interaction, either from the user or the workstation.

Too much or too little medium is dispensed
Enter the settings menu and increase the volume setting (VOL) as described in the operator’s manual and/or change to a nozzle larger in diameter (smaller number). In addition or alternatively, you may change the medium type setting using the TYP menu option as described in the operator’s manual. Please bear in mind that a lower setting may be helpful in particular for low viscosity media.

Medium stroke setting is not correct
Enter the settings menu and increase the stroke length (LEN). In addition or alternatively, you may change the position of the stroke on the slide using the STP menu option as described in the operator’s manual.

Reagent level in the load container is too low If wet coverslipping is performed, microbubbles near the label area may be generated by a low reagent level in the load container. Either top up the reagent or switch to the optional, deeper load container (only possible in stand-alone mode, not in workstation mode).

Reagent incompatibility - e.g. between mounting medium and load container reagent, or between old and new mounting medium.

Check the type of mounting medium and ensure compatibility of all reagents/media used in the system.

Amount of medium dispensed is not sufficient to fully spread out under the coverslip.

Check if the operator’s manual contains a description of the correct settings for your particular mounting medium and change the current settings accordingly (e.g. either increase the volume of mounting medium dispensed or change the mounting medium type). Alternatively (or in addition) you may need to install a different size nozzle and/or vary the STP (Stroke Position) or LEN (Stroke Length) settings in the instrument menu as described in the operator’s manual.

The nozzle type is not right for the medium dispensed (viscosity of mounting medium either too low or too high for the nozzle type used) Try another nozzle type.

Nozzle is off center

Visually check if medium is applied right along the center of the slide. If this is not the case, ask your Leica service engineer to re-adjust the nozzle.

Nozzle is partially blocked with dried medium

See Release the nozzle as described in the operator’s manual, clean it (needle) and thoroughly soak/rinse it in xylene for a few hours.

A: Suction cups dirty, faulty or deformed

Check the integrity and cleanliness of the suction cups. If necessary, clean suction cups with a tissue moistened with xylene and dry them for approx. 1 hour before re-installing.

A: Medium volume setting possibly incorrect

Increase/decrease the volume and run a few samples for checking.

A:Nozzle height is incorrect

Check the nozzle height – there must be a 0.8 mm gap between the nozzle and the slide surface.

A:Working pressure (on the media bottle) is not kept constant This can only be checked by a Leica Service engineer!

Typically, slides crash if they are not correctly positioned (e.g. in the input or output rack) due to obstruction by dirt (e.g. glass particles), dried mounting medium or labels protruding over the edge of the slides

Ensure that the slides are correctly inserted into the load rack (and that the rack is inserted correctly into the load container).
To avoid problems, make sure all instrument parts involved in transporting and/or holding the slides such as output racks, slider arms and slider mechanics are clean and obstructions such as glass particles are removed. Use xylene or a xylene substitute to remove dried mounting medium.
Sticky labels need to be attached on the slide surface so they do not protrude over the edge of the slides. Otherwise, protruding labels could stick to the gripper jaw.

Another reason why slides break is when they "vibrate" when being moved from the coverslipping position to the output rack. This happens if the slider mechanism moving the slide is obstructed by dirt (glass particles).

Make sure all instrument parts involved in transporting and/or holding the slides such as output racks, slider arms and slider mechanics are clean and obstructions such as glass particles are removed.

Positioning error

Ensure that all parts (rack holder and rack) are inserted correctly and remove debris from the load container.

Slide detected as ‘out of tolerance’ (sensor adjustment issue)

During installation of the CV5030, the slide gripper sensor needs to be adjusted to a slide size typically used in the laboratory (“teach-in”). This setting determines the largest slide dimensions accepted by the instrument.

Slide quality issue

For automated coverslipping, a certain minimum slide quality is needed in order to allow trouble-free performance of the coverslipper. Slides with broken edges, for example, may cause problems for the slide gripper. We recommend using slides conforming to an international standard, such as ‘ISO 8037’.

Slide sensor error

Clean the slide sensor (located in the small silver housing on the right hand side of the loading bay) with a soft cloth which may be moistened with some xylene. After you have finished cleaning, ensure that no cloth fibers remain on the sensor.

Faulty rack

Ensure that the rack is completely intact, i.e. not broken or bent. If you are unsure whether the rack is in good enough condition, use a new one.

Gripper sensor error Call a Leica service representative to check the system.

Probably the slide sensor is dirty

Clean the slide sensor (located in the small silver housing on the right hand side of the loading bay) with a soft cloth which may be moistened with some xylene. After you have finished cleaning, ensure that no cloth fibers remain on the sensor.

