Bio-Tek Epoch User manual

Operator’s Manual
Microplate Spectrophotometer
Epoch™

Epoch™
Microplate Spectrophotometer
Operator's Manual
November 2015
© 2015
Part Number 7201000
Revision E
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
© 2015, 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 Epoch™, Gen5™, BioStack™, and Take3™
and Take3 Trio™ Micro-Volumne Plate are trademarks of BioTek Instruments, Inc.
BioCell™ is a trademark of BioTek Instruments and is patented under U.S. patent
number 5,963,318.
Microsoft, Excel, and Windowseither registered trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation in the United States and/or 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
Epoch Operator’s Manual
Contents
Contact Information............................................................................... v
Revision History ................................................................................... vi
Document Conventions......................................................................... viii
Intended Use Statement........................................................................ ix
Quality Control ..................................................................................... ix
Warranty and Product Registration .......................................................... ix
Repackaging and Shipping ..................................................................... ix
Warnings.............................................................................................. x
Hazards ............................................................................................... x
Precautions.......................................................................................... xi
CE Mark ..............................................................................................xii
Electromagnetic Interference and Susceptibility ....................................... xiii
User Safety ........................................................................................ xiv
Safety Symbols ....................................................................................xv
Introduction ...................................................................1
Product Description................................................................................ 2
Package Contents .................................................................................. 2
Optional Accessories .............................................................................. 3
Product Support and Service ................................................................... 4
0BInstallation.....................................................................5
Product Registration............................................................................... 6
1: Unpack and Inspect the Instrument...................................................... 6
2: Select an Appropriate Location ............................................................ 6
3: Remove the Shipping Hardware ........................................................... 7
4: Connect the Power Supply .................................................................. 8
5: Connect the Host Computer ................................................................ 9
6: Install the Software on the Host Computer ............................................ 9
7: Turn on the Reader ............................................................................ 9
8: Establish Communication .................................................................. 10
Operational/Performance Qualification .................................................... 11
Repackaging and Shipping .................................................................... 12
Getting Started.............................................................15
Gen5 Software .................................................................................... 16
Recommendations for Optimum Performance........................................... 17
Preventive Maintenance ...............................................19
Overview............................................................................................ 20
Required Materials ............................................................................... 20
Warnings and Precautions..................................................................... 21
Routine Cleaning Procedure .................................................................. 21
Decontamination ................................................................................. 22

iv | Preface
BioTek Instruments, Inc.
Instrument Qualification ..............................................25
Overview............................................................................................ 26
IQ/OQ/PQ........................................................................................... 26
Recommended Qualification Schedule..................................................... 27
System Test ....................................................................................... 28
Absorbance Plate Test .......................................................................... 31
Liquid Testing ..................................................................................... 37
Specifications ...............................................................47
General Specifications .......................................................................... 48
Read Specifications .............................................................................. 49
Optical Performance............................................................................. 50
Error Codes ..................................................................53
Overview............................................................................................ 54
General Errors..................................................................................... 55
Fatal Errors......................................................................................... 64
Index............................................................................69

Contact information | v
Epoch Operator’s Manual
Contact Information
BioTekInstruments, Inc.
Highland Park, P.O. Box 998
Winooski, Vermont 05404-0998 USA
Global Service and Support
BioTek instrument service and repair is available worldwide at one of BioTek’s
International Service Centers and in the field at your location. To arrange for
service or repair of your instrument, contact the office nearest you; visit
www.biotek.com for up-to-date contact information. For customer service, sales,
and technical assistance, refer to the information below.
Customer Service and Sales
Internet:
www.biotek.com
Phone:
888-451-5171 (toll free in the U.S.)
802-655-4740 (outside the U.S.)
Fax:
802-655-7941
E-Mail:
[e-mail]
Service/TAC
Phone:
800-242-4685 (toll free in the U.S.)
802-655-4740 (outside the U.S.)
Fax:
802-654-0638
E-Mail:
[email protected]m
European Coordination Center/Authorized European
Representative
BioTekInstruments GmbH
Kocherwaldstrasse 34
D-74177 Bad Friedrichshall
Germany
Internet:
www.biotek.de
Phone:
[phone]
Fax:
[phone]
E-Mail:
[email protected]

