operator’s manual - pera medikalperamed.com/peramed/docs/epoch_+m491epoch1+_en.pdf · viii |...

Operator’s Manual

Microplate Spectrophotometer

Epoch™

Epoch™ Microplate Spectrophotometer Operator's Manual

August 2009 © 2009 Part Number 7201000 Revision A BioTek® Instruments, Inc.

ii | Preface

Notices

BioTek® Instruments, Inc.

Highland Park, P.O. Box 998

Winooski, Vermont 05404-0998 USA

All Rights Reserved

© 2009, BioTek® Instruments, Incorporated. No part of this publication may be reproduced, transcribed, or transmitted in any form, or by any means electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording, for any purpose other than the purchaser’s use without written permission of BioTek Instruments, Inc.

Trademarks

BioTek® is a registered trademark, and Epoch™, Gen5™, and Take3™ are trademarks of BioTek Instruments, Inc. BioCell™ is a trademark of BioTek Instruments and is patented under U.S. patent number 5,963,318.

Microsoft®, Windows®, Windows XP, Windows 2000, and Windows Vista™ are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

All other trademarks are the property of their respective holders.

Restrictions and Liabilities

Information in this document is subject to change and does not represent a commitment by BioTek Instruments, Inc. Changes made to the information in this document will be incorporated in new editions of the publication. No responsibility is assumed by BioTek for the use or reliability of software or equipment that is not supplied by BioTek or its affiliated dealers.


Contents | iii

Contents

Notices ................................................................................................ ii Contents ..............................................................................................iii Contacting BioTek Instruments, Inc.......................................................... v Revision History ................................................................................... vi Document Conventions..........................................................................vii Intended Use Statement....................................................................... viii Quality Control .................................................................................... viii Warranty and Product Registration ......................................................... viii Warnings............................................................................................ viii Hazards and Precautions........................................................................ ix CE Mark .............................................................................................. xi Electromagnetic Interference and Susceptibility ........................................xii User Safety ........................................................................................ xiii Safety Symbols ...................................................................................xiv

Introduction ...................................................................1

Product Description................................................................................ 2 Package Contents .................................................................................. 2 Optional Accessories .............................................................................. 3 Product Support & Service ...................................................................... 4

Installation.....................................................................5

Product Registration............................................................................... 6 1: Unpack and Inspect the Instrument...................................................... 6 2: Remove the Carrier Shipping Hardware................................................ 7 3: Select an Appropriate Location ........................................................... 8 4: Connect the Power Supply ................................................................. 9 5: Connect the Host Computer ............................................................... 9 6: Install the Software on the Host Computer ........................................... 9 7: Turn on the Reader ........................................................................... 9 Operational/Performance Qualification .................................................... 11 Repackaging and Shipping .................................................................... 11

Controlling Epoch Using Gen5 ......................................15

Overview............................................................................................ 16 Controlling the Reader with Gen5........................................................... 16

Instrument Qualification ..............................................19

Recommendations for Achieving Optimum Performance ............................ 20 Recommended Qualification Schedule..................................................... 21 Installation and Performance Qualification Procedures............................... 22 Absorbance Plate Test .......................................................................... 25 Liquid Testing ..................................................................................... 33

Epoch Operator’s Manual

iv | Preface


Preventive Maintenance ...............................................43

Overview............................................................................................ 44 Required Materials ............................................................................... 44 Warnings & Precautions........................................................................ 45 Routine Cleaning Procedure .................................................................. 45 Decontamination ................................................................................. 46

Specifications ...............................................................49

General Specifications .......................................................................... 50 Read Specifications.............................................................................. 50 Optical Performance............................................................................. 52

Error Codes ..................................................................55

Overview............................................................................................ 56 General Errors..................................................................................... 57 Fatal Errors......................................................................................... 65

Contacting BioTek Instruments, Inc. | v

Contacting BioTek Instruments, Inc.


Highland Park, P.O. Box 998

Winooski, Vermont 05404-0998 USA

Customer Service and Sales

Internet: www.biotek.com

Phone: 888-451-5171 (toll free in the U.S.)

802-655-4740 (outside the U.S.)

Fax: 802-655-7941

E-Mail: [email protected]

Service/TAC

Phone: 800-242-4685 (toll free in the U.S.)

802-655-4740 (outside the U.S.)

Fax: 802-654-0638


European Coordination Center/Authorized European Representative

BioTek® Instruments GmbH

Kocherwaldstrasse 34

D-74177 Bad Friedrichshall

Germany

Internet: www.biotek.de

Phone: +49 (0) 7136 9680

Fax: +49 (0) 7136 968 111



mailto:[email protected]

vi | Preface

Revision History

Revision Date Changes

A 8/2009 Initial release to Production


Document Conventions | vii

Document Conventions

This manual uses the following typographic conventions:

Example Description

This icon calls attention to important safety notes.

Warning! A Warning indicates the potential for bodily harm and tells you how to avoid the problem.

Caution A Caution indicates potential damage to the instrument and tells you how to avoid the problem.

Note Bold text is primarily used for emphasis.

This icon calls attention to important information.


viii | Preface

Intended Use Statement

• The Epoch is a single-channel, automated, benchtop, general-purpose microplate monochromator that performs optical density measurements of samples in a microplate format. The user must evaluate this instrument with PC-based software in conjunction with the specific assay. This evaluation must include the confirmation that performance characteristics for the specific assay are met.

• This system is designed for use with PC-based software only. BioTek Gen5 software will provide the user with instrument control and data reduction.

• The intended use of this instrument is dependent on the instrument’s labeling. If there is an IVD label, then the instrument may be used for clinical, research and development, or other nonclinical purposes. If there is no such label, then the instrument may only be used for research and development, or for other nonclinical purposes.

Quality Control

It is considered good laboratory practice to run laboratory samples according to instructions and specific recommendations included in the package insert or standard laboratory protocol for the test to be conducted. Failure to conduct Quality Control checks could result in erroneous test data.

Warranty and Product Registration

Please take a moment to review the warranty information that shipped with your product. Please also register your product with BioTek to ensure that you receive important information and updates about the product(s) you have purchased.

You can register online through the Customer Resource Center (CRC) at www.biotek.com or by calling 888/451-5171 or 802/655-4740.

Warnings

Operate the instrument on a level surface away from excessive humidity.

Bright sunlight or strong incandescent light can reduce the linear performance range of the instrument.

Measurement values may be affected by extraneous particles (such as dust) in the microplate wells. A clean work area is necessary to ensure accurate readings.

When operated in a safe environment according to the instructions in


Hazards and Precautions | ix

this document, there are no known hazards associated with the instrument. However, the operator should be aware of certain situations that could result in serious injury; these may vary depending on the instrument type. See Hazards and Precautions.

Hazards and Precautions

Hazards

The following hazards are provided to help avoid injury:

Warning! Power Rating. The instrument’s power supply must be connected to a power receptacle that provides voltage and current within the specified rating for the system. Use of an incompatible power receptacle may produce electrical shock and fire hazards.

Warning! Electrical Grounding. Never use a two-prong plug adapter to connect primary power to the external power supply. Use of a two-prong adapter disconnects the utility ground, creating a severe shock hazard. Always connect the power supply directly to an appropriate receptacle with a functional ground.

Warning! Internal Voltage. Always turn off the power switch and unplug the power supply before cleaning the outer surface of the instrument.

Warning! Potential Biohazards. Some assays or specimens may pose a biohazard. Adequate safety precautions should be taken as outlined in the assay’s package insert. Always wear safety glasses and appropriate protective equipment, such as chemically resistant rubber gloves and apron.

Warning! Liquids. Avoid spilling liquids on the reader; fluid seepage into internal components creates a potential for shock hazard or instrument damage. If a spill occurs while a program is running, abort the program and turn off the instrument. Wipe up all spills immediately. Do not operate the instrument if internal components have been exposed to fluid.

Warning! Unspecified Use. Failure to operate this equipment according to the guidelines and safeguards specified in this manual could result in a hazardous condition.

Warning! Software Quality Control. The operator must follow the manufacturer’s assay package insert when modifying software parameters and establishing reading methods. Failure to conduct quality control checks could result in erroneous test data.

Warning! Reader Data Reduction Protocol. No limits are applied to the raw absorbance data. All information exported via computer control must be thoroughly analyzed by the operator.


x | Preface

Precautions

The following precautions are provided to help avoid damage to the instrument:

Caution: Service. The instrument should be serviced by BioTek authorized service personnel. Only qualified technical personnel should perform troubleshooting and service procedures on internal components.

Caution: Environmental Conditions. Do not expose the system to temperature extremes. For proper operation, ambient temperatures should remain within the range listed in Appendix A, Specifications. Performance may be adversely affected if temperatures fluctuate above or below this range. Storage temperature limits are broader.

Caution: Sodium Hypochlorite. Do not expose any part of the instrument to the recommended diluted sodium hypochlorite solution (bleach) for more than 20 minutes. Prolonged contact may damage the instrument surfaces. Be certain to rinse and thoroughly wipe all surfaces.

Caution: External Power Supply. Only use the power supply shipped with the instrument. Operate this power supply within the range of line voltages listed on it.

Caution: Carrier Shipping Bracket. The microplate carrier shipping bracket must be removed before operating the instrument and reinstalled before repackaging the instrument for shipment.

Caution: Disposal. This instrument contains printed circuit boards and wiring with lead solder. Dispose of the instrument according to Directive 2002/96/EC, “on waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE)” or local ordinances.

Caution: Warranty. Failure to follow preventive maintenance protocols may void the warranty. See Chapter 4, Maintenance for preventive maintenance procedures.

Caution: Electromagnetic Environment. Per IEC 61326-2-6 it is the user’s responsibility to ensure that a compatible electromagnetic environment for this instrument is provided and maintained in order that the device will perform as intended.

Caution: Electromagnetic Compatibility. Do not use this device in close proximity to sources of strong electromagnetic radiation (e.g., unshielded intentional RF sources), because these may interfere with the proper operation.


CE Mark | xi

CE Mark

Based on the testing described below and information contained herein, this instrument bears the CE mark.

Refer to the Declaration of Conformity for specific details.

DIRECTIVE 2003/108/EC: Electromagnetic Compatibility

Emissions—CLASS A

The system has been type-tested by an independent, accredited testing laboratory and found to meet the requirements of EN 61326-1 and EN 61326-2-6: Class A for Radiated Emissions and Line Conducted Emissions.

Verification of compliance was conducted to the limits and methods of EN 55011—CISPR 11). In a domestic environment it may cause radio interference, in which case you may need to mitigate the interference.

