Bio-Tek ELx800 User manual

Operator’s Manual
Absorbance Microplate Reader
ELx800™

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© 2006, BioTek Instruments, Inc. Page 1 of 1
7331000 Rev P1
This Manual Update contains changes to the ELx800™ Absorbance Microplate Reader
Operator’s Manual. These changes will be incorporated in the next full revision of the
manual, revision Q.
Replacing and Aligning the Bulb
Chapter 5, Maintenance and Decontamination contains instructions for replacing and
aligning the bulb. These instructions do not contain enough information to help you
properly align the bulb in all cases.
When it becomes necessary to replace the bulb*, replacement kits are available from
BioTek. PN 7330513 is required for standard models, and PN 7330516 is required for
ELx800UV and ELx800NB models. The kit contains complete instructions for replacing
and aligning the bulb. Please ignore the replacement/alignment instructions currently
supplied in this manual in Chapter 5.
If you have any questions or require further assistance, please contact BioTek’s Technical
Assistance Center (TAC). Contact information is provided on page x.
* The lamp is rated for an average life of 600 hours. The intensity of the lamp will slowly
drop over time until the run-time self check detects a low signal level. The reader will
display an error code at this time, indicating that it is time to replace the bulb.

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ELx800™
Absorbance Microplate Reader
Operator’s Manual
October 2006
©2006
Part Number 7331000
Revision P
BioTek®Instruments, Inc.

ii | Preface
BioTek Instruments, Inc.
Notices
BioTek®Instruments, Inc.
Highland Park, P.O. Box 998
Winooski, Vermont 05404-0998 USA
All Rights Reserved
© 2006, BioTek®Instruments, Incorporated. No part of this publication may be
reproduced, transcribed, or transmitted in any form, or by any means electronic
or mechanical, including photocopying and recording, for any purpose other
than the purchaser’s use without written permission of BioTek Instruments,
Inc.
Trademarks
BioTek®is a registered trademark, and ELx800™, Gen5™, KC4™, KCjunior™,
and EL800™ are trademarks of BioTek Instruments, Inc. Microsoft®, Windows®,
and the Windows logo are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in
the United States and other countries. All other trademarks are the property of
their respective holders.
Restrictions and Liabilities
Information in this document is subject to change and does not represent a
commitment by BioTek Instruments, Inc. Changes made to the information in
this document will be incorporated in new editions of the publication. No
responsibility is assumed by BioTek for the use or reliability of software or
equipment that is not supplied by BioTek or its affiliated dealers.

Contents | iii
ELx800 Operator's Manual
Contents
Notices ............................................................................................. ii
All Rights Reserved ................................................................................. ii
Trademarks ........................................................................................... ii
Restrictions and Liabilities ........................................................................ ii
Contact Information .................................................................................. x
Customer Service and Sales ..................................................................... x
Service/TAC........................................................................................... x
European Coordination Center .................................................................. x
Document Conventions ............................................................................. xi
Revision History.......................................................................................xii
Intended Use Statement .......................................................................... xv
Quality Control ....................................................................................... xv
Repackaging and Shipping........................................................................ xv
Warnings ...............................................................................................xvi
Hazards and Precautions ..........................................................................xvi
Hazards...............................................................................................xvi
Precautions......................................................................................... xvii
Directive 89/336/EEC:Electromagnetic Compatibility..................................xix
Directive 73/23/EEC Low Voltage ............................................................xix
Directive 2002/96/EC: Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment ................xix
Directive 98/79/EC: In Vitro Diagnostics ..................................................xix
Electromagnetic Interference and Susceptibility........................................... xx
User Safety ............................................................................................ xx
Safety Symbols.......................................................................................xxi
Chapter 1: Introduction .................................................................... 1
Introducing the ELx800 Absorbance Microplate Reader ................................... 2
Hardware Features .................................................................................... 3
Software Features ..................................................................................... 3
Package Contents ..................................................................................... 4
Optional Accessories.................................................................................. 5
Specifications ........................................................................................... 6