vi | Preface
BioTek Instruments, Inc.
Revision History
Revision Date Changes
A8/2009 Initial release to Production
B 11/2010 General: Minor text and cross-reference corrections
Preface: Updated regulatory information
Chapter 1, Introduction: Updated wording for getting the shipping
address in Product Support & Services
Chapter 3, Control Using Gen5: Included instructions for setting up
the Epoch as a Plug & Play reader
Chapter 4, Qualification: Removed mention of Software
Documentation, Wavelength Table Verification, and “Run Assay”
tests
Added an index
C 8/2011 General: Added information about support for the BioStack.
D 9/2012 General: Updated some terminology to reflect Gen5 v2.x interface.
Preface: Updated date and revision; updated Intended Use
Statement; under “Hazards,” added “Service” and “Accessories”
warnings; under “Precautions,” added “Spare Parts” caution;
updated CE text and added “if labaled for this use” to Directive
98/79/EC.
Chapter 2, Installation: Added note that improper packaging that
leads to instrument damage may lead to additional charges.
Chapter 4, Qualification: Fixed typo in Absorbance Plate Test
section to read that well A1 is in the left-rear corner of the carrier.
Appendix A, Specifications: Removed “lamp life 1 billion flashes”
from the Light Source information.
E 11/2015 Preface: Updated CE Directive 2006/96/EC to 2012/19/EU
Chapter 1, Introduction: Added 340 nm Absorbance Test Plate PN
7260551 to the “Optional Accessories” section.
Chapter 3, Getting Started: Changed title of chapter from Control
Using Gen5, removed section “Setting Up Gen5” because this info
is already covered in Chapter 2, Installation; reworked text to
match other instruments’ Getting Started chapters.
Chapters 4 and 5: Reordered chapters so that the Preventive
Maintenance appears before the Instrument Qualification
chapter, to match the chapter order of other instrument manuals.
Chapter 4, Preventive Maintenance: Clarified in Routine Cleaning

Revision History | vii
Epoch Operator’s Manual
Procedure and Decontamination not to use a “dripping-wet cloth”;
reworked “Decontamination” section text to match other
instruments’ decontamination procedure.
Chapter 5, Qualification: Added 340 nm Absorbance Test Plate PN
7260551 to the “Recommended Qualification Schedule” section;
updated text of System Test and Liquid Test sections to match
other instruments’ Qualification chapters.

viii | Preface
BioTek Instruments, Inc.
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.
Note Bold text is primarily used for emphasis.

This icon calls attention to important information.

Intended Use Statement | ix
Epoch Operator’s Manual
Intended Use Statement
The Epoch is a single-channel, automated, benchtop, general-purpose microplate
monochromator that performs optical density measurements of samples in a microplate
format. The user must evaluate this instrument with PC-based software in conjunction
with the specific assay. This evaluation must include the confirmation that performance
characteristics for the specific assay are met.
If the instrument has an “IVD” label, it may be used for clinical and non-clinical purposes,
including research and development. If there is no such label, the instrument may be used
only for research and development or other non-clinical purposes.
Quality Control
It is considered good laboratory practice to run laboratory samples according to
instructions and specific recommendations included in the package insert for the test to
be conducted. Failure to conduct Quality Control checks could result in erroneous test
data.
Warranty and Product Registration
Please take a moment to review the warranty information that shipped with your product.
Please also register your product with BioTek to ensure that you receive important
information and updates about the product(s) you have purchased.
You can register online through the Customer Resource Center (CRC) at www.biotek.com
or by calling 888/451-5171 or 802/655-4740.
Repackaging and Shipping