Immunity

The system has been type-tested by an independent, accredited testing laboratory and found to meet the requirements of EN 61326-1 and EN 61326-2-6 for Immunity. Verification of compliance was conducted to the limits and methods of the following:

EN 61000-4-2, Electrostatic Discharge

EN 61000-4-3, Radiated EM Fields

EN 61000-4-4, Electrical Fast Transient/Burst

EN 61000-4-5, Surge Immunity

EN 61000-4-6, Conducted Disturbances from RFI

EN 61000-4-11, Voltage Dips, Short Interruptions and Variations


xii | Preface

Directive 73/23/EEC Low Voltage (Safety)

The system has been type-tested by an independent testing laboratory and was found to meet the requirements of EC Directive 73/23/EEC for Low Voltage. Verification of compliance was conducted to the limits and methods of the following:

EN 61010-1 (2001) 2nd Edition. “Safety requirement for electrical equipment for measurement, control and laboratory use. Part 1, General requirements.”

Directive 2002/96/EC: Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment

Disposal Notice: This instrument contains printed circuit boards and wiring with lead solder. Dispose of the instrument according to Directive 2002/96/EC, “on waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE)” or local ordinances.

Directive 98/79/EC: In Vitro Diagnostics (if labeled for this use)

Product registration with competent authorities.

Traceability to the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST):

Optical density measurements are traceable to NIST.

Electromagnetic Interference and Susceptibility

USA FCC CLASS A

Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.

These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. Like all similar equipment, this equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause interference, in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.


User Safety | xiii

Canadian Department of Communications Class A

This digital apparatus does not exceed Class A limits for radio emissions from digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications.

Le present appareil numerique n'met pas du bruits radioelectriques depassant les limites applicables aux appareils numerique de la Class A prescrites dans le Reglement sur le brouillage radioelectrique edicte par le ministere des Communications du Canada.

User Safety

This device has been type-tested by an independent laboratory and found to meet the requirements of the following:

North America

• Underwriters Laboratories UL 61010-1, 2001

“Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control and laboratory use; Part 1: general requirements”

• Canadian Standards Association CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 61010-1-04

“Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control and Laboratory Use; Part 1: General Requirements”

For International User Safety requirements, see CE Mark on page xi.


xiv | Preface

Safety Symbols

Some of the following symbols may appear on the instrument:

Alternating current Courant alternatif Wechselstrom Corriente alterna Corrente alternata

Direct current Courant continu Gleichstrom Corriente continua Corrente continua

Both direct and alternating current Courant continu et courant alternatif Gleich - und Wechselstrom Corriente continua y corriente alterna Corrente continua e corrente alternata

Earth ground terminal Borne de terre Erde (Betriebserde) Borne de tierra Terra (di funzionamento)

Protective conductor terminal Borne de terre de protection Schutzleiteranschluss Borne de tierra de protección Terra di protezione

On (Supply) Marche (alimentation) Ein (Verbindung mit dem Netz) Conectado Chiuso

Off (Supply) Arrêt (alimentation) Aus (Trennung vom Netz) Desconectado Aperto (sconnessione dalla rete di alimentazione)


Safety Symbols | xv

Caution (refer to accompanying documents) Attention (voir documents d’accompanement) Achtung siehe Begleitpapiere Atención (vease los documentos incluidos) Attenzione, consultare la doc annessa

Warning, risk of electric shock Attention, risque de choc électrique Gefährliche elektrische Schlag Precaución, riesgo de sacudida eléctrica Attenzione, rischio di scossa elettrica

Warning, risk of crushing or pinching Attention, risque d’écrasement et pincement Warnen, Gefahr des Zerquetschens und Klemmen Precaución, riesgo del machacamiento y sejeción Attenzione, rischio di schiacciare ed intrappolarsi

Warning, hot surface Attention, surface chaude Warnen, heiße Oberfläche Precaución, superficie caliente Attenzione, superficie calda

Consult instructions for use Consulter la notice d’emploi Gebrauchsanweisung beachten Consultar las instrucciones de uso Consultare le istruzioni per uso

In vitro diagnostic medical device Dispositif médical de diagnostic in vitro Medizinisches In-Vitro-Diagnostikum Dispositivo médico de diagnóstico in vitro Dispositivo medico diagnostico in vitro

Separate collection for electrical and electronic equipment Les équipements électriques et électroniques font l’objet d’une collecte sélective Getrennte Sammlung von Elektro- und Elektronikgeräten Recogida selectiva de aparatos eléctricos y electrónicos Raccolta separata delle apparecchiature elettriche ed elettroniche


xvi | Preface


Chapter 1

Introduction

This chapter introduces the Epoch and describes its hardware and software features, and technical specifications. Instructions on how to contact BioTek for Product Support & Service are included on page 4.

Product Description.............................................................. 2 Package Contents ................................................................ 2 Optional Accessories ............................................................ 3 Product Support & Service .................................................... 4 Contacting the Technical Assistance Center ........................... 4 Returning Instruments for Service/Repair.............................. 4

2 | Chapter 1: Introduction

Product Description

Powerful, versatile, and compact, the Epoch monochromator offers tunable wavelength selection and wavelength scanning without the need for interference filters. The single-channel reader is completely computer controlled via BioTek’s intuitive and user-friendly Gen5 software. Its key features include the following:

• A variety of read modes including endpoint, kinetic, multiwavelength, and spectral scanning.

• A monochromator for continuous wavelength selection from 200 to 999 nm in 1-nm increments, and a xenon flash lamp for both UV and visible light absorbance measurements.

• Superior optical specifications, with an extended dynamic range of up to 4.000 OD.

• Ability to read standard microplates from 6- to 384-wells, Terasaki plates (with adapter), BioTek’s patented BioCell quartz vessel for 1-cm measurements, and the BioTek Take3 Multi-Volume Plate.

• Two reading speeds: normal and sweep.

Package Contents

Part numbers are subject to change over time. Please contact BioTek Customer Care with any questions.

Item Part #

Epoch Operator’s Manual 7201000

Power supply 61062

Power cord

varies according to country

of use

USB cable with Virtual COM Driver Software 75108

7090204


Optional Accessories | 3

Optional Accessories

Part numbers are subject to change over time. Please contact BioTek Customer Care if you have any questions.

Item Part #

7-filter Absorbance Test Plate for absorbance measurement testing 7260522

Epoch Product Qualification (IQ-OQ-PQ) package 7200515

BioCell quartz vessel for 1-cm wavelength fixed pathlength absorbance measurements

7272051

BioCell adapter plate for containing up to eight BioCells 7270512

Terasaki plate adapter for 60-, 72-, and 96-well Terasaki plates 7220531

Absorbance Liquid Test Solutions:

BioTek Wetting Agent Solution (PN 7773002)

BioTek QC Check Solution No. 1 (25 ml) or

BioTek QC Check Solution No. 1 (125 ml)

7773002

7120779

7120782

Take3 Multi-Volume Plate TAKE3


4 | Chapter 1: Introduction


Product Support & Service

A superior support staff backs all of BioTek’s products. If your instrument(s) or software ever fails to function properly, if you have questions about how to use or maintain it, or if you need to send an instrument to BioTek for service or repair, please contact our Technical Assistance Center (TAC).

Contacting the Technical Assistance Center

Our Technical Assistance Center is open from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM (EST), Monday through Friday, excluding standard U.S. holidays. You can send a fax or an e-mail any time.

Phone: 800-242-4685 (in the U.S.) or 802-655-4740 (outside the U.S.)

Fax: 802-654-0638


Please be prepared to provide the following information:

• Your name and company information

• A daytime phone or fax number, and/or an e-mail address

• The product name, model, and serial number

• The software part number and basecode version

• For troubleshooting assistance or instruments needing repair, the specific steps that produce your problem, and any error codes displayed (see also Appendix C, Error Codes).

Returning Instruments for Service/Repair

If you need to return an instrument to BioTek for service or repair, please contact the TAC for a Return Materials Authorization (RMA) number before shipping the instrument. Repackage the instrument properly (see Chapter 2, Installation), write the RMA number on the shipping box, and ship to this address:

BioTek Instruments, Inc. ATTN: RMA# xxxxx 100 Tigan Street Highland Park Winooski, Vermont 05404 USA

mailto:[email protected]

Chapter 2

Installation

This chapter includes instructions for unpacking and setting up the Epoch, connecting to a PC, and repackaging the instrument.

Product Registration............................................................. 6 1: Unpack and Inspect the Instrument.................................... 6 2: Remove the Carrier Shipping Hardware.............................. 7 3: Select an Appropriate Location ......................................... 8 4: Connect the Power Supply ............................................... 9 5: Connect the Host Computer ............................................. 9 6: Install the Software on the Host Computer ......................... 9 7: Turn on the Reader ......................................................... 9 Operational/Performance Qualification .................................... 11 Repackaging and Shipping .................................................... 11 Before Repackaging the Instrument...................................... 11 Attach the Carrier Shipping Hardware ................................... 11 Repackage the Instrument .................................................. 12

6 | Chapter 2 Installation

Product Registration If you have not already done so, please register your product(s) with BioTek to ensure that you receive important information and updates about the product(s) you have purchased.

Register online through BioTek’s Customer Resource Center (CRC) at www.biotek.com or by contacting BioTek Customer Care.

Once registered, you can log into the Customer Resource Center and:

• Check the status and track your order • Register your product warranty • Manage your equipment inventory • Access documentation on your products • Download user manuals and software • Check the status of your instrument’s service

1: Unpack and Inspect the Instrument

Save all packaging materials! If you need to ship the reader to BioTek for repair or replacement, it must be carefully repackaged according to the instructions, starting on page 11, using the original packing materials. Using other forms of commericially available packaging materials, or failuire to following the repackaging instructions, may void your warranty. If the original packaging materials have been damaged, replacements are available from BioTek.

Inspect the shipping box, packaging, instrument, and accessories for signs of damage.

If the reader is damaged, notify the carrier and your manufacturer’s representative. Keep the shipping cartons and packing material for the carrier’s inspection. The manufacturer will arrange for repair or replacement of your instrument immediately.

See Repackaging and Shipping at the end of this chapter for complete shipping instructions.


2: Remove the Carrier Shipping Hardware | 7

2: Remove the Carrier Shipping Hardware

The Epoch is shipped with shipping hardware that must be removed before the reader is used, and saved in case the instrument needs to be repackaged for shipment. See Figure 1.

1. Using a screwdriver, remove the shipping screw (PN 19502) and o-ring (PN

19608) assembly. 2. Using your fingers, remove the rubber plug (PN 19610). 3. Install the plug in the hole where the shipping screw was originally located,

and insert the screw and o-ring in the hole where the plug was originally located. See Figure 2

The plug prevents light from entering the test chamber during operation.

Shipping screw and o-ring

Plug

Figure 1: Shipping screw, o-ring, and plug in shipping position



Shipping screw and o-ring

Plug

Figure 2: Shipping screw, o-ring, and plug in usage position

3: Select an Appropriate Location

For optimal operation, install the Epoch on a clean, level surface in an area where ambient temperatures between 18°C (64°F) and 40°C (104°F) can be maintained. The reader is sensitive to extreme environmental conditions. Conditions to avoid are:

• Excessive humidity: Condensation directly on the sensitive electronic circuits can cause the instrument to fail internal self-checks. The humidity must be in the range of 10% to 85%, non-condensing.

