Abbott PLEX-ID SP User manual

PLEX-ID SP
User Manual
Rev. 1.0

PLEX-ID SP
User Manual
Rev. 1.0, Cat. no. N09455

Copyright
Copyright ©2009 Abbott Laboratories. All rights reserved. Printed in Finland by Thermo Fisher Scientific
Corporation.
Patents
This product is protected by the following patents:
US 6447729, Method and means for magnetic particle specific binding assay, and US 6448092, Separation
device for microparticles involving a magnetic rod.
PLEX-ID SP also has national and international patents pending.
Trademarks
“Abbott” is a registered trademark of Abbott Laboratories.
All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective holders.
Proprietary statement
The PLEX-ID SP Instrument software programs and documentation are protected by copyright. All rights
reserved. Printed for Abbott Molecular in Finland by Thermo Fisher Scientific. No part of this media may be
reproduced, stored, retrieved, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission
of Abbott Molecular.
The information, documents, and related graphics published herein (the “Information”) are the sole property
of Abbott Molecular. Permission to use the Information is granted, provided that:
●The copyright notice appears on all copies
●Use of the Information is for the operation of Abbott products by Abbott-trained personnel or
informational use only
●The Information is not modified in any way
●No graphics are used separate from accompanying text
Each person assumes full responsibility and all risks arising from use of the Information. The Information is
presented “as is” and may include technical inaccuracies or typographical errors. Abbott Molecular reserves the
right to make additions, deletions, or modifications to the Information at any time without any prior
notification.
ABBOTT LABORATORIES MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND
OR NATURE WITH REPSECT TO THE INFORMATION. ABBOTT LABORATORIES HEREBY
DISCLAIMS ALL REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED,
CREATED BY LAW, CONTRACT, OR OTHERWISE, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY
WARRANTIES OR MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, TITLE OR
NON-INFRINGEMENT. IN NO EVENT SHALL ABBOTT LABORATORIES BE LIABLE FOR ANY
DAMAGES OF ANY KIND OR NATURE, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, DIRECT,
INDIRECT, SPECIAL (INCLUDING LOSS OF PROFIT) CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL
DAMAGES ARISING FROM OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE EXISTENCE OR USE OF THE
INFORMATION, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER ABBOTT LABORATORIES HAS BEEN ADVISED
AS TO THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

Pictorial disclaimer
All samples (printouts, graphics, displays, screens, etc.) are for information and illustration purposes only, and
not to be used for clinical or maintenance evaluations. Data shown in sample printouts and screens do not
reflect actual patient names or test results.
Abbott Molecular is not engaged in rendering medical advice or services.
Master Table of Contents/Index disclaimer
Incremental manual updates may cause the Master Table of Contents or Master Index page numbering to
change.
Abbott instrument warranty
Abbott Molecular warrants the PLEX-ID SP Instrument (“the Instrument”) to be free from defects in
workmanship and materials during normal use by the original purchaser. This warranty shall continue for a
period of one (1) year from the date of delivery to the original purchaser, or until the title is transferred from
Abbott Molecular to the original purchaser, whichever occurs first (the “Warranty Period”).
If any defects occur during the Warranty Period, contact your Area Abbott Customer Service Representative
immediately, and be prepared to furnish information, including the serial number, the model number, and
pertinent details concerning the defect.
This Warranty does not cover defects or malfunctions which: (1) are not reported to Abbott during the
Warranty Period and within one week of occurrence; (2) result from chemical decomposition or corrosion; (3)
are caused primarily by failure to comply with any requirements or instruction contained in the applicable
Abbott User Manual; or (4) result from maintenance, repair, or modification performed without Abbott’s
authorization.
Abbott’s liability for all matters arising from the supply, installation, use, repair, and maintenance of the
Instrument whether arising under this Warranty or otherwise, shall be limited solely to the repair or (at
Abbott’s sole discretion) replacement of the Instrument or of components thereof. Replaced parts shall become
the property of Abbott Molecular.
THE FOREGOING IS THE SOLE WARRANTY MADE BY ABBOTT LABORATORIES REGARDING
THE INSTRUMENT, AND ABBOTT SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ALL OTHER WARRANTIES,
EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, BY OPERATION OF LAW OR OTHERWISE, INCLUDING, WITHOUT
LIMITATIONS, THE WARRANTIES OR MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE, OR ANY WARRANTY OF NON-INFRINGEMENT. NO REPRESENTATION OR
OTHER AFFIRMATION OF FACT, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, STATEMENTS
REGARDING CAPACITY, SUITABILITY FOR USE OF PERFORMANCE OR INSTRUMENT,
WHETHER MADE BY ABBOTT EMPLOYEES OR OTHERWISE, THAT IS NOT CONTAINED IN
THIS MANUAL, OR EXPRESSLY AGREED TO AS A WARRANTY BY ABBOTT IN WRITING, WILL
BE DEEMED TO BE A WARRANTY BY ABBOTT FOR ANY PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL
ABBOTT BE LIABLE FOR ANY CONSEQUENTIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL OR SPECIAL
DAMAGES OR LOSSES OF ANY NATURE WHATSOEVER (INCLUDING, WITHOUT
LIMITATION, LOST REVENUE, LOST PROFITS, OR LOST BUSINESS) ARISING OUT OF THE
USE OF THE INSTRUMENT.

