cytiva Amersham ImageQuant 800 User manual

Amersham ImageQuant 800
User Manual
Amersham
ImageQuant 800
cytiva.com

Table of Contents
1Introduction ........................................................................................................ 4
1.1 About this manual ......................................................................................................................................... 5
1.2 The Amersham ImageQuant 800 instrument ................................................................................... 7
2 System Preparation ............................................................................................ 9
2.1 Amersham ImageQuant 800 control software ................................................................................ 10
2.1.1 Introduction .................................................................................................................................................... 11
2.1.2 Start the Amersham ImageQuant 800 control software .......................................................... 12
2.1.3 System settings ............................................................................................................................................. 16
2.1.4 Account management ............................................................................................................................... 22
2.2 Amersham ImageQuant CONNECT ...................................................................................................... 29
2.2.1 Introduction .................................................................................................................................................... 30
2.2.2 Connect to the instrument ....................................................................................................................... 31
3 Use of methods in ImageQuant 800 control software ................................... 36
3.1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................... 37
3.2 General settings ............................................................................................................................................. 38
3.3 Advanced settings ......................................................................................................................................... 41
3.4 Chemiluminescence image capture ...................................................................................................... 45
3.4.1 Chemiluminescence imaging ................................................................................................................. 46
3.4.2 Automatic chemiluminescence exposure ........................................................................................ 50
3.4.3 Manual chemiluminescence exposure ............................................................................................... 53
3.4.4 Time series chemiluminescence exposure ....................................................................................... 55
3.4.5 SNOW chemiluminescence exposure ................................................................................................ 58
3.5 Colorimetric image capture ....................................................................................................................... 62
3.5.1 Colorimetric imaging .................................................................................................................................. 63
3.5.2 Gel documentation ...................................................................................................................................... 65
3.5.3 Optical Densitometry ................................................................................................................................. 66
3.6 Fluorescence image capture ..................................................................................................................... 67
3.6.1 Fluorescence imaging ................................................................................................................................ 68
3.6.2 Automatic fluorescence exposure ........................................................................................................ 71
3.6.3 Manual fluorescence exposure .............................................................................................................. 74
3.6.4 SNOW fluorescence exposure ................................................................................................................ 77
4 Manage images in ImageQuant 800 control software .................................. 81
4.1 View the image after capture .................................................................................................................... 82
4.2 The Image library screen ............................................................................................................................. 88
5 ImageQuant CONNECT operation .................................................................... 91
5.1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................... 92
5.2 Use the scheduler tool ................................................................................................................................. 93
5.3 Manage images .............................................................................................................................................. 95
6 Troubleshooting ................................................................................................. 99
6.1 Instrument problems ................................................................................................................................... 100
6.2 Image problems ............................................................................................................................................. 102
6.3 Software problems ........................................................................................................................................ 104
6.4 Error messages ............................................................................................................................................... 105
Table of Contents
2 Amersham ImageQuant 800 User Manual 29383813 AB

Index ........................................................................................................................... 107
Table of Contents
Amersham ImageQuant 800 User Manual 29383813 AB 3

1 Introduction
About this chapter
This chapter contains important user information and a general description of the
Amersham™ ImageQuant™ 800 and its intended use.
In this chapter
Section See page
1.1 About this manual 5
1.2 The Amersham ImageQuant 800 instrument 7
1 Introduction
4 Amersham ImageQuant 800 User Manual 29383813 AB

1.1 About this manual
About this manual
The Amersham ImageQuant 800 User Manual provides instructions for setting up the
Amersham ImageQuant 800 system, performing image capture, and handling image
files using the Amersham ImageQuant 800 control software and Amersham
ImageQuant CONNECT software. For detailed instructions on installing the
Amersham ImageQuant 800 system, see the Amersham ImageQuant 800 Operating
Instructions (29372604).
Scope of this manual
The User Manual covers the Amersham ImageQuant 800 instrument, Amersham
ImageQuant 800 control software and Amersham ImageQuant CONNECT. If you work
in a regulated environment and have purchased and installed Amersham ImageQuant
800 GxP license, refer to the user manual provided separately for additional informa-
tion as software functions can vary. The illustration below shows the Amersham
ImageQuant 800 system.
Note: Depending on your system configuration, not all options described in this
manual may be available. It is possible to upgrade your system to increase
the range of imaging options. See the Amersham ImageQuant 800 Oper-
ating Instructions (29372604) for more information.
1 Introduction
1.1 About this manual
Amersham ImageQuant 800 User Manual 29383813 AB 5