• Excessive ambient light: Bright sunlight or strong incandescent light can reduce the linear performance range and affect the instrument’s readings.

• Dust: Optical density readings may be affected by extraneous particles (such as dust) in the microplate wells. A clean work area is necessary to ensure accurate readings.

• Excessive vibration: Do not place the reader on a surface that is shared with machines that cause the surface to vibrate.


4: Connect the Power Supply | 9

4: Connect the Power Supply

Power Rating. The instrument’s power supply must be connected to a power receptacle that provides voltage and current within the specified rating for the system. Use of an incompatible power receptacle may produce electrical shock and fire hazards.

Electrical Grounding. Never use a two-prong plug adapter to connect primary power to the external power supply. Use of a two-prong adapter disconnects the utility ground, creating a severe shock hazard. Always connect the power supply directly to an appropriate receptacle with a functional ground.

1. Connect the power cord to the external 24-volt power supply.

2. Connect the power supply’s outlet plug to the 24-VDC connector on the rear of the instrument.

3. Tighten the plug barrel to retain the plug.

4. Plug the other end of the power cord into an appropriate power receptacle.

5: Connect the Host Computer

The USB port is located on the rear panel of the reader.

1. Turn the computer off. If the reader is on, turn it off.

2. Using the supplied USB cable, connect one end of the cable to the USB port on the computer.

3. Connect the other end of the cable to the USB port on the rear of the reader.

6: Install the Software on the Host Computer

Turn on the computer and install Gen5 software on the computer. Refer to the Gen5 Getting Started Guide for software installation (and registration) instructions.

7: Turn on the Reader

1. Locate the power on/off switch on the front of the instrument, next to the carrier eject button. See Figure 3 below. The power on/off switch has a green, internal LED lamp that is illuminated when the power is on. The carrier eject



button, when pressed, ejects the carrier out of the reader or pulls the carrier back inside the reader to the carrier home position.

2. Turn on the power. The reader will perform an internal Self-Test and carrier homing sequence. The carrier will eject outside the reader, then retract to its home position inside the reader before it ejects again. Ensure that the reader performs the carrier homing sequence and that the LED light is illuminated while the power is on.

• If the test is successful, the reader is ready for use.

• If the test fails, note any error codes that are displayed in Gen5, and contact BioTek. Appendix B, Error Codes, contains a list of error codes that may appear in Gen5.

Carrier eject button

On/off switch

Figure 3: Power on/off switch and carrier eject button


Operational/Performance Qualification | 11

Operational/Performance Qualification

Your Epoch Microplate Spectrophotometer was fully tested at BioTek prior to shipment and should operate properly following the successful completion of the installation and setup procedures described throughout this chapter.

If you suspect that problems occurred during shipment, if you received the reader back from BioTek following service or repair, and/or if regulatory requirements dictate that Operational/Performance Qualification is necessary, turn to Chapter 4, Instrument Qualification now to learn about BioTek’s recommended OQ/PQ procedures for the Epoch.

An Installation/Operational/Performance Qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ) package for the Epoch is available for purchase (PN 7200515). Contact your local BioTek dealer for more information.

Repackaging and Shipping

Before Repackaging the Instrument

1. Decontaminate the reader prior to shipping (see Chapter 5, Preventive Maintenance).

2. Replace the carrier shipping hardware according to the instructions below.

Attach the Carrier Shipping Hardware

The carrier shipping hardware must be re-attached to the carrier before the Epoch can be shipped. See Error! Reference source not found. on the following page.

1. If the carrier has not been returned to its home position inside the unit, press the carrier eject button to retract the carrier.

2. Turn off the Epoch, and unplug the 24 VDC power supply from the power outlet and from the power supply connector on the back of the reader. Remove the USB cable from the reader.

3. Using a screwdriver, remove the shipping screw and o-ring from the reader, and, using your fingers, remove the plug from the reader.



4. Insert the plug in its original hole and use the screwdriver to re-install the shipping screw and o-ring in its original position (see Figure 1).

Repackage the Instrument

Use the instrument’s original shipping container and packaging material. This shipping system was designed to be used no more than five times. If the container is damaged and/or has been used more than five times, contact BioTek for a new set of shipping materials, and ask for PN 7203003.

The shipping box, accessories box, foam caps, and so on are included as a whole set under this part number and cannot be ordered separately.

The instrument’s packaging design is subject to change over time. If the instructions in this section do not appear to apply to the packaging materials you are using, please contact BioTek’s Technical Assistance Center for guidance.

Ensure that the Epoch carrier shipping hardare has been attached to the reader’s carrier as instructed in the preceding section, Attach the Carrier Shipping Hardware. Refer to Figure 4 on the following page when performing these steps:

1. Place the foam cap into the bottom of the shipping container. Note the orientation of the foam cap in the box as illustrated in Figure 4.

2. Place the accessories box back into the shipping container.

3. Place the reader inside the original plastic bag and carefully lower the reader into the two foam caps in the bottom of the box. Note the orientation of the reader in the box.

4. Place two foam caps over the reader.

5. Bundle the power cord and place it into the accessories box as shown.

6. Place the power supply and USB cable in the accessories box.

7. Close the top of the box and secure it with shipping tape.

8. A Return Materials Authorization (RMA) number must be obtained before returning equipment for service. Contact BioTek’s Technical Assistance Center for this number, then write “RMA” and the RMA number in large, clear letters on the outside of the shipping container.

9. Return the box to BioTek at the address provided in the Product Support & Service section of Chapter 1.


Repackaging and Shipping | 13

Figure 4: Packing the Epoch


Chapter 3

Controlling Epoch Using Gen5

The Epoch can be controlled only using software installed on a PC connected to the reader via the computer's USB port. This chapter describes how to configure BioTek Gen5 to control the reader.

Overview............................................................................ 16 Controlling the Reader with Gen5........................................... 16 Setting Up Gen5 ................................................................ 16 Problems .......................................................................... 17 Getting Started with Gen5 .................................................. 17

16 | Chapter 3: Controlling Epoch Using Gen5

Overview

The Epoch is a completely computer-controlled instrument. Gen5 is the primary operating software.

For users requiring a custom interface to the Epoch, there are other methods of computer-controlling the reader. A typical example of this requirement is the need to integrate the Epoch into an automated system.

Controlling the Reader with Gen5

Before installing Gen5, verify that your computer meets the minimum system requirements specified in the Gen5 Getting Started Guide.

Setting Up Gen5

The following instructions briefly show you how to set up Gen5 for operation of the reader. Refer to the Gen5 Getting Started Guide or Help system for more detailed instructions.

1. Turn off the computer and the reader. Connect the USB cable (PN 75108) between the two machines:

2. Turn on both machines.

3. Install Gen5 on the computer’s hard drive and register the software with BioTek.

4. Refer to the instructions that shipped with the “USB Virtual COM Driver Software” CD to install the necessary drivers and identify the Com Port number.

5. Start Gen5.

6. Log in if prompted (Gen5 Secure). The default System Administrator password is admin.

7. When the “Welcome to Gen5” screen appears, select System Menu.

8. From Gen5’s main screen, select System > Reader Configuration to open the Reader Configuration dialog.

9. Click Add to open the Reader Settings dialog.

Gen5 and Gen5 Secure: Up to two readers may be added in Gen5.

10. Use the drop-down list in Reader Type to select the appropriate reader.

11. Enter the appropriate Com Port.


Controlling the Reader with Gen5 | 17

12. Enter a Baud Rate of 9600.

13. Click Test Comm. Gen5 will attempt to communicate with the reader.

If you receive “The Reader is communicating!” message, click OK, and then click OK again to save the settings. Click Close at the Reader Configuration dialog to return to the main screen.

If the test is not successful and you receive an error message, refer to the Problems section below, or to the Troubleshooting section of the Gen5 Help system for assistance.

Gen5 Secure only: An Audit Trail dialog will appear after exiting Reader Configuration, whenever you add, modify, or delete a reader. If desired, enter any comments, then click Close.

Problems

If Gen5 fails to communicate with the reader, try the following:

• Is the reader connected to the power supply and turned on?

• Is the communication cable firmly attached to both the reader and the computer?

• Did you select the correct Reader Type in step 10?

• Repeat step 11 and choose a different Com Port.

• Did you install the USB driver software?

• Confirm that the reader has passed its Self-Test. The reader will not communicate if it fails an internal system test.

If the test still fails, refer to the Troubleshooting section in the Gen5 Help system for further assistance or contact BioTek’s Technical Assistance Center.

Getting Started with Gen5

The following instructions briefly show you how to define and perform a Quick Read in Gen5 (File > New Experiment > Default Protocol). It’s called “Quick” because you can perform a reading without having to take the time to create a new protocol.

If the reading is part of an experiment or assay that you will perform numerous times, you will need to create a new protocol (File > New Protocol).

Refer to the Gen5 Help system early and often to learn how to create protocols, assign well identifiers, read plates, print reports, perform data reduction, and more.


18 | Chapter 3: Controlling Epoch Using Gen5


To perform a Quick Read:

1. At the Gen5 Welcome screen, select System Menu > File > New Experiment. (Alternative: Select Read a Plate at the Welcome screen, then proceed to step 4 below.)

2. Click Default Protocol, then click OK. Gen5 opens the Experiment workspace, which includes the Protocol menu tree and Plate screen.

3. Select Plate > Read or click the Read Plate icon. The Procedure dialog opens.

Gen5 and Gen5 Secure: If more than one reader was added in Gen5, the Instrument Selection dialog will appear instead of the Procedure dialog.

4. Select a Plate Type.

The plate the user is using must match the plate defined in Gen5. Otherwise, the results of the read may be invalid. For example, if a 96-well plate is defined for a procedure, a 96-well plate must be used when running an experiment based on that procedure.

5. Click Read to open the Read Step dialog.

6. Select a Read Type.

7. Select the wavelength(s) at which the plate will be read.

8. Define other reading parameters, as desired. Click Help for assistance.

9. When complete, click OK to return to the Procedure dialog.

Click Validate if you would like Gen5 to verify the defined parameters. If all parameters are valid, you will receive confirmation. If any parameters are invalid, Gen5 provides information for correcting the problem. Refer also to the Troubleshooting section of the Help system.

10. Click OK again to save and close the Procedure dialog. The Plate Reading dialog opens.

11. Enter any desired information, place the plate on the carrier, then click READ to begin the plate read. The Save As dialog opens.

12. Enter a file name, select a file location, and click Save.

13. Click OK when the Load Plate dialog appears. The plate is read.

To view the raw data results, use the Data drop-down arrow in the Plate screen to select one wavelength. The results are displayed for the selected wavelength. Repeat, for other wavelengths.