If the problem cannot be remedied, call in a Leica service representative to check the system.

Different amounts of medium may be required at different times of the day

The viscosity of mounting media is temperature-dependent. As a rule of thumb, the viscosity of the medium becomes lower when ambient temperature rises. You may need to change the general settings (e.g. reduce volume, type, nozzle size) at certain times of each day, if you experience such problems.

We recommend reading the operator’s manual first. There are several options to de- and increase the volume, type (pressure) and/or the installation of a nozzle with a larger diameter.

The mounting medium in the bottle is kept under pressure, which, combined with the viscosity of the mounting medium, may cause problems when attempting to open the bottle cap.

Always press the “Vent Bottle” button to de-pressurize the bottle to make it easier to open and always keep the mouth of the bottle clean from mounting medium.

Several things should be observed.

If you continue using the same medium, prepare a new bottle of the same medium by opening it and placing it in the fume hood over night for de-gassing. This will reduce the risk of air bubbles forming under the coverslip. When changing the medium bottle, press the “Vent Bottle” button to de-pressurize the medium bottle. This will make it easier to open and keep the mouth of the new bottle clean from any mounting medium. Screw down the red lid, place the dispenser needle over a large vessel and press the “Prime” button continuously until the medium is dispensed bubble-free and there are no bubbles left in the medium tube either.
If you switch to a different medium, proceed as described above and, in addition, flush the system with at least 500 ml (one bottle volume) of xylene before starting to use the new medium. This rinsing procedure will eliminate any problems caused by incompatibility of the old and new mounting medium.

The dispenser system is blocked Remove the dispensing nozzle and soak in xylene over night. Remove any dried medium remnants with a fine needle and ensure the nozzle is perfectly clean and straight before re-installation. You may have to purchase a replacement nozzle. After the nozzle has been reinstalled, flush the system with at least 500 ml (one bottle volume) of xylene before starting to use the new medium.

 A new medium type, which requires different settings, is being used

When changing to a new medium type, your CV5030 settings need to be re-optimized. Try a larger nozzle diameter and proceed from there.

Medium bottle is made of plastic Do not use plastic mounting medium bottles with the CV5030. The CV5030 is equipped with a pressure/vacuum system which is not compatible with plastic bottles. Using plastic bottles with the CV5030 will damage the instrument.

The magazine is not inserted correctly

Ensure that the coverslip magazine is filled with coverslips and inserted correctly into the magazine position. Place coverslips flush with one end.

Coverslips stick together

Use high-quality coverslips only and always store them in a dry place (if necessary in a desiccation chamber). Moist (or electrically charged) coverslips tend to stick together firmly. If your current supplier does not have the appropriate quality available, you may have to consider a change of brand.

Coverslip sensor requires cleaning Clean the suction cups with a tissue moistened with xylene and dry them for approx. 1 hour before re-installing (work carefully - suction cups must not be immersed in xylene). For a more thorough cleaning job, the sensor can also be removed (details on how to carry out this procedure are available from your Leica service representative).

The coverslip laydown position needs to be optimized
Go to the corresponding menu - see section 9.3.1 of the Operator's Manual for details. If the coverslips are still not positioned correctly, after the adjustment has been completed, the coverslip position may need to be optimized laterally.
This type of adjustment can only be carried out by a Leica service representative.

There are two possible causes –the coverslip sensor or the suction cups require cleaning or the suction cups are deformed

If the coverslip sensor (located between the red suction cups) appears dirty, clean it with a tissue moistened with xylene (work carefully - suction cups must not come into contact with xylene). For a more thorough cleaning job, the sensor can also be removed (details on how to carry out this procedure are available from your Leica service representative).

If the suction cups are dirty, clean them with a tissue. If the suction cups are deformed (possibly caused by exposure to xylene), replace them.

The waste tray needs to be installed.

Possibly, the coverslip sensor needs to be cleaned.

Ensure that the sensor is functioning correctly. If the coverslip sensor (located between the red suction cups) appears dirty, clean it with a tissue moistened with xylene (work carefully - suction cups must not be immersed in xylene). For a more thorough cleaning job, the sensor can also be removed (details on how to carry out this procedure are available from your Leica service representative).

If the problem cannot be remedied through cleaning, you may have to call a Leica service representative to check the system.

Most likely, the coverslip magazine is not correctly inserted.
Ensure that the magazine is inserted correctly.

If the problem cannot be remedied, you may have to call a Leica service representative to check the system.