COULTER® AC•T™ 5diff Hematology Analyzer

COULTER® AC•T™ 5diff CP Hematology Analyzer

COULTER® AC•T™ 5diff AL Hematology Analyzer
Host Transmission
Specification

PN 4277065EA (June 2010)

Manufactured for
Beckman Coulter, Inc.
250 S. Kraemer Blvd.
Brea, CA 92821
 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

READ ALL PRODUCT MANUALS AND CONSULT WITH BECKMAN COULTER-TRAINED PERSONNEL BEFORE ATTEMPTING
TO OPERATE INSTRUMENT. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO PERFORM ANY PROCEDURE BEFORE CAREFULLY READING ALL
INSTRUCTIONS. ALWAYS FOLLOW PRODUCT LABELING AND MANUFACTURER’S RECOMMENDATIONS. IF IN DOUBT AS
TO HOW TO PROCEED IN ANY SITUATION, CONTACT YOUR BECKMAN COULTER REPRESENTATIVE.

HAZARDS AND OPERATIONAL PRECAUTIONS AND LIMITATIONS

WARNINGS, CAUTIONS, and IMPORTANTS alert you as follows:
WARNING - Can cause injury.
CAUTION - Can cause damage to the instrument.
IMPORTANT - Can cause misleading results.

BECKMAN COULTER, INC. URGES ITS CUSTOMERS TO COMPLY WITH ALL NATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY
STANDARDS SUCH AS THE USE OF BARRIER PROTECTION. THIS MAY INCLUDE, BUT IT IS NOT LIMITED TO,
PROTECTIVE EYEWEAR, GLOVES, AND SUITABLE LABORATORY ATTIRE WHEN OPERATING OR MAINTAINING THIS OR
ANY OTHER AUTOMATED LABORATORY ANALYZER.

WARNING Risk of operator injury if:

r All doors, covers and panels are not closed and secured in place prior to and during instrument operation.
r The integrity of safety interlocks and sensors is compromised.
r Instrument alarms and error messages are not acknowledged and acted upon.
r You contact moving parts.
r You mishandle broken parts.
r Doors, covers and panels are not opened, closed, removed and/or replaced with care.
r Improper tools are used for troubleshooting.
To avoid injury:
r Keep doors, covers and panels closed and secured in place while the instrument is in use.
r Take full advantage of the safety features of the instrument. Do not defeat safety interlocks and sensors.
r Acknowledge and act upon instrument alarms and error messages.
r Keep away from moving parts.
r Report any broken parts to your Beckman Coulter Representative.
r Open/remove and close/replace doors, covers and panels with care.
r Use the proper tools when troubleshooting.

CAUTION System integrity might be compromised and operational failures might occur if:
r This equipment is used in a manner other than specified. Operate the instrument as instructed in the Product Manuals.
r You introduce software that is not authorized by Beckman Coulter into your computer. Only operate your system’s
computer with software authorized by Beckman Coulter.
r You install software that is not an original copyrighted version. Only use software that is an original copyrighted
version to prevent virus contamination.

IMPORTANT If you purchased this product from anyone other than Beckman Coulter or an authorized Beckman Coulter
distributor, and, if it is not presently under a Beckman Coulter service maintenance agreement, Beckman Coulter cannot
guarantee that the product is fitted with the most current mandatory engineering revisions or that you will receive the most
current information bulletins concerning the product. If you purchased this product from a third party and would like
further information concerning this topic, call your Beckman Coulter Representative.
 REVISION STATUS

Initial Issue, 7/00

AC•T 5diff (OV),
Software version 1.01

Issue B, 5/01
AC•T 5diff OV
Software version 1.01
AC•T 5diff CP
Software version 1.03

Note: Revision B included the CP instrument.

Issue C, 11/02
AC•T 5diff OV
Software version 1.01
AC•T 5diff CP
Software version 1.03
AC•T 5diff AL
Software version 1.00

Note: Revision C includes the AL instrument.

Issue D, 6/03
AC•T 5diff OV
Software version 1.01
AC•T 5diff CP
Software version 1.03
AC•T 5diff AL
Software version 1.10

Note: Revision D includes ASTM format for the AL instrument.

Issue E, 10/04
AC•T 5diff OV
Software version 1.01
AC•T 5diff CP
Software version 2.00
AC•T 5diff AL
Software version 1.21

Issue EA, 06/10

AC•T 5diff OV
Software version 1.01
AC•T 5diff CP
Software version 2.00
AC•T 5diff AL
Software version 1.21

Updates were made to the company corporate address.

Note: Changes that are part of the most recent revision are indicated in text by a bar in the
margin of the amended page.

This document applies to the latest software listed and higher versions. When a subsequent software version
changes the information in this document, a new issue will be released to the Beckman Coulter website. For
labeling updates, go to www.beckmancoulter.com and download the most recent manual or system help for
your instrument.

PN 4277065EA iii
REVISION STATUS

iv PN 4277065EA
 CONTENTS

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, ii

REVISION STATUS, iii

1 OVERVIEW, 1-1

1.1 INTRODUCTION, 1-1

1.2 GENERAL, 1-1

1.3 DESCRIPTION, 1-1

Transmission Formats, 1-1
OV and CP Formats, 1-1
AL Format, 1-2
Communication (Comm) Mode, 1-2
Unidirectional Communication Mode, 1-2
Bidirectional Communication Mode, 1-3
Protocol, 1-3
Serial Transmission Flow Control, 1-3

1.4 OV COMMUNICATION MODE, 1-4

Software Handshake OFF, 1-4
Software Handshake ON, 1-5
Line Bid, 1-5
Data Block Transmission, 1-6
End String Transmission, 1-7

1.5 CP COMMUNICATION MODES, 1-10

Unidirectional (Software Handshake OFF), 1-10
Bidirectional (Software Handshake ON), 1-12
Line Bid, 1-13
Data Block Transmission, 1-14
CP End, 1-15
Host Download, 1-16
CP Line Bid, 1-17
Patient Data Transmission, 1-18
End Patient Download Transmission, 1-19

1.6 AL COMMUNICATION MODES, 1-21

Unidirectional (Software Handshake OFF), 1-21
Bidirectional (Software Handshake ON), 1-23
Line Bid, 1-23
Data Block Transmission, 1-25
AL End, 1-26
Host Download (Variable Format), 1-27
AL Line Bid, 1-27
Patient Data Transmission, 1-29
End Patient Download Transmission, 1-30

PN 4277065EA v
CONTENTS

2 HOST COMMUNICATIONS SETUP: OPEN VIAL SYSTEM, 2-1

2.1 INTRODUCTION, 2-1

2.2 SETTING UP THE OPEN VIAL INSTRUMENT FOR HOST

COMMUNICATION, 2-1
Host Setup Configuration, 2-1

2.3 SENDING CONFIGURATION, 2-3

2.4 SENDING OPTIONS, 2-5

Variable Format Setup, 2-6
Numeric Values, 2-6
Flags and Messages, 2-7
Histograms and Thresholds, 2-9
Patient File, 2-10
Send Latest Result, 2-12

2.5 PIN ASSIGNMENTS, 2-13

3 HOST COMMUNICATIONS SETUP: CAP PIERCE SYSTEM, 3-1

3.1 INTRODUCTION, 3-1

3.2 SETTING UP THE INSTRUMENT FOR HOST COMMUNICATION, 3-1

Communication Configuration, 3-2
Variable Format Setup, 3-4

3.3 PIN ASSIGNMENTS, 3-5

4 HOST COMMUNICATIONS SETUP: AUTOLOADER SYSTEM, 4-1

4.1 INTRODUCTION, 4-1

4.2 SETTING UP THE AL INSTRUMENT FOR HOST COMMUNICATION, 4-1

RS232 Settings, 4-1
Understanding the RS232 Settings Screen, 4-1
Procedure for Defining RS232 Settings, 4-3
Variable Format, 4-5
Understanding the Variable Format Screen, 4-5
ASTM Format, 4-8
Understanding the ASTM Format Screen, 4-8

4.3 VERIFYING PIN ASSIGNMENTS, 4-11

5 OUTPUT FORMAT, 5-1

5.1 FORMATS, 5-1

Available Formats: OV and CP Systems, 5-1
Available Formats: AL System, 5-1

5.2 ALPHANUMERIC CHARACTERS, 5-1

vi PN 4277065EA
 CONTENTS

5.3 FIXED FORMAT: OV SYSTEM, 5-1

Description, 5-1
Character Format, 5-1
Result Format for OV System, 5-2
Layout Format for OV System, 5-3
Flag Format: OV System, 5-4
Line 38 – DiffPlot Flags for OV System, 5-4
Line 39 – WBC/BASO Flags for OV System, 5-5
Line 40 – Plt Flags for OV System, 5-5

5.4 FIXED FORMAT: CP SYSTEM, 5-6

Description, 5-6
Character Format, 5-6
Result Format for CP System, 5-8
Layout Format for CP System, 5-8
Flag Format: CP System, 5-11
Line 40 – DiffPlot Flags for CP System, 5-11
Line 41 – WBC/BASO Flags for CP System, 5-12
Line 42 – Plt Flags for CP System, 5-12
Fixed Patient File Layout Format for the CP System (Download), 5-12
Patient File Format, 5-12

5.5 VARIABLE FORMAT: OV, CP, AND AL SYSTEMS, 5-14

Transmission Format, 5-14
Typical Transmission Structure (Upload): OV, CP, and AL Systems, 5-14
Minimum Transmission, 5-15

5.6 VARIABLE FORMAT SETTINGS, 5-18

Numerical Results, 5-18
Parameter Status, 5-19
First Character, 5-19
Second Character, 5-19
List of Parameter Identifiers (Format - ID, Space, Result, Flags, Carriage
Return), 5-19
Flags and Messages, 5-20
Flags, 5-20
List of Flag Code Options (Format – ID, Space, Codes, Carriage Return), 5-20
Description of Flag Codes (OV, CP, and AL), 5-21
Messages, 5-23
List of Message Codes, 5-24
Variable Format Example (OV and CP), 5-25
Patient File, 5-25
Patient File Options for the OV System, 5-25
List of Patient File Identifiers (Format – ID, Space, String, Carriage Return) for
the OV System, 5-25
Patient File Options for the CP System, 5-26
List of Patient File Identifiers (Format – ID, Space, String, Carriage Return) for
the CP System, 5-26
Patient File Options for the AL System, 5-27

PN 4277065EA vii
CONTENTS

List of Patient File Identifiers (Format – ID, Space, String, Carriage Return) for
the AL System, 5-27
Histogram and Threshold Options (OV, CP, and AL), 5-29
List of Histogram and Threshold Identifiers (Format – ID, Space, String,
Carriage Return), 5-29
Histograms, 5-30
DiffPlot, 5-30
Thresholds, 5-31

5.7 HOST DOWNLOAD (VARIABLE FORMAT), 5-31

Notes Regarding Worklist Download (CP and AL): Variable Format, 5-35

5.8 ASTM FORMAT: AL, 5-37

Overview, 5-37
Host Download, 5-37
Notes Regarding Host Download: ASTM Format, 5-37
ASTM Frames Format, 5-38
Message Packets (Upload), 5-38
Minimum Transmitted Information (ASTM), 5-38
Header Record, 5-39
Patient Record, 5-40
Test Order Record, 5-41
Result Record, 5-43
Comment Record, 5-44
Terminator Record, 5-46
Test Identification, 5-46
Flag and Message Transmission, 5-47
Interpretive Messages, 5-49
Numerical Results (ASTM Format for AL), 5-50

5.9 HOST DOWNLOAD (ASTM FORMAT), 5-50

Notes Regarding Host Download: ASTM Format, 5-50
Message Packets (Download)), 5-51
Header Record, 5-51
Patient Record, 5-52
Test Order Record, 5-53
Comment Record, 5-54

TRADEMARKS

DOCUMENTATION PAGE

viii PN 4277065EA
 ILLUSTRATIONS
1.1 Software Handshake OFF: Instrument to Host (OV), 1-4
1.2 Line Bid: OV, 1-5
1.3 Data Block Transmission: OV, 1-6
1.4 End Fixed String: OV, 1-7
1.5 End Variable String: OV, 1-8
1.6 Unidirectional Mode: CP, 1-11
1.7 Line Bid: CP, 1-13
1.8 Data Block Transmission: CP, 1-14
1.9 CP End: CP, 1-15
1.10 CP Line Bid During Patient Download: CP, 1-17
1.11 Patient Data Download Process: CP, 1-18
1.12 End Patient Data Download Process: CP, 1-20
1.13 Unidirectional Mode: AL Variable Format, 1-22
1.14 Line Bid: AL Variable Format, 1-24
1.15 Data Block Transmission: AL Variable Format, 1-25
1.16 AL End: Variable Format, 1-26
1.17 AL Line Bid During Patient Download: AL Variable Format, 1-28
1.18 Patient Data Download Process: AL (Variable), 1-29
1.19 End Patient Data Download Process: AL (Variable), 1-31
2.1 9-Pin Configuration (OV), 2-13
2.2 25-Pin DTE Configuration (OV), 2-13
3.1 Host Communication Setup Window: CP, 3-1
3.2 9-Pin Configuration (CP), 3-5
3.3 25-Pin DTE Configuration (CP), 3-5
4.1 RS232 Settings Screen: AL, 4-1
4.2 Variable Format Settings Screen (AL), 4-5
4.3 ASTM Format Settings Screen (AL), 4-8
4.4 9-Pin Configuration (AL), 4-11
4.5 25-Pin DTE Configuration (AL), 4-11
5.1 DiffPlot Regions (OV, CP, and AL), 5-30
5.2 DiffPlot Bytes (OV, CP, and AL), 5-31

PN 4277065EA ix
 TABLES
1.1 End Fix String: OV, 1-9
1.2 End Variable String: OV, 1-9
1.3 End Fixed String: CP, 1-16
1.4 End Variable String: CP, 1-16
1.5 End Fix String: CP, 1-19
1.6 End Variable String: CP, 1-19
1.7 End Variable String: AL, 1-27
1.8 End Variable String: AL, 1-30
5.1 Result Format for OV System, 5-2
5.2 Layout Format for OV System, 5-3
5.3 Line 38 – DiffPlot Flags for OV System, 5-4
5.4 Line 39 – WBC/BASO Flags for OV System, 5-5
5.5 Line 40 – Plt Flags for OV System, 5-5
5.6 Fixed Format for CP System: Characters Per Sample by Communication
Mode, 5-6
5.7 Result Format for CP System, 5-8
5.8 Layout Format for CP System, 5-8
5.9 Line 40 – DiffPlot Flags for CP System, 5-11
5.10 Line 41 – WBC/BASO Flags for CP System, 5-12
5.11 Line 42 – Plt Flags for CP System, 5-12
5.12 Patient File Layout Format for CP System, 5-12
5.13 Typical Transmission Structure and Content: Variable Format for OV, CP, and AL
Systems, 5-14
5.14 Minimum Transmitted Information: Variable Format (OV), 5-15
5.15 Minimum Transmitted Information: Variable Format (CP), 5-16
5.16 Minimum Transmitted Information: Variable Format (AL), 5-16
5.17 Parameter Identifiers (OV, CP, and AL), 5-19
5.18 Flag Code Identifiers: Variable Format (OV, CP, and AL), 5-20
5.19 Flag Identifiers: Variable Format for AL Only, 5-21
5.20 List of Flags: Variable Format (OV, CP, and AL), 5-21
5.21 List of Flags: Variable Format (AL), 5-22
5.22 Flags and Messages Not Transmitted for AL (Variable Format), 5-22
5.23 Message Identifiers: Variable Format, 5-23
5.24 Message Codes: Variable Format (OV, CP, and AL), 5-24
5.25 Patient File Identifiers for the OV System, 5-25
5.26 Patient File Identifiers for the CP System, 5-26
5.27 Patient File Identifiers for the AL System, 5-27
5.28 Histogram and Threshold Identifiers: Variable Format (OV, CP, and AL), 5-29
5.29 Variable File Format for Patient Data Worklist Download: CP, 5-31
5.30 Variable File Format for Patient Data Worklist Download: AL, 5-33
5.31 Notes Regarding Worklist Download (CP and AL): Variable Format, 5-35
5.32 ASTM Frames Format, 5-38
5.33 Minimum Transmitted Information (ASTM), 5-38
5.34 Header Record Fields, 5-39
5.35 Patient Record Fields, 5-40
5.36 Test Order Record Field, 5-41
5.37 Result Record Fields, 5-43
5.38 Comments Specifications (Upload): ASTM Format on AL, 5-45

x PN 4277065EA
 5.39 Terminator Record Fields (Upload): ASTM Format on AL, 5-46
5.40 Test Identification Fields, 5-46
5.41 Flags and Messages, 5-47
5.42 Flags and Messages Not Transmitted for AL (ASTM Format), 5-48
5.43 Interpretive Messages, 5-49
5.44 Header Record Fields, 5-51
5.45 Patient Record Fields, 5-52
5.46 Test Order Record Field, 5-53
5.47 Comments Specifications (Download): ASTM Format on AL, 5-54
5.48 Terminator Record Fields (Download): ASTM Format on AL, 5-55

PN 4277065EA xi
xii PN 4277065EA
 1OVERVIEW 1
1.1 INTRODUCTION
This document provides information on the host transmission for the:

r AC•T 5diff hematology analyzer (referred to as OV),

r AC•T 5diff Cap Pierce (CP) hematology analyzer, and
r AC•T 5diff Autoloader (AL) hematology analyzer.

Unless otherwise stated, all information in this document pertains to the

AC•T 5diff hematology analyzer (referred to as Open Vial or OV), the AC•T 5diff Cap Pierce
hematology analyzer (referred to as Cap Pierce or CP), and the AC•T 5diff Autoloader (AL)
hematology analyzer.

The connection between the host computer and the CP, OV, or AL system can be achieved
when all settings and format options, such as protocol, format description, and
communication mode, have been properly set up.

1.2 GENERAL
ATTENTION: Any modification of the instrument’s transmission setup may impact the
instrument’s ability to communicate with the host computer and, therefore, should not be
done without consulting with the host vendor or developer.
Note: A user password is required to access:

r the Host Setup menu for the OV instrument,

r the Communications tab for the CP system, and
r the Setup screen for the AL system.

Use this document in conjunction with each system’s customer documentation:

r For the OV system, refer to the Operator’s Guide (part number 4237615).
r For the CP system, refer to the Instructions For Use manual (part number 624021).
You can print a copy of the Instructions For Use manual from the system’s software by
clicking Help tt Print Manual. If you have difficulty accessing the information, contact a
Beckman Coulter representative.
r For the AL system, refer to the Instructions For Use manual (part number 624026). You
can also view the information from the system’s software by clicking Help. If you have
difficulty accessing the information, contact a Beckman Coulter representative.

1.3 DESCRIPTION
Transmission Formats
The format is the description of the data content that is output by the instrument.

OV and CP Formats
Both the OV and CP offer three formats: Fixed, Variable, and XLS.

PN 4277065EA 1-1
OVERVIEW
DESCRIPTION

r Fixed allows only a numeric result transmission of a constant number of characters for
each transmission. For additional information on the Fixed format, see:
t Heading 5.3, FIXED FORMAT: OV SYSTEM, or
t Heading 5.4, FIXED FORMAT: CP SYSTEM.
r Variable allows the transmission of parameter values, diffplot information, and histogram
information. For information on the Variable format for both the OV and the CP, see
Heading 5.5, VARIABLE FORMAT: OV, CP, AND AL SYSTEMS.
r XLS allows the output in a spreadsheet format. Note: This option does not send any
flagging information and is not recommended for routine use.

AL Format
There are two transmission formats for the AL: Variable and ASTM.

r For information on the Variable format, see Heading 5.5, VARIABLE FORMAT: OV, CP, AND AL
SYSTEMS
r For information on the ASTM format, see Heading 5.8, ASTM FORMAT: AL.

