Bio-Tek Epoch User manual

Operator’s Manual
Microplate Spectrophotometer
Epoch™

Epoch™
Microplate Spectrophotometer
Operator's Manual
August 2009
© 2009
Part Number 7201000
Revision A
BioTek®Instruments, Inc.

ii | Preface
Notices
BioTek®Instruments, Inc.
Highland Park, P.O. Box 998
Winooski, Vermont 05404-0998 USA
All Rights Reserved
© 2009, 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™, and Take3™ 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®, Windows®, Windows XP, Windows 2000, and Windows Vista™ are
either registered trademarks or 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.
BioTek®Instruments, Inc.

Contents | iii
Contents
Notices ................................................................................................ ii
Contents ..............................................................................................iii
Contacting BioTek Instruments, Inc.......................................................... v
Revision History ................................................................................... vi
Document Conventions..........................................................................vii
Intended Use Statement....................................................................... viii
Quality Control .................................................................................... viii
Warranty and Product Registration ......................................................... viii
Warnings............................................................................................ viii
Hazards and Precautions........................................................................ ix
CE Mark .............................................................................................. xi
Electromagnetic Interference and Susceptibility ........................................xii
User Safety ........................................................................................ xiii
Safety Symbols ................................................................................... xiv
Introduction ...................................................................1
Product Description................................................................................ 2
Package Contents .................................................................................. 2
Optional Accessories .............................................................................. 3
Product Support & Service ...................................................................... 4
Installation.....................................................................5
Product Registration............................................................................... 6
1: Unpack and Inspect the Instrument...................................................... 6
2: Remove the Carrier Shipping Hardware................................................ 7
3: Select an Appropriate Location ........................................................... 8
4: Connect the Power Supply ................................................................. 9
5: Connect the Host Computer ............................................................... 9
6: Install the Software on the Host Computer ........................................... 9
7: Turn on the Reader ........................................................................... 9
Operational/Performance Qualification .................................................... 11
Repackaging and Shipping .................................................................... 11
Controlling Epoch Using Gen5 ......................................15
Overview............................................................................................ 16
Controlling the Reader with Gen5........................................................... 16
Instrument Qualification ..............................................19
Recommendations for Achieving Optimum Performance ............................ 20
Recommended Qualification Schedule..................................................... 21
Installation and Performance Qualification Procedures............................... 22
Absorbance Plate Test .......................................................................... 25
Liquid Testing ..................................................................................... 33
Epoch Operator’s Manual

iv | Preface
BioTek®Instruments, Inc.
Preventive Maintenance ...............................................43
Overview............................................................................................ 44
Required Materials ............................................................................... 44
Warnings & Precautions ........................................................................ 45
Routine Cleaning Procedure .................................................................. 45
Decontamination ................................................................................. 46
Specifications ...............................................................49
General Specifications .......................................................................... 50
Read Specifications .............................................................................. 50
Optical Performance............................................................................. 52
Error Codes ..................................................................55
Overview............................................................................................ 56
General Errors..................................................................................... 57
Fatal Errors......................................................................................... 65

Contacting BioTek Instruments, Inc. | v
Contacting BioTek Instruments, Inc.
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/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]
Epoch Operator’s Manual

vi | Preface
Revision History
Revision Date Changes
A8/2009 Initial release to Production
BioTek®Instruments, Inc.

Document Conventions | vii
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.
Epoch Operator’s Manual

viii | Preface
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.
•This system is designed for use with PC-based software only. BioTek Gen5
software will provide the user with instrument control and data reduction.
•The intended use of this instrument is dependent on the instrument’s labeling. 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 package insert or standard
laboratory protocol 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.
Warnings
Operate the instrument on a level 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
BioTek®Instruments, Inc.

Hazards and Precautions | ix
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 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 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 supply directly to an appropriate receptacle with a
functional ground.
Warning! Internal Voltage. Always turn off the power switch and unplug
the power supply before cleaning the outer surface of the instrument.
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.
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.
Warning! Unspecified Use. Failure to operate this equipment according to
the guidelines and safeguards specified in this manual could result in a
hazardous condition.
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.
Epoch Operator’s Manual

x | Preface
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. Only qualified technical personnel should perform
troubleshooting and service procedures on internal components.
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: External Power Supply. Only use the power supply shipped
with the instrument. Operate this power supply 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
2002/96/EC, “on waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE)” or local
ordinances.
Caution: Warranty. Failure to follow preventive maintenance protocols
may void the warranty. See Chapter 4, Maintenance for preventive
maintenance procedures.
Caution: Electromagnetic Environment. Per IEC 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.
BioTek®Instruments, Inc.

