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Connecting a Beckman Coulter Access 2 to your LIS or EHR
Quick answer
Yes. The Access 2 uses ASTM E1381 and E1394 over an EIA-232 serial port and accepts both order download and host query. With Host Query enabled, it sends a request when a rack is loaded with no pending orders; Catenix answers with the tests ordered in your EHR and later returns matched results.
The Access 2 is a benchtop, continuous random-access immunoassay analyser running up to 100 tests an hour with 24 assays on board. Its menu spans anaemia (ferritin, active B12, sTfR), thyroid, diabetes, infectious disease and blood virus serology, tumour markers, bone metabolism and cardiac markers including hsTnI and BNP.
It shares its LIS interface with the UniCel DxI, which behaves the same way on the host link except where noted.
| What | How Catenix handles it |
|---|---|
| Interface | ASTM E1381-95 (link) and E1394-97 (messages) |
| Physical link | EIA-232, DB-9 male on the external PC, DTE; 8-N-1, 1200 to 19200 baud (default 9600) |
| Orders | Order download and host query |
| STAT | Priority code S on the test order |
| Sample ID | Rack 1 to 9999, positions 1 to 10; barcoded primary and aliquot tubes |
| Systems per link | Up to four through a single LIS interface |
How the Access 2 asks for work
Orders can be downloaded in advance, or the Access 2 can ask. When a rack is loaded and no orders are waiting, an Access 2 with Host Query on sends a request record and waits for the reply within a time-out you set. Catenix answers with the EHR's orders. Orders marked with priority S run as STAT.
The internal barcode reader reads the rack number and position, and bar-coded primary and aliquot tubes are supported.
Wiring and settings to check
The serial port is a DB-9 male on the instrument's external PC, configured as DTE, so a null modem is usually needed to reach the serial device server. Data bits, parity and stop bits are fixed at 8-N-1; baud runs from 1200 to 19200, with 9600 as default. Up to four Access systems can share one LIS interface.
Test codes come from a fixed list, including diluted test variants, and are mapped to the EHR's codes at setup. This interface does not apply to an Access 2 built into a UniCel DxC 600i.
Flags, QC and results in Catenix
Results carry flags such as QCF for a Westgard violation, RFX for a reflex result, and critical and LIS-range flags. Catenix keeps every flag and message with the result. Control runs are filed as QC, graded with Westgard rules against your targets, and a failed QC holds patient results for that test. The gateway reconnects after drops and stores results on site during internet outages.
Beckman Coulter, Access 2 and UniCel DxI are trademarks of their owners. Catenix is an independent connectivity provider, not affiliated with or endorsed by Beckman Coulter.
Questions people ask
Does the Beckman Coulter Access 2 support host query?
Yes. With Host Query enabled, it sends a request when a rack is loaded with no pending orders, and Catenix answers with the EHR's orders. Order download is also supported.
Do I need a null modem cable for the Access 2?
Usually yes. The DB-9 port on its external PC is configured as DTE.
Can several Access 2 analysers share one connection?
Up to four systems can be linked through a single LIS interface.
Is the Access 2 interface the same as the UniCel DxI?
They share one LIS specification and behave the same on the interface except where it notes otherwise.
Related: Lab analyzer to EHR for small labs · Beckman Coulter DxH 500 connection · HL7, POCT1-A2 and ASTM explained · Device library
Product and company names are trademarks of their owners and are used for identification only. Catenix moves, stores and displays results with traceability; it does not interpret results or give clinical advice. Reviewed October 2026.
Tell us your setup
Send us your analyser and the system you want results in, and we will confirm how it connects, usually within one working day. Ask about your setup.