Typographical conventions
Software items are identified in the text by bold italic text.
Hardware items are identified in the text by bold text.
In electronic format, references in italics are clickable hyperlinks.
Notes and tips
Note: A note is used to indicate information that is important for trouble-free and
optimal use of the product.
Tip: A tip contains useful information that can improve or optimize your proce-
dures.
1 Introduction
1.1 About this manual
6 Amersham ImageQuant 800 User Manual 29383813 AB

1.2 The Amersham ImageQuant 800 instrument
About the Amersham ImageQuant
800
The Amersham ImageQuant 800 is an imaging instrument designed to detect and
quantify proteins, DNA, and other biological samples, such as bacterial colonies. A
cooled 8.3 megapixel CCD camera is used to capture high resolution digital images of
electrophoretically separated protein and DNA bands in gels or membranes obtained
through blotting methods. Use of the optional NP lens also allows for chemilumines-
cence image capture from multi-well plates and petri dishes. The instrument can
capture images of chemiluminescent, fluorescent, and colorimetric samples,
depending on the system configuration. It is also possible to capture optical densitom-
etry (OD) images of stained gels to accurately measure amount of proteins in bands on
a gel. Image files obtained from the instrument can be analyzed with standard image
analysis software, such as Cytiva ImageQuant analysis software. Contact your Cytiva
representative for more information regarding analysis software. For regulated envi-
ronments, GxP functionality is available for the Amersham ImageQuant 800 control
software. Contact a Cytiva representative to learn more about this option.
The instrument is designed to be used for research purposes in life science laborato-
ries within academia and industry.
Instrument configuration
The Amersham ImageQuant 800 is available in several different configurations, which
can be upgraded to improve functionality. Depending on the configuration of your
Amersham ImageQuant 800 instrument, not all of the functions described in this
manual will be available. For more information on Amersham ImageQuant 800 instru-
ment configurations and upgrades, see the Amersham ImageQuant 800 Operating
Instructions (29372604).
Imaging capabilities
A fully equipped Amersham ImageQuant 800 instrument has the following LED light
sources:
Light source Emission wavelength
UV Epi 365 nm
Blue Epi 460 nm
Green Epi 535 nm
Red Epi 635 nm
IRshort Epi 660 nm
IRlong Epi 775 nm
1 Introduction
1.2 The Amersham ImageQuant 800 instrument
Amersham ImageQuant 800 User Manual 29383813 AB 7

Light source Emission wavelength
White Epi 470 to 635 nm
White Trans 470 to 635 nm
A fully equipped filter turret in the Amersham ImageQuant 800 instrument contains
the following emission filters:
Emission filter Data
Cy2 525BP20
Cy3(UV) 605BP40
Cy5 705BP40
IRshort 715BP30
IRlong 836BP46
Note: The Amersham ImageQuant 800 instrument can be further equipped with
custom emission filters, see Amersham ImageQuant 800 Operating
Instructions (29372604).
The figure below illustrates how these LED light sources and emission filters cover
different wavelength ranges of the light spectrum.
1 Introduction
1.2 The Amersham ImageQuant 800 instrument
8 Amersham ImageQuant 800 User Manual 29383813 AB

2 System Preparation
About this chapter
This chapter provides information on how to start and set up the Amersham
ImageQuant 800 control software and Amersham ImageQuant CONNECT software.
In this chapter
Section See page
2.1 Amersham ImageQuant 800 control software 10
2.2 Amersham ImageQuant CONNECT 29
2 System Preparation
Amersham ImageQuant 800 User Manual 29383813 AB 9

2.1 Amersham ImageQuant 800 control software
About this section
This section contains information on how to start the Amersham ImageQuant 800
control software, adjust settings, and manage user accounts.
In this section
Section See page
2.1.1 Introduction 11
2.1.2 Start the Amersham ImageQuant 800 control software 12
2.1.3 System settings 16
2.1.4 Account management 22
2 System Preparation
2.1 Amersham ImageQuant 800 control software
10 Amersham ImageQuant 800 User Manual 29383813 AB