Although the OV and CP instruments transmit data in the same formats, the content of each
of the formats differs for each system and are not interchangeable.

Communication (Comm) Mode

The communication mode enables the software to control the transmission process. Two
communication modes are available: unidirectional and bidirectional.

r Unidirectional allows results to be transmitted to the host.

r Bidirectional allows the Worklist to be downloaded from the host and the results to be
transmitted to the host.

The CP and AL systems allow you to choose between Unidirectional or Bidirectional

communication modes.

Unidirectional Communication Mode

On the CP and AL systems, the unidirectional communication mode automatically disables
the Software Handshake.

On the OV, the unidirectional communication mode allows the selection/deselection of a

software handshake:

r Software Handshake Off: each result is transmitted without any software handshaking
between the instrument and host.
r Software Handshake On: software controls the transmission process through three steps:
t communication initialization,
t results transmission and verification, and
t communication end.

1-2 PN 4277065EA
 OVERVIEW
DESCRIPTION 1
Bidirectional Communication Mode
On the CP and AL systems, the bidirectional communication mode automatically enables the
Software Handshake.

Bidirectional communication mode requires the handshake to be ON. Results transmission

occurs in three steps:

1. Communication initialization.
2. Results transmission and verification.
3. Communication end.

Protocol

Serial Transmission Flow Control

Through the XON/XOFF protocol, the OV, CP, and AL systems allow the host that is receiving
serial communication data to control the flow of the serial data. This flow control is available
at all times and is independent from the Software Handshake selected for the OV or the
Unidirectional or Bidirectional protocol selected for the CP. and AL

The host can transmit XOFF (ASCII DC3, hex $13) to stop transmission from the instrument,
such as when a pending data overflow may occur at the host. The transmission will be
stopped a few moments after the XOFF command is issued; during the delay, the host must be
able to receive a few more pending characters while XOFF is processed. To resume
transmission from the instrument, the host transmits XON (ASCII DC1, hex $11); the host
then receives the remaining serial data.

PN 4277065EA 1-3
OVERVIEW
OV COMMUNICATION MODE

1.4 OV COMMUNICATION MODE

Unidirectional is the only communication mode supported by the OV system.

Software Handshake OFF

The Software Handshake OFF mode allows the instrument to transmit serial data to the host
without requiring the host to respond to any of the data sent by the instrument. This mode of
serial communications is open-loop since there is no way for the instrument to respond or
retry possible bad transmission received at the host. In this case, the host’s receiving software
must discard any data received in error, such as if a bad CRC or Checksum is received. The
data to the host must be manually retransmitted prior to cycling the next sample. See
Figure 1.1.

Figure 1.1 Software Handshake OFF: Instrument to Host (OV)

Start

Send STX

Fixed Format Yes

Transmission?

No

Send Variable Send Fixed

Format Data Format Data

Send ETX

Done
7065005A

1-4 PN 4277065EA
 OVERVIEW
OV COMMUNICATION MODE 1
Software Handshake ON
The Software Handshake ON mode enables the instrument to retransmit information received
in error at the host. The protocol uses ACK/NAK and Timeouts between the instrument and
the host for transmission retries. Note: The Timeout value used is that set in the
Sending Configuration screen under Time Out.

The serial handshake protocol is divided into three distinct phases: Line Bid, Data Block
Transmission, and End String Transmission (Variable or Fixed).

Line Bid
Line Bid (Figure 1.2) establishes initial communication between the instrument and the host
before the data block is transmitted. The system can retry up to three times before the system
ends the results transmission. In this phase of the process, the instrument sends an SOH (hex
$01) and waits for an ENQ (hex $05) from the host. If proper responses are not received in
the expected time, the instrument retries the Line Bid sequence again. The Line Bid may recur
if there are errors in the Data Block or End String processes.

Figure 1.2 Line Bid: OV

SOH
Line Bid

Set Timeout

Send SOH

No
No

Character No Timeout Has 3rd SOH Yes

Received? Expired? Been Sent?

Yes Yes

"TIMEOUT
OVERFLOW ON
RS232" Error
Message

Stop

"NO ENQ
Character No CHARACTER No further retries
Received = RECEIVED ON will be attempted for
ENQ? RS232" Error this transmission
Message
Yes

Transmit
Data
Block
7065006A

PN 4277065EA 1-5
OVERVIEW
OV COMMUNICATION MODE

Data Block Transmission

Data Block Transmission (Figure 1.3) occurs after Line Bid is properly processed. Retry of
Data Block can be initiated by the host, which can transmit NAK (hex $15) up to two times
for each data block transmission.

If the host receives the Data Block correctly, the host responds with ACK (hex $06) to
continue with the next phase of the process, End String Transmission. If there are more than
two retries within the Data Block transmission or if the Timeout expires, the instrument
unconditionally transmits the End String in the End Variable Format.

If the system exits in error during the Data Block Transmission, the instrument transmits the
End Variable String regardless of the system’s format – Fixed or Variable.

Figure 1.3 Data Block Transmission: OV

Transmit
Data
Block

Set Timeout

Send STX Send Data

Send ETX

No

Character No Timeout
Received? Expired?

Yes Yes

Yes "TIMEOUT
Character OVERFLOW
= ACK? ON RS232"
Error Message
No

Fixed Format No
Transmission?

Yes
No Yes Character No
Has 2nd NAK
Been Received? = NAK?

Yes

End End
Fixed Variable

7065007A

1-6 PN 4277065EA
 OVERVIEW
OV COMMUNICATION MODE 1
End String Transmission
Once the Data Block Transmission process is complete, the End String Transmission
(End Variable or End Fixed) phase begins. During this phase, the instrument sends an End
String to indicate the end of the transmission process for the specific sample being
transmitted to the host.

The End String can be sent in either the Fixed or Variable format:

r If the system is set to Fixed format, End Fixed String (Table 1.1) is sent. See Figure 1.4.
r If the system is set to the Variable format, End Variable String (Table 1.2) is sent. See
Figure 1.5.

Figure 1.4 End Fixed String: OV

End
Fixed

Set Timeout

Send End
Fixed String

No

Character No Timeout
Received? Expired?

Yes Yes

Character Yes "TIMEOUT

= ACK? OVERFLOW ON
RS232" Error
No Message

No

Has 2nd NAK Yes Character SOH

Been Received? = NAK?

Yes No

"NO ACK
CHAR. RCVD. Done
ON RS232"
Error Message

Transmission
Complete
SOH

7065008A

PN 4277065EA 1-7
OVERVIEW
OV COMMUNICATION MODE

When the host successfully receives the End String, the host sends an ACK (hex $06). When
the instrument receives the ACK, the transmission sequence for that particular sample is
completed. If the host does not successfully receive the End String, the host sends a
NAK (hex $15). If more that two NAKs are received or if the system incurs a timeout, error
conditions are displayed and the Line Bid process beings again and will repeat up to two more
times.

Figure 1.5 End Variable String: OV

End
Variable

Set Timeout

Send End
Variable String

No

Character No Timeout
Received? Expired?

Yes Yes

Character Yes
= ACK?
"TIMEOUT
OVERFLOW ON
No
RS232" Error
No Message

Yes
Has 2nd NAK Character
Been Received? = NAK?

Yes No
SOH
Done

"NO ACK CHAR.

RCVD. ON RS232" Transmission
Error Message Complete

SOH

7065009A

1-8 PN 4277065EA
 OVERVIEW
OV COMMUNICATION MODE 1
Table 1.1 shows the format for the OV End Fixed String. Table 1.2 shows the format for the
OV End Variable String.

Character formats include:

–: Space ($20)

] : Carriage return ($0D)

z: numeric field.

Table 1.1 End Fix String: OV

Information Description Number of Characters

STX ($02) Start of Text 1
E ($45) Character E 1
zz] Analyzer Number ($30 to $39) + CR ($0D) 2+1
CRC CRC of bytes starting at byte 2 and ending at byte 5. 1
CRC is computed by XORing bytes 2 through 5 and
ORing the results with ($40)
ETX ($03) End of Text 1

Table 1.2 End Variable String: OV

Information Description Number of Characters

STX ($02) Start of Text 1
zzzzz] Number of bytes (in decimal format $30-$39) 5+1
between STX and ETX in End Variable String
followed by CR ($0D)
($FF)-END-----] Results Type. $FF, Space ($20) followed by word 2+8+1
END with 5 spaces, followed by CR ($0D)
($FC)-zzzzzzzz] $FC, Space, 8 decimal bytes ($30-$39), CR ($0D) 2+8+1
($FB)-AcT5diff] Analyzer Name. ($FB)($20)AcT5diff, CR ($0D) 2+8+1
($FE)-Vz.z-] Version Number. ($FE)($20), Vz.z ($20) CR ($0D) 2+5+1
($FD)-zzzz] Hex-ASCII (lower case) sum, modulo $FFFF, of 2+4+1
preceding bytes (starting with second byte) in End
Variable String
ETX ($03) End of Text 1

PN 4277065EA 1-9
OVERVIEW
CP COMMUNICATION MODES

1.5 CP COMMUNICATION MODES

There are two CP communication modes – unidirectional and bidirectional. Note: After a
Startup is done, the Startup results are unconditionally transmitted to the host.

Unidirectional (Software Handshake OFF)

The unidirectional communication mode (Figure 1.6) allows the instrument to transmit
serial data to the host without requiring the host to respond to any of the data sent by the
instrument.
This mode of serial communications is open-loop since there is no way for the instrument to
respond or retry possible bad transmission received at the host. In this case, the host’s
receiving software must discard any data received in error, such as if a bad CRC or Checksum
is received. The data to the host must be manually retransmitted if the first transmission
failed.

When the Unidirectional option is selected, the systems offer an option to add a preamble
(SOH, hex $01) and postamble (EOT, hex $04) characters to further identify the serial
transmission block.

1-10 PN 4277065EA
 OVERVIEW
CP COMMUNICATION MODES 1
Figure 1.6 Unidirectional Mode: CP

SOH/EOT No
Start
Enabled?

Yes

Send SOH

Send STX
Note: Applicable to both fixed
and variable formats.

Send Data

Send ETX

No Last Sample
in Batch?

Yes

SOH/EOT No
Enabled?

Yes

Send EOT Done

7065038C

PN 4277065EA 1-11
OVERVIEW
CP COMMUNICATION MODES

Bidirectional (Software Handshake ON)

The bidirectional communication mode enables the instrument to retry transmissions
received in error at the host and download the patient worklist. The protocol uses ACK/NAK
and Timeouts between the instrument and the host for transmission retries.

The LIS/HIS Configuration screen shows the following times (in seconds):

r Waiting Time: The amount of time the instrument will wait to re-request a Line Bid
when there is a request from the host for a Line Bid and when there is an existing
pending Line Bid from the instrument to the host.
This situation could occur when there is a pending transmission from the instrument to
the host and the host is requesting a patient file download.
r Time: Active only when the Automatic Disconnect checkbox is selected, this is the time
the instrument will wait for a host response during patient file downloads. This prevents
the instrument from waiting indefinitely for a host response once a Line Bid has been
given to the host.
r Automatic Disconnect: Enable this option to avoid communication conflicts between the
host system and the instrument.

The serial bidirectional protocol is divided into three distinct phases:

r Line Bid, using S0H ($01) to request the serial line and ENQ ($05) to acknowledge. See
Line Bid for details.
r Data block transmission, using ACK ($06) to accept or NAK ($15) to reject the data
block transmission. See Data Block Transmission for details.
r End string transmission.See CP End for details.

1-12 PN 4277065EA
 OVERVIEW
CP COMMUNICATION MODES 1
Line Bid
Line Bid (Figure 1.7) establishes initial communication between the instrument and the host
before the data block is transmitted. In this phase of the process, the instrument sends an
SOH (hex $01) and waits for an ENQ (hex $05) from the host. If proper responses are not
received in the expected time, the instrument retries the Line Bid sequence.

Figure 1.7 Line Bid: CP

Line Bid Line Bid

Send SOH

Set Timeout

No

Character Timeout
No
Received? Expired?

Yes Yes

Character No
Received
= ENQ?

Yes

Transmit
CP Data
Block
7065011A

PN 4277065EA 1-13
OVERVIEW
CP COMMUNICATION MODES

Data Block Transmission

Data Block Transmission (Figure 1.8) occurs after Line Bid is properly processed.
Retransmission of each Data Block can be initiated by the host by transmitting NAK (hex
$15).

Figure 1.8 Data Block Transmission: CP

Transmit
CP Data
Block

Send STX

Send Data Note: Applicable to both fixed

and variable formats.

Send ETX

Set Timeout

Send Next Resend Data

Data Block Block
No

Character No
Timeout
Received? Expired?

Yes Yes
Yes

Yes Character =
First NAK? NAK?

No
No

No
Last Sample In
Batch?

Yes

CP End

7065012C

1-14 PN 4277065EA
 OVERVIEW
CP COMMUNICATION MODES 1
CP End
Once the Data Block Transmission process is complete, the CP End (Figure 1.9) phase begins.
During this phase, the instrument sends an End String to indicate the end of the transmission
process for the specific sample or batch of samples being transmitted to the host.
Retransmission of the End String is done when the host sends a NAK (hex $15). When
running samples and the system is set to autotransmit, samples will be spooled. If
transmission was in error, the transmission logic loops to Line Bid until the sample results are
correctly transmitted to the host.

The End String can be sent in either the Fixed or Variable format:

r If the system is set to Fixed format, End Fixed String (Table 1.3) is sent.
r If the system is set to the Variable format, End Variable String (Table 1.4) is sent.

Figure 1.9 CP End: CP

CP End
Resend CP
End

Yes

Fixed Format Yes First

Send End Fixed
Transmission? NAK?

No No

Send
Set Timeout
End Variable

No

Timeout No Character
Expired? Received?

Yes Yes

Character Yes
= NAK?

No

Character Yes
= ACK?

No

Auto No
Transmit?

Yes

Done
Line Bid

7065013A Transmission
Complete

PN 4277065EA 1-15
OVERVIEW
CP COMMUNICATION MODES

Table 1.3 shows the format for the CP End Fixed String. Table 1.4 shows the format for the
CP End Variable String.

Character formats include:

–: Space ($20)

] : Carriage return ($0D)

z: numeric field.

Table 1.3 End Fixed String: CP

Information Description Number of Characters

STX ($02) Start of Text 1
E ($45) Character E 1
zz] Analyzer Number ($30 to $39) + CR ($0D) 2+1
CRC CRC of bytes starting at byte 2 and ending at byte 5. 1
CRC is computed by XORing bytes 2 through 5 and
ORing the results with ($40).
ETX ($03) End of Text 1

Table 1.4 End Variable String: CP

Information Description Number of Characters

STX ($02) Start of Text 1
zzzzz] Number of bytes (in decimal format $30-$39) 5+1
between STX and ETX in End Variable String
followed by CR ($0D)
($FF)-END-----] Results Type. $FF, Space ($20) followed by word 2+8+1
END with 5 spaces, followed by CR ($0D)
($FD)-zzzz] Hex-ASCII (lower case) sum, modulo $FFFF, of 2+4+1
preceding bytes (starting with second byte) in End
Variable String
ETX ($03) End of Text 1

Host Download
The CP system’s Worklist can receive (download) patient information from the host. The file
reception is performed in the background in a three-step process:

1. Communication initialization using SOH ($01) from the host and ENQ ($05) from the
instrument,
2. File transmission and verification using ACK ($06) – to acknowledge reception of good
serial data – and NAK ($15) for file re-transmission, and
3. Communication end.

The Patient Data download protocol is divided into three distinct phases: Line Bid, Patient
Data Transmission, and End Patient Download Transmission.

1-16 PN 4277065EA
 OVERVIEW
CP COMMUNICATION MODES 1
CP Line Bid
CP Line Bid (Figure 1.10) establishes initial communication between the host and the
instrument before the patient data is transmitted. In this phase of the process, the host sends
an SOH (hex $01) and waits for an ENQ (hex $05) from the instrument.

Figure 1.10 CP Line Bid During Patient Download: CP

Start (Line Bid)

Host Sends SOH

Instrument Sends
ENQ

Patient Data
Download

7065014A

PN 4277065EA 1-17
OVERVIEW
CP COMMUNICATION MODES

Patient Data Transmission

Once Line bid is established, the host can transmit the patient files in Fixed or Variable
formats as defined in this document. The instrument can accept either format automatically,
independent of the setting selected in the LIS/HIS Screen. The host must wait for an ACK
(hex ($06) from the instrument for every patient record sent by the host. If the instrument
sends a NAK (hex ($15) for any patient record, the host retransmits the patient record.

For a detailed description of the patient data download process, see Figure 1.11.

Figure 1.11 Patient Data Download Process: CP

Patient Data
Download

Host Resends
Patient Record

Host Sends STX Host Sends

Patient Record

Host Sends ETX

Instrument Sends
NAK

Host Waits For

Instrument Response

Is
No
Patient Record
Received
OK?
Yes

Instrument Sends
ACK

No
Last Patient
Record?

Yes

End Patient
Download

7065015A

1-18 PN 4277065EA
 OVERVIEW
CP COMMUNICATION MODES 1
End Patient Download Transmission
The End Patient Download follows at the end of the patient data download. The host
transmits the End Patient Download string in the same format used to transmit the patient
data.

r If Fixed patient data was downloaded, see Table 1.5 for the expected patient End String.
r If Variable patient data was downloaded, see Table 1.6 for the expected patient End
String.

For a detailed description of the End Patient Data Download process, see Figure 1.12.

Character formats include:

–: Space ($20)

] : Carriage return ($0D)

z: numeric field.

Table 1.5 End Fix String: CP

Information Description Number of Characters

STX ($02) Start of Text 1
E ($45) Character E 1
zz] Analyzer Number ($30 to $39) + CR ($0D) 2+1
CRC CRC of bytes starting at byte 2 and ending at byte 5. 1
CRC is computed by XORing bytes 2 through 5 and
ORing the results with ($40).
ETX ($03) End of Text 1

Table 1.6 End Variable String: CP

Information Description Number of Characters

STX ($02) Start of Text 1
zzzzz] Number of bytes (in decimal format $30-$39) 5+1
between STX and ETX in End Variable String
followed by CR ($0D)
($FF)-END-----] Results Type. $FF, Space ($20) followed by word 2+8+1
END with 5 spaces, followed by CR ($0D)
($FD)-zzzz] Hex-ASCII (lower case) sum, modulo $FFFF, of 2+4+1
preceding bytes (starting with second byte) in End
Variable String
ETX ($03) End of Text 1

PN 4277065EA 1-19
OVERVIEW
CP COMMUNICATION MODES

Figure 1.12 End Patient Data Download Process: CP

End Patient
Download

Host Will Resend

"End" That Failed
Checks
Yes Fixed Format
Transmission?

No

Host Sends Host Sends

End Fixed End Variable

Host Waits For

Instrument
Response
Instrument Sends
NAK

End String No
Received
OK?
Yes

Instrument Sends
ACK

Done

Transmission
Complete 7065016A

1-20 PN 4277065EA
 OVERVIEW
AL COMMUNICATION MODES 1
1.6 AL COMMUNICATION MODES
There are two AL communication modes – unidirectional and bidirectional.

Unidirectional (Software Handshake OFF)

Note: Applies only to the Variable Format.

The unidirectional communication mode (Figure 1.13) allows the instrument to transmit
serial data to the host without requiring the host to respond to any of the data sent by the
instrument. This mode of serial communications is open-loop since there is no way for the
instrument to respond or retry possible bad transmission received at the host. In this case, the
host’s receiving software must discard any data received in error, such as if a bad CRC or
Checksum is received. The data to the host must be manually retransmitted if the first
transmission failed.

When the Unidirectional option is selected, the systems offer an option to add a preamble
(SOH, hex $01) and postamble (EOT, hex $04) characters to further identify the serial
transmission block.

PN 4277065EA 1-21
OVERVIEW
AL COMMUNICATION MODES

Figure 1.13 Unidirectional Mode: AL Variable Format

SOH/EOT No
Start
Enabled?

