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What does the
Autoprep™ or MiniprepPlus™ do? |
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Both Instruments prepare
peripheral blood films on standard microscope slides (1" x 3" or
25mm x 75mm) using the wedge technique. These slides are then
stained using a staining protocol, and are then available for
viewing and study or reporting using either manual or automated
microscopy systems. |
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Can I use bone marrow or other fluids? |
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Yes, in limited
circumstances. |
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What is the difference between
the Autoprep™ and
Miniprep™? |
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The Autoprep™ has been manufactured since 1995, and is
currently in production with several new models under
development. The Miniprep™ was in production from 1979 until 1987
when Geometric Data Corp. was closed and absorbed by an
affiliate of then Smithkline Beckman Corp. |
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What are the actual design differences between the two units? |
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The Autoprep™
incorporates a "Unibody" design and uses 40% fewer parts. It also
incorporates a stainless steel case, a more stable "platen" area
for holding the slides in place. The Miniprep uses a 30
year-old design based on continual upgrades or "Kluges", we have
found over 7 versions in our 20 year service history of the
Miniprep. Both instruments perform extremely well in all types
of labs and environments. The newer MiniprepPlus™ incorporates all previous design revisions of Autoprep™ (Unibody, fewer parts) with the smoothness of the old
Miniprep. a design breakthrough and patented technology. |
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Why are they priced differently? |
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The Autoprep™ and
MiniprepPlus ™ are new and come with a one-year warranty.
The Miniprep™
is a refurbished device that may not be suitable for
all situations. The Miniprep™ must be disassembled, refurbished,
and reassembled. Therefore, the older Miniprep™ can only be warranted for 90 days. |
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Should I purchase extra glass spreader blades when I purchase
either unit? |
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It is recommended that a
five set packet of spreader glass (10 pieces) be purchased with each
unit. Each unit comes with one extra set of spreader glass from the
factory, and extra "O" rings. |
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Is changing the replaceable Glass
Blades difficult?
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No, See the Operators
Manual for the proper procedure. |
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What about other prep
devices? |
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There are several
automated systems made by Coulter, Bayer, Abbott, and Sysmex that
perform well. These automated systems are combined with their larger
cell counting counterparts and allow staining as well as slide prep
for specimens that need to be reviewed. The costs average between
$20,000 and $100,000 for these add-on systems. At $600 USD the Autoprep™ or
MiniprepPlus™ is an excellent choice for back up or as an accessory to
these units. |
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What about the
Hemaprep device? |
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There are several good
reasons to avoid such imitations: 1) The parts used in this device
and the device itself
are not FDA approved. 2) The parts used
for these units may not be sterile. 3) Charlie Gilbert, who runs J.P.
Gilbert & Co. (under his wife's' name) previously worked for
Geometric Data / Beckman in the past and has allegedly stolen or "borrowed"
old Miniprep parts from a North Eastern Beckman Facility over the last few years.
There may be civil, criminal, or even Federal problems developing
from these actions and the affected sales either direct or with
Marketlab, Inc.. 4) In the past, the parts tended to be used or
remanufactured and are sold as new. These may be workable units with acceptable
warranties, since they were based on the 30 year old Miniprep design.
However, this is a very old design with no technological upgrades or
changes as in the Autoprep™ or
MiniprepPlus™. *** BUYER BEWARE *** |
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