If you need to ship the instrument to BioTek for service or repair,
contact BioTek for a Service Call Notice (SCN) number, and be sure to
use the original packing materials. Other forms of commercially available
packaging are not recommended and can void the warranty. If the
original packing materials have been damaged or lost, contact BioTek for
replacement packing.

x | Preface
BioTek Instruments, Inc.
Warnings
Operate the instrument on a level, stable surface away from excessive humidity.
Bright light 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 type. See Hazards
and Precautions.
Hazards
The following hazards are provided to help avoid injury:
Warning! Power Rating. The instrument’s power supply 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 plug adapter to connect
primary power to the external power supply. Use of an adapter disconnects
the utility ground, creating a severe shock hazard. Always connect the power
supply directly to an appropriate receptacle with a functional ground.
Warning! Service. Only qualificed technical personnel should perform
service procedures on internal components.
Warning! Accessories. Only accessories that meet the manufacturer’s
specifications shall be used with the instrument.
Warning! Internal Voltage. Always turn off the power switch and unplug
the power supply before cleaning the outer surface of the instrument.
Warning! Liquids. Avoid spilling liquids on the reader; fluid seepage into
internal components creates a potential for shock hazard or instrument
damage. If a spill occurs while a program is running, abort the program and
turn off the instrument. Wipe up all spills immediately. Do not operate the
instrument if internal components have been exposed to fluid. Call BioTek
TAC for assistance.
Warning! Unspecified Use.
Failure to operate this equipment according to
the guidelines and safeguards specified in this manual could result in a
hazardous condition.

Precautions | xi
Epoch Operator’s Manual
Warning! Software Quality Control. The operator must follow the
manufacturer’s assay package insert when modifying software parameters
and establishing reading methods. Failure to conduct quality control
checks could result in erroneous test data.
Warning! Reader Data Reduction Protocol. No limits are applied to the
raw absorbance data. All information exported via computer control must be
thoroughly analyzed by the operator.
Warning! Potential Biohazards.
Some assays or specimens may pose a
biohazard. Adequate safety precautions should be taken as outlined in the
assay’s package insert. Always wear safety glasses and appropriate protective
equipment, such as chemically resistant rubber gloves and apron.
Precautions
The following precautions are provided to help avoid damage to the instrument:
Caution: Service. The instrument should be serviced by BioTek-authorized
service personnel.
Caution: Spare Parts. Only approved spare parts should be used for
maintenance. The use of unapproved spare parts and accessories may result
in a loss of warranty and potentially impair instrument performance or cause
damage to the instrument.
Caution: Environmental Conditions. Do not expose the system to
temperature extremes. For proper operation, ambient temperatures should
remain within the range listed in Appendix A, Specifications. Performance
may be adversely affected if temperatures fluctuate above or below this range.
Storage temperature limits are broader.
Caution: Sodium Hypochlorite.
Do not expose any part of the instrument
to the recommended diluted sodium hypochlorite solution (bleach) for more
than 20 minutes. Prolonged contact may damage the instrument surfaces. Be
certain to rinse and thoroughly wipe all surfaces.
Caution: Power Supply.
Only use the power supply shipped with the
instrument within the range of line voltages listed on it.
Caution: Carrier Shipping Bracket.
The microplate carrier shipping
bracket must be removed before operating the instrument and reinstalled
before repackaging the instrument for shipment.
Caution: Disposal. This instrument contains printed circuit boards and
wiring with lead solder. Dispose of the instrument according to Directive
2012/19/EU, “on waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE)” or local
ordinances.

