Documentation:Standard Operating Procedures for Seward Stomacher 400 Circulator

1.  Please obtain proper training from the FNH teaching lab technician Imelda Cheung (Imelda.Cheung@ubc.ca) prior to using the stomacher.

2.  Turn on the stomacher.

3.  For manual operation:

a.   Ensure the AUTO icon is not displayed. If AUTO is shown, press the AUTO key to change back to MANUAL mode.

b.   Open the door by raising the lid fully upward and back.

c.   Place the Stomacher Bag containing samples (volume should be 80 – 400 ml for proper operation) in the compartment leaving 5 – 6 cm protruding above the bag clamp.

d.   Close the door, ensuring the bag is securely clamped.

e.   Adjust the Time/Speed setting by pressing the SPEED/TIME key and the ENUNCIATOR icon will display the parameter being adjusted.

o  Change the Time/Speed by pressing the + or – key.

TIME: 0 – 99 min 59 sec

SPEED: 200 (low), 230 (normal), 260 (high) rpm

g.   After setting the time/speed, press the START key and the stomacher process will initiate.

h.   After processing, simply open the door and remove the Stomacher Bag.

i.     If you have more samples to process, go back to step c. and repeat.

4.  For automatic operation:

a.   Press and release the PROG key to select the programme P1, P2 or P3.

o  To store/change a programme, press the PROG key to select P1 or P2 or P3.

o  Set the desired speed/time (refer to step 3e.)

o  Simultaneously press and hold down the AUTO and PROG key until you hear a longer beep sound.

o  The time and speed is now stored in the memory.

b.   Press the AUTO key to display the AUTO icon.

c.   Open the door by raising the lid fully upward and back.

d.   Place the Stomacher Bag containing samples in the compartment.

e.   Closing the door will securely clamp the bag AND initiate the stomacher process.

f.    When processing is complete, simply open the door, remove the processed sample and place the next sample into the instrument, go back to step e. and repeat.

5.   When all sample processing is complete, check to ensure there is no spills in the instrument, then turn off.

If you notice spills, open the door normally, then lift the lid fully upward and back to pull the door sharply upwards. Clean it up quickly with wet paper towel or if you are processing biological samples,

decontaminate using 70% ethanol.