Yes

Send SOH

Note: Applicable to
Send STX Variable format only.

Send Data

Send ETX

No Last Sample
in Batch?

Yes

SOH/EOT No
Enabled?

Yes

Send EOT Done

7065042D

1-22 PN 4277065EA
 OVERVIEW
AL COMMUNICATION MODES 1
Bidirectional (Software Handshake ON)
The bidirectional communication mode enables the instrument to retry transmissions
received in error at the host and download the patient worklist. The protocol uses ACK/NAK
and Timeouts between the instrument and the host for transmission retries. A Timeout is the
amount of time the instrument will wait for an expected host response.

Automatic Disconnect is available with the Variable format only on the AL. Enable Automatic
Disconnect to avoid communication conflicts between the host system and the instrument.

Line Bid
Line Bid (Figure 1.14) establishes initial communication between the instrument and the
host before the data block is transmitted. In this phase of the process, the instrument sends an
SOH (hex $01) and waits for an ENQ (hex $05) from the host. If proper responses are not
received in the expected time, the instrument retries the Line Bid sequence.

For the Variable format, the AL sends an SOH for the Line Bid.

For the ASTM format, the AL sends an ENQ for the Line Bid and waits for an ACK. The Line
Bid, Transmission, and Terminator (End) phases follow the ASTM Specification E-1381,
“Specification for Low-level Protocol to Transfer Messages Between Clinical Laboratory
Instruments and Computer Systems.”

PN 4277065EA 1-23
OVERVIEW
AL COMMUNICATION MODES

Figure 1.14 Line Bid: AL Variable Format

Line Bid

Send SOH

Set Timeout

No

Character Timeout
No
Received? Expired?

Yes Yes

Character No
Received
= ENQ?

Yes

Transmit
AL Data
Block
7065040C

1-24 PN 4277065EA
 OVERVIEW
AL COMMUNICATION MODES 1
Data Block Transmission
Data Block Transmission (Figure 1.15) occurs after Line Bid is properly processed.
Retransmission of each Data Block can be initiated by the host by transmitting NAK (hex
$15).

After two unsuccessful transmission attempts, the instrument will log an error for the result
that failed and will continue with the next result.

Figure 1.15 Data Block Transmission: AL Variable Format

Transmit
AL Data
Block

Send STX

Send Data

Send ETX

Set Timeout

No

Character No Timeout
Received? Expired?

Yes Yes

Yes Character
= NAK?

No

No
Last Sample In
Batch?

Yes

AL End

7065037C

PN 4277065EA 1-25
OVERVIEW
AL COMMUNICATION MODES

AL End
Once the Data Block Transmission process is complete, the AL End (Figure 1.16) phase
begins. During this phase, the instrument sends an End String to indicate the end of the
transmission process for the specific sample or batch of samples being transmitted to the
host. Retransmission of the End String is done when the host sends a NAK (hex $15). When
running samples and the system is set to autotransmit, samples will be spooled. If
transmission was in error, the transmission logic loops to Line Bid until the sample results are
correctly transmitted to the host.

After two unsuccessful transmission attempts, the instrument will log an error for the result
that failed and will continue with the next result.

Figure 1.16 AL End: Variable Format

AL End
Resend AL
End

Yes

Send First
Variable Set Timeout NAK?
"End"
No

No

Timeout No Character
Expired? Received?

Yes Yes

Character Yes
= NAK?

No

Character Yes
= ACK?

No

Auto No
Transmit?

Yes

Done
Line Bid

7065039C Transmission
Complete

1-26 PN 4277065EA
 OVERVIEW
AL COMMUNICATION MODES 1

Table 1.7 shows the format for the AL End Variable String.

Character formats include:

–: Space ($20)

] : Carriage return ($0D)

z: numeric field.

Table 1.7 End Variable String: AL

Information Description Number of Characters

STX ($02) Start of Text 1
zzzzz] Number of bytes (in decimal format $30-$39) 5+1
between STX and ETX in End Variable String
followed by CR ($0D)
($FF)-END-----] Results Type. $FF, Space ($20) followed by word 2+8+1
END with 5 spaces, followed by CR ($0D)
($FD)-zzzz] Hex-ASCII (lower case) sum, modulo $FFFF, of 2+4+1
preceding bytes (starting with second byte) in End
Variable String
ETX ($03) End of Text 1

Host Download (Variable Format)

The AL system’s Worklist can receive (download) patient information from the host. The file
reception is performed in the background in a three-step process:

1. Communication initialization using SOH ($01) from the host and ENQ ($05) from the
instrument,
2. File transmission and verification using ACK ($06) – to acknowledge reception of good
serial data – and NAK ($15) for file re-transmission, and
3. Communication end.

The Patient Data download protocol is divided into three distinct phases: Line Bid, Patient
Data Transmission, and End Patient Download Transmission.

AL Line Bid
AL Line Bid (Figure 1.17) establishes initial communication between the host and the
instrument before the patient data is transmitted. In this phase of the process, the host sends
an SOH (hex $01) and waits for an ENQ (hex $05) from the instrument.

PN 4277065EA 1-27
OVERVIEW
AL COMMUNICATION MODES

Figure 1.17 AL Line Bid During Patient Download: AL Variable Format

Start (Line Bid)

Host Sends SOH

Instrument Sends
ENQ

Patient Data
Download

7065014A

1-28 PN 4277065EA
 OVERVIEW
AL COMMUNICATION MODES 1
Patient Data Transmission
Once Line bid is established, the host can transmit the patient files in ASTM or Variable
formats as defined in this document. The host must wait for an ACK (hex ($06) from the
instrument for every patient record sent by the host. If the instrument sends a NAK (hex
($15) for any patient record, the host retransmits the patient record. For a detailed
description of the patient data download process, see Figure 1.18.

Note: In the ASTM format, the Download phase also follows the ASTM Specification E-1381,
“Specification for Low-level Protocol to Transfer Messages Between Clinical Laboratory
Instruments and Computer Systems.”
Figure 1.18 Patient Data Download Process: AL (Variable)

Patient Data
Download

Host Resends
Patient Record

Host Sends STX Host Sends

Patient Record

Host Sends ETX

Instrument Sends
NAK

Host Waits For

Instrument Response

Is
No
Patient Record
Received
OK?
Yes

Instrument Sends
ACK

No
Last Patient
Record?

Yes

End Patient
Download

7065015A

PN 4277065EA 1-29
OVERVIEW
AL COMMUNICATION MODES

End Patient Download Transmission

The End Patient Download follows at the end of the patient data download. The host
transmits the End Patient Download string in the same format used to transmit the patient
data.

See Table 1.8 for the expected patient End String.

For a detailed description of the End Patient Data Download process, see Figure 1.19.

Character formats include:

–: Space ($20)

] : Carriage return ($0D)

z: numeric field.

Table 1.8 End Variable String: AL

Information Description Number of Characters

STX ($02) Start of Text 1
zzzzz] Number of bytes (in decimal format $30-$39) 5+1
between STX and ETX in End Variable String
followed by CR ($0D)
($FF)-END-----] Results Type. $FF, Space ($20) followed by word 2+8+1
END with 5 spaces, followed by CR ($0D)
($FD)-zzzz] Hex-ASCII (lower case) sum, modulo $FFFF, of 2+4+1
preceding bytes (starting with second byte) in End
Variable String
ETX ($03) End of Text 1

1-30 PN 4277065EA
 OVERVIEW
AL COMMUNICATION MODES 1
Figure 1.19 End Patient Data Download Process: AL (Variable)

End Patient
Download

Host Will Resend

"End" That Failed
Checks
Host Sends
End String

Host Waits For

Instrument
Response
Instrument Sends
NAK

End String No
Received
OK?
Yes

Instrument Sends
ACK

Done

Transmission
Complete 7065016C

PN 4277065EA 1-31
OVERVIEW
AL COMMUNICATION MODES

1-32 PN 4277065EA
 2HOST COMMUNICATIONS SETUP: OPEN VIAL SYSTEM 2
2.1 INTRODUCTION
Do the setup procedures in this section only if you have the OV System.

r For setup information for the CP System, see Chapter 3, HOST COMMUNICATIONS SETUP:
CAP PIERCE SYSTEM.
r For setup information for the AL System, see Chapter 4, HOST COMMUNICATIONS SETUP:
AUTOLOADER SYSTEM.

2.2 SETTING UP THE OPEN VIAL INSTRUMENT FOR HOST COMMUNICATION

Only authorized technicians should perform this procedure.

Use these procedures to configure your instrument to communicate with your laboratory’s
host computer.

Host Setup Configuration

Do this procedure to choose the baud rate, parity, stopbit, character length, protocol, and
analyzer number for any transmission format.

1 Beginning at the Main menu, select

MAIN MENU
SETUP tt HOST SETUP. 1 - RUN SAMPLES
2 - CALIBRATION
3 - REAGENTS
4 - DIAGNOSTICS
5 - SETUP 1 - DATE / TIME
2 - UNITS
3 - LAB. LIMITS
4 - HOST SETUP
5 - PRINTER
6 - OTHERS

2 Enter the user password and press

USER PASSWORD
.

3 Select HOST SETUP CONFIGURATION.

1 - HOST SETUP CONFIGURATION
2 - SENDING CONFIGURATION
3 - SENDING OPTIONS
4 - VARIABLE FORMAT SETUP
5 - SEND LATEST RESULT

PN 4277065EA 2-1
HOST COMMUNICATIONS SETUP: OPEN VIAL SYSTEM
SETTING UP THE OPEN VIAL INSTRUMENT FOR HOST COMMUNICATION

4 Move the cursor to the parameter you

HOST SETUP CONFIGURATI 02/27/00 16:05
want to select and press to select BAUDS STOP BIT LENGTH
or de-select the selection 1200 1 STOP 8 BITS
2400 2 STOP 7 BITS
4800
Note: 9600
38400
PARITY PROTOCOL
ODD XONXOFF
= selected. EVEN NONE
NONE
ANALYZER NUMBER 1
= not selected.

5 Repeat step 4 as needed.

Note: The Analyzer Number is a
numeric field. Enter the numbers at the
numeric keypad.

6 Press to accept the changes.

ESC
7 Press to exit and save the changes.

2-2 PN 4277065EA
 HOST COMMUNICATIONS SETUP: OPEN VIAL SYSTEM
SENDING CONFIGURATION 2
2.3 SENDING CONFIGURATION
Do this procedure to configure the transmission format, software handshake, time out,
waiting time, and automatic disconnect parameters.

1 Beginning at the Main menu, select

MAIN MENU
SETUP tt HOST SETUP. 1 - RUN SAMPLES
2 - CALIBRATION
3 - REAGENTS
4 - DIAGNOSTICS
5 - SETUP 1 - DATE / TIME
2 - UNITS
3 - LAB. LIMITS
4 - HOST SETUP
5 - PRINTER
6 - OTHERS

2 Enter the user password and press

USER PASSWORD
.

3 Select SENDING CONFIGURATION.

1 - HOST SETUP CONFIGURATION
2 - SENDING CONFIGURATION
3 - SENDING OPTIONS
4 - VARIABLE FORMAT SETUP
5 - SEND LATEST RESULT

PN 4277065EA 2-3
HOST COMMUNICATIONS SETUP: OPEN VIAL SYSTEM
SENDING CONFIGURATION

4 Move the cursor to the parameter you

SENDING CONFIGUATION 02/27/00 16:05
want to select and press . FORMAT SOFTWARE HANDSHAKE
XLS OFF
FIXED ON
The Time Out value represents the VARIABLE
number of seconds the instrument will
TIME OUT 15
wait for a host response with Software WAITING TIME 8
Handshake ON. Waiting Time and XLS DELIMITER ;
Automatic Disconnect are not for AUTOMATIC DISCONNECT TIME 80
customer use at this time. However,
ensure that the Automatic Disconnect
checkbox is selected.
Note:

= selected.
= not selected.

5 Repeat step 4 as needed.

Note: For numeric fields, enter the
numbers at the numeric keypad and

press .

ESC
6 Press to exit and save the changes.

2-4 PN 4277065EA
 HOST COMMUNICATIONS SETUP: OPEN VIAL SYSTEM
SENDING OPTIONS 2
2.4 SENDING OPTIONS
There are five sending options from which you can choose:

r Step-by-step Transmission: transmits all patient samples (auto xmit).

r Send Calibration Results: transmits individual results from calibration run.
r Send Flowcell WBC Calibration Results: transmits individual results from flowcell WBC
calibration process.
r Send Reproducibility Results: transmits individual results from reproducibility procedure.
r Send Startup Results: transmits background results at the end of Startup.

Do this procedure to select the results to be transmitted.

1 Beginning at the Main menu, select

MAIN MENU
SETUP tt HOST SETUP tt SENDING 1 - RUN SAMPLES
OPTIONS. 2 - CALIBRATION
3 - REAGENTS
4 - DIAGNOSTICS
5 - SETUP 1 - DATE / TIME
2 - UNITS
3 - LAB. LIMITS
4 - HOST SETUP
5 - PRINTER
6 - OTHERS
1 - HOST SETUP CONFIGURATION
2 - SENDING CONFIGURATION
3 - SENDING OPTIONS
4 - VARIABLE FORMAT SETUP
5 - SEND LATEST RESULT

2 Move the cursor to the desired option

SENDING OPTIONS 02/27/00 16:05
and press to select or de-select the
STEP-BY-STEP TRANSMISSION
option.
SEND CALIBRATION RESULTS
Note: SEND FLOWCELL WBC CALIBRATION RESULTS
SEND REPRODUCIBILITY RESULTS
= selected. SEND STARTUP RESULTS

= not selected.
Note: If selected, Step-by-Step
transmission sets the instrument to
automatically transmit the result to the
host when the cycle is completed.

3 Repeat step 2 as needed.

PN 4277065EA 2-5
HOST COMMUNICATIONS SETUP: OPEN VIAL SYSTEM
SENDING OPTIONS

ESC
4 Press to exit and save the changes.

Variable Format Setup

The Variable format allows you to select the information to be transmitted, such as numeric
values, flags and messages, histograms and thresholds, and patient files.

Numeric Values
Do this procedure to select the hematology parameters to be transmitted.

1 Beginning at the Main menu, select

MAIN MENU
SETUP tt HOST SETUP. 1 - RUN SAMPLES
2 - CALIBRATION
3 - REAGENTS
4 - DIAGNOSTICS
5 - SETUP 1 - DATE / TIME
2 - UNITS
3 - LAB. LIMITS
4 - HOST SETUP
5 - PRINTER
6 - OTHERS

2 Enter the user password and press

USER PASSWORD
.

3 Select VARIABLE FORMAT SETUP tt

1 - HOST SETUP CONFIGURATION
NUMERICAL RESULTS. 2 - SENDING CONFIGURATION
3 - SENDING OPTIONS
4 - VARIABLE FORMAT SETUP
5 - SEND LATEST RESULT
1 - NUMERICAL RESULTS
2 - FLAGS AND MESSAGES
3 - HISTOGRAMS AND THRESHOLDS
4 - PATIENT FILE

2-6 PN 4277065EA
 HOST COMMUNICATIONS SETUP: OPEN VIAL SYSTEM
SENDING OPTIONS 2
4 Move the cursor to the parameter you
NUMERICAL RESULTS 02/27/00 16:05
want to select and press to select
WBC RBC PLT
or de-select the option. NE# NE HGB MPV
LY # LY HCT PCT
Note: MO# MO MCV PDW
EO# EO MCH
BA# BA MCHC
ATL # ATL RDW
IMM# IMM
= selected.
= not selected.
ATTENTION: On the language selection screen, if
Pct, PDW, ATL, or IMM is selected and if the USA
field is selected, the message “IN USA, PCT, PDW,
ATL, IMM ARE FOR RESEARCH USE ONLY” will
transmit. Refer to heading A.4, LANGUAGE AND
USA FIELD SELECTION, in the Operator’s Guide for
additional information.

5 Repeat step 4 as needed.

ESC
6 Press to exit and save the changes.

Flags and Messages

Do this procedure to select the flags and interpretive messages to be transmitted.

1 Beginning at the Main menu, select

MAIN MENU
SETUP tt HOST SETUP. 1 - RUN SAMPLES
2 - CALIBRATION
3 - REAGENTS
4 - DIAGNOSTICS
5 - SETUP 1 - DATE / TIME
2 - UNITS
3 - LAB. LIMITS
4 - HOST SETUP
5 - PRINTER
6 - OTHERS

PN 4277065EA 2-7
HOST COMMUNICATIONS SETUP: OPEN VIAL SYSTEM
SENDING OPTIONS

2 Enter the user password and press

USER PASSWORD
.

3 Select VARIABLE FORMAT SETUP tt FLAGS

1 - HOST SETUP CONFIGURATION
AND MESSAGES. 2 - SENDING CONFIGURATION
3 - SENDING OPTIONS
4 - VARIABLE FORMAT SETUP
5 - SEND LATEST RESULT
1 - NUMERICAL RESULTS
2 - FLAGS AND MESSAGES
3 - HISTOGRAMS AND THRESHOLDS
4 - PATIENT FILE

4 Move the cursor to the parameter you

FLAGS AND MESSAGES 02/27/00 16:05
want to select and press to select
or de-select the selection WBC FLAGS
DIFF FLAGS
RBC FLAGS
Note: PLT FLAGS
WBC COUNT FLAGS
GENERAL FLAGS
= selected. WBC PATHOLOGY
RBC PATHOLOGY
PLT PATHOLOGY
= not selected.

5 Repeat step 4 as needed.

ESC
6 Press to exit and save the changes.

2-8 PN 4277065EA
 HOST COMMUNICATIONS SETUP: OPEN VIAL SYSTEM
SENDING OPTIONS 2
Histograms and Thresholds

1 Beginning at the Main menu, select

MAIN MENU
SETUP tt HOST SETUP. 1 - RUN SAMPLES
2 - CALIBRATION
3 - REAGENTS
4 - DIAGNOSTICS
5 - SETUP 1 - DATE / TIME
2 - UNITS
3 - LAB. LIMITS
4 - HOST SETUP
5 - PRINTER
6 - OTHERS

2 Enter the user password and press

USER PASSWORD
.

3 Select VARIABLE FORMAT SETUP tt

1 - HOST SETUP CONFIGURATION
HISTOGRAMS AND THRESHOLDS. 2 - SENDING CONFIGURATION
3 - SENDING OPTIONS
4 - VARIABLE FORMAT SETUP
5 - SEND LATEST RESULT
1 - NUMERICAL RESULTS
2 - FLAGS AND MESSAGES
3 - HISTOGRAMS AND THRESHOLDS
4 - PATIENT FILE

4 Move the cursor to the parameter you

HISTOGRAMS AND THRESHO 12/07/99 16:05
want to select and press to select
or de-select the selection WBC HISTOGRAM WBC THRESHOLD
RCT HISTOGRAM RCT THRESHOLD
PLT HISTOGRAM PLT THRESHOLD
Note: BASO HISTOGRAM BASO THRESHOLD
DIFFPLOT
DIFFPLOT THRESHOLDS
= selected.
= not selected.

5 Repeat step 4 as needed.

PN 4277065EA 2-9
HOST COMMUNICATIONS SETUP: OPEN VIAL SYSTEM
SENDING OPTIONS

ESC
6 Press to exit and save the changes.

Patient File
Do this procedure to select the patient file data to be transmitted.

1 Beginning at the Main menu, select

MAIN MENU
SETUP tt HOST SETUP. 1 - RUN SAMPLES
2 - CALIBRATION
3 - REAGENTS
4 - DIAGNOSTICS
5 - SETUP 1 - DATE / TIME
2 - UNITS
3 - LAB. LIMITS
4 - HOST SETUP
5 - PRINTER
6 - OTHERS

2 Enter the user password and press

USER PASSWORD
.