iv | Preface
BioTek Instruments, Inc.
Standard Model ...................................................................................... 6
Ultraviolet/UV Model ............................................................................... 7
Narrow Beam/NB Model........................................................................... 8
Product Support & Service........................................................................ 10
Contacting the Technical Assistance Center .............................................. 10
Returning Instruments for Service/Repair................................................. 10
Chapter 2: Installation ................................................................... 11
Unpacking and Inspecting the ELx800™ ..................................................... 12
Unpacking the Instrument and Its Accessories .......................................... 13
Setting Up the ELx800 ............................................................................. 17
Operating Environment.......................................................................... 17
Electrical Connections............................................................................ 17
Power-Up and System Test .................................................................... 18
ELx800 Main Menu................................................................................ 18
Configuring Global Default Options .......................................................... 19
Connecting a Printer to the ELx800 ......................................................... 20
Setting Up the Serial Port for Communications With Other Devices................. 22
Attaching the Cable............................................................................... 22
Installing Software on the Host PC .......................................................... 22
Setting Communication Parameters......................................................... 22
Installing Additional Filters ....................................................................... 24
Checking the Reader’s Filter Table Setting ................................................ 26
Repackaging and Shipping the ELx800 ....................................................... 28
Before Repackaging the Instrument......................................................... 28
Repackaging the ELx800 and Its Accessories ............................................ 29
Preparing the Shipping Container ............................................................ 35
Chapter 3: Operation ...................................................................... 37
ELx800 Front Panel ................................................................................. 38
Overview ............................................................................................... 40
Recommendations for Achieving Optimum Performance................................ 40
System Startup ...................................................................................... 41
Main Menu ............................................................................................. 42
Define ................................................................................................... 44

Contents | v
ELx800 Operator's Manual
Programming Note................................................................................ 45
Selecting an Assay to Define .................................................................. 46
Editing the Assay Name ......................................................................... 46
Define (Method, Map, Formula and Curve) .................................................. 47
Defining METHOD ................................................................................. 47
Defining MAP ....................................................................................... 51
Defining FORMULA ................................................................................ 67
Defining CURVE .................................................................................... 79
Reading a Microplate ............................................................................... 86
Selecting an Assay to Run...................................................................... 87
Printing Reports ...................................................................................... 91
Editing Standard Outliers ....................................................................... 92
Printing Results .................................................................................... 94
Using the Utility Options........................................................................... 95
Setting the Date and Time ..................................................................... 95
Viewing/Editing the Filter Table............................................................... 96
Specifying Data Output and Reporting Options.......................................... 97
Selecting Read Options.......................................................................... 99
Chapter 4: Instrument Qualification ............................................. 101
Recommendations for Achieving Optimum Performance.............................. 102
Recommended Qualification Schedule ...................................................... 103
Qualification Procedures......................................................................... 104
System Test....................................................................................... 105
Checksum Test................................................................................... 107
Absorbance Plate Test ......................................................................... 108
Description ..................................................................................... 108
Requirements.................................................................................. 110
Defining the Absorbance Test Plate Parameters.................................... 111
Running the Absorbance Plate Test..................................................... 112
Test Failures ................................................................................... 113
Liquid Testing ....................................................................................... 114
Stock Solution Formulation .................................................................. 115
Liquid Test 1 ...................................................................................... 117

