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Biomek® Softfware: Bio-Tek* ELx405* Maintenance Programs

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Neil Tiedeman, Beckman Coulter, Inc.

Description:

This information bulletin describes how to use the maintenance programs supplied with the ELx405 integration.

Purpose:

The ELx405 Microplate washer provides five maintenance programs that are stored on the washer and run through the maintenance selection on the washer keypad. When the washer is integrated onto a Biomek, it is difficult to access the keypad and view the 2-line LCD display. The ELx405 integration includes five Biomek methods that execute the maintenance programs, so that it is not necessary to access the keypad.

Methods:

Five Biomek methods are imported into the current Biomek project when the washer is installed. For Biomek Software version 2.5, they are stored in the Biomek methods directory. Each Biomek method runs one or more wash protocols defined using the ELx405 SILAS™ module. A description of each method follows.

Note: The maintenance methods include an Instrument Setup step with a microplate in the washer position. However, these methods do not require a plate in the washer position. The Instrument setup step is used to prevent the Biomek method from asking that a plate be placed at the washer.

DAY_RINSE
The DAY_RINSE method flushes the washer with an appropriate reagent or deionized water throughout the day. It primes the washer with the Prime Volume specified in the BC_DAY_RINSE ELx405 protocol. This protocol can be viewed or edited through the ELx405 SILAS module.

Rinse Valve: A
RINSE_AND_SOAK
The RINSE_AND_SOAK method flushes wash solution out of the instrument, then rinses and soaks the tubes to keep them moist. It primes and soaks the washer with the Prime Volume and Soak duration specified in the BC_RINSE_&_SOAK ELx405 protocol. This protocol can be viewed or edited through the ELx405 SILAS module.

Rinse Valve: A
OVERNIGHT_LOOP
The OVERNIGHT_LOOP method flushes wash solution out of the instrument, then periodically rinses and soaks the tubes. The default duration of the soak is 4 hours. It primes and soaks the washer with the Prime Volume and Soak duration specified in the BC_RINSE_LOOP ELx405 protocol. This protocol can be viewed or edited through the ELx405 SILAS module.

Rinse Valve: A
DECONTAMINATION
The DECONTAMINATION method runs the following ELx405 protocols:

BC_DECON1- This protocol flushes and soaks the supply tubing with disinfectant.
BC_DECON2 - This protocol flushes the system with rinse.

The parameters of these protocols can be viewed or edited through the ELx405 SILAS module.

Rinse Valve: A
Disinfectant: B
LONG_SHUTDOWN
The LONG_SHUTDOWN method runs the following ELx405 protocols:

BC_DECON1- This protocol flushes and soaks the supply tubing with disinfectant.
BC_DECON2 - This protocol flushes the system with rinse.
BC_DECON_AIR- This protocol purges the system of fluid.

The parameters of these protocols can be viewed or edited through the ELx405 SILAS module.

Rinse Valve: A
Disinfectant: B
Empty Bottle: C

Note: This method will continue to run for 40 hours or until it is aborted.
CW METHODS
In addition to the standard tubing, the Select CW washer model contains smaller tubing for gentle washing. As a result, the maintenance programs for the Select CW model require an additional parameter for purging the Select CW’s low flow tubing, called Low Flow Prime Volume. The Biomek maintenance methods and ELx405 protocols for the Select CW integration are labeled with _CW to distinguish them from the Select model maintenance programs, for example, DAY_RINSE_CW and BC_DAY_RINSE_CW.

For more information about the ELx405 maintenance programs, see Chapter 4: Preventive Maintenance in the ELx405 Microplate Washer Operator’s Guide.

Example:

This example demonstrates how to edit the maintenance program settings. It will guide you through how to change the valve port assignment for the DAY_RINSE program.

Note: Once a valve port selection has been changed for a given protocol, the change will be retained for future use. Therefore, it is important to verify proper valve port configuration each time maintenance is performed on the ELx405 washer.

Note: The DECONTAMINATION and LONG_SHUTDOWN methods utilize multiple ELx405 protocols; therefore, it is important to change valve ports for all protocols when changing valve port assignments for these methods.

To change a valve port assignment:

1. From the Instrument menu, select Device Editor. Device Editor appears (Figure 1).

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Figure 1. Device Editor.

2. In Device, select ELx405 and choose Action Commands. ELx405 appears (Figure 2).

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Figure 2. ELx405.

3. In Action, choose Run User Defined Program, and select the desired ELx405 protocol (BC_DAY_RINSE), and choose Edit. Bio-tek Autowasher Control Properties appears (Figure 3).

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Figure 3. Bio-Tek Autowasher Control Properties

4. In Buffer Valve, select the desired valve port for the selected ELx405 maintenance protocol from the drop-down list and choose OK. The maintenance protocol is updated to use the newly selected valve port.

5. Repeat steps 2-4 for all ELx405 protocols used in the pre-configured Biomek method to be executed.

AUTOCLEAN Program:

The latest release of the ELx405 SILAS module (November, 2005) offers automation of the AUTOCLEAN program for washers with a built-in ultrasonic cleaner. It is expected that this program would be run at the end of the day after all washing is complete. There will be a program called AUTOCLEAN in the list of available wash protocols. This protocol consists of one or more cleaning loops. Multiple loops are used when cleaning with more than one type of fluid. The AUTOCLEAN program can be edited through the ELx405 SILAS module.

To edit the AUTOCLEAN program:

1. From the Instrument menu, select Device Editor. Device Editor appears (Figure 4).

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Figure 4. Device Editor.

2. In Device, select ELx405 and choose Action Commands. ELx405 appears (Figure 5).

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Figure 5. ELx405.

3. In Action, choose Run User Defined Program, and select the AUTOCLEAN program. Choose Edit. Autoclean Properties appears (Figure 6).

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Figure 6. Autoclean Properties

4. Choose Add to add a new loop to the protocol. Choose Modify to edit an existing loop. Choose OK to save your changes, or Cancel to exit without saving.

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Figure 7. Device Editor

5. Choose OK to close the ELx405 dialog, and choose Configure Options. ConfigDialog appears (Figure 8).

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Figure 8. ConfigDialog

6. Check the box Run AutoClean program after method finishes and choose OK. The AUTOCLEAN program shall run automatically at the end of any SAMI® EX, SAMI NT, or Biomek method that runs the ELx405 washer.

Note: It is NOT necessary to specify a time estimate for the AUTOCLEAN program, unless you plan to execute it explicitly using a Biomek step or SAMI node. It shall run automatically at the end of a SAMI EX, SAMI NT, or Biomek method.

For more information about the AUTOCLEAN program, see Chapter 4: Preventive Maintenance in the ELx405 Microplate Washer Operator’s Guide.

Installation and Version requirements:

1. Biomek FX version 2.5 software or later.