3 Select VARIABLE FORMAT SETUP tt

1 - HOST SETUP CONFIGURATION
PATIENT FILE. 2 - SENDING CONFIGURATION
3 - SENDING OPTIONS
4 - VARIABLE FORMAT SETUP
5 - SEND LATEST RESULT
1 - NUMERICAL RESULTS
2 - FLAGS AND MESSAGES
3 - HISTOGRAMS AND THRESHOLDS
4 - PATIENT FILE

2-10 PN 4277065EA
 HOST COMMUNICATIONS SETUP: OPEN VIAL SYSTEM
SENDING OPTIONS 2
4 Move the cursor to the parameter you
PATIENT FILE 02/27/00 16:05
want to select and press to select
or de-select the selection ANALYZER NUMBER
DATE OF ANALYSIS
Note: IDENTIFICATION
ANALYZER SEQUENCE NUMBER
TYPE OF TEST

= selected.
= not selected..

5 Repeat step 4 as needed.

ESC
6 Press to exit and save the changes.

PN 4277065EA 2-11
HOST COMMUNICATIONS SETUP: OPEN VIAL SYSTEM
SENDING OPTIONS

Send Latest Result

Do this procedure to transmit the latest result to the host computer via the RS 232 output
port on the instrument.

1 Beginning at the Main menu, select

MAIN MENU
SETUP tt HOST SETUP. 1 - RUN SAMPLES
2 - CALIBRATION
3 - REAGENTS
4 - DIAGNOSTICS
5 - SETUP 1 - DATE / TIME
2 - UNITS
3 - LAB. LIMITS
4 - HOST SETUP
5 - PRINTER
6 - OTHERS

2 Enter the user password and press

USER PASSWORD
.

3 Select SEND LATEST RESULTS.

1 - HOST SETUP CONFIGURATION
2 - SENDING CONFIGURATION
3 - SENDING OPTIONS
4 - VARIABLE FORMAT SETUP
5 - SEND LATEST RESULT

2-12 PN 4277065EA
 HOST COMMUNICATIONS SETUP: OPEN VIAL SYSTEM
PIN ASSIGNMENTS 2
2.5 PIN ASSIGNMENTS
Determine if the host has a 9-pin or a 25-pin port and ensure that the pin assignments are
properly configured. See:

r Figure 2.1, 9-Pin Configuration (OV), or

r Figure 2.2, 25-Pin DTE Configuration (OV).

Figure 2.1 9-Pin Configuration (OV) Figure 2.2 25-Pin DTE Configuration (OV)
COMPUTER SIDE
COMPUTER SIDE DB25
DB9 CONFIGURATION
RS 232 OUTPUT CONFIGURATION
13
GND GND 5 RS 232 OUTPUT
5
6 6 GND GND 7
4 4 5
7 TXD TXD 3 7 6 6
3 4
8 RXD RXD 2 8 7 TXD RXD 3 7
2 3
8 RXD TXD 2 8
9 9 2
1 1 9 9
1 1

7065003B 7065004B

PN 4277065EA 2-13
HOST COMMUNICATIONS SETUP: OPEN VIAL SYSTEM
PIN ASSIGNMENTS

2-14 PN 4277065EA
 3HOST COMMUNICATIONS SETUP: CAP PIERCE SYSTEM 3
3.1 INTRODUCTION
Do the setup procedures in this section only if you have the CP System.

r For setup information for the OV System, see Chapter 2, HOST COMMUNICATIONS SETUP:
OPEN VIAL SYSTEM.
r For setup information for the AL System, see Chapter 4, HOST COMMUNICATIONS SETUP:
AUTOLOADER SYSTEM.

3.2 SETTING UP THE INSTRUMENT FOR HOST COMMUNICATION

Only authorized technicians should perform this procedure.

Use these procedures to configure your instrument to communicate with your laboratory’s
host computer.

Figure 3.1 shows the setup screen.

Figure 3.1 Host Communication Setup Window: CP

PN 4277065EA 3-1
HOST COMMUNICATIONS SETUP: CAP PIERCE SYSTEM
SETTING UP THE INSTRUMENT FOR HOST COMMUNICATION

Communication Configuration
Do this procedure to define the communication configuration, including the settings,
formatting, and autotransmission options. These settings apply to all formats.

There are 4 autotransmission options for results from which you can choose:

r Off: no patient results will be transmitted.

r All: transmits all patient results.
r Normals only: transmits all normal patient results.
r Normals and Selected Abnormals: transmits all normal patient results and selected
abnormal patient results.

1 Setup tt System.

2 Enter the password and .

3 the Communication tab then the

LIS/HIS tab.

3-2 PN 4277065EA
 HOST COMMUNICATIONS SETUP: CAP PIERCE SYSTEM
SETTING UP THE INSTRUMENT FOR HOST COMMUNICATION 3

4 to print the existing

settings for reference, if needed.

5 the button next to the desired

setting. Repeat for each setting.
For numeric fields, enter the number
and press tab to go the next field.
Note: If you select Normals and Selected
Abnormals as the autotransmission
option, then you can further select
from:
No Parameter Value
With Parameter Flags
Outside Patient Limits
Outside Action Limits
Note: For the Control Results setting,
r On enables autotransmission of
control results
r Off disables autotransmission of
control results
(only available for software
version 2.00 and above)

6 to save the settings.

It is recommended that you log out and
log in again to ensure that the change
to the communications settings are
applied correctly.

PN 4277065EA 3-3
HOST COMMUNICATIONS SETUP: CAP PIERCE SYSTEM
SETTING UP THE INSTRUMENT FOR HOST COMMUNICATION

Variable Format Setup

The Variable format allows you to select the information to be transmitted, such as numeric
values, flags and messages, histograms and thresholds, and patient information.

Do this procedure to select the transmission for the desired numerical results, flags and
messages, patient information, and histograms and thresholds.

1 Setup tt System.

2 Enter the password and .

3 the Communication tab then the

Variable Format tab.

4 to print the existing

settings for reference, if needed.

3-4 PN 4277065EA
 HOST COMMUNICATIONS SETUP: CAP PIERCE SYSTEM
PIN ASSIGNMENTS 3

5 the button next to the desired

setting. Repeat for each desired setting.

6 to save the settings.

3.3 PIN ASSIGNMENTS

Determine if the host has a 9-pin or a 25-pin port and ensure that the pin assignments are
properly configured. See:

r Figure 3.2, 9-Pin Configuration (CP), or

r Figure 3.3, 25-Pin DTE Configuration (CP).

Figure 3.2 9-Pin Configuration (CP) Figure 3.3 25-Pin DTE Configuration (CP)
COMPUTER SIDE
COMPUTER SIDE DB25
DB9 CONFIGURATION
RS 232 OUTPUT CONFIGURATION
13
GND GND 5 RS 232 OUTPUT
5
6 6 GND GND 7
4 4 5
7 TXD TXD 3 7 6 6
3 4
8 RXD RXD 2 8 7 TXD RXD 3 7
2 3
8 RXD TXD 2 8
9 9 2
1 1 9 9
1 1

7065003B 7065004B

PN 4277065EA 3-5
HOST COMMUNICATIONS SETUP: CAP PIERCE SYSTEM
PIN ASSIGNMENTS

3-6 PN 4277065EA
 4HOST COMMUNICATIONS SETUP: AUTOLOADER SYSTEM 4
4.1 INTRODUCTION
Do the setup procedures in this section only if you have the AL System.

r For setup information for the OV system, see Chapter 2, HOST COMMUNICATIONS SETUP:
OPEN VIAL SYSTEM.
r For setup information on the CP system, see Chapter 3, HOST COMMUNICATIONS SETUP:
CAP PIERCE SYSTEM.

4.2 SETTING UP THE AL INSTRUMENT FOR HOST COMMUNICATION

Only authorized technicians should perform this procedure.

Use these procedures to configure your instrument to communicate with your laboratory’s
host computer.

Two tabs are available under the Host tab: RS232 Settings and Variable/ASTM Format.

RS232 Settings

Understanding the RS232 Settings Screen

See Figure 4.1.

Figure 4.1 RS232 Settings Screen: AL

b Allows you to select the baud rate. c Allows you to select the parity.

d Allows you to select the stop bits. e Allows you to select the protocol.

PN 4277065EA 4-1
HOST COMMUNICATIONS SETUP: AUTOLOADER SYSTEM
SETTING UP THE AL INSTRUMENT FOR HOST COMMUNICATION

f Allows you to select the format. g Allows you to select the communication mode.

h Allows you to select the byte size. i Allows you to define the response time for an
SOH/SOH conflict.
j Allows you to define the response time in 1) Allows you to define the maximum time (in
seconds. When the Automatic Disconnect seconds) that the Host will attempt
checkbox is selected, this is the time the transmitting data.
instrument will wait for a host response
during patient file downloads.
1! Allows you to select Automatic Disconnect, 1@ Allows you to delete the Host buffer.
which will cause the Host to disconnect when
the maximum time is reached.
Note: Enable this option to avoid
communication conflicts when using
bidirectional.
1# Allows you to select to have Startup results 1$ Allows you to select to have Reproducibility
automatically uploaded from the Analyzer. results automatically uploaded from the
Analyzer.
1% Allows you to select to have Quality Control
results automatically uploaded from the
Analyzer.

4-2 PN 4277065EA
 HOST COMMUNICATIONS SETUP: AUTOLOADER SYSTEM
SETTING UP THE AL INSTRUMENT FOR HOST COMMUNICATION 4
Procedure for Defining RS232 Settings
Do this procedure to define the RS232 settings.

1 At the Main Menu screen, .

2 .

3 the Host tab.

PN 4277065EA 4-3
HOST COMMUNICATIONS SETUP: AUTOLOADER SYSTEM
SETTING UP THE AL INSTRUMENT FOR HOST COMMUNICATION

4 the RS232 Settings tab.

5 .

6 Select the desired option(s).

For bidirectional communications, the Automatic Disconnect option must be selected.

7 to save the change.

4-4 PN 4277065EA
 HOST COMMUNICATIONS SETUP: AUTOLOADER SYSTEM
SETTING UP THE AL INSTRUMENT FOR HOST COMMUNICATION 4
Variable Format
Under the Variable Format tab (Figure 4.2), you can define/edit these settings:

r Numerical Results
r Flags and Messages
r Patient File
r Histograms and Thresholds

Understanding the Variable Format Screen

See Figure 4.2.

Figure 4.2 Variable Format Settings Screen (AL)

b Allows you to select the parameters for which you want numerical results to be sent to the Host
computer
c Allows you to select the flags and messages to be sent to the Host computer
Note: If a numerical result is not selected, then its corresponding flags and messages will not be sent
to the Host computer.
d Allows you to select specific information from the patient file to be sent to the Host computer

e Allows you to select histograms and thresholds to be sent to the Host computer

PN 4277065EA 4-5
HOST COMMUNICATIONS SETUP: AUTOLOADER SYSTEM
SETTING UP THE AL INSTRUMENT FOR HOST COMMUNICATION

Do this procedure to define the Variable Format settings.

1 At the Main Menu screen, .

2 .

3 the Host tab.

4-6 PN 4277065EA
 HOST COMMUNICATIONS SETUP: AUTOLOADER SYSTEM
SETTING UP THE AL INSTRUMENT FOR HOST COMMUNICATION 4

4 the Variable Format tab.

5 .

6 Select the desired option(s).

7 to save the change.

PN 4277065EA 4-7
HOST COMMUNICATIONS SETUP: AUTOLOADER SYSTEM
SETTING UP THE AL INSTRUMENT FOR HOST COMMUNICATION

ASTM Format
Under the ASTM Format tab (Figure 4.3), you can define/edit these settings:

r Numerical Results
r Flags and Messages
r Patient File

Understanding the ASTM Format Screen

See Figure 4.3.

Figure 4.3 ASTM Format Settings Screen (AL)

b Allows you to select the parameters for which you want numerical results to be sent to the Host
computer
c Allows you to select the flags and messages to be sent to the Host computer
Note: If a numerical result is not selected, then its corresponding flags and messages will not be sent
to the Host computer.
d Allows you to select specific information from the patient file to be sent to the Host computer

4-8 PN 4277065EA
 HOST COMMUNICATIONS SETUP: AUTOLOADER SYSTEM
SETTING UP THE AL INSTRUMENT FOR HOST COMMUNICATION 4
Do this procedure to define the ASTM Format settings.

1 At the Main Menu screen, .

2 .

3 the Host tab.

4 RS232 Settings tab.

5 .

PN 4277065EA 4-9
HOST COMMUNICATIONS SETUP: AUTOLOADER SYSTEM
SETTING UP THE AL INSTRUMENT FOR HOST COMMUNICATION

6 Select ASTM.

7 ASTM tab.

8 Select the desired option(s).

9 to save the changes.

4-10 PN 4277065EA
 HOST COMMUNICATIONS SETUP: AUTOLOADER SYSTEM
VERIFYING PIN ASSIGNMENTS 4
4.3 VERIFYING PIN ASSIGNMENTS
Determine if the Host computer has a 9-pin or a 25-pin port and ensure that the pin
assignments are properly configured. See:

r Figure 4.4, 9-Pin Configuration (AL), or

r Figure 4.5, 25-Pin DTE Configuration (AL).

Figure 4.4 9-Pin Configuration (AL) Figure 4.5 25-Pin DTE Configuration (AL)
COMPUTER SIDE
COMPUTER SIDE DB25
DB9 CONFIGURATION
RS 232 OUTPUT CONFIGURATION
13
GND GND 5 RS 232 OUTPUT
5
6 6 GND GND 7
4 4 5
7 TXD TXD 3 7 6 6
3 4
8 RXD RXD 2 8 7 TXD RXD 3 7
2 3
8 RXD TXD 2 8
9 9 2
1 1 9 9
1 1

7065003B 7065004B

PN 4277065EA 4-11
HOST COMMUNICATIONS SETUP: AUTOLOADER SYSTEM
VERIFYING PIN ASSIGNMENTS

4-12 PN 4277065EA
 5OUTPUT FORMAT 5
5.1 FORMATS
ATTENTION: Each format is unique to the instrument type (OV, CP, or AL) and must not be
interchanged.

Available Formats: OV and CP Systems

There are three formats available for the OV and CP systems: Fixed, Variable, and XLS.
However, the two recommended formats on the OV and CP systems are Fixed and Variable.
The XLS format is for factory use only and is not recommended for customer use.

Available Formats: AL System

There are two formats available for the AL system: Variable and ASTM. For additional
information:
• See Heading 5.5, VARIABLE FORMAT: OV, CP, AND AL SYSTEMS.
• See Heading 5.8, ASTM FORMAT: AL

5.2 ALPHANUMERIC CHARACTERS

Alphanumeric characters consist of letters from the alphabet and numbers. Special characters,
such as a comma ($2C), are NOT included and, therefore, should not be used as an
alphanumeric characters.

5.3 FIXED FORMAT: OV SYSTEM

Description
For the OV system, the Fixed format host output provides a fixed output of 434 ASCII
characters per sample result as shown in the format layout below. Each transmission includes
an STX and ETX.

Character Format
Space and carriage return are represented as:
- : Space ($20)
] : Carriage return ($0D)
z: numeric field,
zz/zz/zz – Date, in format selected in Setup/Date Format
zzHzzmnzzs –Time, in 24hr format Hours(h) Minutes(mn) second(s)
zzzzz – Parameter results are transmitted in US format with an extra decimal place
compared to the displayed and printed results. Transmitted parameter results are limited
to five digits (zz.zz). Results are right justified with leading zeros, e.g. 04.52.
When a parameter is not transmitted, the field (zzzzz) is replaced by . . . . ..
Note: In CBC mode, all Differential parameters are transmitted as . . . . .. Pct, PDW,
ATL % and #, and IMM % and # are transmitted as . . . . . unless enabled in Setup. If RUO
parameters are enabled and USA is selected in language selection, then the RUO
(Research Use Only) message will transmit; otherwise, “spaces” are sent.
Plt is zzzzz (5 digits, no decimal point).

PN 4277065EA 5-1
OUTPUT FORMAT
FIXED FORMAT: OV SYSTEM

Y: Sequence number
4 digits or spaces $30 to $39 or $20 (right-justified with leading spaces).
A: Sample ID
Autonumbering ID mode: 5 numeric characters or spaces $30 to $39 or $20
(left-justified with 11 trailing spaces).
Manual ID mode: 16 alphanumeric characters, $20 to $7F (left justified with trailing
spaces).
R: Parameter review flag identifier
Space “ “ ($20) indicates no parameter flag (normal)
* ($2A) indicates parameter flag and result should be reviewed
N: Patient Flagging Limits identifier
Space “ “ ($20) indicates within Patient limits
H ($48) indicates result greater than Patient limits
L ($4C) indicates result lower than Patient Limits
D ($44) indicates exceeds instrument capacity
ABC… : DiffPlot, WBC/BASO and Plt flag identifiers
Zero “0” indicates no flag or flag not used
One “1” indicates flag present
CRC is calculated using EXCLUSIVE OR (XOR) of all transmitted bytes except STX and ETX,
then an inclusive “or” (OR) with ($40).

EXCLUSIVE OR (XOR) follows the rule: 1 XOR 1 = 0 1 XOR 0 =1 0 XOR 0 = 0

INCLUSIVE OR (OR) follows the rule: 1 OR 1 = 1 1 OR 0 = 1 0 OR 0 = 0
Example:
STX ($02)
Value 1
Value 2
…..
Value X
CRC
ETX ($03)

Result Format for OV System

See Table 5.1.
Table 5.1 Result Format for OV System

Line Number Description

1 STX, header and analyzer number
2 Sequence number
3 Sample ID
4 Date, time, and sampling mode
5 to 37 Parameter result, Review flag and Patient Limit flag information

5-2 PN 4277065EA
 OUTPUT FORMAT
FIXED FORMAT: OV SYSTEM 5
Table 5.1 Result Format for OV System (Continued)

Line Number Description

38 DiffPlot flagging information. See Table 5.3 for flag interpretation
39 WBC/BASO flagging information. See Table 5.4 for flag interpretation
40 Plt flagging information. See Table 5.5 for flag interpretation
41 RUO message (when USA and RUO parameters are selected)
42 CRC, ETX

Layout Format for OV System

See Table 5.2.

Table 5.2 Layout Format for OV System

Line
Number Information Sent Description Number of Characters
1 STXRzz] Start of text, character “R”, 1+1+2+1
analyzer number
2 YYYY] Sequence number 4+1
3 AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA] ID field 16+1
4 zz/zz/zz-zzHzzmnzzs*] Date and time 20 + 1
5 zzzzz-RN] WBC count and Flags 8+1
6 zzzzz-RN] LY# and Flags 8+1
7 zzzzz-RN] LY% and Flags 8+1
8 zzzzz-RN] MO# and Flags 8+1
9 zzzzz-RN] MO% and Flags 8+1
10 . . . . .-RN] Not Used 8+1
11 . . . . .-RN] Not Used 8+1
12 zzzzz-RN] NE# and Flags 8+1
13 zzzzz-RN] NE% and Flags 8+1
14 zzzzz-RN] EO# and Flags 8+1
15 zzzzz-RN] EO% and Flags 8+1
16 zzzzz-RN] BA# and Flags 8+1
17 zzzzz-RN] BA% and Flags 8+1
18 zzzzz-RN] ATL# and Flags 8+1
19 zzzzz-RN] ATL% and Flags 8+1
20 zzzzz-RN] IMM# and Flags 8+1
21 zzzzz-RN] IMM% and Flags 8+1
22 . . . . .-RN] Not Used 8+1
23 . . . . .-RN] Not Used 8+1

PN 4277065EA 5-3
OUTPUT FORMAT
FIXED FORMAT: OV SYSTEM

Table 5.2 Layout Format for OV System (Continued)

Line
Number Information Sent Description Number of Characters
24 . . . . .-RN] Not Used 8+1
25 . . . . .-RN] Not Used 8+1
26 zzzzz-RN] RBC and Flags 8+1
27 zzzzz-RN] HGB and Flags 8+1
28 zzzzz-RN] HCT and Flags 8+1
29 zzzzz-RN] MCV and Flags 8+1
30 zzzzz-RN] MCH and Flags 8+1
31 zzzzz-RN] MCHC and Flags 8+1
32 zzzzz-RN] RDW and Flags 8+1
33 . . . . .-RN] Not Used 8+1
34 zzzzz-RN] PLT and Flags 8+1
35 zzzzz-RN] MPV and Flags 8+1
36 zzzzz-RN] PCT and Flags 8+1
37 zzzzz-RN] PDW and Flags 8+1
38 ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTU] DIFFPLOT Flags 21 +1
39 ABCDEF] WBC/BASO Flags 6+1
40 ABC] PLT Flags 3+1
41 IN USA, PCT, PDW, ATL, IMM RUO messages when parameters 53 +1
ARE FOR RESEARCH USE selected in USA mode
ONLY
42 CRC, ETX Cyclic Redundancy Check 1+1
Total characters: 434

Flag Format: OV System

Line 38 – DiffPlot Flags for OV System

See Table 5.3.