vi | Preface
BioTek Instruments, Inc.
Liquid Test 2 ...................................................................................... 119
Liquid Test 3 (for “UV” Models Only)...................................................... 123
Chapter 5: Maintenance and Decontamination ............................. 127
Maintenance......................................................................................... 128
Routine Cleaning Procedure .................................................................... 128
Purpose............................................................................................. 128
Tools and Supplies .............................................................................. 129
Procedure .......................................................................................... 129
Replacing the Bulb ................................................................................ 130
Decontamination Procedure .................................................................... 133
Tools and Supplies .............................................................................. 134
Procedure .......................................................................................... 134
Chapter 6: Troubleshooting and Error Codes ................................ 137
Overview ............................................................................................. 138
System Test Description......................................................................... 138
Glossary of Terms............................................................................... 138
Error Codes .......................................................................................... 139
General Errors.................................................................................... 140
Fatal Errors........................................................................................ 146
Appendix A: Computer Control ..................................................... 147
Overview ............................................................................................. 148
Controlling the Reader With Gen5™ ......................................................... 149
Setting Up Gen5 ................................................................................. 149
Problems ........................................................................................... 150
Getting Started With Gen5 ................................................................... 150
Controlling the Reader With KC4™........................................................... 152
Setting Up KC4................................................................................... 152
Problems ........................................................................................... 153
Getting Started With KC4™ .................................................................. 153
Controlling the Reader With KCjunior™ .................................................... 154
Setting Up KCjunior ............................................................................ 154
Problems ........................................................................................... 155

Contents | vii
ELx800 Operator's Manual
Getting Started With KCjunior™............................................................ 155
Appendix B: Using 384-Well Geometry ......................................... 157
Perform a 384-Well Plate Read in Gen5™ ................................................. 158
Perform a 384-Well Plate Read in KC4™ ................................................... 162
Perform a 384-Well Plate Read in KCjunior™ ............................................. 165
Appendix C: Report Format........................................................... 169
Appendix D: Comparison of the ELx800 and the EL800................. 177
Appendix E: Instructions for Programming a New Assay.............. 179
Sample ANA Screen Enzyme Immunoassay Kit .......................................... 180
Intended Use ..................................................................................... 180
Background ....................................................................................... 180
Principle of the Assay .......................................................................... 180
Materials ........................................................................................... 181
Quality Control and Results .................................................................. 182
Expected Values ................................................................................. 182
Programming the ANA Screen Enzyme Immunoassay Kit ............................ 183
Sample Human Anticardiolipin IgG Enzyme Immunoassay Kit...................... 185
Intended Use ..................................................................................... 185
Background ....................................................................................... 185
Principle of the Assay .......................................................................... 185
Materials ........................................................................................... 186
Quality Control and Results .................................................................. 187
Expected Values ................................................................................. 189
Programming the Human Anticardiolipin IgG Enzyme Immunoassay Kit ........ 190

viii | Preface
BioTek Instruments, Inc.
List of Figures
Figure 1: Removing the Power Supply and Shelf..................................... 13
Figure 2: Removing the Foam End Caps ................................................ 14
Figure 3: Removing the Top Cover Mounting Screws............................... 15
Figure 4: Removing the Shipping Block ................................................. 16
Figure 5: Global Configuration Options Available Under UTIL.................... 19
Figure 6: Connectors for Printer (Parallel), Computer (Serial), and Power
Supply ........................................................................................ 21
Figure 7: Filter Wheel Assembly........................................................... 24
Figure 8: Securing the Carrier ............................................................. 29
Figure 9: Hooking the Shipping Straps Over the Post .............................. 30
Figure 10: Installing the Shipping Block ................................................ 31
Figure 11: Reinstalling the Top Cover ................................................... 32
Figure 12: Reattaching the End Caps .................................................... 33
Figure 13: Placing the Unit in the Box ................................................... 34
Figure 14: Keyboard .......................................................................... 38
Figure 15: Options Available from the Main Menu ................................... 42
Figure 16: Sample Output for the System Test (Sheet 1 of 2) ................ 106
Figure 17: Sample Output for the System Test – Autocal Analysis
(Sheet 2 of 2) ............................................................................ 107
Figure 18: Sample Standards Certificate for the Absorbance Test Plate.... 111
Figure 19: Sample Test Plate Analysis Report ...................................... 111
Figure 20: Lamp Assembly ................................................................ 133
Figure 21: Reader Configuration Dialog............................................... 160
Figure 22: Reader Settings Dialog ...................................................... 160
Figure 23: New Experiment Dialog ..................................................... 161
Figure 24: Experiment Workspace...................................................... 161
Figure 25: Procedure Dialog .............................................................. 162
Figure 26: Read Step Dialog.............................................................. 162
Figure 27: Plate Reading Dialog ......................................................... 163
Figure 28: KC4 Main Menu, System|Readers........................................ 164
Figure 29: Reader Selection Dialog..................................................... 164
Figure 30: New Data File Dialog ......................................................... 165

