Are your sealers “Heat Sealers”?
That’s a good question! Although SEBRA sealers are classified under the FDA product classification as “heat sealers,” they do not use heat to make a seal. Rather, our sealers use patented radio frequency technology that allows a weld to be made without excess heat traveling into the plastic or blood product.

Why do I need to hold the handle of my hand held sealing head AFTER the sealing light has gone off?
Because the sealer uses radiofrequency rather than heat to make a weld, the jaws must be held closed after applying radiofrequency to give the excited plastic molecules a chance to re-form into a seal.

Why does my sealer “spark” if there is no heat in an RF sealer?
RF signals take the path of least resistance; therefore, if there are any biologics like carbon or other carbon based items, the RF signal prefers that path vs. other reactive materials. When carbon molecules get excited or begin to vibrate, the carbon can spark. You can avoid a carbon spark by cleaning your sealing head often. Follow the directions in the sealer Instruction manual and clean with a cotton swab and alcohol.
Click here for Instruction Manuals.

Why does sealing on wet tubing cause arcing?
Radiofrequency will follow the path of least resistance, so if water is present, it will travel to the droplets of water, rather than to the plastic.

What is Radio Frequency?
Actual Definition: Radio Frequency is any frequency within the electromagnetic spectrum associated with radio wave propagation. (webopedia.com). In simple terms: Invisible waves of energy.

What is RF reactive material?
Any material that reacts when it comes into contact with RF. Most common materials are: PVC & EVA, which translates to most blood bag tubing.

What happens when RF is applied to RF reactive material?
The molecules of the RF reactive material vibrate or become excited and when pressed together they are reshapen into a seal.

What is a heat seal?
A heat seal is when heat or temperature is applied to temperature sensitive material such as plastic, fabric, etc; and is pressed together or melted to create a seal.

Why is heat bad for blood collection and processing?
Heat build up in sealing jaws can cause hemolysis during sealing according to studies conducted by Hema Quebec . The definition of hemolysis is: the breaking open of red blood cells and the release of hemoglobin into the surrounding fluid (plasma). (wikipedia.org). In effect, heat can destroy or change blood components. It is important to mention that other factors may cause hemolysis.

Why is RF good for blood collection and processing?
RF produces very little heat during sealing, reducing the risk of hemolysis.

Does RF produce heat?
Yes, but a very small amount. The heat related to RF sealing is created by the vibration or excitement of the molecules of the tubing and is conducted back to the “jaw” of the sealing device.

How else do SEBRA sealers prevent hemolysis?

1. The jaw of the SEBRA sealer closes on the tubing before the RF signal is sent. This allows the blood inside the tubing to be pushed away from RF signal and potential heat, thus reducing the possibility of hemolysis.
   
2. SEBRA's Model 2605 sealing head is designed to keep the ‘jaw” below 40 C (+ or – 10%) or 104 F, thus reducing the possibility of hemolysis.

Who created the first RF Handheld Sealer?
SEBRA! We patented the industry’s first RF Handheld sealer in 1977.

How long has SEBRA been making blood collection and processing equipment?
SEBRA invented its hand held sealing head, blood weighing and mixing device and portable lounges back in the mid-1970’s in collaboration with Blood Systems.

Why is your mixer shaped like a goose?
To keep the controls closer to the operator, yet maintain a slim profile for mobile bus use.

Troubleshooting Questions
The instruction manual for each SEBRA product includes a troubleshooting guide—please refer to this for specifics. Click here for Instruction Manuals. The following are a few frequent causes for failure.

What are common causes for a repair to your hand held sealing heads?

1. Dropping the Sealing head (results in no light, no seal). The sealing head incorporates a small reed switch that allows it to be activated when the handle is closed. That switch is relatively delicate, and a drop from three feet could cause it to break. Please call SEBRA’s Repair Coordinator for an RMA to have it repaired.
2. Bending the lever of your sealing head (results in ruptured tubing) To check and see--disconnect the sealer from its cable and hold the head up to the light, closing the lever. As the jaws begin to touch, there should be 1/8 inch gap between the lever and sealing head body. If your handle has been bent out and has a wider gap, it will create too much force during a seal and cause rupturing.