CHAPTER 7
122 PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences
When to Perform these Procedures
The calibration, normalization and IPA procedures occur automatically by leaving
the Self-Normalization and Calibration (SNC) and IPA cassette (containing the
Carbon-14 calibration standard, unquenched Tritium standard and background
standard) on the instrument counting deck at all times. Whenever the SNC
protocol flag is read by the instrument, a 23-hour timer is checked (this timer only
applies to instruments without a BGO detector guard). If 23 hours have elapsed
since the previous calibration and normalization, the instrument will perform the
SNC/IPA procedure. If 23 hours have not elapsed since the previous calibration
and normalization, the SNC/IPA cassette is bypassed and this procedure is not
performed. Ideally, the instrument Calibration, Normalization and Instrument
Performance Assessment should be performed on this timed, 23-hour (~ daily)
cycle. SNC is only initiated if the sample changer is moving. It will not start up at
the 23 hour mode. Certain IPA parameters will need to be defined prior to the
machine performing the assessment procedures. You may perform instrument
calibration, normalization and IPA manually (not using the 23-hour timer) by
“resetting” the protocol flag on the cassette.
An IPA report is generated after each IPA procedure is completed. To access the
data generated from all IPA runs, select IPA Charts & Tables from the IPA menu.