BJS Biotechnologies XXPRESS NGx User manual

The World’s Fastest Real-Time PCR
Thermal Cycler
User Manual
This Manual Copyright © 2018 BJS Biotechnologies Ltd.

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XXPRESS® NGX USER MANUAL –XP-5001-01-5
xxpress, xxplates, xxsealer, and their respective logos are registered
trademarks ofBJS BiotechnologiesLtd, or one of its affiliated companies
in the UK and other countries. All rights reserved.
No part of this manual may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system,
or transmitted, by any means or in anyform, without the prior permission
of BJS Biotechnologies Ltd (BJS Bio).
The information contained in this manual is subject to change without
notice. BJS Bio assumes no responsibility for any errors that may
appear in this or related documentation.
Document: XP-5001-01-5
xxpress, xxplates, and xxsealer are the brand names for the BJS Bio.
range of PCR thermal cycler products and accessories. For further details
please visit our web site: www.xxpressPCR.com.
All sales and technical enquiries should be addressed to:
BJS Biotechnologies Ltd
65 Bideford Avenue
Perivale
Greenford
Middlesex
UB6 7PP
United Kingdom
[phone]
[e-mail]
[e-mail]

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XXPRESS® NGX USER MANUAL –XP-5001-01-5
Contents
1Glossary of Terms and Abbreviations .....................................................4
2Symbols Used in this Instruction Manual ................................................5
3Unit Description.......................................................................................6
4Technical Specification............................................................................9
5Safety Precautions and Limitations of Use............................................11
6Unit Installation......................................................................................15
7Unit Operation .......................................................................................18
7.1 User Touch Screen Display and Controls .............................................18
7.2 Operation of the xxpress®NGx qPCR System......................................18
7.2.1 Turning on xxpress®NGx...........................................................18
7.2.2 Designing a New PCR Experiment............................................20
7.2.3 Designing a New Melt-Curve Experiment..................................37
7.2.4 Running the Experiment ............................................................41
7.2.5 Experiment Results and Analysis ..............................................43
7.2.6 Repeating Experiment and Reviewing Previous Results...........47
8Maintenance and Servicing...................................................................50
8.1 Replacing the Unit Fuse........................................................................50
8.2 Routine Cleaning and Inspection ..........................................................51
8.3 Decontamination Procedure..................................................................52
8.4 Transportation and Storage...................................................................52
9Warranty and Returns ...........................................................................54
10 Product Disposal ...................................................................................55
Tables
Table 1: Advisory Symbol Meanings.................................................................5
Table 2: Unit Features.......................................................................................7
Table 3: xxpress® NGxSample Plates and Accessories ..................................8

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XXPRESS® NGX USER MANUAL –XP-5001-01-5
1 Glossary of Terms and Abbreviations
ANSI
American National Standards Institute
BJS Bio
BJS Biotechnologies Limited, UK Company
Number 02959160
Deepwell Plate
Plate with an SBS footprint featuring 48, 96 or
384 wells with a larger volume than microplates
DWP
Deepwell plate
EMC
Electro-Magnetic Compatibility
Microtitre Plate
Plate with an SBS footprint featuring 24, 48, 96
or 384 wells
MTP
Microtiter plate
PCR
Polymerase Chain Reaction
PPE
Personal Protective Equipment
Real-Time PCR
Polymerase Chain Reaction where the result is
delivered throughout the PCR process by the
capturing of fluorescence emitted by the
reaction.
SBS
Society for Biomolecular Screening
Thermal Cycler
A machine that moves samples from one precise
temperature to another repeatedly
Well
A single sample cavity in a Microtiter plate, PCR
plate or Deepwell plate
xxplate™
BJS Bio PCR test plate for the xxpress®
NGxreal-time thermal cycler. Available in 24, 54,
and 96 well formats.
xxsealer SA
A semi-automatic heat sealer used to weld a
sealing film onto the top of xxplates™ and
prevent sample evaporation during the PCR.

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XXPRESS® NGX USER MANUAL –XP-5001-01-5
2 Symbols Used in this Instruction Manual
The following advisory symbols are used in this manual.
Table 1: Advisory Symbol Meanings
DANGER
Indicates a Risk of Electric Shock which could, if not
avoided, result in serve injury or death.
DANGER
Indicates a Burn Hazard which could, if not avoided,
result in serve injury or death.
DANGER
Indicates a Risk of Explosion which could, if not avoided,
result in serve injury or death.
WARNING
Indicates a hazardous situation which could, if not
avoided, result in serve injury or death; or severely
damage the unit.
CAUTION
Indicates a hazardous situation which could, if not
avoided, result in minor or moderate injury; or degrade or
impair the functionality of the unit.
CAUTION
Indicates a Risk of Crush hazard due to moving parts
which could, if not avoided, result in minor or moderate
injury.
Advisory note or other useful information.
 NN
Refer to “Section NN” for more details.