To analyze, manipulate, or print results, define the Protocol parameters. Refer to the Gen5 Help system for instructions.

Gen5 Reader Control does not support data reduction.

Chapter 4

Instrument Qualification

This chapter discusses the tasks and procedures necessary for verifying and qualifying the Epoch’s performance on an ongoing basis.

Recommendations for Achieving Optimum Performance ............ 20 Recommended Qualification Schedule..................................... 21 Installation and Performance Qualification Procedures............... 22 Routine Procedure ............................................................. 22 System Self-Test ............................................................... 23

Absorbance Plate Test .......................................................... 25 Description ....................................................................... 25 Test Plate Certificates......................................................... 26 Entering the Absorbance Test Plate Data ............................... 27 Running the Absorbance Plate Test....................................... 27 Results............................................................................. 30

Liquid Testing ..................................................................... 33 Stock Solution Formulation.................................................. 34 Liquid Test 1 ..................................................................... 35 Liquid Test 2 ..................................................................... 37 Liquid Test 3 ..................................................................... 40

20 | Chapter 4: Instrument Qualification

Recommendations for Achieving Optimum Performance

An Installation/Operational/Performance Qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ) package (PN 7200515) for the Epoch is available upon request. Contact your local dealer for more information.

• Microplates should be perfectly clean and free from dust or bottom scratches. Use new microplates from sealed packages. Do not allow dust to settle on the surface of the solution; use microplate covers when not reading the plate. Filter solutions to remove particulates that could cause erroneous readings.

• Although the Epoch supports most flat, U-bottom, and V-bottom microplates, the reader achieves optimum performance with optically clear, flat-bottomed wells.

• Non-uniformity in the optical density of the well bottoms can cause loss of accuracy, especially with U- and V-bottom polyvinyl microplates. Check for this by reading an empty microplate. Dual wavelength readings can eliminate this problem, or bring the variation in density readings to within acceptable limits for most measurements.

• Inaccuracy in pipetting has a large effect on measurements, especially if smaller volumes of liquid are used. For best results, use at least 100 µL per well in a 96-well plate and 25 µL in a 384-well plate.

• Dispensing solution into 384-well plates often traps air bubbles in the wells. Dual wavelength reads will cancel most of these errors; however, for best results, they should be removed by degassing the plate in a vacuum chamber prior to reading.

• The inclination of the meniscus can cause loss of accuracy in some solutions, especially with small volumes. Agitate the microplate before reading to help bring this problem within acceptable limits. Use Tween 20, if possible (or some other wetting agent), to normalize the meniscus. Some solutions develop menisci over a period of several minutes. This effect varies with the brand of microplate and the solution composition. As the center of the meniscus drops and shortens the light path, the density readings change. The meniscus shape will stabilize over time.


Recommended Qualification Schedule | 21

Recommended Qualification Schedule

The schedule shown below defines the factory-recommended intervals for performance testing for an Epoch used for one shift seven days a week.

The risk factors associated with your tests may require that the Operational and Performance Qualification procedures be performed more or less frequently than shown below.

IQ OQ PQ

Tasks/Tests Initially

Initially/ Annually

Monthly Quarterly

All models:

Unpacking, installation, setup, and verification

Software Documentation/Verification

Software Wavelengths Table Verification

System Test

“Run Assay” Test

Absorbance Plate Test

Absorbance Liquid Test 1

Absorbance Liquid Test 2*

Absorbance Liquid Test 3 (optional)**

* If you have an Absorbance Test Plate, run Liquid Test 1. If you do not have an Absorbance Test Plate, run Liquid Test 2. ** Liquid Test 3 is optional; it is provided for sites requiring verification at wavelengths lower than those attainable with the Absorbance Test Plate.



Installation and Performance Qualification Procedures

Tests outlined in this section may be utilized to confirm initial and ongoing performance of the Epoch.

Your reader was fully tested at BioTek prior to shipment and should operate properly upon initial setup. If it is suspected that problems may have occurred during shipment, if you reshipped the reader, or if regulatory requirements dictate that Performance Qualification is necessary, the following tests should be performed. After the initial confirmation of operation, the Absorbance Plate Test is performed monthly and Liquid Testing should be performed quarterly. The System Test and Absorbance Plate Test can be run from Gen5 via System > Diagnostics.

• System Self-Test: Verifies proper gains, bulb operation, low electronic noise, and optional incubator functionality.

• Absorbance Plate Test: Confirms the mechanical alignment, optical accuracy, linearity, repeatability, and wavelength accuracy of the instrument.

• Liquid Testing: Quantifies performance of the instrument using liquids, which verifies operation in a way that glass test filters cannot.

Routine Procedure

To ensure proper operation of the Epoch on an ongoing basis, the System Self-Test and the Absorbance Plate Test should be conducted monthly.

Run the Reader System Test to verify that the light levels and electronic noise at all set wavelengths fall within factory acceptance criteria. The resulting report will show pass/fail results and the part and version numbers of the basecode software loaded on the reader.

To run the System Test using Gen5, select System > Diagnostics > Run System Test.

Run the Absorbance Plate Test to confirm the mechanical alignment, accuracy/linearity, repeatability, and wavelength accuracy.

To run this test using Gen5, select System > Diagnostics > Test Plates > Run.

In order to perform the wavelength accuracy scan, you must select the Peak Wavelength feature in Gen5.


Installation and Performance Qualification Procedures | 23

System Self-Test

The System Self-Test confirms that the light levels and electronic noise at all set wavelengths fall within factory acceptance criteria, and accomplishes this by measuring the air and dark readings and evaluating them to ensure they fall within specified ranges.

The Epoch automatically runs an internal System Test each time it is powered on. If the carrier shipping hardware has not been removed from the carrier, the power-on System Test will not be initiated and the instrument will beep (see step 2: Remove the Microplate Carrier Shipping Hardware in Chapter 2).

If the reader fails the Self-Test, note any error messages displayed in Gen5, and refer to Appendix B for a list of possible error codes.

To obtain a report of the System Test values for either periodic testing documentation or troubleshooting (see the sample System Test Report in Figure 6 on the following page), follow the instructions in Gen5. The instrument’s System Test will be conducted and the results reported in a pass/fail format.

Gen5 System Test Report

Reader: Epoch (Serial Number: 182843) Basecode: P/N 7200201 (v1.07) Date and Time: 7/14/2009 12:02:36 PM User: Administrator Company: BioTek Comments:

Test Results

Operator ID:___________________________________________________

Notes:__________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

SYSTEM SELF TEST

7200201 Version 1.07 Serial Number 182843

Checksum #1 = CEF3, Checksum #2 = 1D05

VOLTAGE TESTS

24VDC PS V = 24.101 +5VDC PS V = 4.933 Flash 350V = 351 Flash 400V = 400 Flash 450V = 448 Flash 525V = 526 Flash 600V = 600

ABSORBANCE



Noise Test (Dark Air, Flash On) Channel: Ref Meas Noise Max: 5392 16857 Noise Min: 5392 16855 Noise Delta: 0 2

Wavelength 1: 200nm Cal Data: Rst: 2 Gain: 1.07 Rst/Gain: 1.867 Test Data: Rst: 2 Gain: 1.12 Rst/Gain: 1.781 Channel: Ref Meas Total Air: 14869 43719 Dark Air (On): 5390 2399 Signal Air: 9479 41320






TEST SENSOR

Cal 13869 Self-Test 13868 Delta -1

AUTOCAL ANALYSIS

Upper Left Corner: x = 287 y =15615 Lower Left Corner: x = 279 y =21835 Lower Right Corner: x = 10034 y =21851 Upper Right Corner: x = 10045 y =158630 Delta 1: 287 - 279 = +8


Absorbance Plate Test | 25

Delta 2: 10045 - 10034 = +11 Delta 3: 15630 - 15615 = +15 Delta 4: 21851 - 21835 = +16 MONOCHROMATOR A = +0.000000 B = -0.000390 C = -0.161696

SYSTEM TEST PASS

0000

Reviewed/Approved By: _______________________________________ Date: ________________

Figure 6: System Self Test report

Absorbance Plate Test

Description

This test uses BioTek’s 7-Filter Absorbance Test Plate (PN 7260522) to confirm the mechanical alignment; optical density accuracy, linearity, and repeatability; and wavelength accuracy to NIST-traceable values.

An alternate method that may be used to determine accuracy/linearity, repeatability, and alignment is Liquid Test 2, described on page 37.

The Absorbance Plate Test confirms the following:

• Mechanical Alignment: The Test Plate has several groups of precisely machined holes to confirm the mechanical alignment of different microplate readers. The amount of light that shines through these holes is an indication of whether the reader is properly aligned with the absorbance optical path. A reading of more than 0.015 OD for any of the designated alignment holes indicates that the light is being “clipped” and the reader may be out of alignment.

• Accuracy/Linearity: The Test Plate contains neutral-density glass filters of known OD values at several wavelengths. Actual measurements are compared against the expected values provided in the Test Plate’s Standards Certificate. Since there are several filters with differing OD values, the accuracy across a range of ODs can be established. Once it is proven that the reader is accurate at these OD values, the reader is also considered to be linear.

• Repeatability: This test ensures the instrument meets its repeatability specification by reading each neutral-density filter on the Test Plate twice with the filter in the same location.



• Wavelength Accuracy: BioTek’s Absorbance Test Plate with the part number 7260522 contains a glass filter in position C6. This filter is used to check the wavelength accuracy of the absorbance monochromator. The filter is scanned across a specified wavelength range in 1-nm increments. The wavelength of maximum absorbance is compared to the expected peak wavelength supplied on the Test Plate’s certificate and entered into Gen5.

Test Plate Certificates

To run the Absorbance Plate Test on the Epoch, you will need BioTek’s 7-Filter Absorbance Test Plate (PN 7260522) with its accompanying certificates.

• The Standards Certificate contains standard OD values for the filters at several different wavelengths. See the sample Standards Certificate in Figure 7 below.

• The Peak Wavelength Certificate contains one or more “Peak Wavelength” values for the glass filter in position C6 on the plate. Each value has a valid test range associated with it. For example, a Peak Wavelength value may be 586 nm with a test range of 580 to 590 nm (or tolerance values of –6/ +4).

This test plate can be used for testing the reproducibility, linearity, and alignment of your BioTek autoreader. The following calibration data has been recorded by a NIST-traceable

spectrophotometer.

