Optimize Performance | 39
Optimize Performance
Here are some guidelines to ensure optimal performance and to prevent problems.
Keep the devices clean and the tubing wet
The most critical factor for ensuring optimal performance is to adhere to the
Recommended Maintenance Schedule on page 119. Enable AutoPrime to keep tubes
from clogging.
Prime the tubing to remove air bubbles
l See 405 Recommendations for Priming the Washer below
Best Practices
l Fill the supply bottles with sufficient fluid. Never run the 405 LS without the fluid filter
installed (on the end of the tubing inside the supply bottle).
l
Note: To avoid spilling fluid when refilling bottles or changing reagents, first release
the Quick Connector from the bottle cap, use a paper towel to sop up the few drops
in the cap. Then, refill the bottle.
l Make sure the bottles, solutions, and tubing are clean and do not contain any particles or
mold. Solutions that are recycled over several days will grow algae, bacteria, molds, or
other undesirable organisms.
l Prime before dispensing. Priming the tubing is the most critical factor in assuring optimal
performance.
l Empty the waste bottles and firmly seat the bottles’ caps and quick release connectors.
To make sure fluid does not back up into the vacuum pump during operation keep the
waste sensor cable installed and the waste detection sensor activated (see Sensors
Enabled on page 1). If fluid collects in the overflow bottle, thoroughly rinse the fluid-
level switch and bottle.
l Check the external tubing connections for kinks and clogs.
l When equipped with BioTek's Verify™ Technology ("Q" models), before processing your
assay plates, take five minutes to run the Verify routine to ensure the manifold tubes are
not clogged.
l Put microplates on the carrier with well A1 in the left rear corner as you face the
instrument, and firmly seat the plate in the carrier.
405 Recommendations for Priming the Washer
These recommended prime volumes are required to achieve 95% or higher purity
when changing wash buffers.
BioTek Instruments, Inc.
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