Table 5.3 Line 38 – DiffPlot Flags for OV System

Character Flag
A SL
B NL
C MN
D LN
E UM
F UN

5-4 PN 4277065EA
 OUTPUT FORMAT
FIXED FORMAT: OV SYSTEM 5
Table 5.3 Line 38 – DiffPlot Flags for OV System (Continued)

G DB
H Diff Reject
I NE
J Not used
K Not used
L Not used
M Not used
N Not used
O Not used
P MB
Q Not used
R Not used
S Not used
T Not used
U Not used
Flags “Not used” are always sent as 0.

Line 39 – WBC/BASO Flags for OV System

See Table 5.4.

Table 5.4 Line 39 – WBC/BASO Flags for OV System

Character Flag
A *WBC
B Not used
C Not used
D Not used
E Not used
F Not used
Flags “Not used” are always sent as 0.

Line 40 – Plt Flags for OV System

See Table 5.5.

Table 5.5 Line 40 – Plt Flags for OV System

Character Flag
A SCL
B SCH
C MIC

PN 4277065EA 5-5
OUTPUT FORMAT
FIXED FORMAT: CP SYSTEM

5.4 FIXED FORMAT: CP SYSTEM

Description
For the CP system, the Fixed Format provides a constant input or output of characters per
sample to and/or from the host. See Table 5.6.

Table 5.6 Fixed Format for CP System: Characters Per Sample by Communication Mode

Communication Mode Direction Total Characters

Unidirectional Workstation to Host 491, or 493 if S0H/EOT are enabled
Bidirectional Workstation to Host 499 (SOH, 491 data, 7 end string)
Bidirectional Host to Workstation 225 (SOH, 217 data, 7 end string)

Character Format
Space and carriage return are represented as:
–: Space ($20)
] : Carriage return ($0D)
z: numeric field,
dd/mm/yyyy – Date, 8 numeric characters ($30 to $39) representing the date, where dd
is the day of month, mm is the month, and yyyy is the year.
zzhzzmnzzs –Time, in 24hr format Hours(h) Minutes(mn) second(s)
zzzzz – Parameter results are transmitted in US format compared to the displayed and
printed results. Transmitted parameter results are limited to five digits (zz.zz). Results
are right justified with leading zeros, e.g. 04.52.
Note: The CP system transmits in US format only.
Note: Results displayed and printed by the CP system may differ from those reported by
the host due to rounding differences. For instance, a WBC count transmitted to the host
computer as 12.05 may be rounded down by the CP system and displayed and printed as
12.0 but rounded up by the host and reported as 12.1.
When a parameter is not transmitted the field (zzzzz) is replaced by . . . . ..
Note: In CBC mode, all Differential parameters are transmitted as . . . . .. Pct, PDW,
ATL % and #, and IMM % and # are transmitted as . . . . . unless enabled in Setup. If
enabled and USA is selected in language selection, then the RUO (Research Use Only)
message will transmit; otherwise, “spaces” are sent.
Plt is zzzzz (5 digits, no decimal point).
A: Sample ID
Autonumbering ID mode: 6 numeric characters or spaces $30 to $39 or $20
(left-justified with 10 trailing spaces).
Manual ID mode: 16 alphanumeric characters, $20 to $7F (left justified with trailing
spaces).
B: Alphanumeric characters
Example: ($20), $30 to $39), ($41 to $5A), and ($61 to $7A)

5-6 PN 4277065EA
 OUTPUT FORMAT
FIXED FORMAT: CP SYSTEM 5
Y: Sequence number
4 digits or spaces $30 to $39 or $20 (right-justified with leading spaces).
P: Panel (test type)

A ($41) – CBC
B ($42) – CBC/DIFF
CDEF: Age. CDE represents age, and F represents the age designator (days [d] = $64, weeks
[w] = $77, months [m] = $6D, years [y] = $79). For example, 017d, 003w, 010 m, or 017 y.
G: Gender (female [F] = $46, male [M] = $4D, or Unknown [U} = $55).
ddmmyyyy: Date of birth or collection date. (dd = day, mm = month, yyyy = year)
zzhzzmnzzs: Time. (z = numeric value, h= hours, mn = minutes, s = seconds).
R: Parameter review flag identifier
Space “ “ ($20) indicates no parameter flag (normal)
* ($2A) indicates parameter flag and result should be reviewed
N: Patient Flagging Limits identifier
Space “ “ ($20) indicates within Patient limits
H ($48) indicates result greater than Patient limits
L ($4C) indicates result lower than Patient Limits
D ($44) indicates exceeds instrument capacity
ABC… : DiffPlot, WBC/BASO and Plt flag identifiers
Zero “0” indicates no flag or flag not used
One “1” indicates flag present
CRC is calculated using EXCLUSIVE OR (XOR) of all transmitted bytes except STX and ETX,
then an inclusive “or” (OR) with ($40).

EXCLUSIVE OR (XOR) follows the 1 XOR 1 = 0 1 XOR 0 =1 0 XOR 0 = 0

rule:
INCLUSIVE OR (OR) follows the rule: 1 OR 1 = 1 1 OR 0 = 1 0 OR 0 = 0
Example:
STX ($02)
Value 1
Value 2
…..
Value X
CRC
ETX ($03)

PN 4277065EA 5-7
OUTPUT FORMAT
FIXED FORMAT: CP SYSTEM

Result Format for CP System

The result format defines the format of the results to be transmitted from the CP system to the
host (upload). See Table 5.7.
Table 5.7 Result Format for CP System

Line Number Description

1 STX, header and analyzer number
2 Sequence number
3 Sample ID
4 Patient name
5 Patient ID
6 Date and time
7 to 39 Parameter result, Review flag, and Patient Limit flag information
40 DiffPlot flagging information. See Table 5.9 for flag interpretation.
41 WBC/BASO flagging information. See Table 5.10 for flag interpretation
42 Plt flagging information. See Table 5.11 for flag interpretation
43 RUO message (when USA and RUO parameters are selected)
44 CRC, ETX

Layout Format for CP System

See Table 5.8.

Table 5.8 Layout Format for CP System

Line
Number Information Sent Description Number of Characters
1 STXRzz] Sample: Start of text, 1+1+2+1
character “R”, analyzer number
OR
Control: Start of text, character “C”,
analyzer number. (Control result
added for CP v2.00 and above).
2 YYYY] Sequence number 4+1
3 AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA] Sample ID 16+1
For Control result, lot number will
be in this field.
4 BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB Patient Name 30 + 1
BBBBBBBB] (See Note 1)
5 BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB Patient ID 25 + 1
BBB] (See Note 1)
6 ddmmyyyy-zzhzzmnzzs–] Date, time, and sampling mode 20 + 1
7 zzzzz-RN] WBC count and Flags 8+1

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 OUTPUT FORMAT
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Table 5.8 Layout Format for CP System (Continued)

Line
Number Information Sent Description Number of Characters
8 zzzzz-RN] LY# and Flags 8+1
9 zzzzz-RN] LY% and Flags 8+1
10 zzzzz-RN] MO# and Flags 8+1
11 zzzzz-RN] MO% and Flags 8+1
12 . . . . .-RN] Not Used 8+1
13 . . . . .-RN] Not Used 8+1
14 zzzzz-RN] NE# and Flags 8+1
15 zzzzz-RN] NE% and Flags 8+1
16 zzzzz-RN] EO# and Flags 8+1
17 zzzzz-RN] EO% and Flags 8+1
18 zzzzz-RN] BA# and Flags 8+1
19 zzzzz-RN] BA% and Flags 8+1
20 zzzzz-RN] ATL# and Flags 8+1
21 zzzzz-RN] ATL% and Flags 8+1
22 zzzzz-RN] IMM# and Flags 8+1
23 zzzzz-RN] IMM% and Flags 8+1
24 . . . . .-RN] Not Used 8+1
25 . . . . .-RN] Not Used 8+1
26 . . . . .-RN] Not Used 8+1
27 . . . . .-RN] Not Used 8+1
28 zzzzz-RN] RBC and Flags 8+1
29 zzzzz-RN] HGB and Flags 8+1
30 zzzzz-RN] HCT and Flags 8+1
31 zzzzz-RN] MCV and Flags 8+1
32 zzzzz-RN] MCH and Flags 8+1
33 zzzzz-RN] MCHC and Flags 8+1
34 zzzzz-RN] RDW and Flags 8+1
35 . . . . .-RN] Not Used 8+1
36 zzzzz-RN] PLT and Flags 8+1
37 zzzzz-RN] MPV and Flags 8+1
38 zzzzz-RN] PCT and Flags 8+1
39 zzzzz-RN] PDW and Flags 8+1
40 ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTU] DIFFPLOT Flags 21 +1
41 ABCDEF] WBC/BASO Flags 6+1

PN 4277065EA 5-9
OUTPUT FORMAT
FIXED FORMAT: CP SYSTEM

Table 5.8 Layout Format for CP System (Continued)

Line
Number Information Sent Description Number of Characters
42 ABC] PLT Flags 3+1
43 IN USA, PCT, PDW, ATL, IMM RUO messages when parameters 53 +1
ARE FOR RESEARCH USE selected in USA mode
ONLY (See Note 2)
44 CRC, ETX Cyclic Redundancy Check 1+1
Total characters: 491

Note 1: For Startup and Control results, data is sent as blanks.

Note 2: For QC results, RUO message is sent as blanks.

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FIXED FORMAT: CP SYSTEM 5
Flag Format: CP System

Line 40 – DiffPlot Flags for CP System

See Table 5.9.

Table 5.9 Line 40 – DiffPlot Flags for CP System

Character Flag
A SL
B NL
C MN
D LN
E UM
F UN
G DB
H Diff Reject
I NE
J Not used
K Not used
L Not used
M Not used
N Not used
O Not used
P MB
Q Not used
R Not used
S Not used
T Not used
U Not used
Flags “Not used” are always sent as 0.

PN 4277065EA 5-11
OUTPUT FORMAT
FIXED FORMAT: CP SYSTEM

Line 41 – WBC/BASO Flags for CP System

See Table 5.10.

Table 5.10 Line 41 – WBC/BASO Flags for CP System

Character Flag
A *WBC
B Not used
C Not used
D Not used
E Not used
F Not used
Flags “Not used” are always sent as 0.

Line 42 – Plt Flags for CP System

See Table 5.11.

Table 5.11 Line 42 – Plt Flags for CP System

Character Flag
A SCL
B SCH
C MIC

Fixed Patient File Layout Format for the CP System (Download)

The Patient File format defines the format of the patient file that is to be transmitted from a
host computer to the CP Worklist.

Patient File Format

A total of 217 characters must be transmitted for each patient file as shown in the following
format.

See Table 5.12.

Table 5.12 Patient File Layout Format for CP System

Line
Number Information Sent Description Number of Characters
1 STXDzz] Start of text, character “D”, 1 + 1+ 2 + 1
analyzer number
2 AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA] Sample ID 16 + 1
3 BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB Patient Name 30 + 1
BBBBBBBB]
4 BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB Patient ID 25 + 1
BBB]

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 OUTPUT FORMAT
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Table 5.12 Patient File Layout Format for CP System (Continued)

Line
Number Information Sent Description Number of Characters
5 P] Panel (test type [CBC A $41 or 1+1
CBC/DIFF B $42])
6 ddmmyyyy] Date of birth 8+1
7 CDEF] Age 4+1
8 G] Gender (F = $46, M=$4D, U = $55) 1+1
9 BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB Physician 30 + 1
BBBBBBBB]
10 BBBBBBBBBB] Location 15 + 1
11 ddmmyyyy-zzhzzmnzzs] Collection date and time. 19 + 1
12 BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB Comments 50 + 1
BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB
BBBBBB]
13 CRC, ETX Cycle Redundancy Check, End of 1+1
text
Total characters: 217

PN 4277065EA 5-13
OUTPUT FORMAT
VARIABLE FORMAT: OV, CP, AND AL SYSTEMS

5.5 VARIABLE FORMAT: OV, CP, AND AL SYSTEMS

The Variable format can transmit a variable number of fields depending on the defined setup.

Transmission Format
Table 5.13 defines the structure and content of the information that can be transmitted using
the Variable format. Since the information transmitted is defined by the setup of the system,
the order in which the information is sent will vary with the setup configuration. This means
that the order in which the information is presented below does not represent the order in
which the data is transmitted. The information is transmitted as 8-bit, therefore, the data bits
must be set to 8-bit.

Typical Transmission Structure (Upload): OV, CP, and AL Systems

See Table 5.13.

Table 5.13 Typical Transmission Structure and Content: Variable Format for OV, CP, and AL Systems

Information Description Size

STX Packet Length (excluding 5 bytes
XXXXX] STX & ETX
$FF - RESULT- - ] Information Type Space + 8 characters
ID - XX • • • • • • • •X] Identifier and Field 1 ID - 1 byte ($21 to $FF) defining
the information in field that
follows.
ID - XX • • • • • • • • • • • • • •X] Identifier and Field 2
ID - XX • • • • • • • •X] Identifier and Field n
$FE - V3.0 - ] Format version
$FD - CHECKSUM- ] Checksum Sum modulo $FFFF of all
characters from position two of
the data and up to the last
character prior to the checksum
identifier character. Value is a
4-byte hexadecimal number
preceded by space. Hex number
is represented as a lowercase
ASCII hex.
(identifier – space – Checksum –
carriage return)
ETX
$ = A hexadecimal #
] = Carriage return ($OD)
- = Space ($20)
Blank indicates Not Applicable

The fields that are transmitted are controlled via the selection made on the Variable Format
Settings screen. In addition to those fields, the instrument will always send additional fields,
regardless of the selection made.

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 OUTPUT FORMAT
VARIABLE FORMAT: OV, CP, AND AL SYSTEMS 5
Minimum Transmission
This section details the fields that are always sent regardless of the options selected.

Each information field is transmitted in the transmission format: ID, Space, Data, Carriage
Return. Data that has a character string of less than the defined data field length will have
trailing characters padded with spaces. The fields sent are different between the OV, CP, and
AL; therefore, each is described separately. See:

r Table 5.14, Minimum Transmitted Information: Variable Format (OV)

r Table 5.15, Minimum Transmitted Information: Variable Format (CP)
r Table 5.16, Minimum Transmitted Information: Variable Format (AL)

The Variable format:

r supports transmission of a variable number of fields based on the defined setup

r supports the varying order in which the data is transmitted based on the setup
configuration
r transmits data as 8 bits
r transmits user-selectable fields
r supports the minimum transmission (always transmit) in Table 5.16 regarding of the
options selected

Table 5.14 Minimum Transmitted Information: Variable Format (OV)

Identifier

Hex ANSI Description Information Sent Field Length and Format

$FF ÿ Results type 8 Character string 2+8+1
RESULT : Sample results ID, Space, String, CR
END : End string identifier
RES-BLK : Startup background
results
$FD ý Check sum 4 Character Number 2+4+1
16 bit checksum values as 4 ID, Space, Number, CR
hexadecimal bytes (ASCII-Hex)
$FE þ Version number 5 Character string 2+5+1
Vx.xx ID, Space, String, CR
$74 t Sampling Mode 1 Character string 2+1+1
M : Open vial mode ID, Space, Character, CR
$FA ú RUO message 53 character string 2 + 53 + 1
IN USA, PCT, PDW, ATL, IMM ID, Space, String, CR
ARE FOR RESEARCH USE ONLY
If country is not USA = spaces
$FB û Analyzer Name 8 Character string 2+8+1
AcT5diff : Open Vial system ID, Space, String, CR

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OUTPUT FORMAT
VARIABLE FORMAT: OV, CP, AND AL SYSTEMS

Table 5.15 Minimum Transmitted Information: Variable Format (CP)

Identifier

Hex ANSI Description Information Sent Field Length and Format

$FF ÿ Results type 8 Character string 2+8+1
RESULT : Sample results ID, Space, String, CR
RES-RR : Sample results that
have been rerun
END : End string identifier
RES-BLK : Startup background
results
QC-RES-M : QC result (added for
CP v2.00 and above)
$FD ý Check sum 4 Character Number 2+4+1
16 bit checksum values as 4 ID, Space, Number, CR
hexadecimal bytes (ASCII-Hex)
$FE þ Version number 5 Character string 2+5+1
Vx.xx ID, Space, String, CR
$74 t Sampling Mode 1 Character string 2+1+1
R : Cap Piercing mode ID, Space, Character, CR
$FA ú RUO message 53 character string 2 + 53 + 1
IN USA, PCT, PDW, ATL, IMM ID, Space, String, CR
ARE FOR RESEARCH USE ONLY
(See Note 1)
$FB û Analyzer Name 8 Character string 2+8+1
AcT5dfCP : Used for the Cap ID, Space, String, CR
Piercing unit

Note 1: For QC results, RUO message is not transmitted.

Table 5.16 Minimum Transmitted Information: Variable Format (AL)

Identifier

Hex ANSI Description Information Sent Field Length and Format

$FF ÿ Results type 8 Character string 2+8+1
RESULT : Sample results ID, Space, String, CR
RES-RR : Sample results that
have been rerun
END : End string identifier
RES-BLK : Startup background
results
QC-RES-M : QC sample results
REPRO : QC sample results
$FD ý Check sum 4 Character Number 2+4+1
16 bit checksum values as 4 ID, Space, Number, CR
hexadecimal bytes (ASCII-Hex)
$FE þ Version number 5 Character string 2+5+1
Vx.xx ID, Space, String, CR

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VARIABLE FORMAT: OV, CP, AND AL SYSTEMS 5
Table 5.16 Minimum Transmitted Information: Variable Format (AL) (Continued)

Identifier

Hex ANSI Description Information Sent Field Length and Format

$74 t Sampling Mode 1 Character string 2+1+1
M : Manual/Stat Mode ID, Space, Character, CR
R : Autoloader mode
Note: For QA results, a blank is
transmitted.
$FA ú RUO message 53 character string 2 + 53 + 1
IN USA, PCT, PDW, ATL, IMM ID, Space, String, CR
ARE FOR RESEARCH USE ONLY
$FB û Analyzer Name 8 Character string 2+8+1
AcT5dfAL: Autoloader ID, Space, String, CR
$70 p Analyzer number 2 Character string 2+2+1
ID, Space, String, CR
$73 s Analyzer sequence Not used. Sent as blanks. 2+4+1
number ID, Space, String, CR
$82 , Number of runs Number of runs: ‘0’ for first run, 2+1+1
‘1’ for second run, and so forth ID, Space, String, CR
$83 ƒ Operator Code Operator code: up to 15 2 + 15 + 1
characters, left justified, with ID, Space, String, CR
trailing spaces
$B0 ° Cassette/Position Numeric 2+4+1
r If a sample was run in the ID, Space, String, CR
Autoloader mode:
First two digits: Cassette
(range: 01 to 99)
Second two digits:
Position (range: 01 to 10)
Example: Cassette 2,
Position 5: 0205
r If a sample was run in the
Manual (Stat) mode: 0000.
Note: For Control and
Reproducibility samples, the
Cassette and Position is sent as
blanks.

