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PlateLoc Thermal Microplate Sealer
Frequently asked questions
Reference for Optimal Thermal Microplate Sealing
Frequently asked questions
Consumables—seal
Q
Is the PlateLoc Sealer compatible with other third- party sealing materials?
A
Agilent Technologies does not verify, validate, test, or support the use of third-
party sealing material on the PlateLoc Sealer. There is also some risk that non-
Agilent Technologies sealing material may melt onto internal (non- user-
serviceable) components, necessitating service.
Hot plate temperature verification and validation
Q
During instrument calibration, does Agilent Technologies check that the hot
plate is providing the temperature indicated on the LCD screen of the PlateLoc
Sealer?
A
We don’t. The temperature reading is the average of two thermocouple
readings, which can vary slightly from thermocouple to thermocouple. The
thermocouples aren’t calibrated because we have found little variation in their
measurements.
If the thermocouple readings differ significantly, an error message is generated.
The precision of the heating element is more important than its accuracy.
Being able to precisely adjust the temperature is more crucial to optimizing
sealing parameters than setting an accurate temperature. The same microplate
and seal can require different sealing parameters depending on the amount
and type of liquid in the microplate, the temperature of the microplate, and
the desired seal strength, so absolute temperature readings are not critical to
good sealing.
Hot plate cleaning
Q
I accidentally installed the thermal seal roll upside down (bonding layer up). I
now have seal melted on the hot plate. Are there approved cleaning
procedures? Is there a way to prevent this from happening again?
A
If Agilent Technologies installed your PlateLoc Sealer, ask for training on
cleaning the hot plate. Through routine use, the hot plate will eventually
become dirty from excess seal build- up, melted pieces of microplate, and
general dirt and debris. The PlateLoc Thermal Microplate Sealer User Guide,
which can be downloaded from the Agilent Technologies Automation Solutions
Knowledge Base, describes routine maintenance, including cleaning the hot
plate and touch screen.
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