2.1.1 Introduction
System setup
The Amersham ImageQuant 800 is operated through the Amersham ImageQuant 800
control software either via the touchscreen panel or an external monitor. For informa-
tion on the installation process and how to set up the Amersham ImageQuant 800
system, refer to the Amersham ImageQuant 800 Operating Instructions (29372604).
2 System Preparation
2.1 Amersham ImageQuant 800 control software
2.1.1 Introduction
Amersham ImageQuant 800 User Manual 29383813 AB 11

2.1.2 Start the Amersham ImageQuant 800 control software
Introduction
This section contains information on how to start the Amersham ImageQuant 800
system via Amersham ImageQuant 800 control software. For information on how to
set up and install the system, see Amersham ImageQuant 800 Operating Instructions
(29372604).
Note: If Amersham ImageQuant 800 GxP license is installed on your system, refer
to instructions provided in the Amersham ImageQuant 800 GxP User
Manual (29620391).
Start the system
Follow the steps below to start the Amersham ImageQuant 800.
Step Action
1Make sure that the instrument is plugged in to a mains power supply.
2Press the power button on the right side of the instrument to activate it.
Result:
The instrument's self-diagnostic process will initialize.
Note:
The self-diagnostic process will normally take a few minutes.
3Turn on the computer and log into Windows.
Note:
The Amersham ImageQuant 800 control software will auto-start after
Windows login.
2 System Preparation
2.1 Amersham ImageQuant 800 control software
2.1.2 Start the Amersham ImageQuant 800 control software
12 Amersham ImageQuant 800 User Manual 29383813 AB

Step Action
4Tap I Agree to agree to the End User License Agreement.
Note:
Uncheck the Show license agreement at startup box to no longer see the
End User License Agreement at startup.
5Enter your Username and Password.
Note:
To disable Log in, see the Turn off password protection, on page 22.
6Tap Login.
7Wait for the CCD status to turn green, which shows that the CCD has been
cooled to the target temperature.
Result:
Image capturing can begin.
Start the system using an external
monitor
It is also possible to start the system via the external PC if an external monitor is being
used. To do this, use the following procedure.
Step Action
1Make sure that the instrument is plugged in to a mains power supply.
2 System Preparation
2.1 Amersham ImageQuant 800 control software
2.1.2 Start the Amersham ImageQuant 800 control software
Amersham ImageQuant 800 User Manual 29383813 AB 13

Step Action
2Press the power button on the right side of the instrument to activate it.
Result:
The instrument's self-diagnostic process will initialize.
Note:
The self-diagnostic process will normally take a few minutes. Connection to a
network may take longer.
3Turn on the computer and log into Windows.
4Double click on the Amersham ImageQuant 800 control software icon to
connect to the instrument.
5If Login is turned On, enter your Username and Password.
Note:
To enable or disable Log in, refer to Turn off password protection, on page
22.
2 System Preparation
2.1 Amersham ImageQuant 800 control software
2.1.2 Start the Amersham ImageQuant 800 control software
14 Amersham ImageQuant 800 User Manual 29383813 AB

Step Action
6Wait for the CCD status to turn green.
Result:
Image capturing can begin.
Start the instrument from sleep
mode
After a set period of inactivity, the instrument enters sleep mode. Tap the touchscreen
to wake the instrument from sleep mode. The Login screen will display. If password
protection has been turned off, the Home screen will display.
Note: The default time until the instrument enters sleep mode is 30 minutes. To
change this setting, refer to the Amersham ImageQuant 800 Operating
Instructions (29372604).
2 System Preparation
2.1 Amersham ImageQuant 800 control software
2.1.2 Start the Amersham ImageQuant 800 control software
Amersham ImageQuant 800 User Manual 29383813 AB 15