For example, Field Type RESULT: $FF $20 $52 $45 $53 $55 $4C $54 $20 $20 $0D equates to
ÿ RESULTcr.

PN 4277065EA 5-17
OUTPUT FORMAT
VARIABLE FORMAT SETTINGS

5.6 VARIABLE FORMAT SETTINGS

The following sections describe the output controlled by the variable output setup screens.
Setup is divided into the following sections:

• Numerical Results

• Flags and Messages

• Patient File

• Histogram and Threshold Options (OV, CP, and AL)

Numerical Results
This section provides details of the fields that are controlled by the numerical results options.

The Hematology parameter numerical results are transmitted in a fixed length format,
consisting of 10 bytes (2 + 7 + 1), in the order of ID, Space, Result, Flags, Carriage Return.

All parameters are identified by identifiers $21 to $43. The transmitted numeric field consists
of five digits preceded by space. If the number of bytes in the result is less than five, the
leading bytes are filled with zeros.

Note for OV and CP: Results are transmitted in US format with an extra decimal place
compared to the displayed and printed results. Transmitted parameter results are limited to
five digits (zz.zz).

When the analyzer cannot calculate a parameter, the result is replaced by . . . . .. If the value
is greater than the reportable range, the result is replaced by + + + + +.

Note: If the Country setup is USA and if the RUO parameters (PCT, PDW, ATL, or IMM) are
selected, the message ($FA) “IN USA, PCT, PDW, ATL, IMM ARE FOR RESEARCH USE
ONLY” is transmitted; otherwise, the field is sent as spaces.

For the OV and CP, Plt is zzzzz (5 digits, no decimal point).

For the AL, all results will be transmitted in the US format as follows:

r All fields are 5 characters.

r Parameter output formats are zz.zz (2 digits, decimal point, 2 digits) for all parameters
except the following:
t Plt is zzzzz (5 digits, no decimal point)
t Pct is z.zzz (1 digit, decimal point, 3 digits)
t WBC is zz.zz for 0.0 to 99.99 (2 digits, decimal point, 2 digits)
t WBC is zzz.z for ≥ 100.0 (3 digits, decimal point, 1 digit) Note: In this case, when
the format shifts, the last digit is truncated not rounded.

5-18 PN 4277065EA
 OUTPUT FORMAT
VARIABLE FORMAT SETTINGS 5
Parameter Status
Following the numerical field, a two-character field indicates the flagging status of the result.

r The first character indicates parameter reject or review flag status.

r The second character indicates the parameter value status as compared to Patient and
Action limits.

First Character
R Review flag
* Balance flag
V Voteout flag
Space No abnormality
S Ba% and Ba# control file flag

Second Character
L Result lower than Action limit
l Result lower than Patient limit
H Result higher than Action limit
h Result higher than Patient limit
Space Result within Patient Range
+ Result exceeds linear range but is within the reportable range
O Parameter exceeds instrument capacity

List of Parameter Identifiers (Format - ID, Space, Result, Flags, Carriage Return)
See Table 5.17.

Table 5.17 Parameter Identifiers (OV, CP, and AL)

Identifier

Hex ANSI Parameter

$21 ! WBC
$22 “ Lymphocyte #
$23 # Lymphocyte %
$24 $ Monocyte #
$25 % Monocyte %
$28 ( Neutrophil #
$29 ) Neutrophil %
$2A * Eosinophil #
$2B + Eosinophil %
$2C , Basophil #
$2D - Basophil %
$2E . Atypical Lymphocyte #
$2F / Atypical Lymphocyte %
$30 0 Large Immature Cell #

PN 4277065EA 5-19
OUTPUT FORMAT
VARIABLE FORMAT SETTINGS

Table 5.17 Parameter Identifiers (OV, CP, and AL) (Continued)

Identifier

Hex ANSI Parameter

$31 1 Large Immature Cell %
$32 2 RBC
$33 3 Hgb
$34 4 Hct
$35 5 MCV
$36 6 MCH
$37 7 MCHC
$38 8 RDW
$40 @ Plt
$41 A MPV
$42 B Pct
$43 C PDW

Example: Each parameter result is a fixed length of 10 characters, consisting of 1 character

parameter ID field, space, 5 character result, 2 character flag field, carriage return (1 + 1 + 5 +
2 + 1).

An RBC count of 5.50 in US units with counting voteout and exceeding patient limits would
transmit as: $32 $20 $30 $35 $2E $35 $30 $56 $68 $OD, which equates to “2 05.50Vhcr”.

Flags and Messages

This section describes the Flags and Messages that can be selected for transmission.

Flags
The flags associated with a parameter are transmitted as codes in fixed length strings.

r If the flag is present, the appropriate code is transmitted.

r If the flag is not present, the code is replaced by spaces.

List of Flag Code Options (Format – ID, Space, Codes, Carriage Return)
See Table 5.18.

Table 5.18 Flag Code Identifiers: Variable Format (OV, CP, and AL)

Identifier
Hex ANSI Description Information Sent Field Length and Format
$50 P WBC/BASO Flags *WBC 2+4+1
ID, Space, String, CR
$51 Q DIFFPLOT Flags COMBSLNLMNLNUMUNDBNESL1 2 + 23 + 1
ID, Space, String, CR

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 OUTPUT FORMAT
VARIABLE FORMAT SETTINGS 5
Table 5.18 Flag Code Identifiers: Variable Format (OV, CP, and AL) (Continued)

$52 R RBC Flags MIMA 2+4+1

ID, Space, String, CR
$53 S PLATELET Flags PCSCMC 2+6+1
ID, Space, String, CR
$66 f WBC/BASO COUNT Flags DIFF±BASO+ 2 + 10 + 1
ID, Space, String, CR
$67 g GENERAL Flags Not used (sent as spaces) 2+6+1
ID, Space, String, CR

In addition to the flags described above, the AL also transmits the fields in Table 5.19.

Table 5.19 Flag Identifiers: Variable Format for AL Only

Identifier
Hex ANSI Description Information Sent Field Length and Format
$A0 <SP> QC and Miscellaneous QCFPCMMNMPFMRGEUNMRCP 2 + 21 + 1
If the flag is present, the appropriate
flag is transmitted. If the flag is not
present, the flag is replaced by spaces.

Description of Flag Codes (OV, CP, and AL)

The flag code options described in Table 5.18 are detailed in Table 5.20.

Table 5.20 List of Flags: Variable Format (OV, CP, and AL)

Flag Group Code Interpretation

WBC/BASO *WBC WBC count interference flag
DiffPlot CO Diff Reject flag
MB Mono/Baso region flag
SL Small Lymphocyte region flag
NL Neut/Lymph region flag
MN Mono/Neut region flag
LN Lower Neut region flag
UM Upper Mono region flag
UN Upper Neut region flag
DB Debris region flag
NE Neut/Eos region flag
SL1 Small Lymphocyte 1 region flag
RBC MI MICRO flag
MA MACRO flag
Plt PC SCL flag
SC SCH flag
MC MIC flag

PN 4277065EA 5-21
OUTPUT FORMAT
VARIABLE FORMAT SETTINGS

Table 5.20 List of Flags: Variable Format (OV, CP, and AL) (Continued)

Flag Group Code Interpretation

WBC DIFF± Balance flag
Balance
BASO+ BASO% > 50%
General Not used Sent as spaces

In addition to the flags described above, the AL also transmits the codes in Table 5.21.

Table 5.21 List of Flags: Variable Format (AL)

Flag Group Code Interpretation

QA and QCF QC Failed
Miscellaneous
PCM Platelet Concentrate Mode
MNM Manual Match
PFM Patient File Modified
RGE Reagent Expired
UNM Unmatched
RCP Recalculated

For the AL, certain flags and messages are not transmitted. See Table 5.22.

Table 5.22 Flags and Messages Not Transmitted for AL (Variable Format)

Flags and Messages Not Transmitted for QC,

Calibration, and Reproducibility Samples
Miscellaneous Messages:
r Manual Match
r Unmatched
r Patient Demographics Modified
r Recalculated
r Reagent expired
r Platelet Concentrate Mode
Analyzer Messages:
r CO
r DB
r SCL
r DIFF+
r DIFF-
r BASO+
QA Messages:
r QC Failed
r QC Expired

5-22 PN 4277065EA
 OUTPUT FORMAT
VARIABLE FORMAT SETTINGS 5
Messages
Messages associated with a sample are transmitted in variable length strings. Only the
messages that occur on the sample are transmitted. The field is truncated to the length of the
messages sent; it is not padded with spaces.

r OV and CP - Each message is transmitted as a 4-byte code preceded by a space.

r AL - Each message is transmitted as a 4-byte code.
See Table 5.23.

Table 5.23 Message Identifiers: Variable Format

Identifier OV and CP

Number of Messages Field Length and Format

Hex ANSI Description (Maximum) (N = Number Messages Sent)
$54 T WBC Messages 12 1 + (nx5) + 1
ID, Space, String, CR
$55 U RBC Messages 7 1 + (nx5) + 1
ID, Space, String, CR
$56 V PLT Messages 4 1 + (nx5) + 1
ID, Space, String, CR
Identifier AL

Number of Messages Field Length and Format

Hex ANSI Description (Maximum) (N = Number Messages Sent)
$54 T WBC Messages 12 1 + 1 + (nx4) + 1
ID, Space, String, CR
$55 U RBC Messages 7 1 + 1 + (nx4) + 1
ID, Space, String, CR
$56 V PLT Messages 4 1 + 1 + (nx4) + 1
ID, Space, String, CR

PN 4277065EA 5-23
OUTPUT FORMAT
VARIABLE FORMAT SETTINGS

List of Message Codes

See Table 5.24.

Table 5.24 Message Codes: Variable Format (OV, CP, and AL)

Population Code Message Interpretation

WBC LEU+ Leucocytosis
LEU- Leucopenia
LYM+ Lymphocytosis
LYM- Lymphopenia
NEU+ Neutrophilia
NEU- Neutropenia
EOS+ Eosinophilia
MYEL Myelemia
LIMC Large Immature Cells
ALYM Atypical Lymphocytes
LSHT Left Shift
NRBC Nucleated Red Blood Cells
MON+ Monocytosis
BAS+ Basophilia
BLST Blasts
RBC ANEM Anemia
ANI1 Anisocytosis
MIC1 Microcytes
MAC1 Macrocytes
MICR Microcytosis
MACR Macrocytosis
HCR1 Hypochromia
CAGG Cold Agglutinin
ERYT Erythrocytosis
Plt THR+ Thrombocytosis
THR- Thrombocytopenia
PLAG Platelet Aggregates
SCEL Small cells
MICC Microcytes
SCHI Schistocytes
MAPL Macro Platelets
ALL ???? No Interpretation
(applicable PANC Pancytopenia
to WBC,
RBC, and
PLT)

5-24 PN 4277065EA
 OUTPUT FORMAT
VARIABLE FORMAT SETTINGS 5
Variable Format Example (OV and CP)
The following is a transmission example for a sample with DIFFPLOT SL and SL1 flags,
DIFF+, Leukopenia, Nucleated Red Blood cells, and Platelet aggregate messages.

$50$20$20$20$20$20$20$20$20$20$20$20$20$20$OD
$51$20$20$20$20$20$53$4C$20$20$20$20$20$20$20$20$20$20$20$20$20$20$20$
20$53$4C$31$OD
$52$20$20$20$20$20$OD
$53$20$20$20$20$20$20$20$OD
$54$20$4C$45$55$2D$20$4E$52$42$43$OD
$55$OD
$56$20$50$4C$41$47$OD
$66$20$20$20$20$20$44$49$46$46$2B$20$20$20$20$20$OD
$67$20$20$20$20$20$20$20$OD
This equates to:

P
Q SL SL1
R
S
T LEU- NRBC
U
V PLAG
f DIFF+
g

Patient File
This section provides details of the fields that are controlled by the Patient File option. The
number of fields and the filed contents are different between the OV, CP, and AL; therefore,
the fields for each instrument are described separately.

Patient File Options for the OV System

Patient File selection allows the transmission of additional sample information. The fields
have fixed character string lengths. Data that has a character string of less than the defined
data field length will have trailing characters padded with spaces.

List of Patient File Identifiers (Format – ID, Space, String, Carriage Return) for the OV System
See Table 5.25.

Table 5.25 Patient File Identifiers for the OV System

Identifier

Hex ANSI Description Information Sent Field Length and Format

$70 p Analyzer number 2 Character string 2+2+1
ID, Space, String, CR
$71 q Analysis date and Date in format as per setup & time in 2 + 19 + 1
time 24 hr format ID, Space, String, CR
10/25/00 13h15mn31s

PN 4277065EA 5-25
OUTPUT FORMAT
VARIABLE FORMAT SETTINGS

Table 5.25 Patient File Identifiers for the OV System (Continued)

$73 s Analyzer sequence Sequence number (with leading 2+4+1

number zeros) ID, Space, String, CR
$76 v Identification Autonumbered Sample ID: up to 5 2 + 16 + 1
numbers, left justified, with trailing ID, Space, String, CR
spaces
Manually entered Sample ID: up to
16 characters with trailing spaces
$80 € Panel Single Character: 2+1+1
A : CBC ID, Space, String, CR
B : CBC/DIFF

Patient File Options for the CP System

List of Patient File Identifiers (Format – ID, Space, String, Carriage Return) for the CP System
See Table 5.26.
Table 5.26 Patient File Identifiers for the CP System

Identifier
Hex ANSI Description Information Sent Field Length and Format
$70 p Analyzer number 2 Character string 2+2+1
ID, Space, String, CR
$71 q Analysis date and Date: In European format ddmmyyyy 2 + 19 + 1
time and time in 24 hour format. ID, Space, String, CR
For example: 27032001 10h05mn04s
$73 s Analyzer Sequence number (with leading zeros) 2+4+1
sequence number ID, Space, String, CR
$75 u Sample ID Autonumber Sample ID: up to 6 numbers, 2 + 16 + 1
left justified, with trailing spaces ID, Space, String, CR
Manually entered Sample ID: up to 16
characters
For Control result, lot number will be in
this field.
$76 v Patient Name Patient Name: up to 30 characters, left 2 + 30 + 1
justified, with trailing spaces ID, Space, String, CR
(See Note 1)
$77 w Date of Birth Date of birth: ddmmyyyy, in European 2+8+1
format ID, Space, String, CR
(See Note 1)
$78 x Age Age: Uses one of the following formats, 2+4+1
7d, 4w, 10m, 54y, where “d” represents ID, Space, String, CR
days, ‘w’ represents weeks, ‘m’ represents
months, and ‘y’ represents years.
(See Note 1)

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 OUTPUT FORMAT
VARIABLE FORMAT SETTINGS 5
Table 5.26 Patient File Identifiers for the CP System (Continued)

$79 y Gender Gender: ‘M’ for male, ‘F’ for female, or 2 + 1 +1

‘U’ for unknown. ID, Space, String, CR
(See Note 1)
$7B { Physician Physician: up to 30 characters, left 2 + 30+ 1
justified, with trailing spaces ID, Space, String, CR
(See Note 1)
$7C | Location Location: up to 15 characters, left 2 + 15 + 1
justified, with trailing spaces ID, Space, String, CR
(See Note 1)
$7D } Collection date Collection date and time: Date in 2 + 14 + 1
and time European format (ddmmyyyy). Time in ID, Space, String, CR
24 hour format. 31012001 13h05
(See Note 1)
$7E ~ Comments Sample or Control Comments: up to 50 2 + 50 + 1
characters, left justified, with trailing ID, Space, String, CR
spaces. (Control comment added for CP
v2.00 and above).
$80 € Panel Panel: represents the test to be run. 2+1+1
Appears as one character: ‘A’ is CBC and ID, Space, String, CR
‘B’ is CBC/DIFF.
$82 , Number of runs Number of runs: ‘0’ for first run, ‘1’ for 2+1+1
second run, and so forth ID, Space, String, CR
$83 ƒ Operator Code Operator code: up to 15 characters, left 2 + 15 + 1
justified, with trailing spaces ID, Space, String, CR
$8B < Patient ID Patient ID: up to 25 characters, left 2 + 25 + 1
justified, with trailing spaces ID, Space, String, CR
(See Note 1)

Note 1: For Startup and Control results, data is sent as blanks.

Patient File Options for the AL System

List of Patient File Identifiers (Format – ID, Space, String, Carriage Return) for the AL System
See Table 5.27.

Table 5.27 Patient File Identifiers for the AL System

Identifier
Hex ANSI Description Information Sent Field Length and Format
$71 q Analysis date and Date: In European format ddmmyyyy 2 + 19 + 1
time and time in 24 hour format. ID, Space, String, CR
For example: 27032001 10h05mn04s
$75 u Sample ID Sample ID: up to 16 characters, left 2 + 16 + 1
justified, with trailing spaces ID, Space, String, CR

PN 4277065EA 5-27
OUTPUT FORMAT
VARIABLE FORMAT SETTINGS

Table 5.27 Patient File Identifiers for the AL System (Continued)

$76 v Patient Last Name Patient Last Name: up to 20 2 + 20 + 1

characters, left justified, with trailing ID, Space, String, CR
spaces
$77 w Date of Birth Date of birth: ddmmyyyy, in 2+8+1
European format ID, Space, String, CR
$78 x Age Age: Uses one of the following 2+4+1
formats, 7D, 4W, 10M, 54Y, where ID, Space, String, CR
“D” represents days, ‘W’ represents
weeks, ‘M’ represents months, and
‘Y’ represents years.
$79 y Gender Gender: ‘M’ for male, ‘F’ for female, 2 + 1 +1
or ‘U’ for unknown. ID, Space, String, CR
$7B { Physician Physician: up to 20 characters, left 2 + 20+ 1
justified, with trailing spaces ID, Space, String, CR
$7C | Location Location: up to 20 characters, left 2 + 20 + 1
justified, with trailing spaces ID, Space, String, CR
$7D } Collection date and Collection date and time: Date in 2 + 14 + 1
time European format (ddmmyyyy). Time ID, Space, String, CR
in 24 hour format. 31012001 13h05
$7E ~ Sample Comments Sample Comments or Control 2 + 50 + 1
or Control Comments: up to 50 characters, left ID, Space, String, CR
Comments justified, with trailing spaces
$7F No ANSI Flagging Set Flagging set 2 + 20 + 1
$80 € Panel Panel: represents the test to be run. 2+1+1
Appears as one character: ‘A’ is CBC ID, Space, String, CR
and ‘B’ is CBC/DIFF.
$8B < Patient ID Patient ID: up to 25 characters, left 2 + 25 + 1
justified, with trailing spaces ID, Space, String, CR
$B1 ± First Name Patient First Name: Up to 20 2 + 20 + 1
characters, left justified, with trailing
spaces
$B2 ² Patient Comment Patient Comment: Up to 50 2 + 50 + 1
characters, left justified, with trailing
spaces
$B3 ³ Result Comment Result Comment: Up to 50 2 + 50 + 1
characters, left justified, with trailing
spaces

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VARIABLE FORMAT SETTINGS 5
Histogram and Threshold Options (OV, CP, and AL)
This section describes the field that are controlled by the Histogram and Threshold options.

List of Histogram and Threshold Identifiers (Format – ID, Space, String, Carriage Return)
See Table 5.28.