Abbott Laboratories PLEX-ID SP User Manual 10/2009 N09455 5
About This User Manual
This user manual is written for the actual end user, for example,
research scientist or laboratory technician, and provides information on
the PLEX-ID SP, including the installation and operating instructions.
Read the manual in its entirety before operating the instrument.
This user manual is designed to give you the information to:
●Review safety precautions
●Install the PLEX-ID SP
●Use the PLEX-ID SP in routine jobs – the processing step
●Perform basic cleaning and maintenance procedures
●Troubleshoot the instrument performance
This user manual also describes all the features and specifications of the
PLEX-ID SP hardware and onboard software. Refer to Chapter 6:
“Technical Specifications”.
In Chapter 4: “Routine Operation” you find explanations of the
processing principles and procedures and on how to use the PLEX-ID
SP internal software.
In Chapter 8: “Troubleshooting Guide” you find explanations of error
and warning messages and a problem-solving guide. The user should be
familiar with the contents of Chapter 5: “Maintenance”. For ordering
information, refer to Chapter 9: “Ordering Information”.
Intended users
How to use this
user manual

About This User Manual
Safety symbols and markings
6PLEX-ID SP User Manual 10/2009 N09455 Abbott Laboratories
These symbols are intended to draw your attention to particularly
important information and alert you to the presence of hazards as
indicated.
The following symbols and markings appear on the type label and the
instrument itself.
Power ON ▲
Power OFF ▲
Warning Hot surface, risk of burns. ▲
Warning Risk of body parts, hair, jewelry, or clothing getting caught in
a moving part. ▲
Serial number ▲
Catalog number ▲
Date of manufacture ▲
Consult instructions for use ▲
WEEE symbol This product is required to comply with the European
Union’s Waste Electrical & Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive
2002/96/EC. ▲
A black label with the following text (Figure 2–4):
WARNING: DISCONNECT SUPPLY BEFORE SERVICING
AVERTISSEMENT: COUPER L'ALIMENTATION AVANT
L'ENTRETIEN ET LE DEPANNAGE
Safety symbols
and markings
Safety symbols and
markings used on the
PLEX-ID SP

About This User Manual
Safety symbols and markings
Abbott Laboratories PLEX-ID SP User Manual 10/2009 N09455 7
The following symbols and markings appear in this user manual.
Warning Risk of electric shock. ▲
Warning Biohazard risk. ▲
Warning Risk of injury to the user(s). ▲
Caution Risk of damage to the instrument, other equipment or loss of
performance or function in a specific application. ▲
Note Marks a hint, important information that is useful in the
optimum operation of the system, or an item of interest. ▲
W
arning and other
markings used in
the documentation