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XXPRESS® NGX USER MANUAL –XP-5001-01-5
3 Unit Description
The xxpress®NGx Real-Time Thermal Cycler provides a safe and
controlled method of heating and cooling samples placed within
xxplates™,whilst measuring the level of fluorescence emitted by the
samples.
xxpress®NGx has five fluorescence measurement channels that enable
fluorophores with a wide range of excitation and collection frequencies to
be detected.
To protect the samples from evaporation and contamination during the
heating and cooling of a PCR process, the xxplates™are sealed using a
clear film.
The xxpress®NGx unit has the following external features:
5
3
4
2
1
6
8
7
9

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XXPRESS® NGX USER MANUAL –XP-5001-01-5
Table 2: Unit Features
1
xxpress®NGx Power On/Off Button
2
Front Door
3
Front Door Release Button
4
xxplate™ Location
5
xxpress®NGx Display and Touch Screen
6
Front USB Connector
7
Rear Cover
8
Air Intake Vents and Filters (under unit)
9
Power on LED
10
Emergency Release Button (ECR)
11
Battery Compartment for Emergency
Release Battery –(PP9)
12
DVI-D Connector for External Monitor
13
RJ45 Connector (Network)
14
Rear USB Connectors
15
Rear Label
16
Unit Air Expelling Fan
17
Mains Input Connector Fuse and Switch
12
14
13
10
11
17
15
16

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XXPRESS® NGX USER MANUAL –XP-5001-01-5
The xxpress®NGx is designed to be used with a range of sample plates
and accessories –some of which are listed below:
Table 3: xxpress® NGx Sample Plates and Accessories
Picture
Description
24 well xxplate™ SBS
(sample volume 5-40 µL)
54 well xxplate™ SBS
(sample volume 5-15 µL)
96 well xxplate™ SBS
(sample volume 1-5 µL)
xxsealer SA (semi-automatic)
xxcentrifuge
Other specialist accessories may be available at request. Please contact
your distributor for details.

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XXPRESS® NGX USER MANUAL –XP-5001-01-5
4 Technical Specification
Model Type
Model Name
Model Numbers
xxpress®NGx Thermal Cycler
XP-1003-CC1 (220V-240V)
XP-1004-CC1 (100V-120V)
Physical Unit Properties
Dimensions (W x D x H)
Weight
300 mm x 520 mm x 315 mm
35 kg
Mains Supply
Power Cord Rating
Inlet Module Type
Supply Voltage
Supply Frequency Range
Power Consumption
Fuse Ratings and Sizes
Mains Supply capability
IEC C13, 3-Core, 10A min
Only use an appropriately rated and
approved supply cordset in accordance
with the regulations of the country in
which the equipment is put into service
IEC C14, DPST, Single Fuse
100V-120V AC (XP-1002-01)
220V-240V AC (XP-1001-01)
50Hz/60Hz
1000W max
T8A/250V HRC 20x5mm
The power for this unit must come from
a stable mains supply. Do not power
from inverters, frequency convertors, or
generators.
(See Section 5 for further details)
Operating Environment
Temperature Range
Relative Humidity Range
Maximum Operating Altitude
+18 to +30 C
(Ambient temperatures above 25C
can reduce the rate of cooling)
20% to 80% non-condensing
2000m above sea-level

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XXPRESS® NGX USER MANUAL –XP-5001-01-5
Storage and Transportation
Temperature Range
Relative Humidity Range
PCR Performance
Thermal Ramp Rate
Thermal Uniformity
(Steady state)
Fluorescence Detection
-10 to +50 C
20% to 95% non-condensing
Maximum Ramp Rate 10C per second
Adjustable from 0.1C to 10C per
second in 0.1C steps
±0.3C well to well across the test plate
Uniformity achieved after 0.5 seconds
5 Channel Fluorescence Detection
LED illumination
CCD image capture
Detection Channels and Frequencies
Channel
Excitation (nm)
Emission (nm)
Common Dyes
Channel 1 Green
460-488
507-527
FAM, SYBR Green
Channel 2 Yellow
524-546
567-583
JOE, HEX, TAM,
VIC
Channel 3 Orange
567-589
617-633
ROX, Texas Red
Channel 4 Red
626-644
667-679
Cy5
Channel 5 Deep
Red
656-668
698-724
Cy5.5

