Fluidigm CyTOF XT - Gas Flow and Pressure Issues; Spray Chamber Liquid; Torch Alignment Issues; Syringe Leaks

Appendix A: Troubleshooting
Check the Autosampler Air Filter
CyTOF XT User Guide 133
Observation
Possible Cause
Recommended Action
Plasma and auxiliary
gas flows are not
correct.
Check auxiliary and plasma gas flow and pressures readings in the
CyTOF Software Instrument Configuration tab > Plasma and RFG >
Gases. Ensure that readings are within the recommended ranges in
the table below.
Reading
Normal Operating Range
Auxiliary gas flow
0.71 L/min
Plasma gas flow
1113 L/min
Auxiliary gas pressure
0.13 psi
Plasma gas pressure
0.13 psi
If the readings are outside of these ranges, contact Fluidigm
technical support.
Liquid in the spray
chamber
Remove the nebulizer assembly, remove and disassemble the heater
assembly, and check the spray chamber for liquid and wipe with a
dry Kimwipe.
Misaligned torch
Use the torch verification tool to check the alignment of the inner
and outer torch. Refer to section Reassemble the Torch Assembly. If
it is not aligned, you may need to disassemble and reassemble
again.
In the plasma
camera within the
software, an orange
hue is seen on the
glass tubes of the
torch due to heat
from the plasma.
Use torch verification tool to check the alignment of the inner and
outer torch. Refer to Reassemble the Torch Assembly. If the torch is
not aligned, disassemble and reassemble torch again.
Leaking syringe(s)
Connectors are not
tightened.
Tighten the connectors.
Blockage within the
Autosampler fluidic
lines
Check the pressure reading on the push pump during injection. If it is
>10 psi, clean the Autosampler fluidics lines and nebulizer. Replace
lines or the nebulizer if needed.
Damaged syringe
Replace the syringe.
Failures in automated
tuning
(Refer to the CyTOF
Software v8.0 Help for
CyTOF XT (FLDM-00045)
for more details):
• Mass calibration
Not enough signal
is present during
tuning.
Check that beads are
loaded in the correct location in the carousel. Add beads or replace
them if necessary.
Be sure to vigorously shake the bottle of EQ6 beads before
transferring beads to the tube.
Check that the default mixing (default=5) and stirring settings
(default=5) have not been changed to make mixing or stirring less
vigorous. This can impact the degree of bead settling within the
tube.
Visually inspect the Autosampler fluidics lines for leaks and check all
connections. Follow instructional video for fluidic line replacement.