List of Figures (Continued) | ix
ELx800 Operator's Manual
List of Figures (Continued)
Figure 31: Reading Dialog.................................................................... 165
Figure 32: Plate Reading Dialog ............................................................ 166
Figure 33: Setup|Reader Dialog ............................................................ 167
Figure 34: Reader Setup Dialog ............................................................ 167
Figure 35: Read Plate Dialog ................................................................ 168
Figure 36: Protocol Definition Dialog...................................................... 168
Figure 37: Example Read Method Parameters ......................................... 169
Figure 38: Samples With Calls on Matrix Report ...................................... 172
Figure 39: Curve Fit Report .................................................................. 173
Figure 40: Samples With Calls on Column Report .................................... 174
Figure 41: Column Report Without Samples............................................ 175
Figure 42: Panel Report ....................................................................... 176
Figure 43: Assay Detail Report (Sheet 1 of 2) ......................................... 177
Figure 44: Assay Detail Report (Sheet 2 of 2) ......................................... 178
List of Tables
Table 1: Recommended Qualification Schedule........................................ 103
Table 2: Typical Enzyme-Substrate Combinations and Stopping Solutions ... 115
Table 3: Test Tube Dilutions ................................................................. 120
Table 4: PBS 10X Concentrate Solution.................................................. 125

x | Preface
BioTek Instruments, Inc.
Contact Information
BioTek®Instruments, Inc.
Highland Park, P.O. Box 998
Winooski, Vermont 05404-0998 USA
Customer Service and Sales
Internet: www.biotek.com
Phone: [phone] (toll free in the U.S.)
802-655-4740 (outside the U.S.)
Fax: [phone]
E-Mail: [email protected]
Service/TAC
Phone: [phone] (toll free in the U.S.)
802-655-4740 (outside the U.S.)
Fax: [phone]
E-Mail: [email protected]
European Coordination Center
BioTek®Instruments GmbH
Kocherwaldstrasse 34
D-74177 Bad Friedrichshall
Germany
Internet: www.biotek.de
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-Mail: [email protected]

Document Conventions | xi
ELx800 Operator's Manual
Document Conventions
This manual uses the following typographic conventions:
Example Description
This icon calls attention to important safety notes.
Warning! A Warning indicates the potential for bodily harm and tells you
how to avoid the problem.
Caution A Caution indicates potential damage to the instrument and tells
you how to avoid the problem.
DEFINE Text in COURIER font represents menu options as they appear on
the instrument’s display.
Note:Bold text is primarily used for emphasis.
 This icon calls attention to important information.