About This User Manual
Instrument safety and guidelines for use
8PLEX-ID SP User Manual 10/2009 N09455 Abbott Laboratories
●Always follow basic safety precautions when using the PLEX-ID
SP to reduce the risk of injury, biohazardous contamination,
fire, or electric shock.
●Read this user manual in its entirety prior to operating the
instrument. Failure to read, understand, and follow the
instructions in the manual may result in damage to the
instrument, injury to laboratory and operating personnel or
poor instrument performance.
●Observe all “Warning”, “Caution”, and “Note” statements as
well as safety symbols and markings on the instrument and in
the documentation.
●The device shall be operated only with software specifically
designed for the device.
●Never open any other covers of the PLEX-ID SP than the see-
through lid or the sliding door (Figure 2–3) while the
instrument is plugged into a power source.
●Never force a microplate onto the instrument.
●The PLEX-ID SP is intended for laboratory use only. Observe
proper laboratory safety precautions, such as wearing protective
clothing and following approved laboratory safety procedures.
●Preventative maintenance instructions should be followed
closely to keep the instrument in the best condition for
maximum reliability. A poorly maintained instrument will not
give the best results.
Warning This product contains very strong permanent magnets.
People wearing a pacemaker or metallic prostheses should not use this
product. A pacemaker or prostheses may be affected or damaged if it
comes in close contact with a strong magnetic field. ▲
Instrument safety
and guidelines
for use

Abbott Laboratories PLEX-ID SP User Manual 10/2009 N09455 9
Contents
Intended users...................................................................................5
How to use this user manual ............................................................. 5
Safety symbols and markings.............................................................6
Safety symbols and markings used on the PLEX-ID SP..................6
Warning and other markings used in the documentation ...............7
Instrument safety and guidelines for use............................................8
Introduction to the PLEX-ID SP ................................................................. 15
Intended use.................................................................................... 15
Principle of operation...................................................................... 15
Advantages of using PLEX-ID SP ...................................................16
Functional Description ............................................................................... 17
Instrument layout............................................................................ 17
Front view.................................................................................... 17
Back / side view............................................................................ 18
PLEX-ID SP magnetic particle processor ........................................18
Principle of magnetic particle processing .........................................19
Working with a magnetic rod.......................................................... 20
Collecting magnetic particles........................................................ 20
Releasing magnetic particles ......................................................... 20
Washing magnetic particles .......................................................... 20
Incubation ................................................................................... 20
Changing the volume during the magnetic particle processing .....20
Installation .................................................................................................... 23
Delivery check................................................................................. 23
Unpacking ...................................................................................23
Checking delivery......................................................................... 24
Requirements .................................................................................. 24
Precautions and limitations .............................................................25
Installation setups............................................................................ 25
Releasing the transport locks ........................................................ 25
How to ensure startup.................................................................. 28
How to fit the subassemblies of the instrument into place............28
Heating block ........................................................................... 28
Shield plate ............................................................................... 30
Interchangeable magnet heads...................................................32
See-through lid.......................................................................... 35
Operational check ........................................................................... 35
How to pack the instrument for transportation ............................... 36
How to refit the transport lock of the heating block.....................36
How to refit the transport lock of the tip comb holder.................37
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3

Contents
10 PLEX-ID SP User Manual 10/2009 N09455 Abbott Laboratories
Do’s and Don’ts of the PLEX-ID SP............................................... 39
Routine Operation ........................................................................................39
Do ...............................................................................................39
Don’t ...........................................................................................39
Switching on ................................................................................... 39
Control panel.................................................................................. 40
Keyboard...................................................................................... 40
Keys ..........................................................................................40
Display.........................................................................................41
Navigating ...................................................................................42
Using internal software.................................................................... 44
Factory protocols............................................................................ 44
Selecting the protocol...................................................................44
Setting the default protocol .......................................................... 45
Instrument options.......................................................................... 47
Device information ...................................................................... 47
Computer interface ......................................................................47
Language...................................................................................... 48
Buzzer ..........................................................................................49
Maintenance protocol ..................................................................50
How to handle tip combs................................................................ 51
How to start.................................................................................... 53
Changing the heating block.............................................................58
Shutdown ....................................................................................... 60
Emergency situations ......................................................................60
Maintenance .................................................................................................61
Regular and preventive maintenance ............................................... 61
How to clean the turntable...........................................................61
How to clean the magnetic rods ................................................ 63
How to clean the shield plate .................................................... 64
Disposal of materials .......................................................................64
Decontamination procedure............................................................64
Packing for service........................................................................... 65
Service contracts.............................................................................. 66
Disposal of the instrument .............................................................. 66
Technical Specifications ...........................................................................69
General specifications......................................................................69
Performance specifications ..............................................................69
Safety specifications.........................................................................70
In conformity with the requirements............................................... 70
Frequently Asked Questions ......................................................................73
Q&As .............................................................................................73
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7