Table 5.28 Histogram and Threshold Identifiers: Variable Format (OV, CP, and AL)

Identifier

Hex ANSI Description Information Sent Field Length and Format

$57 W WBC Histogram Amplitude of each Channel 2 + 128 + 1
(For AL, see Note 1) ID, Space, String, CR
(For CP, see Note 2)
$58 X RBC Histogram Amplitude of each Channel 2 + 128 + 1
(For AL, see Note 1) ID, Space, String, CR
(For CP, see Note 2)
$59 Y PLT Histogram Amplitude of each Channel 2 + 128 + 1
(For AL, see Note 1) ID, Space, String, CR
(For CP, see Note 2)
$5A Z BASO Histogram Amplitude of each Channel 2 + 128 + 1
(For AL, see Note 1) ID, Space, String, CR
(For CP, see Note 2)
$5B [ DIFFPLOT Screen bitmap 2 + 4096 + 1
(For AL, see Note 1) ID, Space, String, CR
(For CP, see Note 3)
$5D ] WBC Thresholds 5 Thresholds 2 + 19 + 1
(For AL, see Note 1) ID, Space, String, CR
(For CP, see Note 3)
$5E ^ RBC Thresholds 2 Thresholds 2+7+1
(For AL, see Note 1) ID, Space, String, CR
(For CP, see Note 3)
$5F _ PLT Thresholds 1 Threshold 2+3+1
(For AL, see Note 1) ID, Space, String, CR
(For CP, see Note 3)
$60 ` BASO Thresholds 3 Thresholds 2 + 11 + 1
(For AL, see Note 1) ID, Space, String, CR
(For CP, see Note 3)

PN 4277065EA 5-29
OUTPUT FORMAT
VARIABLE FORMAT SETTINGS

Table 5.28 Histogram and Threshold Identifiers: Variable Format (OV, CP, and AL) (Continued)

$61 a DIFFPLOT 12 Volume Thresholds, 2 + 71 + 1

Thresholds 6 Absorbance Thresholds ID, Space, String, CR
(For AL, see Note 1)
(For CP, see Note 3)
Note1: For Control and Reproducibility samples, the field is not transmitted (AL only).
Note 2: For Reproducibility samples, data is sent as blanks (CP only).
Note 3: For Reproducibility samples, data is sent as zeros (CP only).

Histograms
WBC, RBC, and Plt histograms are transmitted as 128 characters preceded by a space. Each
character represents the amplitude of the channel. Zero amplitude (0) is represented by $20
and maximum amplitude (223) ([223 = 255 ($FF) - 32 ($20)]) is represented by $FF.

The BASO histogram is transmitted as 128 characters preceded by a space. Each character
represents the amplitude of the channel. Zero amplitude (0) is represented by $20 and
maximum amplitude (32) ([32 = 64 ($40) - 32 ($20)]) is represented by $40.

DiffPlot
The 2048 graphic bytes of the DiffPlot are transmitted as 4096 ASCII bytes preceded by a
space. Each group of two ASCII bytes represents the value of one graphic byte starting from
the top left and going to the bottom right of the DiffPlot.

The DiffPlot is reconstructed based on data bits (not bytes). One byte represents 8 points
(each bit is a point). The binary value of the point (0 or 1) indicates if the pixel is ON or OFF.
The 2048 bytes transmitted represent 16384 bits; 16384 gives you the 128x128 DiffPlot
Region.

Figure 5.1 shows the DiffPlot Regions. Figure 5.2 shows the decoded DiffPlot information.

Figure 5.1 DiffPlot Regions (OV, CP, and AL)

1 2 7
B y te 1 B y te 2 B y te 1 6 L in e 1

B y te 1 7 B y te 1 8 B y te 3 2 L in e 2

V
o
l
u D iffP lo t
m
e

B y te 2 0 3 3 B y te 2 0 3 4 B y te 2 0 4 8 L in e 1 2 8
0

7065001A 0 1 2 7
A b s o rb a n c e

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 OUTPUT FORMAT
HOST DOWNLOAD (VARIABLE FORMAT) 5
Figure 5.2 DiffPlot Bytes (OV, CP, and AL)

Byte

High Low
significant significant
byte byte

Right shift Logical AND

of 4 bits with $OF

Change to ASCII

Byte A Byte B
ASCII high sign byte ASCII low sign byte
7065002A

Thresholds
Thresholds used in the population separation and flagging on the Histograms and DiffPlot are
transmitted as the channel number where they are located. Each threshold is transmitted as a
3-byte character preceded by a space.

5.7 HOST DOWNLOAD (VARIABLE FORMAT)

The CP and AL are capable of receiving broadcast downloads from a host computer onto the
Worklist. To receive a download the variable format configuration must be set to Bidirectional.
The data to be downloaded from the host must be sent in the following formats:

r Table 5.29, Variable File Format for Patient Data Worklist Download: CP
r Table 5.30, Variable File Format for Patient Data Worklist Download: AL

Table 5.29 Variable File Format for Patient Data Worklist Download: CP

Identifier

Hex ANSI Description Information Sent Field Length and Format

$02 STX Preamble and packet Start of Data Block and Packet 1+5+1
length Length: Start of text with packet ID, String, CR
length (sum of all bytes in records,
excluding STX and ETX, in decimal
number representation $30 to $39).
$75 u Sample ID Sample ID: up to 16 characters, left 2 + 16 + 1
justified, with trailing spaces ID, Space, String, CR

PN 4277065EA 5-31
OUTPUT FORMAT
HOST DOWNLOAD (VARIABLE FORMAT)

Table 5.29 Variable File Format for Patient Data Worklist Download: CP (Continued)

$76 v Patient Name Patient Name: up to 30 characters, 2 + 30 + 1

left justified, with trailing spaces ID, Space, String, CR
$77 w Date of Birth Date of birth: ddmmyyyy, in 2+8+1
European format ID, Space, String, CR
$78 x Age Age: Uses one of the following 2+4+1
formats: 7d, 4w, 10m, 54y, where ID, Space, String, CR
“d” represents days, ‘w’ represents
weeks, ‘m’ represents months, and
‘y’ represents years.
$79 y Gender Gender: ‘M’ for male, ‘F’ for female, 2+1+1
or ‘U’ for unknown. ID, Space, String, CR
$7B { Physician Physician: up to 30 characters, left 2 + 30 + 1
justified, with trailing spaces. ID, Space, String, CR
$7C | Location Location: up to 15 characters, left 2 + 15 +1
justified, with trailing spaces. ID, Space, String, CR
$7D } Collection date and Collection Date and Time: Date in 2 + 14 + 1
time European format (day, 2 characters; ID, Space, String, CR
month, 2 characters; year, 4
characters) and time in 24 hr.
format. 31012000 13h15
$7E ~ Comments Comments: up to 50 characters, left 2 + 50 + 1
justified, with trailing spaces ID, Space, String, CR
$7F No ANSI Flagging Set Flagging Set: up to 16 characters, 2 + 16 + 1
left justified, with trailing spaces. ID, Space, String, CR
$80 € Panel Panel: represents the test to be 2+1+1
cycled. Appears as one character: ID, Space, String, CR
‘A’ is for CBC and ‘B’ is for
CBC/DIFF.
$8B < Patient ID Patient ID: up to 25 characters, left 2 + 25 + 1
justified, with trailing spaces. ID, Space, String, CR
$FD ý Checksum Checksum: sum modulo $FFFF of 2+4+1
all characters from position two up ID, Space, String, CR
to the last character prior to the
checksum identifier. Value is a
4-byte hexadecimal preceded by a
space. Hex number is represented
as a lowercase ASCII hex.
$03 ETX End of Text End of data block identifier 1

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HOST DOWNLOAD (VARIABLE FORMAT) 5
Table 5.30 Variable File Format for Patient Data Worklist Download: AL

Identifier

Hex ANSI Description Information Sent Field Length and Format

$02 STX Preamble and packet Start of Data Block and Packet 1+5+1
length Length: Start of text with packet ID, String, CR
length (sum of all bytes in records,
excluding STX and ETX, in decimal
number representation $30 to $39).
$75 u Sample ID Sample ID: up to 16 characters, left 2 + 16 + 1
justified, with trailing spaces ID, Space, String, CR
$76 v Last Name Patient Last Name: up to 20 2 + 20+ 1
characters, left justified, with ID, Space, String, CR
trailing spaces
$77 w Date of Birth Date of birth: yyyymmdd, in 2+8+1
European format ID, Space, String, CR
$78 x Age Age: Uses one of the following 2+4+1
formats: 7d, 4w, 10m, 54y, where ID, Space, String, CR
“d” represents days, ‘w’ represents
weeks, ‘m’ represents months, and
‘y’ represents years.
$79 y Gender Gender: ‘M’ for male, ‘F’ for female, 2+1+1
or ‘U’ for unknown. ID, Space, String, CR
$7B { Physician Physician: up to 20 characters, left 2 + 20 + 1
justified, with trailing spaces. ID, Space, String, CR
$7C | Location Location: up to 20 characters, left 2 + 20 +1
justified, with trailing spaces. ID, Space, String, CR
$7D } Collection date and Collection Date and Time: Date in 2 + 14 + 1
time European format: yyyymmdd. ID, Space, String, CR
Time in 24 hr. format (hour and
minutes only): 2000013113h15
$7E ~ Sample Comments Up to 50 characters, left justified, 2 + 50 + 1
with trailing spaces ID, Space, String, CR
$7F No ANSI Flagging Set Up to 20 characters, left justified, 2 + 20 + 1
with trailing spaces.
$80 € Panel Panel: represents the test to be 2+1+1
cycled. Appears as one character: ID, Space, String, CR
‘A’ is for CBC and ‘B’ is for
CBC/DIFF.
$8B < Patient ID Patient ID: up to 25 characters, left 2 + 25 + 1
justified, with trailing spaces. ID, Space, String, CR
$B1 ± Patient First Name Up to 20 characters, left justified, 2 + 20 + 1
with trailing spaces ID, Space, String, CR
$B2 2 Patient Comment Up to 50 characters, left justified, 2 + 50 + 1
with trailing spaces ID, Space, String, CR

PN 4277065EA 5-33
OUTPUT FORMAT
HOST DOWNLOAD (VARIABLE FORMAT)

Table 5.30 Variable File Format for Patient Data Worklist Download: AL (Continued)

$FD ý Checksum Checksum: sum modulo $FFFF of 2+4+1

all characters from position two up ID, Space, String, CR
to the last character prior to the
checksum identifier. Value is a
4-byte hexadecimal preceded by a
space. Hex number is represented
as a lowercase ASCII hex.
$03 ETX End of Text End of data block identifier 1

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HOST DOWNLOAD (VARIABLE FORMAT) 5
Notes Regarding Worklist Download (CP and AL): Variable Format
See Table 5.31.

Table 5.31 Notes Regarding Worklist Download (CP and AL): Variable Format

Notes Regarding CP Notes Regarding AL

Sample ID field is tested for: Sample ID field is tested for:

r Correct length r Correct length

r Not a reserved code r Not a reserved code
If the Sample ID data is not acceptable for the r Not AUTO_SID
transmission, the order is not added to the r Not empty
Worklist.
If the Sample ID data is not acceptable for the
transmission:
r an AUTO_SID is assigned
r the order is added to the Worklist
r an entry is placed in the Host Log to read Sample ID
(X) invalid. Assigned AUTO_SID
Patient ID field is tested for correct length. Patient ID field is tested for:

If the Patient ID data is not acceptable for the r Correct length

transmission of an order, the order is not r Not AUTO_PID
added to the Worklist.
r Not empty
If the Patient ID data is not acceptable for the
If the Patient ID data is not acceptable for the
transmission of a patient record, the patient
transmission:
record is not created/modified.
r an AUTO_PID is assigned
r the remaining patient information will be used
r an entry is placed in the Host Log to read Patient ID
(X) invalid. Assigned AUTO_PID.

PN 4277065EA 5-35
OUTPUT FORMAT
HOST DOWNLOAD (VARIABLE FORMAT)

Table 5.31 Notes Regarding Worklist Download (CP and AL): Variable Format (Continued)

Notes Regarding CP Notes Regarding AL

For the remaining data, if the value For the remaining data, if the value transmitted is
transmitted is incorrect, the order or patient incorrect, the order or patient record is not rejected.
record is not rejected. However, the following However, the following criteria are applied (and the
criteria are applied (and the operator is not operator is not notified of the changes being made):
notified of the changes being made):
r If the Date of Birth and Age do not match, the Date of
r If the Date of Birth and Age do not match, Birth takes priority, and Age is recomputed to agree
the Date of Birth takes priority, and Age is with the Date of Birth.
recomputed to agree with the Date of Birth. r If the Gender is incorrect, it defaults to 0: Unknown.
r If the Gender is incorrect, it defaults to 0: r If the Panel is incorrect, the default panel is used.
Unknown.
r If the Flagging Set is incorrect, the default flagging set
r If the Panel is incorrect, the default panel is is used.
used.
The AL will reject an order that has a future date of birth.
r If the Flagging Set is incorrect, the default An entry is placed in the Host Log to read Host Data Error
flagging set is used. (Incorrect Date/Time for Field X: Y).
Characters within the data string are alpha or Characters within the data string are alpha or numeric.
numeric. For example: ($20), ($30 to $39), For example: ($20), ($30 to $39), $41 to $5A), and ($61
$41 to $5A), and ($61 to $7A). Several to $7A). Several alphanumeric characters (e.g. $2C) are
alphanumeric characters (e.g. $2C) are not not accepted by the Analyzer.
accepted by the Analyzer.

5-36 PN 4277065EA
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ASTM FORMAT: AL 5
5.8 ASTM FORMAT: AL
Overview
This format is based on ASTM Specifications E-1381 and E-1394. For information regarding
these standards, refer to ASTM Standards.

Host Download
The AL can receive ASTM broadcast downloads from a Host computer onto the Worklist. The
AL will ignore data sent in the fields labeled “Not Transmitted”.

To accept the download, the AL requires field 9.4.5, Test ID.

Notes Regarding Host Download: ASTM Format

Sample ID field is tested for:

r Correct length
r Not a reserved code
r Not AUTO_SID
r Not empty
If the Sample ID data is not acceptable for the transmission:
r an AUTO_SID is assigned
r the order is added to the Worklist
r an entry is placed in the Host Log to read Sample ID (X) invalid. Assigned
AUTO_SID.
Patient ID field is tested for:

r Correct length
r Not a reserved code
r Not AUTO_PID
r Not empty
If the Patient ID data is not acceptable for the transmission:
r an AUTO_PID is assigned,
r the remaining patient information will be used, and
r an entry is placed in the Host Log to read Patient ID (X) invalid. Assigned
AUTO_PID.
For the remaining data being downloaded, if the value transmitted is incorrect, the order or
patient record is not rejected. However, the following criteria are applied (and the operator is
not notified of the changes being made):

r If the Date of Birth and Age do not match, the Date of Birth takes priority, and Age is
recomputed to agree with the Date of Birth.
r If the Gender is incorrect, it defaults to 0: Unknown.
r If the Panel is incorrect, the default panel is used.
r If the Flagging Set is incorrect, the default flagging set is used.

PN 4277065EA 5-37
OUTPUT FORMAT
ASTM FORMAT: AL

The AL will reject an order that has a future date of birth. An entry is placed in the Host Log
to read Host Data Error (Incorrect Date/Time for Field X: Y).

ASTM Frames Format

See Table 5.32.

Table 5.32 ASTM Frames Format

Data
ASTM Field Definition Transmitted Number of Bytes Comments
0 STX $02 1
1 Frame number 0 to 7 1 Frame number allows the
receiver to distinguish between
new re-transmitted frames.
Frame number is set to 1 when
the transfer phase begins and is
incremented by 1 each frame up
to 7, then returns to 0.
2 Data message 240 maximum Header, Patient, Order, Result &
Comment messages
3 End of data 1
message
r ETX if end $03
frame
r ETB if
$17
intermediate
frame
4 Checksum 2
5 CRLF $0D $0A 2
Blank indicates Not Applicable.
For additional information, see ASTM E-1394.

Message Packets (Upload)

Minimum Transmitted Information (ASTM)

See Table 5.33.

Table 5.33 Minimum Transmitted Information (ASTM)

ASTM Field Definition Data Transmitted Number of Bytes

7.1.1 Record Type H 1
7.1.2 Delimiters Delimiter Definition: 4

Field delimiter:
Repeat delimiter: \
Component delimiter: ^
Escape delimiter: &

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ASTM FORMAT: AL 5
Table 5.33 Minimum Transmitted Information (ASTM)

ASTM Field Definition Data Transmitted Number of Bytes

7.1.5 Sender Name Text: BCI 3
7.1.12 Processing ID P 1
7.1.13 ASTM Version Number D1394-97 8
7.1.14 Date and Time of message YYYYMMDDHHMMSS 14
8.1.1 Record Type P 1
8.1.2 Sequence Number 1 to n 1
9.4.1 Record Type O 1
9.4.2 Sequence Number 1 to N 1
9.4.12 Action Code Q: treat specimen as a 1
QC test specimen
9.4.26 Report Types F: final report 1
C: corrected report
(rerun)
13.1.1 Record Type L 1
13.1.2 Sequence Number 1 1
13.1.3 Termination Code N = normal 1

Header Record
See Table 5.34.

Table 5.34 Header Record Fields

ASTM Field Definition Data Transmitted Number of Bytes

7.1.1 Record Type H 1
7.1.2 Delimiters Delimiter Definition: 4

Field delimiter:
Repeat delimiter: \
Component delimiter: ^
Escape delimiter: &
7.1.3 Message Control ID Not transmitted
7.1.4 Access Password Not transmitted
7.1.5 Sender Name Text: BCI 3
7.1.6 Sender Address Not transmitted
7.1.7 Reserved Not transmitted
7.1.8 Sender Telephone Number Not transmitted
7.1.9 Characteristics of Sender Not transmitted
7.1.10 Receiver ID Not transmitted

PN 4277065EA 5-39
OUTPUT FORMAT
ASTM FORMAT: AL

Table 5.34 Header Record Fields (Continued)

ASTM Field Definition Data Transmitted Number of Bytes

7.1.11 Comments or Special Not transmitted
Instructions
7.1.12 Processing ID P 1
7.1.13 ASTM Version Number D1394-97 8
7.1.14 Date and Time of message YYYYMMDDHHMMSS 14
Blank indicates Not Applicable.

Patient Record
See Table 5.35.

Table 5.35 Patient Record Fields

ASTM Field Definition Data Transmitted Number of Bytes

8.1.1 Record Type P 1
8.1.2 Sequence Number 1 to n 1
8.1.3 Practice Assigned Patient ID Not transmitted
8.1.4 Laboratory Assigned Patient ID Patient ID 25
8.1.5 Patient ID number 3 Not transmitted
8.1.6 Patient’s Last Name and First Text: Last Name ^ First 20^20
Name Name
8.1.7 Mother’s Maiden Name Not transmitted
8.1.8 Date of Birth YYYYMMDD 8
8.1.9 Patient Gender M, F, or U 1
8.1.10 Patient Race - Ethnic Origin Not transmitted
8.1.11 Patient Address Not transmitted
8.1.12 Reserved Not transmitted
8.1.13 Patient Telephone Number Not transmitted
8.1.14 Attending Physician ID Text: Physician 20
8.1.15 Special Field 1 Not transmitted
8.1.16 Special Field 2 Not transmitted
8.1.17 Patient Height Not transmitted
8.1.18 Patient Weight Not transmitted
8.1.19 Patient’s Known or Suspected Not transmitted
Diagnosis
8.1.20 Patient’s Active Medication Not transmitted
8.1.21 Patient’s Diet Not transmitted
8.1.22 Practice Field 1 Not transmitted
8.1.23 Practice Field 2 Not transmitted

5-40 PN 4277065EA
 OUTPUT FORMAT
ASTM FORMAT: AL 5
Table 5.35 Patient Record Fields (Continued)

ASTM Field Definition Data Transmitted Number of Bytes

8.1.24 Admission and Discharge Dates Not transmitted
8.1.25 Admission Status Not transmitted
8.1.26 Locations Text: Location 20
8.1.27 Nature of Alternative Diagnostic Not transmitted
Code and Classifiers
8.1.28 Nature of Alternative Diagnostic Not transmitted
Code and Classifiers
8.1.29 Patient’s Religion Not transmitted
8.1.30 Marital Status Not transmitted
8.1.31 Isolation Status Not transmitted
8.1.32 Language Not transmitted
8.1.33 Hospital Service Not transmitted
8.1.34 Hospital Institution Not transmitted
8.1.35 Dosage Category Not transmitted
Blank indicates Not Applicable.