xii | Preface
BioTek Instruments, Inc.
Revision History
Revision Date Changes
A 3/95 First Release
B 7/95 Generic
C 9/95 Add Errata sheet
D 10/95 Incorporate Errata: cal plate PN cover text to UV
E 11/96 Added Panel Assay info. Added TVar parameter. Added
Appendix D to include all reports.
F 2/97 Added Notes including info on 384-well format. Updated Reuse
of Standard Curves and Panel sections. Added Appendix E –
KcJr for 384-well format.
G 03/98 Added Liquid Test 1 and 2 to Chapter 4 –Performance
Verification. Added Appendix F – Comparison, to show the
differences between the ELx800 and the EL800.
Added printer information.
Changed plate type information to include
384-well and 72-/96-well Terasaki plate formats. Added
reference to Quick Read on display.
H 09/98 Modified Appendix B - Computer Control. Updated Elx800 and
EL800 model comparison table in Appendix F.
I 2/99 Incorporated Manual Updates.
Changed European addresses.
J 9/99 Changed printer-compatible description. Changed the number
of samples necessary if there aren't controls, standards or blanks
defined. Corrected the number of stored plates to 8. Corrected
the positions for re-use of standard curves. Removed the "M"
command from Appendix B- Computer Control.
K 1/00 Added Liquid Test 3 to test 340 nm filters. Updated screens in
Chapter 3. Updated chart in Appendix F.
L 5/03 Preface:
- Updated contact information in Notices
(page iii).
- Added Document Conventions (page v).
- Corrected errors in Safety Symbol text
(page ix).
Removed "screwdriver" from Package Contents, and added
"BioTek QC Check Solutions for 405 nm" to Optional Accessories
list (page 1-7).
Removed About This Manual section (page 1-5).
Updated contact information in Technical Support (Chapter 1).
Modified appearance of display screens throughout.
Revised lamp alignment section in Chapter 2.

Revision History (Continued) | xiii
ELx800 Operator's Manual
Revision History (Continued)
L 5/03
(Cont.)
Chapter 4:
- Changed title to "Performance Verification and
IQ/PQ/OQ Tests."
- Added IQ/PQ/OQ test procedure information.
- Clarified procedures for liquid tests.
Replaced outdated Appendix E with instructions for using KCjunior
to read 384-well microplates.
Added new Appendix G with two examples of assay kit instructions
and directions for programming an assay.
Made editorial and formatting changes throughout.
M 9/03 Preface:
- Updated Warnings section (pages vii and viii).
- Updated Electromagnetic Compatibility section (page x).
- Added “Consult instructions for use” and “In vitro diagnostic
medical device” safety symbols (page xii).
- Expanded Intended Use Statement (page xiii).
Added Absorbance Test Plate to Optional Accessories list (Chapter 1,
page 1-8).
Changed callout in Figure 2-2 from “Place unit in bag” to “Unit in
plastic bag” (Chapter 2, page 2-2).
Added KC4 startup information to Appendix E.
Removed references to ELx800UV and EL800UV from Appendix F.
Standardized the presentation of significant digits throughout.
Changed “Abs” to “OD” throughout.
N 10/04 Restructured manual according to new template.
Removed references to “General Formula” throughout.
Updated Chapter 4, Performance Verification and IQ-OQ-PQ
Procedures.
Added new Chapter 5, Maintenance and Decontamination.
Added new Chapter 6, Troubleshooting and Error Codes.
Removed Computer Control portion of Appendix A; renamed
Appendix to “Controlling the Reader With KCjunior™ or KC4™.”
Added new Appendix B, Using 384-Well Geometry.
Updated sample reports in Appendix C, Report Format (formerly
Appendix D).
Removed previous Appendix A, Decontamination.
Removed previous Appendix C, Error Codes.
Added new Appendix E, Instructions for Programming a New Assay.