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XXPRESS® NGX USER MANUAL –XP-5001-01-5
5 Safety Precautions and Limitations of Use
It is essential that all users of this equipment have fully read and
understood the following safety precautions and limitations of use before
installing or operating the xxpress®NGx unit.
IMPORTANT
WARNING
The protection provided by this equipment may be impaired if
it is not used in a manner described in this manual.
WARNING
It is essential that the user of this equipment is aware of the
potential hazards associated with the unit and its accessories.
All operators should be familiar with the safety precautions and
warnings given in these instructions before attempting to
operate the unit.
Improper use of this unit or its accessories may impair their
functionality and invalidate the manufacturer’s warranty.
Unit Handling Precautions
CAUTION
Care should be taken not to drop the unit or subject it to rough
physical handling, both during normal use and during
transportation and storage.
WARNING
The unit should be supported using the base of the unit when
being lifted or moved. Do not lift the unit by any other part of
the casework.
Care should be taken when lifting the unit due to its weight.
CAUTION
Care should be taken not to knock the LCD display.
Do not use excessive force when touching the touch screen or
operating the buttons.

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XXPRESS® NGX USER MANUAL –XP-5001-01-5
Unit Installation and Operating Environment
DANGER
WARNING
The xxpress®NGx unit is designed for indoor laboratory use
only.
The acceptable operating temperature range is 18ºC to 30ºC,
with a relative humidity of 20% to 80% non-condensing, at a
maximum altitude of 2000m above sea level.
If the unit is stored in conditions outside of these ranges, it
must be left to stand unpowered until it has acclimatised to
within these environmental limits before being powered.
DANGER
Use an appropriately rated and approved cordset as detailed
in Section 4.
The unit must be connected to a suitably earthed mains
supply, with appropriate earth-leakage and over-current
protection.
WARNING
Always ensure that the mains power connector is securely
inserted into the rear of the unit, and any excess power cord
does not pose a potential trip or pull hazard.
Always ensure that the mains plug is easily accessible to allow
disconnection from the supply.
WARNING
The power for this unit must come from a stable mains supply.
Do not power from inverters, frequency convertors, or
generators.
This unit requires a power supply with both a stable voltage
and stable frequency. Inverters, frequency convertors, and
generators do not provide acceptable stability and the unit can
perform outside its specification, or fail to perform, or be
damaged by the use of these forms of power supply.
DANGER
Do not operate the unit in any area which is, or has been, or is
thought to have been exposed to explosive or flammable
gases, vapours or liquids.
WARNING
The unit must be installed and operated on a solid, stable and
level working surface; ensuring that the ventilation holes under
the unit and at the rear of the unit are not obstructed.

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XXPRESS® NGX USER MANUAL –XP-5001-01-5
General Operating Precautions
DANGER
Ensure that the power is switched off at both the AC mains
supply outlet and at the back of the unit before inserting or
removing the mains power cord.
DANGER
The xxplate™ can reach temperatures of over 100°C and can
remain hot for a time after the xxpress® NGx system is turned
off.
If conditions are set such that the experiment is finished with
the plate at a high temperature it will exit the unit with the
potential to burn the operator and care should be taken.
DANGER
The unit is intended for use with plates containing biological
samples only.
Never use the unit to process any explosive, volatile or highly
reactive substances or chemicals.
CAUTION
There is a possible finger crush hazard due to the moving
parts of the door. Care should be taken when closing the door.

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XXPRESS® NGX USER MANUAL –XP-5001-01-5
Unit Maintenance and Serviceability
DANGER
WARNING
There are no user or operator serviceable parts inside the unit.
Do not remove the unit casework.
Removal of the unit's casework will void the manufacturer’s
warranty and may expose the user to a Risk of Electric Shock
resulting in serious injury or death.
DANGER
Once installed, the externally accessible unit fuse will only
blow under a fault condition. This fuse should only be changed
after the unit has been thoroughly inspected by a qualified
engineer. See Section 8.1 for details.
DANGER
Always switch off the unit and disconnect the power cord
before performing any cleaning or decontamination procedure.
If liquid is spilt into or over the unit, switch off and disconnect
the power from the AC mains outlet before attempting to deal
with the spillage.
CAUTION
Ensure that the xxpress®NGxunit has cooled down to room
temperature before performing any cleaning operation and
before moving or storing the unit.
CAUTION
The use of harsh chemicals and cleaning agents may damage
the unit and degrade its performance.
Always follow the cleaning and decontamination procedures
specified in Sections 8.2 and 8.3 of this instruction manual.
CAUTION
Do not autoclave any part of the unit or its accessories.