Contents
Abbott Laboratories PLEX-ID SP User Manual 10/2009 N09455 11
Troubleshooting Guide ............................................................................... 77
Error messages and warnings ........................................................... 77
Troubleshooting guide ....................................................................78
Service request protocol................................................................... 79
Ordering Information................................................................................... 81
PLEX-ID SP ...................................................................................81
List of accessories and consumables ................................................. 81
Chapter 8
Chapter 9

Figures
12 PLEX-ID SP User Manual 10/2009 N09455 Abbott Laboratories
Figures
Figure 1–1. PLEX-ID SP magnetic particle processor .................................... 15
Figure 2–2. PLEX-ID SP front view without see-through lid..........................17
Figure 2–3. PLEX-ID SP front view with see-through lid and plates.............17
Figure 2–4. PLEX-ID SP back view ................................................................. 18
Figure 2–5. PLEX-ID SP side view..................................................................18
Figure 2–6. PLEX-ID SP magnetic particle processor .................................... 19
Figure 2–7. Inverse magnetic particle processing.........................................19
Figure 2–8. A concentration step during magnetic particle processing .......21
Figure 3–9. PLEX-ID SP transport locks fitted ...............................................26
Figure 3–10. Removing the transport lock of the tip comb holder................26
Figure 3–11. Tip comb holder transport lock removed..................................27
Figure 3–12. Removing the transport lock of the heating block (A).............. 27
Figure 3–13. Removing the transport lock of the heating block (B).............. 27
Figure 3–14. Mains supply cable and serial cable connected......................28
Figure 3–15. Inserting the heating block ....................................................... 29
Figure 3–16. Pressing the heating block into place ......................................29
Figure 3–17. Shield plate prior to fitting .......................................................31
Figure 3–18. Inserting the shield plate..........................................................31
Figure 3–19. Fastening / loosening the shield plate.....................................32
Figure 3–20. Shield plate fitted .....................................................................32
Figure 3–21. The magnet heads in their storage boxes................................33
Figure 3–22. Inserting the magnet head........................................................34
Figure 3–23. The head for the 24 Deep Well Plate fitted ............................. 35
Figure 3–24. See-through lid fitted................................................................35
Figure 3–25. Refitting the transport lock of the heating block (A)................36
Figure 3–26. Refitting the transport lock of the heating block (B)................37
Figure 3–27. Fitting the transport lock of the tip comb holder (A)................37
Figure 3–28. Fitting the transport lock of the tip comb holder (B) ................38
Figure 3–29. Both transport locks refitted.....................................................38
Figure 4–30. Keyboard of the PLEX-ID SP......................................................40
Figure 4–31. Main view on the display of the PLEX-ID SP............................41
Figure 4–32. Tip comb package with two tip combs.....................................51
Figure 4–33. Separating the two tip combs ..................................................52
Figure 4–34. Storing the other tip comb on a 96 Well plate in a re-sealable
bag for further use .................................................................... 52
Figure 4–35. 24 Deep Well Tip Comb package .............................................53
Figure 4–36. Combining the tip comb and plate (A)......................................54
Figure 4–37. Combining the tip comb and plate (B) ......................................54

Figures
Abbott Laboratories PLEX-ID SP User Manual 10/2009 N09455 13
Figure 4–38. Loading the tip-plate ................................................................ 55
Figure 4–39. Loading the plates.................................................................... 55
Figure 4–40. Plates loaded ............................................................................ 56
Figure 4–41. Tip comb in the tip comb holder............................................... 56
Figure 4–42. Shield plate in function ............................................................ 57
Figure 4–43. Plates ........................................................................................ 57
Figure 4–44. Inserting the heating block....................................................... 58
Figure 4–45. Pressing the heating block into place...................................... 59
Figure 4–46. Two different heating blocks available ................................... 59
Figure 5–47. Unfastening the two finger screws.......................................... 62
Figure 5–48. Removing the turntable............................................................ 62
Figure 5–49. Black spill shield exposed for cleaning.................................... 63