WAVELENGTH (nm)

Well 405nm 450nm 490nm 550nm 620nm 630nm 690nm 750nm

C1 0.147 0.140 0.135 0.130 0.136 0.136 0.127 0.134

E2 0.618 0.575 0.574 0.568 0.573 0.568 0.485 0.434

G3 1.133 1.052 1.051 1.040 1.050 1.040 0.881 0.783

H6 1.701 1.578 1.577 1.560 1.575 1.560 1.323 1.179

F5 2.279 2.024 1.976 1.956 1.893 1.865 1.537 1.272

D4 2.945 2.604 2.545 2.513 2.437 2.400 1.972 1.632

Set #2453 Serial # 161259

S A M P L E

Figure 7: Sample Standards Certificate, showing OD/Wavelength combinations for each of six locations on the Absorbance Test Plate

Before the Absorbance Plate Test can be performed, the standard OD values and the peak wavelength value(s) must be entered into Gen5. This has to be done only once.



Instructions for entering the Absorbance Test Plate data and for running the test are provided on the following pages.

The instructions provided below and on the following page are guidelines. Refer to the Absorbance Plate Test sections of the Gen5 Help system for detailed instructions when entering the Absorbance Test Plate data and running the Absorbance Plate Test.

Entering the Absorbance Test Plate Data

Before the Absorbance Plate Test can be performed, the wavelengths settings and the calibration data for each wavelength selected must be initially entered into Gen5. Use the Standards Certificate included with the Absorbance Test Plate.

In Gen5, select System > Diagnostics > Test Plates > Add/Modify Plates, then click Add. Click Help for guidance when setting the wavelengths and entering the OD and peak wavelength values.

The wavelengths and corresponding calibration data that have been entered will now be available in Gen5 each time the Absorbance Plate Test is performed.

Running the Absorbance Plate Test

• Place the Absorbance Test Plate in the carrier so that well A1 is in the right-rear corner of the carrier.

• To run the test in Gen5, select System > Diagnostics > Test Plates > Run. Select the appropriate reader, if the Instrument Selection dialog appears. Select the appropriate test plate, if the Select Test Plate dialog appears. Enter the reader serial number and user name, then click Start Test.

• For wavelength accuracy: While performing the steps above, click Perform peak wavelength test in Gen5.

When the test is complete, print the results. A sample test report is provided in Figure 8.



Absorbance Test Plate Results

Reader: Epoch (Serial Number: 182843) Basecode: P/N 7200201 (v1.07) Date and Time: 7/14/2009 8:49:39 AM Absorbance Plate: 7 Filter Test Plate (P/N 7260522) - S/N 161259 Last Plate Certification: April 2009 Next Plate Certification Due: April 2010 User: Administrator Comments:

Peak Absorbance Results

Well C6 Reference 586 Tolerance 3 Read 586 Result PASS

Alignment Results

Wells B2 B12 G1 G11 Read 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 Tolerance 0.015 0.015 0.015 0.015 Result PASS PASS PASS PASS

Wavelength = 405 nm Accuracy Results

Wells C1 E2 G3 H6 F5 D4 Reference 0.147 0.618 1.133 1.701 2.279 2.945 Min Limit 0.124 0.586 1.090 1.647 2.168 #N/A Max Limit 0.170 0.650 1.176 1.755 2.390 #N/A Read 1 0.143 0.614 1.129 1.693 2.273 2.902 Result PASS PASS PASS PASS PASS #N/A

Repeatability Results

Wells C1 E2 G3 H6 F5 D4 Read 1 0.143 0.614 1.129 1.693 2.273 2.902 Min Limit 0.137 0.603 1.113 1.671 2.200 #N/A Max Limit 0.150 0.625 1.145 1.715 2.346 #N/A Read 2 0.143 0.614 1.129 1.694 2.269 2.918 Result PASS PASS PASS PASS PASS #N/A
















Wells C1 E2 G3 H6 F5 D4 Reference 0.136 0.573 1.050 1.575 1.893 2.437 Min Limit 0.113 0.542 1.009 1.523 1.835 2.320 Max Limit 0.159 0.604 1.091 1.627 1.951 2.554 Read 1 0.133 0.571 1.049 1.572 1.894 2.430 Result PASS PASS PASS PASS PASS PASS


Wells C1 E2 G3 H6 F5 D4 Read 1 0.133 0.571 1.049 1.572 1.894 2.430 Min Limit 0.127 0.560 1.033 1.551 1.870 2.352 Max Limit 0.140 0.582 1.064 1.592 1.918 2.508 Read 2 0.133 0.571 1.049 1.571 1.895 2.430 Result PASS PASS PASS PASS PASS PASS















Reviewed/Approved By: _______________________________________ Date: ________________

Figure 8: Sample output for the Absorbance Plate Test

Results

• Peak Absorbance: When the test is performed, the C6 filter is scanned at the test range(s) defined by the user in the Absorbance Test Plate dialog. To verify wavelength accuracy, the wavelength of the maximum absorbance is compared with the peak wavelength value entered in the software, which comes from the Standards Certificate supplied with the Test Plate. The



accuracy of the wavelength should be ± 3 nm (± 2 nm instrument, ± 1 nm filter allowance). For example, if the test range is 580 to 590 nm, the Certificate value is 587 nm, and the reader reports a peak value of 590 nm, then the reader meets specifications. If the reader reports 591 nm, then the reader does not meet specifications.

If the reader fails this test:

Make sure the information entered into Gen5 matches the information on the Test Plate’s Peak Wavelength Certificate.

Verify that the Test Plate actually has a filter in location C6.

Check the C6 filter to make sure it is clean. If needed, clean it with lens paper.

Do not remove the filter from the Test Plate, and do not use alcohol or other cleaning agents.

Make sure the Test Plate is within its calibration certification period. The calibration sticker is affixed directly to the plate. If it is out of date, contact BioTek to schedule a recertification.

Check the microplate carrier to ensure it is clear of debris.

• Alignment: This portion of the test measures the alignment of the microplate carrier with the optical path. A reading greater than 0.015 OD represents an out-of-alignment condition. Wells A01, A12, H01, and H12 are the only valid alignment holes for the reader on the PN 7260522 Test Plate.


Ensure that the Test Plate is correctly seated in the microplate carrier.

Check the four alignment holes (B2, B12, G1, and G11) to ensure they are clear of debris.


• Accuracy: Accuracy is a measure of the optical density of Test Plate wells C01, D04, E02, F05, G03, and H06 as compared with known standard values contained in the Standards Certificate that accompanies each Test Plate.

If the reader fails this test, review the following possible problems and solutions:

Verify that the filter calibration values entered in Gen5 are the same as those on the Test Plate’s Standards Certificate.

Check the neutral-density filters on the Test Plate to ensure they are clean. If necessary, clean them with lens paper.



Do not remove the filter from the Test Plate, and do not use alcohol or other cleaning agents.

Verify that the Test Plate is within its calibration certification period. The calibration sticker is affixed directly to the plate. If it is out of date, contact BioTek to schedule a recertification.

• Repeatability: Repeatability is a measure of the instrument’s ability to read the same well with minimum variation between two reads with the well in the same location.


Check the neutral-density filters on the Test Plate to ensure there is no debris that may have shifted between readings and caused changes.


Linearity can also be proven by performing a regression analysis on the OD values in a program such as Microsoft Excel, as illustrated in the following instructions.

Analyze one wavelength at a time.

1. In Microsoft Excel, open a spreadsheet and label one column Assigned and the next column Observed.

2. Enter the Assigned OD data for each glass filter in the first column from the Standards Certificate provided with the Test Plate.

3. Next, enter the Observed OD values for the same glass filters in the adjacent column.

4. Click Tools > Data Analysis > Regression. (If the Data Analysis command is not available on the Tools menu, you may need to install the Analysis ToolPak in Microsoft Excel. Consult Microsoft Excel Help for assistance.)

5. Use the Regression Input box to enter the Assigned values as the Input Y Range and the Observed OD as the Input X Range.

6. Click OK; the Summary Output sheet will be displayed. An R Square value of at least 0.99 is expected and the results will often be 0.999 or better.


Liquid Testing | 33

Liquid Testing

Liquid testing tests the reader in ways that the Absorbance Test Plate cannot. The test plate will indicate the absolute amount of light absorbed, which will accurately test the linearity of the electronics. The liquid test will help detect optical defects such as dirt on the lenses or contamination that can contribute to errant readings.

• If you have the Absorbance Test Plate, you will need to perform only Liquid Test 1 for routine testing.

• If you do not have the Absorbance Test Plate, you can test the linearity, repeatability, and alignment of the reader by performing Liquid Test 2.

• BioTek offers a dye solution (PN 7120779, 25 mL; or 7120782, 125 mL) that can be used in the stock solution formulation for Liquid Tests 1 and 2, or, if you prefer, you may use the dye solution described in Table 2 on page 35. The purpose of the formulation is to create a solution that absorbs light in a well-defined manner at ~2.000 OD full strength when dispensed at 200 µL in a flat-bottom microplate well.

• Alternatively, any solution that gives a stable color will suffice. (This includes substrates incubated with an enzyme preparation and then stopped with an acidic or basic solution.) Some enzyme/substrate combinations that may be used as alternates to the described dye are shown in Table 1 below.

• If you must test the reader’s performance at 340 nm, perform the optional Liquid Test 3 (see page 19).

Table 1

Typical Enzyme-Substrate Combinations and Stopping Solutions

Enzyme Substrate Stopping Solution

Alkaline Phosphate o-nitrophenyl phosphate 3N sodium hydroxide

beta-Galactosidase o-nitrophenyl -beta-D galactopyranoside

1M sodium carbonate

Peroxidase 2,2'-Azino di-ethylbenzothiazoline-sulfonic acid (ABTS)

citrate-phosphate buffer, pH 2.8

Peroxidase o-phenylenediamine 0.03N sulfuric acid



Stock Solution Formulation

The stock solution for Liquid Tests 1 and 2 may be formulated from the chemicals listed below, or by diluting a dye solution available from BioTek. See Procedure A or Procedure B outlined below and on the following page for details.

Procedure A

Required Materials:

• BioTek QC Check Solution No. 1 (PN 7120779, 25 mL; or 7120782, 125 mL)

• Deionized water

• 5-mL Class A volumetric pipette

• 100-mL volumetric flask

Preparation of Stock Solution:

1. Pipette a 5-mL aliquot of BioTek QC Check Solution No. 1 into a 100-mL volumetric flask.

2. Add 95 mL of DI water; cap and shake well. The solution should measure approximately 2.000 OD when using 200 µL in a flat-bottom microwell.

This should create a solution with an absorbance of about 2.000 OD when using 200 µL in a flat-bottom microwell. The OD value will be proportional to the volume in the well and the amount of QC Check Solution No. 1 used. You can use a larger or smaller well volume, or add more Check Solution or water to adjust the stock solution.

Too small a well volume may result in increased pipetting-related errors.

