Overview
DSX™ System Service Manual 12-1
Chapter 12 The Washer Module
12.1 Overview
The Washer Module is a microprocessor controlled microplate washer that performs wash
protocols that are defined in the assay. The unit is designed to be used with microplates for
any standard microplate reader and washes all 8 wells in a column of a 96-well plate, then
moves the wash head to the next column.
Different user-defined wash protocols can be performed via the washer. In addition, the
system can be configured with various plate types so that the wash head position for each
plate type can be specified. The system can accommodate flat-bottom, C-bottom, U-bottom
and V-bottom microplates.
The wash head on the washer module contains two sets of wash pins that are fixed to the wash
head. The shorter pins (the dispense pins) dispense fluid and the longer pins (the aspirate pins)
aspirate fluid.
During operation the wash head assembly can be moved in the X or Z direction to properly
position the wash head assembly. As examples, the wash head is lowered to insert the wash
pins into the wells or raised to remove the wash pins from the wells. Lowering the wash head
assembly allows the well contents to be aspirated or a bottom wash to be performed. Raising
the wash head allows it to be moved to another column for washing or filling.
Detailed discussion on troubleshooting and service of the Washer Module is presented in
Chapter 13.
12.2 The Wash Delivery System and Waste Delivery System
The Wash Delivery System includes four plastic bottles, which contains the wash solutions.
A submersible pump, operated under computer control is located in each bottle. The wash
solution is delivered through the Dispense Valve to the wash head that delivers it to the
microplate.
The Waste Solution System includes an aspirate pump to aspirate the wash solution from the
microplate via the wash head and deliver it to the waste container. The waste container
includes a level sensor to detect when it is full and terminate operation of the washer.
The service engineer is expected to replace the washer module in the event of a problem with
the module. The defective module should be returned to the local DYNEX Technologies
service center for repair (in some situations, the service engineer may be able to repair the
module on site). A discussion of a variety of replacement/repair activities is presented in
Section 13.3 through Section 3.
All activities of the Washer Module are performed under the direct control of the program that
is being executed by the application program.
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