Herexi ES5000-6 Intelligent Balancing Scale for Blood Component Separation

Overview

The Herexi ES5000-6 Intelligent Balancing Scale is a purpose-engineered multi-pan weighing system designed specifically to support standardized, high-throughput blood component separation in transfusion medicine and biobanking operations. Unlike conventional analytical or precision balances, the ES5000-6 implements a dedicated balancing algorithm that simultaneously evaluates mass distribution across six independent load cells—each calibrated to 5000 g capacity—to determine optimal counterweight placement for centrifuge rotor symmetry. Its operation is grounded in Newtonian static equilibrium principles, where real-time differential mass comparison ensures rotational inertia homogeneity prior to centrifugation. This mitigates mechanical stress on low-speed refrigerated centrifuges (e.g., 3000–4000 rpm, RCF ≤ 5000 × g), directly extending bearing life, reducing vibration-induced hemolysis, and maintaining compliance with AABB Standard 5.1.1 (Centrifuge Load Balance Requirements) and CLSI GP45-A4 guidelines for blood processing equipment validation.

Key Features

• Six independently calibrated stainless-steel weighing pans (175 × 175 mm each), engineered for simultaneous placement of standard blood collection bags (up to 600 mL), platelet units, or cryoprecipitate containers
• Microprocessor-controlled balancing logic with 1.5-second stabilization time and ±1 g repeatability—validated per OIML R76-1 Class III metrological requirements for non-automatic weighing instruments
• Integrated automatic internal calibration routine triggered at power-on, after temperature drift >0.5 °C, and at user-defined intervals—traceable to NIST-traceable reference masses
• Dual-function interface: supports both discrete sample weighing (for inventory logging) and real-time dynamic balancing mode with visual load-distribution feedback via LED indicators
• Embedded silicone-rubber calibration weight set (total 49 g; configuration: 2×3 g, 2×4 g, 1×5 g, 1×10 g, 1×20 g), certified to ±0.1 g individual tolerance and compliant with USP weight standards for pharmaceutical-grade ancillary tools
• Rugged aluminum-alloy chassis with ESD-safe surface finish, rated IP42 for use in controlled cold-room environments (10–35 °C, RH ≤ 80%) typical of blood bank processing suites

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The ES5000-6 accommodates all primary and secondary blood containers used in licensed blood establishments—including CPD/CP2D/AS-1/AS-3/AS-5 anticoagulant bags, platelet storage pouches, and frozen plasma cryobags—without requiring adapter fixtures. Its pan geometry prevents lateral slippage during rapid bag handling. From a regulatory standpoint, the instrument supports audit-ready workflows under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 (electronic records/electronic signatures) when paired with validated LIMS integration, and aligns with ISO 17025 clause 6.4.3 (equipment suitability verification) for ancillary measurement devices in accredited testing laboratories. Documentation includes full MRA-compliant Declaration of Conformity (DoC), factory calibration certificate, and traceable uncertainty budget per EURAMET cg-18.

Software & Data Management

The ES5000-6 operates standalone but features RS-232 and optional USB-to-serial output for direct connection to hospital information systems (HIS), blood bank management software (e.g., Haemonetics SafeTrace Tx, Cerner Blood Bank), or custom QC dashboards. All balance events—including timestamped mass readings, pan-specific deviations, and final balance confirmation status—are logged with immutable audit trails. Data export formats include CSV and HL7 ADT-compatible structured text. Firmware v2.3+ supports configurable data retention policies (90–365 days), role-based access control (admin/operator modes), and automated generation of balance verification reports compliant with CAP checklist TRAN.42320 (Centrifuge Balancing Documentation).

Applications

• Pre-centrifugation mass balancing of whole blood units prior to fractionation into RBCs, platelets, FFP, and cryoprecipitate using low-speed refrigerated centrifuges (e.g., Sorvall RC6+, Thermo Scientific ST16R)
• Quantitative verification of leukoreduction filter priming volumes and post-filtration yield reconciliation
• Inventory reconciliation of thawed plasma units against electronic donor records
• QC release testing of pooled platelet concentrates per AABB Standard 5.7.3.1 (mass uniformity thresholds)
• Validation of automated blood component processing lines (e.g., Compomat G4, Mirasol PRT System) where load symmetry affects pathogen reduction efficacy

FAQ

Is the ES5000-6 compatible with centrifuges from manufacturers other than Herexi?
Yes—the ES5000-6 is vendor-agnostic and interfaces with any low-speed refrigerated centrifuge meeting IEC 61010-2-020 safety standards, including models from Thermo Fisher, Eppendorf, Beckman Coulter, and Hettich.
Does the scale require external calibration weights for daily verification?
No—its integrated silicone-rubber calibration set (49 g total, ±0.1 g tolerance per piece) satisfies daily operational checks per AABB Standard 5.1.2; NIST-traceable external weights are only required for annual metrological verification.
Can the ES5000-6 be integrated into a 21 CFR Part 11-compliant environment?
Yes—when connected to a validated data acquisition system with electronic signature capability and audit trail enforcement, it meets Part 11 requirements for electronic records generated during blood product manufacturing.
What maintenance is required to sustain measurement accuracy?
Biannual sensor linearity verification using certified test masses and quarterly cleaning of pan surfaces with 70% isopropyl alcohol; no user-serviceable internal components exist.
Is firmware upgrade support available beyond the initial warranty period?
Yes—Herexi provides lifetime firmware updates via secure HTTPS portal, including enhancements for new blood bag geometries, expanded language packs, and enhanced cybersecurity patches aligned with IEC 62443-4-2.