Procedure B

Required Materials:

• Deionized water

• FD&C Yellow No. 5 dye powder (typically 90% pure)

• Tween 20 (polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaurate) or BioTek wetting agent, PN 7773002

• Precision balance with readability of 0.001 g

• 1-liter volumetric flask

• Weigh boat


Liquid Testing | 35

Table 2

Stock Solution Formulation for Liquid Test 1 and 2

FD&C Yellow No. 5 powder 0.092 g

Tween 20 0.5 mL

Deionized water to bring volume to: 1000 mL

Preparation of Stock Solution:

1. Weigh out 0.092 gram of FD&C No. 5 yellow dye powder into a weigh boat.

2. Rinse the contents into a 1-liter volumetric flask.

3. Add 0.5 mL of Tween 20, or 5 mL of BioTek’s wetting agent.

4. Make up to 1 liter with DI water; cap and shake well.

This should create a solution with an absorbance of about 2.000 OD when using 200 µL in a flat-bottom microwell. The OD value will be proportional to the volume in the well and the amount of FD&C No. 5 dye used. You can use a larger or smaller well volume, or add more dye or water to adjust the solution.

Too small a well volume may result in increased pipetting-related errors.

Liquid Test 1

A 96-well, flat-bottom microplate is required for this test (Corning Costar #3590 is recommended). Use a new microplate; any fingerprints or scratches may cause variations in readings.

This procedure will test for repeatability and alignment, and will reveal any problems with the system optics.

1. Using a freshly prepared stock solution (see Procedure A on page 34 or Procedure B on page 34), prepare a 1:2 dilution using deionized water (one part stock, one part deionized water; the resulting solution is a 1:2 dilution). The concentrated stock solution should have an optical density of approximately 2.000 OD or lower.

2. Pipette 200 µL of the concentrated solution into column 1.

3. Pipette 200 µL of the diluted solution into column 2



After pipetting the diluted test solution into the microplate, we strongly recommend waiting 20 minutes before reading the plate to allow any air bubbles in the solution to settle and the meniscus to stabilize.

4. Read the microplate five times at 405 nm using normal reading mode, single wavelength, no blanking (“Normal” plate position). Save the data after each read (“Normal” plate position).

5. Rotate the microplate 180° so that well A1 is now in the H12 position. Read the plate five more times (“Turnaround” plate position) saving the data after each read.

The ten sets of raw plate data can be exported to an Excel spreadsheet using Gen5. The mathematical computations described below may then be performed and the template kept for future data reduction.

Calculations:

6. Calculate the mean value for each physical well location in columns 1 and 2 for the five plates read in the Normal position, and then again for the five plates read in the Turnaround position. This will result in 32 mean values.

7. Perform a mathematical comparison of the mean values for each microwell in its Normal and Turnaround positions (A1/H12, A2/H11, B1/G12, B2/G11, and so on). In order to pass this test, the differences in the compared mean values must be within the accuracy specification for the instrument.

For example:

If the mean value for well A1 in the Normal position is 1.902, where the specified accuracy is ± 1% ± 0.010 OD, then the expected range for the mean of the same well in its Turnaround (H12) position is 1.873 to 1.931 OD.

1.902 * 0.01 + 0.010 = 0.029; 1.902 – 0.029 = 1.873; 1.902 + 0.029 = 1.931

Accuracy Specification:

For comparison in this test, the following accuracy specifications are applied, using Normal reading mode and a 96-well microplate.

± 1% ± 0.010 OD from 0.000 OD to 2.000 OD

± 3% ± 0.010 OD from 2.000 OD to 3.000 OD


Liquid Testing | 37

Liquid Test 2

The recommended method for testing the instrument’s alignment, repeatability, and accuracy is to use the Absorbance Test Plate (see page 25). If the Test Plate is not available, however, Liquid Test 2 can be used for these tests.

Materials

• A new 96-well, clear, flat-bottom microplate (Corning Costar #3590 is recommended)

• Ten test tubes, numbered consecutively, set up in a rack

• Calibrated hand pipette (Class A volumetric pipette recommended)

• Solution A or B (see the instructions for Liquid Test 1)

• A 0.05% solution of deionized water and Tween 20

Prepare the Dilutions

• Create a percentage dilution series, beginning with 100% of the original concentrated stock solution (A or B) in the first tube, 90% of the original solution in the second tube, 80% in the third tube, all the way to 10% in the tenth tube.

• Dilute using the 0.05% solution of deionized water and Tween 20.

Test Tube Dilutions for Liquid Test 2

Tube Number: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Volume of Original Concentrated Solution (mL)

20 18 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2

Volume of 0.05% Tween Solution (mL)

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18

Absorbance expected if original solution is 2.0 at 200 μL

2.0 1.8 1.6 1.4 1.2 1.0 0.8 0.6 0.4 0.2

The choice of dilutions and the absorbance of the original solution can be varied. Use this table as a model for calculating the expected absorbances of a series of dilutions, given a different absorbance of the original solution.

Prepare the Plate

• Pipette 200 µL of the concentrated solution from Tube 1 into each well of the first column, A1 to H1, of a new flat-bottom microplate.



• Pipette 200 µL from each of the remaining tubes into the wells of the corresponding column of the microplate (Tube 2 into wells A2 to H2, Tube 3 into wells A3 to H3, and so on).

Linearity & Repeatability Tests

1. Using Gen5, read the microplate prepared above five times using Normal mode, dual wavelength at 450/630 nm. Save the data after each read.

Do not discard the plate; you will use it for the Alignment test.

2. Print out the five sets of Delta OD data, or export them to an Excel spreadsheet.

3. Calculate the results for Linearity:

• Calculate the mean absorbance for each well, and average the means for each concentration.

• Perform a regression analysis on the data to determine if there is adequate linearity. For example, using Microsoft Excel:

In a spreadsheet, create two columns labeled “X” and “Y”. As displayed in the table earlier, enter the actual absorbance values in column X, and enter the expected absorbance values in column Y.

Select Tools > Data Analysis > Regression. Identify column X as the “Input X Range” and column Y as the “Input Y Range.”

Click OK to perform the analysis, the results of which will be output in a separate sheet.

If the Data Analysis command is not available on the Tools menu, you may need to install the Analysis ToolPak in Excel. Consult Excel’s help system for assistance.

Because it is somewhat difficult to achieve high pipetting accuracy when conducting linear dilutions, an R Square value of at least 0.99 is considered adequate.

4. Calculate the results for Repeatability:

• Calculate the mean and standard deviation for the five readings taken in Step 1 at each concentration. Only one row of data needs to be analyzed.

• For each mean below 2.000 OD, calculate the allowed deviation using the repeatability specification for a 96-well plate of ± 1.0% ± 0.005 OD. If above 2.000 OD, apply the ± 3.0% ± 0.005 specification.


Liquid Testing | 39

• The standard deviation for each set of readings should be less than the allowed deviation.

Example: Absorbance readings of 1.950, 1.948, 1.955, 1.952, and 1.950 will result in a mean of 1.951, and a standard deviation of 0.0026. The mean (1.951) multiplied by 1.0% (1.951 x 0.010) = 0.0195, which, when added to the 0.005 (0.0195 + 0.005) = 0.0245 OD, which is the allowable deviation. Since the standard deviation is less than this value, the reader meets the test criteria.

Repeatability Specification:

± 1.0% ± 0.005 OD from 0.000 to 2.000 OD

± 3.0% ± 0.005 OD from 2.000 OD to 2.500 OD

Alignment Test

1. Using the plate prepared for the Linearity Test on the previous page, conduct a Turnaround test by reading the plate five times with the A1 well in the H12 position. Save the data after each read.

This test results in values for the four corner wells that can be used to determine alignment.

2. Calculate the means of the wells A1 and H1 in the Normal plate position (data from Linearity Test) and in the Turnaround position (from Step 1).

3. Compare the mean reading for well A1 to its mean reading when in the H12 position. Next, compare the mean values for the H1 well to the same well in the A12 position. The difference in the values for any two corresponding wells should be within the accuracy specification for the instrument.

Example: If the mean of well A1 in the normal position is 1.902, where the specified accuracy is ± 1.0% ± 0.010 OD, then the expected range for the mean of the same well in the H12 position is 1.873 to 1.931 OD. (1.902 x 1.0% = 0.019 + 0.010 = 0.029, which is added to and subtracted from 1.902 for the range.)

If the four corner wells are within the accuracy range, the reader is in alignment.



Liquid Test 3

This test verifies operation of the reader at 340 nm, and is provided for sites requiring proof of linearity at wavelengths lower than those attainable with the Absorbance Test Plate. This test is optional because the reader has good “front end” linearity throughout its wavelength range.

Materials

• New 96-well, clear, flat-bottom microplate (Corning® Costar #3590 recommended)

Use a new microplate; any fingerprints or scratches may cause variations in readings.

• Calibrated hand-pipette(s)

• Beakers and graduated cylinder

• Precision balance with readability to 0.01 g

• Buffer solution described below

Buffer Solution • Deionized water

• Phosphate-Buffered Saline (PBS), pH 7.2–7.6, Sigma tablets, #P4417 (or equivalent)

• β-NADH Powder (β-Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide, Reduced Form) Sigma bulk catalog number N 8129, or preweighed 10-mg vials, Sigma number N6785-10VL (or BioTek PN 98233). Store the powder according to the guidelines on its packaging.

1. Prepare a PBS solution from the Sigma tablets.

2. In a beaker, mix 50 mL of the PBS solution with 10 mg of the β-NADH powder and mix thoroughly. This is the 100% Test Solution.

3. (Optional) Read a sample of the solution at 340 nm; it should be within 0.700 to 1.000 OD. If low, adjust up by adding more powder. Do not adjust if slightly high.

Prepare the Plate

1. Prepare the 75% Test Solution by mixing 15 mL of the 100% Test Solution with 5 mL of the PBS Solution.

2. Prepare the 50% Test Solution by mixing 10 mL of the 100% Test Solution with 10 mL of the PBS Solution.


Liquid Testing | 41

3. Carefully pipette the three solutions into a new 96-well microplate:

• 150 µL of the 100% Test Solution into all wells of columns 1 and 2

• 150 µL of the 75% Test Solution into all wells of columns 3 and 4

• 150 µL of the 50% Test Solution into all wells of column 5 and 6

Read the Plate

1. Using Gen5, read the microplate five times using Normal mode, single wavelength at 340 nm, no blanking. Save the data after each read.

2. Print out the five sets of raw data, or export them to an Excel spreadsheet.

Analyze the Results

1. The plate is read five times at 340 nm. Calculate the Mean OD and Standard Deviation of those five reads for each well in columns 1–6.

2. For each well in columns 1–6, calculate the allowed deviation using the repeatability specification for a 96-well plate: ± 1% ± 0.005 OD (Mean x 0.010 + 0.005). For each well, its standard deviation should be less than its allowed deviation.

Example: Five readings in well A1 of 0.802, 0.802, 0.799, 0.798, and 0.801 result in a mean of 0.8004 and a standard deviation of 0.0018. The mean multiplied by 1.0% (0.8004 * 0.010) equals 0.008, and when added to 0.005 equals 0.013; this is the allowed deviation for well A1. Since the standard deviation for well A1 is less than 0.013, the well meets the test criteria.