2.1.3 System settings
Introduction
This section describes how to modify the system settings using the Amersham
ImageQuant 800 control software Settings page. This includes adjusting the camera
focus and the screen display, changing fluorescent dye and filter settings, and setting a
default save location for image files.
Adjust focus
The focal distance is by default set at a fixed distance. For thick samples however, or
when imaging multi-well plates or petri dishes, the focus might need to be adjusted.
The image below shows the Focus view in the system settings.
To adjust the focus for a specific imaging mode, follow the steps below.
Step Action
1Open the imaging mode being used.
Note:
In this example, Chemiluminescence imaging mode is used.
2Open the Settings tab.
3Select Focus from the left side of the screen.
2 System Preparation
2.1 Amersham ImageQuant 800 control software
2.1.3 System settings
16 Amersham ImageQuant 800 User Manual 29383813 AB

Step Action
4Adjust the slider in the Focus box (1) to change the focus. The result can be
seen in the live view window (2).
Note:
A precise focal distance can also be typed in the Focus (mm) box.
Note:
Clicking on the live view window will zoom in and out of the image.
5Adjust the slider in the Brightness box (3) to change the brightness of the
image.
6Tap Save to save the focus settings and return to the Chemiluminescence
screen.
Note:
Focus changes will only affect the selected image capture mode. If the user
changes to another mode, for example, Fluorescence, the focal distance
will still be set to the default setting.
2 System Preparation
2.1 Amersham ImageQuant 800 control software
2.1.3 System settings
Amersham ImageQuant 800 User Manual 29383813 AB 17

Screen display
If an external monitor is being used to control the Amersham ImageQuant 800 instru-
ment, the screen settings can be changed in the Settings tab.
Par
t
Function Par
t
Function
1 Return to previous window 4 Cancel changes
2 Toggle Full screen on and off 5 Save changes
3 Show or hide mouse cursor 6 Toggle on-screen keyboard on
and off
Add a light-filter combination
The Amersham ImageQuant 800 contains an accessible filter turret that can house up
to seven different filters, including two custom filters. Depending on your system
configuration, these dye settings for each filter are available for selection within the
Amersham ImageQuant 800 control software. Additional dye settings can be added in
the Settings panel. For more information on which filters are supplied with which
system configuration, see the Amersham ImageQuant 800 Operating Instructions
(29372604).
To add a new light-filter combination for a fluorescent dye to the Amersham
ImageQuant 800 control software, use the following steps.
Step Action
1Open System settings →Fluor dyes.
2Tap Add dye.
3In the Create a dye window, enter the Name of the new dye.
2 System Preparation
2.1 Amersham ImageQuant 800 control software
2.1.3 System settings
18 Amersham ImageQuant 800 User Manual 29383813 AB

Step Action
4Select a Light source for the dye.
5Select which Filter to use with the dye.
6Select whether the Focus is automatic, or manually set a fixed focal
distance.
7Select whether the Correction is calculated automatically, or manually
apply a set correction file.
Note:
For more information on correction file, see Image correction files, on page
20.
8Tap Save.
2 System Preparation
2.1 Amersham ImageQuant 800 control software
2.1.3 System settings
Amersham ImageQuant 800 User Manual 29383813 AB 19

Check filter information
The Amersham ImageQuant 800 holds seven filters. These can be either system filters,
or custom filters. The installed filters depend on the system configuration. A list of
installed filters and their specifications can be seen by tapping the Filter specs button.
Note: For more information on preparing custom filters, see the Amersham
ImageQuant 800 Operating Instructions (29372604).
Delete a fluorescent dye
To delete a fluorescent dye setting, follow the steps below.
Step Action
1In System settings →Fluor dyes, select the dye to be deleted by tapping
the checkbox.
2Tap Delete.
3Tap OK.
Image correction files
Image correction files are used to correct image non-uniformity in CCD cameras.
Correction files are provided for each light source. These are applied automatically to
each light source, but can also be set manually by the user when a dye is created, see
Add a light-filter combination, on page 18.
Note: New custom filter combinations might require generation of new correction
files. If new correction files are needed, contact your Cytiva representative
for more information.
Default save location
Folder locations for saving images, as well as selection of the default folder, can be
changed in the Settings menu.
To add a new save location, use the following steps.
2 System Preparation
2.1 Amersham ImageQuant 800 control software
2.1.3 System settings
20 Amersham ImageQuant 800 User Manual 29383813 AB