xii | Preface
BioTek Instruments, Inc.
Caution: Warranty. Failure to follow preventive maintenance protocols
may void the warranty. See Chapter 4, Maintenance for preventive
maintenance procedures.
Caution: Electromagnetic Environment. Per EN 61326-2-6 it is the user’s
responsibility to ensure that a compatible electromagnetic environment for
this instrument is provided and maintained in order that the device will
perform as intended.
Caution: Electromagnetic Compatibility. Do not use this device in close
proximity to sources of strong electromagnetic radiation (e.g., unshielded
intentional RF sources), because these may interfere with the proper
operation.
CE Mark
Based on the testing described below and information contained herein,
this instrument bears the CE mark.
Refer to the Declaration of Conformity for specific details.
Directive 2004/108/EC: Electromagnetic Compatibility
Emissions—CLASS A
The system has been type-tested by an independent, accredited testing laboratory
and found to meet the requirements of EN 61326-1: Class A for Radiated Emissions
and Line Conducted Emissions. Verification of compliance was conducted to the
limits and methods of EN 55011—CISPR 11, Class A. In a domestic environment it
may cause radio interference, in which case you may need to mitigate the
interference.
Immunity
The system has been type-tested by an independent, accredited testing laboratory
and found to meet the requirements of EN 61326-1 and EN 61326-2-6 for
Immunity. Verification of compliance was conducted to the limits and methods of
the following:
EN 61000-4-2, Electrostatic Discharge
EN 61000-4-3, Radiated EM Fields
EN 61000-4-4, Electrical Fast Transient/Burst
EN 61000-4-5, Surge Immunity
EN 61000-4-6, Conducted Disturbances from RFI
EN 61000-4-11, Voltage Dips, Short Interruptions and Variations

Electromagnetic Interference and Susceptibility | xiii
Epoch Operator’s Manual
Directive 2006/95/EC Low Voltage (Safety)
The system has been type-tested by an independent testing laboratory and was
found to meet the requirements of this Directive. Verification of compliance was
conducted to the limits and methods of the following:
EN 61010-1, “Safety requirement for electrical equipment for measurement, control
and laboratory use. Part 1, General requirements.”
EN 61010-2-81, “Particular requirements for automatic and semi-automatic
laboratory equipment for analysis and other purposes.”
Directive 2012/19/EU: Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment
Disposal Notice: This instrument contains printed circuit boards and wiring
with lead solder. Dispose of the instrument according to Directive 2012/19/EU,
“on waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE)” or local ordinances.
Directive 98/79/EC: In Vitro Diagnostics (if labeled for this use)
Product registration with competent authorities.
EN 61010-2-101, “Particular requirements for in vitro diagnostic (IVD)
medical equipment.”
Traceability to the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology
(NIST)
Electromagnetic Interference and Susceptibility
USA FCC CLASS A
RADIO AND TELEVISON INTERFERENCE
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the
equipment is operated in a commercial environment. Like all similar equipment,
this equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential
area is likely to cause interference, in which case the user will be required to
correct the interference at his own expense.
In order to maintain compliance with FCC regulations, shielded cables must be
used with this equipment. Operation with non-approved equipment or unshielded
cables is likely to result in interference to radio and television reception.

xiv | Preface
BioTek Instruments, Inc.
Canadian Department of Communications Class A
This digital apparatus does not exceed Class A limits for radio emissions from
digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian
Department of Communications.
Le present appareil numerique n’émet pas du bruits radioelectriques depassant les limites
applicables aux appareils numerique de la Class A prescrites dans le Reglement sur le
brouillage radioelectrique edicte par le ministere des Communications du Canada.
User Safety
This device has been type-tested by an independent laboratory and found to meet the
requirements of the following:
•Underwriters Laboratories UL 61010-1
“Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control and
laboratory use; Part 1: general requirements”
•Canadian Standards Association CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 61010-1
“Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control
and Laboratory Use; Part 1: General Requirements”
•EN 61010 standards, see CE Mark, starting on page xii