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XXPRESS® NGX USER MANUAL –XP-5001-01-5
6 Unit Installation
Before installing the xxpress®NGx unit, please check that the delivery is
complete and that the unit and any accessory parts are intact and free
from any signs of transportation damage. Also ensure that all external and
internal packaging has been removed from the unit before installation.
Please retain all packaging for future transportation and
storage of the system.
The xxpress®NGx unit should be installed in a location which meets the
following requirements:
•Safe and suitable operating environment (see Section 5)
•Solid, stable, level working surface
•At least 10cm clearance around the unit to adjacent objects and
walls
•Earthed AC mains power connection (see Section 4)
WARNING
Please also observe and abide by the Unit Installation and
Operating Environment safety precautions and preconditions
listed in Section 5.
WARNING
The power for this unit must come from a stable mains supply
that matches the specification on the back panel of the unit.
Do not power from inverters, frequency convertors, or
generators (see Section 5).
WARNING
Ensure that the correct fuse type has been fitted in the mains
inlet fuse holder as detailed on the back of the unit.
See Section 4 for details.
WARNING
If the unit has been stored in a cool environment, it must be
left to stand unplugged until it has acclimatised to the new
room temperature before being powered.

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XXPRESS® NGX USER MANUAL –XP-5001-01-5
Install and test the xxpress®NGx unit using the following procedure:
1) Place the unit on the suitably selected working surface (as
specified above), ensuring that the ventilation holes
underneath and on the rear of the unit are not obstructed.
2) Open the battery compartment and insert the 9 V battery as
shown below. Close the battery compartment.
3) Connect the unit to the AC mains power outlet using an
appropriately rated and approved cordset as detailed in
Section 4.
4) Switch the mains power on at the supply outlet. Then switch
the unit on using the power switch located at the rear of the
unit.
5) Press the blue xxpress®NGx Power On/Off button, located on
the front of the unit and wait whilst it starts up. This can take
30 seconds as the unit initialises. The system will then run a
self-test (see Quick Start Sheet for details).
Insert 9Volt Battery

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XXPRESS® NGX USER MANUAL –XP-5001-01-5
6) Start-up is complete when the LOGON screen is shown, see
below.

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XXPRESS® NGX USER MANUAL –XP-5001-01-5
7 Unit Operation
WARNING
Please ensure that you have read and fully understood all the
Safety Precautions and Limitations of Use listed in Section
5 before attempting to operate the xxpress®NGx unit.
7.1 User Touch Screen Display and Controls
The xxpress®NGx user interface consists of a large, high definition,
colour LCD display. It has an integrated touch screen that supports
standard PC multi-finger gestures such as scrolling. The touch screen is
designed to operate when wearing standard, clean, solvent-free
laboratory gloves.
The unit is controlled through an application that runs on the
xxpress®NGx. It has been designed to match experimental procedures
used by Biotechnologists, making it intuitive and easy to use.
The xxpress®NGx software and user instructions will be regularly
updated. You can find details of the latest version from your distributor or
at www.xxpressPCR.com.
7.2 Operation of the xxpress®NGx qPCR System
7.2.1 Turning on xxpress®NGx
•Before connecting xxpress®NGx to the mains electrical connection,
make sure that the voltage and frequency detailed on the rear label
of the unit (see table 2) matches the voltage supply.
•Connect the supply using an appropriately rated and approved
cordset as detailed in Section 4. Turn on the power on at the wall,
then turn on the power input switch on the mains input connector
(see table 2).
•The unit is now powered and the rear fan may begin to operate
depending on the temperature of the unit and the environment.

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XXPRESS® NGX USER MANUAL –XP-5001-01-5
•To wake-up the xxpress®NGx, press the blue Power On/Off Button
on the front panel once. The xxpress®NGx will wake up, run a self-
test and initialise its system. Figure 1 is the HOME screen. Once this
screen is visible the xxpress®NGx is ready to use. You can always
return to thisscreen bytouching the logo in the bottom left
corner of the screen.
•From the HOME screen it is possible to create new experiments, run
previously designed experiments, and analyse the results of
previously run experiments. For each of the operations the
xxpress®NGx will guide the user through the steps required.
Figure 1
•To check the software version running on the xxpress®NGx, go to
the HOME screen and touch the xxpress®NGx logo in the bottom left
corner of the screen. A pop-up window will appear listing the version
and the software licence terms. See Figure 2.

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XXPRESS® NGX USER MANUAL –XP-5001-01-5
Figure 2
Close the screen by touching the symbol in the top right corner of the
pop-up window.
The following sections of this manual will guide the user through the
regular operations that can be completed using xxpress®NGx.
7.2.2 Designing a New PCR Experiment
•To create a new test method or experiment touch the DESIGN
EXPERIMENT tile on the screen (the xxpress®NGx is fitted with a
touch screen which is sensitive and doesn’t need significant force to
operate).
•The next screen asks for the type of PCR experiment you wish to
perform. Touch the desired experiment type, it will become
highlighted as shown in Figure 3. The selection can by altered by
touching a new PCR type.
•Once the desiredexperiment type has been chosen, touchthe arrow
symbol at the bottom right of the screen to proceed to the next
screen.