3. Calculate the results for Linearity:

• For each of the three Test Solutions, calculate the average Mean OD for the wells containing that solution (mean of wells A1 to H2, A3 to H4, and A5 to H6).

• Perform a regression analysis on the data to determine if there is adequate linearity. The three average Mean OD values are the “Y” values. The solution concentrations are the “X” values (1.00, 0.75, 0.50).

Because it is somewhat difficult to achieve high pipetting accuracy when conducting linear dilutions, an R Square value of at least 0.99 is considered adequate.


Chapter 5

Preventive Maintenance

This chapter contains the procedures for cleaning and decontaminating the Epoch.

Overview............................................................................ 44 Required Materials ............................................................... 44 Warnings & Precautions........................................................ 45 Routine Cleaning Procedure .................................................. 45 Purpose............................................................................ 45 Procedure ......................................................................... 46

Decontamination ................................................................. 46 Purpose............................................................................ 46 Procedure ......................................................................... 47

44 | Chapter 5: Preventive Maintenance

Overview

A general Preventive Maintenance (PM) regimen for the Epoch includes periodically cleaning all exposed surfaces and decontaminating the instrument before storage or shipment. This chapter includes instructions for the following:

• Routine Cleaning Procedure, page 45

• Decontamination, page 46

Required Materials

• Mild detergent

• Deionized or distilled water

• Clean, lint-free cotton cloths

• Sodium hypochlorite (NaClO, or bleach) (decontamination only)

• Safety glasses

• Surgical mask

• Protective gloves

• Lab coat

• Biohazard trash bags

• 125-mL beakers

• Cotton swabs or paper towels


Warnings & Precautions | 45

Warnings & Precautions

Please read the following before performing any maintenance procedures.

Warning! Internal Voltage. Turn off and disconnect the Epoch from its power supply for all cleaning and decontamination operations.

Warning! Wear prophylactic gloves when handling contaminated instruments. Gloved hands should be considered contaminated at all times; keep gloved hands away from eyes, mouth, nose, and ears. Eating and drinking while decontaminating instruments is not advised.

Warning! Mucous membranes are considered prime entry routes for infectious agents. Wear eye protection and a surgical mask when there is a possibility of aerosol contamination. Intact skin is generally considered an effective barrier against infectious organisms; however, small abrasions and cuts may not always be visible. Wear protective gloves when handling contaminated instruments.

Important! Do not immerse the instrument, spray it with liquid, or use a “wet” cloth. Do not allow water or other cleaning solution to run into the interior of the instrument. If this happens, contact BioTek’s Technical Assistance Center.

Routine Cleaning Procedure

Turn off the Epoch and disconnect it from the power supply for the cleaning procedure.

Purpose

A regular cleaning regimen is recommended to keep the instrument free from dust and particulates that can cause erroneous readings. Exposed surfaces may be cleaned (not decontaminated) with a cloth moistened (not soaked) with water or water and a mild detergent.



Procedure

1. Turn on the Epoch and press the carrier eject button to eject the microplate carrier.

2. Turn off and unplug the reader from the power supply.

3. Moisten a clean, lint-free cloth with water, or with water and the mild detergent. Do not soak the cloth.

4. Wipe the plate carrier and all exposed surfaces of the instrument.

5. If detergent was used, wipe all surfaces with a cloth moistened with water.

6. Use a clean, dry lint-free cloth to dry all wet surfaces.

If liquid is spilled inside the reader, call BioTek TAC for cleanup instructions.

Decontamination

Purpose

Any laboratory instrument that has been used for research or clinical analysis is considered a biohazard and requires decontamination prior to handling.

Decontamination minimizes the risk to all who come in contact with the instrument during shipping, handling, and servicing. Decontamination is required by the U.S. Department of Transportation regulations.

Persons performing the decontamination process must be familiar with the basic setup and operation of the instrument.

BioTek Instruments, Inc., recommends the use of the following decontamination solutions and methods based on our knowledge of the instrument and recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Neither BioTek nor the CDC assumes any liability for the adequacy of these solutions and methods. Each laboratory must ensure that decontamination procedures are adequate for the Biohazard(s) they handle.

Internal Voltage. Turn off and unplug the instrument for the decontamination procedure.


Decontamination | 47

Procedure

The bleach solution is caustic; wear gloves and eye protection when handling the solution.

1. Turn on the Epoch and press the carrier eject button to eject the carrier.

2. Turn off and unplug the reader from the power supply.

3. Prepare an aqueous solution of 0.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaClO, or bleach).

Be sure to check the percent NaClO of the bleach you are using; this information is printed on the side of the bottle. Commercial bleach is typically 10% NaClO; if this is the case, prepare a 1:20 dilution. Household bleach is typically 5% NaClO; if this is the case, prepare a 1:10 dilution.

4. Moisten a clean, lint-free cloth with the bleach solution. Do not soak the cloth.

5. Wipe the plate carrier and all exposed surfaces of the instrument.

6. Allow the instrument to dry for 20 minutes for thorough decontamination by the bleach.

7. Moisten a cloth with deionized or distilled water and wipe all surfaces of the instrument that have been cleaned with the bleach solution.

8. Use a clean, dry lint-free cloth to dry all wet surfaces.

9. Discard the used gloves and cloths, using a biohazard trash bag and an approved biohazard container.


Appendix A

Specifications

This appendix contains BioTek’s published specifications for the Epoch.

General Specifications........................................................... 50 Read Specifications............................................................... 50 Optical Performance ............................................................. 52

50 | Appendix A: Specifications

General Specifications

Microplates

The Epoch accommodates standard 6-, 12-, 24-, 48-, 96-, and 384-well microplates with 128 x 86 mm geometry; Terasaki microplates; up to 8 BioCells; and the BioTek Take3 Multi-Volume Plate

Hardware & Environmental

Light Source Xenon flash light source, 10W maximum average power, lamp life 1 billion flashes (not user-changeable)

Dimensions 12.5" D x 12" W x 7.7" H

31.8 cm D x 30.5 cm W x 19.6 cm H

Weight < 15 lbs. (6.804 kg) (without power supply)

Environment Operational temperature 18ºC to 40°C (65ºF–104ºF)

Humidity 10% to 85% relative humidity (non-condensing)

Power Supply 24-volt external power supply compatible with 100–240 V~; +/- 10% @50–60 Hz

Power Consumption < 40W maximum

Read Specifications

The actual plate read time and accuracy are dependent on the method of reading:

• Normal mode is the slowest of the two available modes. After positioning the well over the beam, the instrument waits however long the user has defined the delay (0–2550 ms) before taking the measurement (eight-flash data collection).

The longer the delay, the more completely the fluids in the wells settle.

• Sweep mode is the fastest mode. The plate carrier sweeps each row past the optics channel without stopping and collects data with a single flash at each well as it goes by.

The following read times are based on a single or dual wavelength measurement. Actual reading speeds may vary, depending upon the reading wavelength selected. Each wavelength has a unique location within the monochromator, and the different locations require varying amounts of time to position.

BioTek Instruments, Inc.

Read Specifications | 51

All read speeds are +/– 2 seconds.

96-Well Read Timing Delay 630 nm 630/450 nm

Normal Read Mode Single Dual

Endpoint 100 msec 49 sec 95 sec



Sweep Read Mode Single Dual

Endpoint N/A 15 sec 30 sec

Kinetics

Both normal and sweep speeds are available in Kinetics mode. Single Wavelength reads are limited to the following minimum times:

96-Well Kinetic Read Timing Delay 630 nm

Normal Read Mode, A1 to A1 100 msec 50 sec


Sweep Read Mode, A1 to A1 N/A 13 sec

384-Well Read Timing Delay 630 nm 630/450 nm





Sweep Read Mode Single Dual

Endpoint N/A 31 sec 56 sec

Kinetics

Both normal and sweep speeds are available in Kinetics mode. Single Wavelength reads are limited to the following minimum times:

384-Well Kinetic Read Timing Delay 630 nm



Sweep Read Mode, A1 to A1 N/A 30 sec



Optical Performance

Accuracy, Linearity, Repeatability

All qualifications were conducted using 96-/384-well, flat-bottom and round-bottom microplates.

For the performance described here, the Gain on the Optics Test should be equal to or less than 5.0.

Measurement Range: 0.000 to 4.000 OD Resolution: 0.0001 OD

Accuracy

96-well plate, normal read speed 0.000–2.000 OD +/-1% +/-0.010 OD 2.000–2.500 OD +/-3% +/-0.010 OD 384-well plate, normal read speed 0.000–1.500 OD +/-2% +/-0.010 OD 1.500–2.000 OD +/-5% +/-0.010 OD 96-well and 384-well plate, sweep read speed

0.000–1.000 OD +/-1% +/-0.010 OD

Linearity (by liquid dilution)


0.000–1.000 OD +/-1% +/-0.010 OD

Repeatability (measured by one standard deviation: 8 measurements/data points)


0.000–1.000 OD +/-2% +/-0.010 OD


Optical Performance | 53

Optics

λ range 200 to 999 nm

λ accuracy ± 2 nm

λ repeatability ± 0.2 nm

λ bandpass 5 nm

Detector Photodiodes (2). Measurements are reference channel-corrected for light source fluctuation.


Appendix B

Error Codes

This appendix lists and describes Epoch error codes that may appear in Gen5. If an error is displayed, refer to Product Support & Service in Chapter 1.

Overview............................................................................ 56 Diagnostics ....................................................................... 56

General Errors..................................................................... 57 Assay Errors—For 2Dnn Error Code ...................................... 64

Fatal Errors......................................................................... 65

56 | Appendix B: Error Codes

Overview

An error code is displayed in Gen5 as a four-digit identifier. The first character will be a number or the letter A.

The letter A indicates an error condition that cannot be resolved by user actions. The instrument will no longer function, the LED status light will flash, and the beeper will sound until the unit is depowered. The codes are listed as Fatal Errors on page 64; if an error of this type is displayed, contact BioTek’s Technical Assistance Center for further instructions (refer to the Product Support & Service section in Chapter 1 for contact information).

Error codes marked with a asterisk (*) will stop an assay from running but will continue to allow the Epoch to communicate with the controlling software and run system and calibration tests. When these errors are first encountered, the status LED will flash and the beeper will sound; however, for these nonfatal errors, you can disable the beeper by pressing the carrier in/out button or by twice requesting the instrument status from Gen5.

Diagnostics

If any error code is displayed, conduct a System Self-Test for diagnostic purposes. In Gen5, select System > Diagnostics > Run System Test. Refer to the Gen5 Help system for more detailed instructions.


General Errors | 57

General Errors

A lowercase letter in the code indicates a variable numeral.