Tables
14 PLEX-ID SP User Manual 10/2009 N09455 Abbott Laboratories
Tables
Table 3–1. Plates vs. heating adapter(s)........................................................30
Table 3–2. Magnet head vs. tip comb ...........................................................33
Table 4–3. Icons in the main view .................................................................43
Table 4–4. Processing volumes vs. plate types and magnet heads..............58
Table 4–5. Heating blocks vs. plate types ..................................................... 59
Table 6–6. General specifications .................................................................69
Table 6–7. Performance specifications..........................................................69
Table 8–8. Error messages reported..............................................................77
Table 8–9. Actions taken against error messages and warnings................. 78
Table 9–10. Codes for products .....................................................................81
Table 9–11. Codes for accessories and consumables...................................81

Abbott Laboratories PLEX-ID SP User Manual 10/2009 N09455 15
Chapter 1
Introduction to the PLEX-ID SP
The PLEX-ID SP magnetic particle processor (Figure 1–1) is intended
for automated transfer and processing of magnetic particles in a
microplate scale. Use for self-testing is excluded. It is recommended that
Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) are followed to guarantee reliable
analyses.
Refer to Chapter 6: “Technical Specifications”.
The PLEX-ID SP magnetic particle processor (Figure 1–1) is designed
for automated transfer and processing of magnetic particles in
microplate format.
The patented technology of the PLEX-ID SP system is based on the use
of magnetic rods covered with a disposable, specially designed tip comb
and plates. The instrument functions without any dispensing or
aspiration parts or devices.
Samples and reagents, including magnetic particles, are dispensed into
the plates according to the corresponding instructions. The protocol
that is selected by the user via the keyboard and display have already
been preloaded into the onboard software.
Figure 1–1. PLEX-ID SP magnetic particle processor
Intended use
Principle of
operation

Introduction to the PLEX-ID SP
Advantages of using PLEX-ID SP
16 PLEX-ID SP User Manual 10/2009 N09455 Abbott Laboratories
The PLEX-ID SP magnetic particle processor has several operational
advantages:
●Enables automation of complicated manual steps
●Enables simultaneous processing and purification
●Binding and elution are enhanced due to the heating option
●Enables concentration of the sample during processing
●Facilitates a good collection of bead-bound sample due to the
efficiency of the magnet
●Enables a quicker reaction and a more efficient wash due to the
technology of moving magnetic particles instead of liquids
●No carryover
●No cross contamination
Advantages of
using PLEX-ID SP

Abbott Laboratories PLEX-ID SP User Manual 10/2009 N09455 17
Chapter 2
Functional Description
This section shows the front, back and side views of the PLEX-ID SP
instrument.
The front views of the PLEX-ID SP instrument are shown in
Figure 2–2 and Figure 2–3.
Figure 2–2. PLEX-ID SP front view without see-through lid
Figure 2–3. PLEX-ID SP front view with see-through lid and plates
Instrument
layout
Front view
Heating block
Display
Keypad
Plate station (1
–
8)
Shield plate
Loading station
Turntable
Interchangeable head
See-through lid
Sliding door (open)

Functional Description
PLEX-ID SP magnetic particle processor
18 PLEX-ID SP User Manual 10/2009 N09455 Abbott Laboratories
The back view of the PLEX-ID SP instrument is shown in
Figure 2–4 and the side view in Figure 2–5.
Figure 2–4. PLEX-ID SP back view
Figure 2–5. PLEX-ID SP side view
The PLEX-ID SP (Figure 2–6) has room for eight plates. The tip
combs are compatible with the plates. During the individual steps, the
plates are kept stationary, and the only moving assembly is the
processing head with tip comb and magnetic rods. The head consists of
two vertically moving platforms. One is needed for the magnetic rods
(24 or 96 pieces) and the other one for the plastic tip comb.
Up to eight plates can be simultaneously on the turntable. However,
during one sample processing, the protocol enables the use of more
than eight plates in total. One tip comb contains 24 or 96 tips used for
processing 24 or 96 samples at a time.
Before starting the magnetic particle processing via the keypad and
display, the samples and reagents are dispensed into the plates and the
tip comb is placed onto a plate, from which it is automatically loaded.
The plates are placed onto the turntable into the corresponding plate
stations according to the protocol instructions. During the operation,
Back / side view
PLEX-ID SP
magnetic
particle
processor
ON/OFF switch
Cooling-air inlet USB port
Type label
Serial port RS-232C
Cooling-air outletWarning marking
Mains power
supply connector