The DNBSEQ-T7 is a genetic sequencer designed for Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) applications, specifically for decoding DNA or RNA sequences from human clinical samples prepared into sequencing libraries, such as DNA nanoball libraries. It is an automatic sequencer intended for use by professionally trained personnel.
Function Description:
The DNBSEQ-T7 utilizes advanced DNA Nanoball (DNB) technology and combinatorial probe-anchor synthesis (cPAS). It employs a regular arrayed flow cell with a specially decorated surface, where each decorated site contains a single DNB, evenly arranged to prevent optical signal interference between nanoballs, thereby improving signal processing accuracy. The device's control software coordinates with hardware components, including gas lines, fluidics lines, temperature control, mechanical components, and optical components, through physical ports. It detects signals from the sequencing flow cell, converts photographic information into standard base sequence files, and guides users through various processes like maintenance and experimental protocols.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Category: Class A in accordance with the rule 5(b) set out in Annex VIII of IVDR.
- Laser Classification: Class 1 laser product.
- Throughput: 6 TB/RUN.
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 1656 mm (65.2 inches) x 1815 mm (71.5 inches) x 903 mm (35.6 inches).
- Net Weight: Approximately 765 kg (1687 lb).
- Touch Screen:
- Type: LCD
- Size: 20 inches
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels
- Power:
- Voltage: 200 V to 240 V~
- Frequency: 50/60 Hz
- Rated Power: 3000 VA
- Overvoltage Category: II
- Cable: min.13AWG
- Maximum Sound Pressure Level: 75 dB.
- Degrees of Protection Provided by Enclosures (IP Code): IPX0.
- Operating Environment Requirements:
- Temperature: 19 °C to 25 °C (66 °F to 77 °F)
- Relative Humidity: 30% RH to 80% RH, non-condensing
- Atmospheric Pressure: 80 kPa to 106 kPa
- Altitude: ≤2000 m
- Pollution Degree: 2
- Use: Indoor use
- Transportation/Storage Environment Requirements:
- Temperature: -20 °C to 50 °C (-4 °F to 122 °F)
- Relative Humidity: 15% RH to 85% RH, non-condensing
- Atmospheric Pressure: 80 kPa to 106 kPa
- Software Environments:
- Architecture: C/S
- Pre-installed Software: Control software, Microsoft Windows 10 64-bit operating system, Microsoft .Net Framework 4.6.1 and above, IronPython 2.7.9.
- Network Conditions:
- Type: Local network
- Bandwidth: No less than 10 Gbit/s
- Service Life: Seven years (determined by simulated service life evaluation).
Usage Features:
The DNBSEQ-T7 offers a user-friendly interface with a touch screen monitor, keyboard, and mouse for operation.
- Flow Cell Drive: An entry point for flow cells, with a button to eject the drive.
- Reagent Compartment: Holds reagent kits and samples at appropriate temperatures. It includes sequencing cartridge compartments and washing cartridge compartments. Built-in RFID readers automatically identify the QR codes of reagent cartridges.
- Waste Container Port: Used for connecting the waste container.
- LED Status Bar: Displays the device's current status: green for running, blue for standby, red for error, and yellow for warning.
- Control Software Modules:
- Self-test: Checks the functionality of system components.
- Sequence: Performs various sequencing processes.
- Wash: Executes wash and maintenance procedures for the fluidics lines.
- Main Interface: Displays the local date and time, status of flow cells, and options for wash and sequence. It includes a menu area with buttons for system information, logs, and system maintenance.
- Sensor Status Indicators: Provide real-time data for connection status (ZLIMS, Zebracall), disk space, device temperature and humidity, waste level, fluidics chuck vacuum and temperature, imager vacuum, and sequencing cartridge compartment temperature.
- Recipe Management: Users can select from existing recipes or customize new ones, setting parameters like recipe name, read length, and dark reaction cycles. Barcode ranges can also be selected.
- Automatic Post-Wash: The system can be configured to automatically perform a wash after each sequencing run.
- Access Control: Only users authorized by the manufacturer can use the control software.
Maintenance Features:
Regular maintenance is crucial for the device's smooth operation and includes daily, weekly, and monthly tasks.
- Daily Maintenance:
- Check the fan at the rear of the device for operational status.
- During sequencing, pay attention to error messages and check relevant parts.
- Clean the interior of the reagent compartment by powering off the device, opening the compartment door, and pulling out the sequencing cartridge compartment door and washing cartridge drawer. Wipe surfaces with a 75% alcohol wipe, ensuring they are free of DNBs, reagents, blood, and saliva.
- Weekly Cleaning:
- Clean the touch screen and exterior of the reagent compartment door, sequencing cartridge compartment door, and washing cartridge drawer with a 75% alcohol wipe.
- Monthly Cleaning:
- Power off the device and open the reagent compartment.
- Clean the surface of the device with a 75% alcohol wipe.
- Power Supply Maintenance:
- If the device is not used for seven days or longer, perform a manual wash and then turn off the device.
- Regularly check the power cord and cables for good condition.
- Software Maintenance:
- Contact technical support for software updates upon receiving a Release Notification.
- Performing a Wash:
- A wash can be performed to remove residual reagents from fluidics lines and flow cell stages to prevent cross-contamination.
- Wash solutions include 1 M NaCl and 0.05% Tween-20, 0.1 M NaOH, or laboratory-grade water (e.g., 18 Megohm (MΩ) water, Milli-Q water, Super-Q water).
- The process involves preparing a washing cartridge, loading the washing flow cell, washing cartridge, and an empty sequencing reagent cartridge, then initiating the wash through the interface.
- Maintaining the Pure Water Container:
- Ensure sufficient pure water is available.
- Connect the pure water container to the device, ensuring the pure water tube reaches the bottom of the container.
- If adding water during sequencing, open the lid and insert the water output tube from the pure water machine.
- Replacing the Waste Container:
- Monitor the waste container status frequently.
- Replace the waste container when it reaches maximum volume to prevent liquid leakage and biological hazards.
- The process involves wearing protective equipment, removing the lid with tubes, installing a new lid with a sealing gasket, and disposing of the old waste and container according to local regulations.
- Troubleshooting: The manual provides a table of common problems, possible causes, and recommended actions, including performing self-tests, checking parameters, restarting the device, and contacting technical support.
- Transportation and Storage: For moving or transporting the device, technical support must be contacted.
- Disposal: End-of-life devices must be disposed of according to local regulations. If confirmed safe and effective after maintenance, the device can continue to be used.