xiv | Preface
BioTek Instruments, Inc.
Revision History (Continued)
O 4/06
General:
- Changed “Bio-Tek” to “BioTek,” and “ELx800 Automated
Microplate Reader” to “ELx800 Absorbance Microplate Reader.”
- Added Gen5 references and instructions wherever KC4 and
KCjunior references and instructions were present.
Cover: Updated BioTek logo to new graphic.
Preface: Revised Hazards and Precautions, and removed Warranty
and Registration Card.
Chapter 1: Updated Package Contents, Optional Accessories, and
Specifications. Replaced 3-page Technical Support with 1-page
Product Support and Service section.
Chapter 2: Updated unpacking/packing instructions. Added new
section, “Installing Software on the Host PC,” for Gen5, KC4, and
KCjunior users.
Chapter 3: In System Startup, incorporated information from Manual
Update Rev. N2 that not all software features discussed in the manual
are available on ELx800 readers with custom programmed software.
Chapter 4:
- Changed title from “Performance Verification and IQ/OQ/PQ
Procedures” to “Instrument Qualification.”
- Add Gen5 instructions for System Test and Absorbance Plate Test.
- In Recommended Qualification Schedule, changed PQ frequency
from monthly and semiannually to monthly and quarterly, and
clarified criteria for running Liquid Tests 1, 2, or 3.
- In Absorbance Plate Test section, added a sample test plate report
(and explanatory note) illustrating that values higher than the
specified 0.000 to 2.000 OD range may not have “PASS”/”FAIL”
indications.
- For Liquid Tests 1, 2, and 3, incorporated recommendation from
Manual Update N2 to shake the plate or wait between pipetting
and read steps.
Appendix A: Changed title of appendix from “Controlling the Reader
With KCjunior or KC4” to “Computer Control.” Added new section,
“Controlling the Reader with Gen5.”
Appendix B: Added Gen5 instructions for preparing and running a
384-well plate protocol with the ELx800NB. Updated KC4 and
KCjunior sections by specifying that the ELx800NB model must be
used for running 384-well plates, and added screen shots that
illustrate selection of the ELx800NB.

Revision History (Continued) | xv
ELx800 Operator's Manual
Revision History (Continued)
P 10/06 Ch 3 Operation, clarified instructions for running Panel assays via the
keypad.
Ch 4 Instrument Qualification, replaced incorrect sample System Test
report with a report run using an ELx800.
Ch 5 Maintenance and Decontamination, added tips for storing and
handling filters.
Appx B, Using 384-Well Geometry, inserted step 13 to select a Read
Type when using Gen5.
Intended Use Statement
The intended use of this instrument is dependent on the instrument’s rear panel label.
If there is an IVD label, then the instrument may be used for clinical, research and
development, or other nonclinical purposes. If there is no such label, then the instrument
may only be used for research and development, or for other nonclinical purposes.
Quality Control
It is considered good laboratory practice to run laboratory samples according to
instructions and specific recommendations included in the assay package insert for the
test to be conducted. Failure to conduct Quality Control checks could result in erroneous
test data.
Repackaging and Shipping

If you need to ship the instrument to BioTek for service or
repair, contact BioTek for a Return Materials
Authorization (RMA)number, and be sure to use the
original packaging. Other forms of commercially available
packaging are not recommended and can void the
warranty. If the original packaging materials have been
damaged or lost, contact BioTek for replacement
packaging.

xvi | Preface
BioTek Instruments, Inc.
Warnings
Operate the instrument on a flat surface away from excessive
humidity.
Bright sunlight or strong incandescent light can reduce the linear
performance range of the instrument.
Measurement values may be affected by extraneous particles (such as
dust) in the microplate wells. A clean work area is necessary to
ensure accurate readings.
When operated in a safe environment according to the instructions in
this document, there are no known hazards associated with the
instrument. However, the operator should be aware of certain
situations that could result in serious injury; these may vary
depending on the instrument model.
Hazards and Precautions
Hazards
Warning! Power Rating. The instrument’s power supply or power
cord must be connected to a power receptacle that provides voltage
and current within the specified rating for the system. Use of an
incompatible power receptacle may produce electrical shock and fire
hazards.
Warning! Electrical Grounding. Never use a two-prong plug
adapter to connect primary power to the external power supply. Use
of a two-prong adapter disconnects the utility ground, creating a
severe shock hazard. Always connect the power cord directly to a
three-prong receptacle with a functional ground.
Warning! Internal Voltage. Always turn off the power switch
and unplug the power cord before cleaning the outer surface of the
instrument.
Warning! Liquids. Avoid spilling liquids on the instrument; fluid
seepage into internal components creates a potential shock hazard.
Wipe up all spills immediately. Do not operate the instrument if
internal components have been exposed to fluid.