Test Order Record

See Table 5.36.

Table 5.36 Test Order Record Field

ASTM Field Definition Data Transmitted Number of Bytes

9.4.1 Record Type O 1
9.4.2 Sequence Number 1 to N 1

PN 4277065EA 5-41
OUTPUT FORMAT
ASTM FORMAT: AL

Table 5.36 Test Order Record Field (Continued)

ASTM Field Definition Data Transmitted Number of Bytes

9.4.3 Specimen ID Sample ID^Cass^Pos 16^2^2
If a sample was run in
the Autoloader mode:
First two digits:
cassette (range 01 to
99)
Second two digits:
position (range 01 to
10)
Example: cassette 2,
position 5 would be
02^05.
If a sample was run in
the Manual (Stat) mode:
00^00.
Note: For Control and
Reproducibility samples,
the cassette and position
are sent as blanks.
9.4.4 Instrument Specimen ID Not transmitted
9.4.5 Universal Test ID Text: ^^^+ ^^^3
CBC Mode: CBC
CBC/DIFF Mode: DIF
9.4.6 Priority Not transmitted
9.4.7 Requested/Ordered Date and Not transmitted
Time
9.4.8 Specimen Collection Date and YYYYMMDDHHMMSS 14
Time
9.4.9 Collection End Time Not transmitted
9.4.10 Collection Volume Not transmitted
9.4.11 Collector ID Not transmitted
9.4.12 Action Code Q: treat specimen as a 1
QC test specimen
9.4.13 Danger Code Not transmitted
9.4.14 Relevant Clinical Information Not transmitted
9.4.15 Date/Time Specimen Received Not transmitted
9.4.16 Specimen Descriptor Not transmitted
9.4.17 Ordering Physician Not transmitted
9.4.18 Physician’s Telephone Number Not transmitted
9.4.19 User Field 1 Not transmitted

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ASTM FORMAT: AL 5
Table 5.36 Test Order Record Field (Continued)

ASTM Field Definition Data Transmitted Number of Bytes

9.4.20 User Field 2 Not transmitted
9.4.21 Laboratory Field 1 Not transmitted
9.4.22 Laboratory Field 2 Not transmitted
9.4.23 Date and Time Results reported Not transmitted
or last modified
9.4.24 Instrument Charge to Computer Not transmitted
System
9.4.25 Instrument Section ID Not transmitted
9.4.26 Report Types F: final report 1
C: corrected report
(rerun)
9.4.27 Reserved Not transmitted
9.4.28 Location or Ward of Specimen Not transmitted
Collection
9.4.29 Nosocomial Infection Flag Not transmitted
9.4.30 Specimen Service Not transmitted
9.4.31 Specimen Institution Not transmitted
Blank indicates Not Applicable.

Result Record
See Table 5.37.

Table 5.37 Result Record Fields

ASTM Field Definition Data Transmitted Number of Bytes

10.1.1 Record Type R 1
10.1.2 Sequence Number 1 to N 1
10.1.3 Universal Test ID ^^^Result name in ^^^4^7
English^LOINC code
10.1.4 Data or Measurement Value Test result Variable; depends on
parameter as used in US
format.
10.1.5 Units US format units Variable; depends on
parameter as used in US
format.
10.1.6 Reference Range Flagging Set Maximum of 20
10.1.7 Result Abnormal Flag Analytical flag: 1 or 2
L, H, LL, HH, >
10.1.8 Nature of Abnormality Testing Not transmitted

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Table 5.37 Result Record Fields (Continued)

ASTM Field Definition Data Transmitted Number of Bytes

10.1.9 Result Status W: suspicion 1
N: rejected result
F: final result
X: all hematology
parameters except BAS#
and BAS%
S: BAS# and BAS%
C: Platelet Concentrate
Mode
10.1.10 Date of Change in Normative Not transmitted
Values or Units
10.1.11 Operator Identification Not transmitted
10.1.12 Date/Time Test Starting Not transmitted
10.1.13 Date/Time Test Completed YYYYMMDDHHMMSS 14
10.1.14 Instrument Identification Not transmitted
Blank indicates Not Applicable.
LOINC = Logical Observation Identifiers Names and Codes

Comment Record
r The patient comment is sent/received by a record “C” following the record “P”. The
structure of the Patient Comment record is C 1 L Patient Comment Free text... G<CR>.
r The sample comment is sent/received by a record “C” following the record “O”. The
structure of the Sample Comment record is C 1 L Sample Comment Free text... G<CR>.
r There are two types of Results comments: user-entered results comments and parameter
results comments. User-entered Results comments are comments entered by the user
after sample analysis. Parameter Results comments are flags and messages.
t The user-entered Results comment is only sent from the instrument and is sent by a
record “C” following the record “O”. The structure of the user-entered Results
comment record is C 1 I Results Comment Free text... G<CR>.
t The parameter Results comment is only sent from the instrument and is sent by a
record “C” following the record “R”. The structure of the parameter Results
comment record is C 1 I Results Comment Free text... I<CR>.
Notes:
t If a sample comment is also sent, the result comment will follow the sample
comment.
t For the result comment, there is a flag that is sent as a comment immediately
following the corresponding result record.
For additional information, see See Table 5.38.

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Table 5.38 Comments Specifications (Upload): ASTM Format on AL

ASTM Field Definition Data Transmitted Number of Bytes

11.1.1 Record Type C 1
11.1.2 Sequence Number 1 to N 1
11.1.3 Comment Source Comment origination 1
point:
L: patient Comment
when following
patient record (P)
L: sample Comment
when following test
record (O)
I: result Comment
when following test
record (R) or record
(O)
11.1.4 Comment Text Text 50
11.1.5 Comment Type G: free text 1
I: instrument flag
comment

PN 4277065EA 5-45
OUTPUT FORMAT
ASTM FORMAT: AL

Terminator Record
See Table 5.39.

Table 5.39 Terminator Record Fields (Upload): ASTM Format on AL

ASTM Field Definition Data Transmitted Number of Bytes

13.1.1 Record Type L 1
13.1.2 Sequence Number 1 1
13.1.3 Termination Code N = normal 1

Test Identification
See Table 5.40.

Table 5.40 Test Identification Fields

Parameter Units LOINC Identifier English Test Code

White Blood Cell Count US format 804-5 WBC
Lymphocytes US format 731-0 LYM#
US format 736-9 LYM%
Monocytes US format 742-7 MON#
US format 744-3 MON%
Neutrophils US format 751-8 NEU#
US format 770-8 NEU%
Eosinophils US format 711-2 EOS#
US format 713-8 EOS%
Basophils US format 704-7 BAS#
US format 706-2 BAS%
Atypical Lymphocytes US format 733-6 ATL#
US format 735-1 ATL%
Large Immature Cells US format X-LIC IMM#
US format 11117-9 IMM%
Red Blood Cell Count US format 789-9 RBC
Hemoglobin US format 717-9 HGB
Hematocrit US format 4544-3 HCT
Mean Cell Volume US format 787-2 MCV
Mean Cell Hemoglobin US format 785-6 MCH
Mean Cell Hemoglobin Concentration US format 786-4 MCHC
Red Cell Distribution Width US format 788-0 RDW
Platelet Count US format 777-3 PLT
Mean Platelet Volume US format 776-5 MPV
Plateletcrit US format X-PCT PCT

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Table 5.40 Test Identification Fields (Continued)

Parameter Units LOINC Identifier English Test Code

Platelet Distribution Width US format X-PDW PDW
LOINC = Logical Observation Identifiers Names and Codes

Flag and Message Transmission

Flags and messages are transmitted:

r as parameter results comment records with record type C, comment source I, and
comment type I, and
r immediately after the corresponding result record.

See Table 5.41.

Table 5.41 Flags and Messages

Alarm Type Flags and Messages

ALARM_WBC MB, CO, NE, SL, NL, MN, LN, UM, UN, DB, LB, *WBC, SL1, DIFF+, DIFF-, BASO+
(See Flags and Messages for details.)
ALARM_RBC MI, MA
(MI = Micro, MA = macro)
(See Flags and Messages for details.)
ALARM_PLT PC, MS, SC
(PC = SCL, MS = MIC, SC = SCH)
ALARM_ANALYZER QC, STARTUP FAILED, STARTUP NOTDONE, STARTUP NOTEFFECTIVE, FOR
INVESTIGATIONAL USE ONLY

For the AL, certain flags and messages are not transmitted. See Table 5.42.

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Table 5.42 Flags and Messages Not Transmitted for AL (ASTM Format)

Flags and Messages Not Transmitted Regarding Flags and Messages Not Transmitted for QC,
Patient Samples Calibration, and Reproducibility Samples
Miscellaneous Messages: Miscellaneous Messages:
r Manual Match r Manual Match
r Unmatched r Unmatched
r Patient Demographics Modified r Patient Demographics Modified
r Recalculated r Recalculated
r Reagent expired r Reagent expired
r Platelet Concentrate Mode r Platelet Concentrate Mode
Analyzer Messages:
r CO
r DB
r SCL
r DIFF+
r DIFF-
r BASO+
QA Messages:
r QC Failed
r QC Expired

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Interpretive Messages
See Table 5.43.

Table 5.43 Interpretive Messages

Population Message
WBC LEUKOCYTOSIS
LEUKOPENIA
LYMPHOCYTOSIS
LYMPHOPENIA
NEUTROPHILIA
NEUTROPENIA
EOSINOPHILIA
MYELEMIA
LARGE IMMATURE CELL
ATYPICAL LYMPHOCYTE
LEFT SHIFT
NRBCS
MONOCYTOSIS
BASOPHILIA
BLASTS
PANCYTOPENIA
WBC INTERPRETATION NOT POSSIBLE
RBC ANEMIA
ANISOCYTOSIS
MICROCYTES
MACROCYTES
MICROCYTOSIS
MACROCYTOSIS
HYPOCHROMIA
COLD AGGLUTININ
PANCYTOPENIA
RBC INTERPRETATION NOT POSSIBLE

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OUTPUT FORMAT
HOST DOWNLOAD (ASTM FORMAT)

Table 5.43 Interpretive Messages (Continued)

Population Message
PLT THROMBOCYTOSIS
THROMBOCYTOPENIA
PLATELET AGGREGATES
SMALL CELLS
MICROCYTES
SCHISTOCYTES
MACROPLATELETS
PANCYTOPENIA
PLT INTERPRETATION NOT POSSIBLE

Numerical Results (ASTM Format for AL)

r All results will be transmitted in US format.
r All parameter results will be transmitted with 2 decimal places.
r There is no limit to the total number of characters that can be transmitted.

5.9 HOST DOWNLOAD (ASTM FORMAT)

The AL is capable of receiving ASTM broadcast downloads from a host computer onto the
Worklist.

Data sent in the fields labeled ‘Not transmitted’ are ignored by the AL system.

The AL does not accept a download unless the following required field is sent: 9.4.5 Test ID.

Notes Regarding Host Download: ASTM Format

Sample ID field is tested for:

r Correct length
r Not a reserved code
r Not AUTO_SID
r Not empty
If the Sample ID data is not acceptable for the transmission:
r an AUTO_SID is assigned
r the order is added to the Worklist
r an entry is placed in the Host Log to read Sample ID (X) invalid. Assigned
AUTO_SID.

Patient ID field is tested for:

r Correct length
r Not AUTO_PID
r Not empty

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If the Patient ID data is not acceptable for the transmission:
r an AUTO_PID is assigned,
r the remaining patient information will be used, and
r an entry is placed in the Host Log to read Patient ID (X) invalid. Assigned
AUTO_PID.

For the remaining data being downloaded, if the value transmitted is incorrect, the order or
patient record is not rejected. However, the following criteria are applied (and the operator is
not notified of the changes being made):

r If the Date of Birth and Age do not match, the Date of Birth takes priority, and Age is
recomputed to agree with the Date of Birth.
r If the Gender is incorrect, it defaults to 0: Unknown.
r If the Panel is incorrect, the default panel is used.
r If the Flagging Set is incorrect, the default flagging set is used.

The AL will reject an order that has a future date of birth. An entry is placed in the Host Log
to read Host Data Error (Incorrect Date/Time for Field X: Y).

Message Packets (Download))

Header Record
See Table 5.44.

Table 5.44 Header Record Fields

ASTM Field Definition Data Transmitted Number of Bytes

7.1.1 Record Type H 1
7.1.2 Delimiters Delimiter Definition: 4

Field delimiter:
Repeat delimiter: \
Component delimiter: ^
Escape delimiter: &
7.1.3 Message Control ID Not transmitted
7.1.4 Access Password Not transmitted
7.1.5 Sender Name Not Transmitted
7.1.6 Sender Address Not transmitted
7.1.7 Reserved Not transmitted
7.1.8 Sender Telephone Number Not transmitted
7.1.9 Characteristics of Sender Not transmitted
7.1.10 Receiver ID Not transmitted
7.1.11 Comments or Special Not transmitted
Instructions

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HOST DOWNLOAD (ASTM FORMAT)

Table 5.44 Header Record Fields (Continued)

ASTM Field Definition Data Transmitted Number of Bytes

7.1.12 Processing ID Not transmitted
7.1.13 ASTM Version Number Not transmitted
7.1.14 Date and Time of message Not transmitted
Blank indicates Not Applicable.

Patient Record
See Table 5.45.

Table 5.45 Patient Record Fields

ASTM Field Definition Data Transmitted Number of Bytes

8.1.1 Record Type P 1
8.1.2 Sequence Number 1 to n 1
8.1.3 Practice Assigned Patient ID Not transmitted
8.1.4 Laboratory Assigned Patient ID Patient ID 25
8.1.5 Patient ID number 3 Not transmitted
8.1.6 Patient’s Last Name and First Text: Last Name ^ First 20^20
Name Name
8.1.7 Mother’s Maiden Name Not transmitted
8.1.8 Date of Birth YYYYMMDD 8
8.1.9 Patient Gender M, F, or U 1
8.1.10 Patient Race - Ethnic Origin Not transmitted
8.1.11 Patient Address Not transmitted
8.1.12 Reserved Not transmitted
8.1.13 Patient Telephone Number Not transmitted
8.1.14 Attending Physician ID Text: Physician 20
Note: One text string no
component delimiters
used.
8.1.15 Special Field 1 Not transmitted
8.1.16 Special Field 2 Not transmitted
8.1.17 Patient Height Not transmitted
8.1.18 Patient Weight Not transmitted
8.1.19 Patient’s Known or Suspected Not transmitted
Diagnosis
8.1.20 Patient’s Active Medication Not transmitted
8.1.21 Patient’s Diet Not transmitted
8.1.22 Practice Field 1 Not transmitted
8.1.23 Practice Field 2 Not transmitted

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Table 5.45 Patient Record Fields (Continued)

ASTM Field Definition Data Transmitted Number of Bytes

8.1.24 Admission and Discharge Dates Not transmitted
8.1.25 Admission Status Not transmitted
8.1.26 Locations Text: Location 20
8.1.27 Nature of Alternative Diagnostic Not transmitted
Code and Classifiers
8.1.28 Nature of Alternative Diagnostic Not transmitted
Code and Classifiers
8.1.29 Patient’s Religion Not transmitted
8.1.30 Marital Status Not transmitted
8.1.31 Isolation Status Not transmitted
8.1.32 Language Not transmitted
8.1.33 Hospital Service Not transmitted
8.1.34 Hospital Institution Not transmitted
8.1.35 Dosage Category Not transmitted
Blank indicates Not Applicable.

Test Order Record

See Table 5.46.

Table 5.46 Test Order Record Field

ASTM Field Definition Data Transmitted Number of Bytes

9.4.1 Record Type O 1
9.4.2 Sequence Number 1 to N 1
9.4.3 Specimen ID Sample ID 16
9.4.4 Instrument Specimen ID Not transmitted
9.4.5 Universal Test ID Text: ^^^+ ^^^3
CBC Mode: CBC
CBC/DIFF Mode: DIF
9.4.6 Priority Not transmitted
9.4.7 Requested/Ordered Date and Not transmitted
Time
9.4.8 Specimen Collection Date and YYYYMMDDHHMMSS 14
Time
9.4.9 Collection End Time Not transmitted
9.4.10 Collection Volume Not transmitted
9.4.11 Collector ID Not transmitted
9.4.12 Action Code Q : treat specimen as a 1
QC test specimen

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Table 5.46 Test Order Record Field (Continued)

ASTM Field Definition Data Transmitted Number of Bytes

9.4.13 Danger Code Not transmitted
9.4.14 Relevant Clinical Information Not transmitted
9.4.15 Date/Time Specimen Received Not transmitted
9.4.16 Specimen Descriptor Flagging Set 20
9.4.17 Ordering Physician Not transmitted
9.4.18 Physician’s Telephone Number Not transmitted
9.4.19 User Field 1 Not transmitted
9.4.20 User Field 2 Not transmitted
9.4.21 Laboratory Field 1 Not transmitted
9.4.22 Laboratory Field 2 Not transmitted
9.4.23 Date and Time Results reported Not transmitted
or last modified
9.4.24 Instrument Charge to Computer Not transmitted
System
9.4.25 Instrument Section ID Not transmitted
9.4.26 Report Types O: order record 1
9.4.27 Reserved Not transmitted
9.4.28 Location or Ward of Specimen Not transmitted
Collection
9.4.29 Nosocomial Infection Flag Not transmitted
9.4.30 Specimen Service Not transmitted
9.4.31 Specimen Institution Not transmitted
Blank indicates Not Applicable.

Comment Record
r The patient comment is sent/received by a record “C” following the record “P”. The
structure of the Patient Comment record is C 1 L Patient Comment Free text... G<CR>.
r The sample comment is sent/received by a record “C” following the record “O”. The
structure of the Sample Comment record is C 1 L Sample Comment Free text... G<CR>.

For additional information, see Tables Table 5.47 and Table 5.48.

Table 5.47 Comments Specifications (Download): ASTM Format on AL

ASTM Field Definition Data Transmitted Number of Bytes

11.1.1 Record Type C 1
11.1.2 Sequence Number 1 to N 1

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Table 5.47 Comments Specifications (Download): ASTM Format on AL (Continued)

ASTM Field Definition Data Transmitted Number of Bytes

11.1.3 Comment Source Comment origination 1
point:
L: patient Comment
when following
patient record (P)
L: sample Comment
when following test
record (O)
11.1.4 Comment Text Text 50
11.1.5 Comment Type G: free text 1

Table 5.48 Terminator Record Fields (Download): ASTM Format on AL

ASTM Field Definition Data Transmitted Number of Bytes

13.1.1 Record Type L 1
13.1.2 Sequence Number 1 1
13.1.3 Termination Code N = normal 1

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5-56 PN 4277065EA
 TRADEMARKS

AC•T, Beckman Coulter, the Beckman Coulter logo, and COULTER are trademarks of
Beckman Coulter, Inc.

All other trademarks, service marks, products, or services are trademarks or registered
trademarks of their respective holders.

PN 4277065EA
Documentation

s Operator’s Guide Use and Function • Operation Principles • Specifications/Characteristics •

PN 4237615 (Open Vial) Precautions/Hazards • Running Samples • Reviewing Results • Calibration •
Diagnostics • Instrument Setup • Log Sheets • Manual Calibration •
Troubleshooting Flowchart • Training Checklist • References • Glossary •
Abbreviations • Index
s Instructions for Use Use and Function • Operation Principles • Specifications/Characteristics •
PN 624026 (Autoloader) Precautions/Hazards • Running Samples • Reviewing Results • Calibration •
PN 624021 (Cap Pierce) Diagnostics • Instrument Setup • Log Sheets • Manual Calibration • References •
Glossary • Abbreviations • Index
s Host Transmission Defines requirements for interfacing the instrument to a host computer.
Specification
PN 4277065 (Open Vial, Cap
Pierce, and Autoloader Systems)

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