Serving for All Eights (M) Sdn Bhd for 2 months, and they sent me to Bangkok for intensive training. Exactly 2 weeks, I attended the
Asia Pasific Engineer training. Robaain, my coursemate went with me and that would be his second time been there. 7 participants from four different countries participated in
HORIBA Asia Pacific Engineer training. Beside us, we met Mr. Seng Sun Nam, Mr.
Dy Chheang, Mr. Bo Chandonal from Cambodia. Mr. Bong Kyu Choi from Korea, and
Mr. Mihir S. Khakurel from Nepal. In general, we spent the first two days
learning HORIBA Micros 60, the rest of the week for HORIBA Pentra 60 and the
whole second week of training for Pentra 80.
Theories and hands-on activities really help us to get
familiar with the machine and for better understanding, Q&A was allowed
along the training. We are different by experience. We helped each other and
get along very well. ‘Engineering’ has cross the boundaries of nation, religion,
age and background. Experience sharing
had been the essence topic among us.
5th November 2012 (Monday)
After brief ice breaking session, we started the training
with introduction of Horiba product range, discussing the differences between
Micros 60, Micros ES60, Pentra 60, Pentra ES60 and Pentra 80. The trainer kept
us familiar the basic technical terms (e.g: 3&5 parts, LMG, morphology
& analyzer alarm, flags, etc) and principle of machine measurement.
Before we go into engineering matter in depth, we had no
choice to understand the application of this instrument in prior. This is
important for us to understand the fundamental of hematology. We were
introduced with the blood composition and its features. How the blood interacts
with the blood. Hydropneumatic Diagram Micros 60ES O.T Bouteile was discussed.
6th November 2012 (Tuesday)
We were divided into three groups. Preventive maintenance
for Micros ES60 was done in groups by easily referred to the technical manual. Common
problems were discussed and troubleshooting for Micros 60ES. One of the
critical parts for troubleshooting is machine mechanical adjustment. We spent
almost 4 hours to learn the adjustment as well as electrical calibration for
precision results.
4 hours seems not enough for us. We still got chance to
learn more about the adjustment and calibration on Pentra 60 instrument tomorrow.
Basically, both machines are mechanically the same -almost. Focus more on Pentra
60 instrument will help us for better understanding in Micros 60.
7th November 2012 (Wednesday)
As planned, today we moved to Pentra 60. We were provided
with new hand outs. A bit detail on introduction and instrument principle. The
Hydropneumatic diagram was a bit complicated compare to Micros 60. The most
essential part for this instrument are LMNE matrix and LMNE-Baso graph
analysis. Although these are categorize as application knowledge, it would be
very helpful for engineers.
More important, today we were introduced with the instrument’s
flags and alarms. As we go deeper into this topic, we found that this could be
the main topic for troubleshooting. As supplement, we were provided with the Hydropneumatic
diagram of Pentra 60ES and was studied and discussed few hours before dismissed.
8th November 2012 (Thursday)
Preventive maintenance for Pentra 60 was done in groups.
More than that, common problems were discussed for Pentra 60ES. Basically, we
repeat the syllabus of Micros 60 for Pentra 60. We do the same procedure and
focus more on adjustment and calibration. Thus, machine mechanical adjustment
and electrical calibration for precision results were practically thought.
We glad that during the training, we faced the instrument
problems to be settled. Although only 2 units available for training, it was
good enough for us otherwise we surely don’t have more time to settle the
problems. Supposed we have a troubleshooting test for every candidate. Since
the units we had caused us problems, so we all passed the test. It was tough.
We were told that the units originally came from users. So, we have a priceless
training experience.
9th November 2012 (Friday)
We continued solving instrument problems until lunch time.
We did it. And the machines were ready to be used. Today’s topic was more on software
setting and we had a brief explanation about application. Today is a special
day for Thailand people. As a complement to the training lectures, we were paid
a chance to see a special ceremony which happened once in 5 years- Royal Barge
Procession after discussion and Q&A session. Training ended earlier.
12th November 2012 (Monday)
As usual, on the first day learning new instrument, we were
provided with the hand outs enclosed with the Hydropneumatic Diagram.
Understanding the diagram was a challenge for us. Every candidate was asked to
explain part by part of the diagram. It was not a big trouble for us other than
some extra components and functions that not available in Micros and Pentra 60.
We went through the hand outs together and spent some times
with the machine to capture the ideas better. We packed the 3 units of Pentra
60 we used last week and brought in 2 units of Pentra 80 into the work space.
Different with others, this was my first time seeing and touch this machine. As
the size bigger, I believe it’s more complicated and I need to pay more
attention during the training. On the first day, almost all are lecture and
theories.
13th November 2012
Second day, the trainer demonstrate a simulator to us. Of
course the software has some limitations compare to actual software equipped
with actual instrument. The main purpose is to assist us to navigate the screen
in such through phone troubleshooting.
Today, we focus more on instrument adjustment. Chamber
adjustment, needle adjustment, tube holder adjustment, and automatic sample
adjustment were performed in groups.
14th November 2012
We continued to do the adjustments on this day and some
extra troubleshooting activities. Since the units brought here were from users
(hospitals), we faced some problems. Blood clotting, broken parts, leaking,
software problems were expected. It was hard for me at the beginning but then I
learnt.
We spent the rest of the noon by discussing common problems
and the problems we had. The problems were not created purposely for the
training. Our target was to make sure there is no more ‘alarms’ and the
machines can start up perfectly. We did after all.
15th November 2012
What left for today is PENTRA 80 software. We were
introduced with HIREN 10.0 software in case we face computer boot up problem.
It acts like a ‘mini windows’ to help us restore and backup data needed.
Other than that, we discuss about master CD and
installation, P80/XL installation, and HDD replacement.
16th November 2012
We had a quiz for the last day. We need to answer all the
questions in few minutes and given the marks after that. All candidates managed
to get good marks and we spent times to discuss the answer of each question.
Before we end the class, the training evaluation form was distributed to all
the participants to be filled.
We packed the instruments. We dismissed after a photography
session.