Safety Symbols | xv
Epoch Operator’s Manual
Safety Symbols
Some of the following symbols may appear on the instrument:
Alternating current
Courant alternatif
Wechselstrom
Corriente alterna
Corrente alternata
Both direct and alternating current
Courant continu et courant alternatif
Gleich - und Wechselstrom
Corriente continua y corriente alterna
Corrente continua e corrente alternata
Direct current
Courant continu
Gleichstrom
Corriente continua
Corrente continua
Earth ground terminal
Borne de terre
Erde (Betriebserde)
Borne de tierra
Terra (di funzionamento)
On (Supply)
Marche (alimentation)
Ein (Verbindung mit dem
Netz)
Conectado
Chiuso
Protective conductor terminal
Borne de terre de protection
Schutzleiteranschluss
Borne de tierra de protección
Terra di protezione
Off (Supply)
Arrêt (alimentation)
Aus (Trennung vom Netz)
Desconectado
Aperto (sconnessione dalla rete
di alimentazione)
Caution (refer to accompanying
documents)
Attention (voir documents
d’accompanement)
Achtung siehe Begleitpapiere
Atención (vease los documentos incluidos)
Attenzione, consultare la doc annessa
Warning, risk of electric shock
Attention, risque de choc
électrique
Gefährliche elektrische schlag
Precaución, riesgo de sacudida
eléctrica
Attenzione, rischio di scossa
elettrica
Warning, risk of crushing or pinching
Attention, risque d’écrasement et
pincement
Warnen, Gefahr des Zerquetschens und
Klemmen
Precaución, riesgo del machacamiento y
sejeción
Attenzione, rischio di schiacciare ed
intrappolarsi

xvi | Preface
BioTek Instruments, Inc.
Warning, hot surface
Attention, surface chaude
Warnen, heiße Oberfläche
Precaución, superficie caliente
Attenzione, superficie calda
Warning, potential biohazards
Attention, risques biologiques potentiels
Warnung! Moegliche biologische Giftstoffe
Atención, riesgos biológicos
Attenzione, rischio biologico
In vitro diagnostic medical
device
Dispositif médical de
diagnostic in vitro
Medizinisches In-Vitro-
Diagnostikum
Dispositivo médico de
diagnóstico in vitro
Dispositivo medico
diagnostico in vitro
Separate collection for electrical and
electronic equipment
Les équipements électriques et
électroniques font l’objet d’une collecte
sélective
Getrennte Sammlung von Elektro- und
Elektronikgeräten
Recogida selectiva de aparatos eléctricos y
electrónicos
Raccolta separata delle apparecchiature
elettriche ed elettroniche
Consult instructions for use
Consulter la notice d’emploi
Gebrauchsanweisung beachten
Consultar las instrucciones de
uso
Consultare le istruzioni per
uso

Chapter 1
Introduction
This chapter introduces the Epoch, describes its hardware and
software features, and provides contact information for technical
assistance.
Product Description ....................................................... 2
Package Contents.......................................................... 2
Optional Accessories ...................................................... 3
Product Support and Service ........................................... 4
Technical Assistance Center (TAC) ................................... 4

2| Chapter 1: Introduction
BioTek Instruments, Inc.
Product Description
The Epoch monochromator offers tunable wavelength selection and wavelength
scanning without the need for interference filters. The single-channel reader is
completely computer controlled using Gen5 software. Its key features include the
following:
•A variety of read modes including endpoint, kinetic, multiwavelength, and
spectral scanning.
•A monochromator for continuous wavelength selection from 200 to 999 nm in
1-nm increments, and a xenon flash lamp for both UV and visible light
absorbance measurements.
•Superior optical specifications, with an extended dynamic range of up to
4.000 OD.
•Ability to read standard microplates from 6- to 384-wells, Terasaki plates (with
adapter), BioTek’s patented BioCell quartz vessel for 1-cm measurements, and
the BioTek Take3 and Take3 Trio Micro-Volume Plate.
•Two reading speeds: normal and sweep.
•Some models of the Epoch are robot-accessible and compatible with the
BioStack Microplate Stacker.
Package Contents
Part numbers are subject to change over time. Please contact BioTek
Customer Care with any questions.
Item Part #
Epoch Operator’s Manual on USB flash drive 7201000
Power supply 01281
Power cord
varies
according
to country
of use
USB cable 75108