CE Mark | xi
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 2003/108/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 and
EN 61326-2-6: Class A for Radiated Emissions and Line Conducted Emissions.
Verification of compliance was conducted to the limits and methods of
EN 55011—CISPR 11). 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
Epoch Operator’s Manual

xii | Preface
Directive 73/23/EEC Low Voltage (Safety)
The system has been type-tested by an independent testing laboratory and was
found to meet the requirements of EC Directive 73/23/EEC for Low Voltage.
Verification of compliance was conducted to the limits and methods of the
following:
EN 61010-1 (2001) 2nd Edition. “Safety requirement for electrical equipment for
measurement, control and laboratory use. Part 1, General requirements.”
Directive 2002/96/EC: 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
2002/96/EC, “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.
Traceability to the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology
(NIST):
Optical density measurements are traceable to NIST.
Electromagnetic Interference and Susceptibility
USA FCC CLASS A
Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the
manufacturer could void the user's authority to operate the
equipment.
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.
BioTek®Instruments, Inc.

User Safety | xiii
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'met 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:
North America
•Underwriters Laboratories UL 61010-1, 2001
“Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control and
laboratory use; Part 1: general requirements”
•Canadian Standards Association CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 61010-1-04
“Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control
and Laboratory Use; Part 1: General Requirements”
For International User Safety requirements, see CE Mark on page xi.
Epoch Operator’s Manual

xiv | Preface
Safety Symbols
Some of the following symbols may appear on the instrument:
Alternating current
Courant alternatif
Wechselstrom
Corriente alterna
Corrente alternata
Direct current
Courant continu
Gleichstrom
Corriente continua
Corrente continua
Both direct and alternating current
Courant continu et courant alternatif
Gleich - und Wechselstrom
Corriente continua y corriente alterna
Corrente continua e corrente alternata
Earth ground terminal
Borne de terre
Erde (Betriebserde)
Borne de tierra
Terra (di funzionamento)
Protective conductor terminal
Borne de terre de protection
Schutzleiteranschluss
Borne de tierra de protección
Terra di protezione
On (Supply)
Marche (alimentation)
Ein (Verbindung mit dem Netz)
Conectado
Chiuso
Off (Supply)
Arrêt (alimentation)
Aus (Trennung vom Netz)
Desconectado
Aperto (sconnessione dalla rete di alimentazione)
BioTek®Instruments, Inc.

Safety Symbols | xv
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
Warning, hot surface
Attention, surface chaude
Warnen, heiße Oberfläche
Precaución, superficie caliente
Attenzione, superficie calda
Consult instructions for use
Consulter la notice d’emploi
Gebrauchsanweisung beachten
Consultar las instrucciones de uso
Consultare le istruzioni per uso
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
Epoch Operator’s Manual

xvi | Preface
BioTek®Instruments, Inc.

Chapter 1
Introduction
This chapter introduces the Epoch and describes its hardware and
software features, and technical specifications. Instructions on how
to contact BioTek for Product Support & Service are included on
page 4.
Product Description.............................................................. 2
Package Contents ................................................................ 2
Optional Accessories ............................................................ 3
Product Support & Service .................................................... 4
Contacting the Technical Assistance Center ........................... 4
Returning Instruments for Service/Repair.............................. 4

2 | Chapter 1: Introduction
Product Description
Powerful, versatile, and compact, the Epoch monochromator offers tunable
wavelength selection and wavelength scanning without the need for interference
filters. The single-channel reader is completely computer controlled via BioTek’s
intuitive and user-friendly 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 Multi-Volume Plate.
•Two reading speeds: normal and sweep.
Package Contents
Part numbers are subject to change over time. Please contact BioTek
Customer Care with any questions.
Item Part #
Epoch Operator’s Manual 7201000
Power supply 61062
Power cord
varies
according
to country
of use
USB cable with Virtual COM Driver Software 75108
7090204
BioTek®Instruments, Inc.