Code Description and Probable Causes

*0210

*02x1

The x-axis home opto sensor failed to change as expected.

A y-axis opto sensor failed to change as expected. x = 1 for the home sensor. x = 2 for the test sensor.

Possible causes:

• Dirty axis rail where the bearings are worn and cause too much friction.

• Defective or broken optical sensors or connection.

• Defective motor, motor controller, or connection.

• Broken or untensioned drive belt.

• Obstruction in read chamber.

• Check that the shipping screw has been removed.

Note: In cases where a sensor is not functioning, the motor may drive the axis to its mechanical stop and generate substantial noise but will not cause permanent damage.

*0212

The order sorting filter wheel’s home opto sensor failed to change as expected.

Probable causes:

• Filter wheel is loose.

• Filter wheel gearing is worn or dirty.

• Defective or broken optical sensor or connection.

• Defective motor, motor controller PCB, or cable.

0233 Monochromator not able to locate home.

Probable causes:

• Misaligned flash lamp

• Disconnected photodiode cable




*0400

Carrier x-axis failed positional verify.

Motor x-axis failed to reach the same position when moved a known number of steps from the home position and back.

Probable causes:

• Dirty linear bearing.

• Obstruction in read chamber.

*0401

Carrier y-axis failed positional verify.

• Dirty linear bearing.

• Obstruction in read chamber

*0402

Order sorting filter wheel failed positional verify.

• Filter wheel is loose.

• Filter wheel gearing is worn or dirty.

• Defective or broken optical sensor or connection.

• Defective motor, motor controller PCB, or cable.

*0403

Monochromator failed positional verify.

Probable causes:

• Defective measurement diode PCB or connection.

• Defective mechanics or optics

• Defective flash lamp.

• Defective motor/power PCB or connection to it.

• Flash lamp is missing flashes or is not flashing.

• The optic system does not detect the saturation.

• Defective monochromator (low probability).


General Errors | 59


*05cr

A/D input is saturated

This error indicates the light signal level reached full scale A/D output (65,535) for a particular channel (c = 0 for the reference channel and c = 1 for the measurement channel) and for a particular readset r = 1–6 or self-test wavelength r = 0–5

Probable causes:

• The order sort filter is not at the correct position and too much light is present.

• The measurement or reference diode PCB or connection to it is defective.

• The A/D circuitry on the Main PCB is defective.

*0600

Gain Calibration error

This error indicates that the measurement channel signal gain has reached its maximum or the signal itself is greater than 60000 at the wavelength being calibrated. This normally occurs only during a factor gain calibration procedure.

*0700

*0710

Reference channel failed noise test greater than 20 counts.

Measurement channel failed noise test greater than 20 counts.

This error indicates significant variations in background electronic noise were detected, when blocking the light and increasing the gain to maximum.

Probable causes:

• Electrical noise may be penetrating the measurement chamber. The bottom and top shrouds are part of the electrical shielding.

• There may be an ambient light leak. Ensure that the plate carrier door is properly closed.

• Detector PCB or connection failure.

• Internal electronic noise may be caused by a faulty analog PCB or faulty internal grounding.




*0800

*0810

Reference channel failed noise offset < 10 and > 32000.

Measurement channel failed noise offset < 10 and > 2000

This error indicates that the background electronic signal detected is outside of acceptable limits at maximum gain when blocking the light.

Probable causes:

• Detector PCB or connection failure yielding a noise reading of zero.

• Detector PCB is too noisy.

*09c0

*0901–0906

*0911–0916

The reference (c = 0) or measurement (c = 1) channel dark range is < 100 or > 32000 during spectral scan.

The reference channel dark range is < 100 during optical test (readset 1–6).

The measurement channel dark range is < 100 during optical test (readset 1–6).

The reference channel dark current value has changed since the last optics test measurement by more than 10%, or the dark value is less than 100. The last number in the error code is the lambda table position number used during the failure.

Probable causes:

• The photo-detector is more sensitive to temperature changes.

• Ambient light leakage during the read.

0C00 24VDC voltage error

The 24VDC power to the motors was below the level needed to assure correct performance.

Probable causes:

• Defective power supply, power cable, connection or Main PCB.

0D00 Wavelength calibration data is missing.

The gain/reset data for one or more wavelength is missing. This data is collected during factory calibration and saved in nonvolatile memory. An error indicates that the internal software may be corrupted or the hardware has failed.


General Errors | 61


0E01–0E06 Wavelength not found in table (readset 1–6).

This error indicates that the specified wavelength is not detected in the instrument’s filter table.

During the read, verify that the lambda table has the wavelengths loaded into the instrument from the controlling PC software. Compare the contents of the lambda table with the software’s filter table.

0F0r

0F1r

The reference channel air/dark out of range. If this occurs while reading absorbance data, it indicates the correction factor provided by the reference channel is out of range, presumably because of a defect in the reference channel optics. r = 0 in spectral scans, readset = r = 1–6 for all other absorbance reads.

If this occurs while doing self-test or reading blank data, it indicates the reference channel signal is < 125 for readset = r = 1–6 (0 during self-test). The measurement channel air/dark out of range. If this occurs while doing self-test or reading blank data, it indicates the measurement channel signal is < 3162 for readset = r = 1–6 (0 during self-test).

Probable causes:

• The flash lamp may be out of alignment.

• The monochromator entrance or exit aperture is defective.

• The order sorting filter is dirty or degraded and does not allow enough light energy to pass through.

• Dirty or damaged reference channel optics.

• The reference channel photodiode detection circuit is defective.

*110x Failed configuration checksum test (1 = UI processor, 2 = MC processor).

Probable causes:

• One of the processors on the PCB contains a defective corrupt flash memory. The basecode software and/or assays may need to be redownloaded.

• Main PCB failure.




*120x Carrier Autocalibration data missing.

Probable causes:

x = 0 or x = 1 Main PCB or software is defective.

x = 2 Insufficient light:

• The PCB was changed and the flash memory does not have the calibration values loaded.

• Flash lamp, optics, measurement diode PCB, or filter wheel is defective.

• Autocalibration needs to be run.

• Main PCB failure.

*1300

*1301

*1302

Carrier not homed in the x-axis.

Carrier not homed in the y-axis.

Order sorting filter wheel not homed.

This error is usually only seen if an error 0200 is ignored. See the probable causes for 0200.

1600 PC Command format error.

Probable causes:

• The wrong version of Gen5 is being used.

• The USB driver or cable connection is defective.

1700 Interval too short for selected options.

This error indicates that the kinetic interval in the current assay is too short.

Increase the kinetic interval.

1900 Memory allocation failed.

This error is typically used only for software development purposes. If it occurs, however, try turning the instrument off, waiting 30 seconds, and then turning it on again. If the error persists, contact BioTek TAC.

1F0r Overlap error in PC command definition.

This error indicates that the largest wavelength minus the smallest wavelength is larger than the wavelength interval in the assay definition command from the PC for readset = r = 1–6.


General Errors | 63


21nn Invalid parameter value selected.

This error indicates that a particular parameter in the assay definition command from the PC is incorrect. An invalid assay configuration was sent to the instrument.

2401 Y-axis test sensor position incorrect.

This error occurs at the start of an assay if the carrier fails to find the test sensor where it is expected. Usually this is because the carrier was pushed or restricted on its way into the instrument. Restart the read.

2500 Sweep mode read missed well location.

While attempting to sweep read a row of wells, the X-axis motor passed the location where it was supposed to read too soon. This is most likely the result of a main PCB hardware failure.

2600 Area scan or custom well defined outside valid plate limits.

The combination of the Gen5 plate definition and the read mode (area scan or endpoint) being used results in dimensions that cannot be used by this reader.

• Check of nonstandard plate dimensions.

• Reduce the number of data points in an area scan.

• Reduce the well diameter used with an area scan.

2900

The system measures the following voltages to determine if they are correct. Voltages and limits are listed on the self-test report.

24V power supply out of range during self-test.

2901 5V power supply out of range during self-test.

20902–6 Flash lamp reference (lowest to highest) is out of range during self-test.

Failure indicates there is a defect on the Main PCB assembly.

2907 Flash voltage scale error—done as part of self-test.

Failure indicates the flash module is not connected or there is a defect on the Main PCB assembly.




2Dnn Assay error.

This error indicates that something about the assay that is being attempted is wrong. Refer to the list of assay errors that follows. The most probable cause of these errors is something in the Gen5 protocol or instrument selection.

2A0x Plate jam error.

Motor “x” (0 = X, 1 = Y, 2 = F, 3 = M) has hit something and lost steps. Usually this is because the carrier was pushed or restricted on its way into the instrument. Restart the read.

Assay Errors—For 2Dnn Error Code

Error Code Description

00 SAMPLE_START_LATE—missed start of well mode sample

01 INVALID_READSETS—number of readsets defined invalid

05 INVALID_MODE—invalid mode selection received

06 ASSAY_DEF_NOT_SET—validated assay not defined

07 INVALID_ROW_COL—invalid number of rows and columns

0B INVALID_EVENT_COUNT—total events defined invalid

0C INVALID_EVENT_TYPE—invalid event type received

0E PLATE_START_LATE—missed start of plate mode event

12 INVALID_WELL_DATAPTS—number of samples out of range

13 INVALID_WELL_INTERVAL—well mode kinetic interval out of range

14 INVALID_PLATE_DATAPTS—specified # of plate mode reads out of range

15 INVALID_PLATE_INTRVAL—plate mode kinetic interval out of range

16 READ_START_LATE—missed start of read

17 INTERVAL_START_LATE—missed start of kinetic interval setup

43 INVALID_DIRECTION—initial row or column direction is invalid

44 DEBUG_MODE—unit is in debug mode; self-test may not have been run


Fatal Errors | 65

Fatal Errors

Fatal errors indicate conditions that cannot be resolved by user actions. The instrument will no longer function. If a fatal error is displayed, contact BioTek’s Technical Assistance Center for further instructions (refer to the Product Support & Service section in Chapter 1). {data} indicates a parameter in the second-lowest digit of the error code. <data> indicates a parameter in the lowest digit of the error code.

Code Description

A100 Task control block not available.

A200 Dual Processor Code Version Mismatch.

A300 OS <Device> not available.

A400 Flash write timed out.

A500 Read did not match write (test) <chip>.

A600 Data flash write timed out.

A700 Read did not match write (test) <chip>.

A800 <Test type> power supply level error.

A900 Memory allocation heap corrupted.

AA00

Absorbance A/D converter never saw the ready signal.

Probable causes:

• Analog PCB.

• Motor/power PCB.

AB00–ABFF Fatal errors related to internal dual processor architecture.

AC00 External RAM test failure.

AD00 Operating System StackCheck error in <processor> 0=UI, 1=Sa, 2=Sb, 3=Sc


operator’s manual - pera medikalperamed.com/peramed/docs/epoch_+m491epoch1+_en.pdf · viii |...

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