Integra VIAFLO ASSIST 4500 User manual

VIAFLO ASSIST Operating instructions
127950_V07

Declaration of conformity
INTEGRA Biosciences AG – 7205 Zizers, Switzerland
declares on its own responsibility that the device
complies with:
Zizers, November 4, 2016
Description Model
VIAFLO ASSIST 4500
EU Directives (DoW: Date of Withdrawal) Before DoW DoW After DoW
Low Voltage Equipment 2006/95/EC 20.04.2016 2014/35/EU
Electromagnetic Compatibility 2004/108/EC 20.04.2016 2014/30/EU
Restriction of Hazardous Substances 2011/65/EU
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment 2012/19/EU
Radio Equipment Directive 1999/5/EC 13.06.2016 2014/53/EU
EU Regulations
Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) 1907/2006
Ecodesign - Power supplies 278/2009
Standards for EU
Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement,
control and laboratory use - General requirements.
EN 61010-1: 2010
Particular requirements for automatic and semi-automatic
laboratory equipment for analysis and other purposes.
EN 61010-2-81: 2015
Electrical equipment for measurement, control and laboratory
use - EMC requirements.
EN 61326-1: 2013
Standards for Canada and USA
Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement,
control and laboratory use - General requirements.
CAN/CSA-C22.2
No. 61010-1
Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement,
control and laboratory use - General requirements.
UL 61010-1
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation.
Part 15 of the
FCC Rules
Contains FCC ID:
PI4410B
Elmar Morscher
CEO
Thomas Neher
Quality Manager

VIAFLO ASSIST – Operating instructions V07
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Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Introduction
1.1 Symbols used...................................................................................5
1.2 Intended use.....................................................................................6
1.3 Safety notes .....................................................................................7
Chapter 2 Description of the device
2.1 Scope of delivery..............................................................................8
2.2 Overview of the VIAFLO ASSIST.....................................................8
2.2.1 VIAFLO ASSIST device ........................................................8
2.2.2 Keypad..................................................................................8
2.3 Overview of VIAFLO II Electronic Pipette.........................................9
2.3.1 VIAFLO II pipette parts .........................................................9
2.3.2 Display ..................................................................................9
Chapter 3 Installation
3.1 Operating environment...................................................................10
3.2 Relocating VIAFLO ASSIST...........................................................10
3.3 Charging the battery of the VIAFLO II Electronic Pipette ...............10
3.4 Adapting the pipette holder ............................................................10
3.5 Attaching and removing a VIAFLO II Electronic Pipette.................11
3.6 Toolbox settings .............................................................................11
3.6.1 Enabling ASSIST mode ......................................................11
3.6.2 Connection between VIAFLO ASSIST and pipette.............11
3.6.3 Setting tip type ....................................................................12
3.6.4 Adjusting the plate alignment..............................................12
3.6.5 Move Speed........................................................................13
Chapter 4 Operation
4.1 Turn on/off the VIAFLO ASSIST device .........................................14
4.2 Turn on/off the VIAFLO II Electronic Pipette ..................................14
4.3 Bluetooth connection ......................................................................14
4.4 Running a program.........................................................................14
4.5 Pipetting in 96 and 384 well plates.................................................15
4.6 Troubleshooting..............................................................................16

VIAFLO ASSIST – Operating instructions V07
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Chapter 5 Programming
5.1 Overview pipetting modes ..............................................................17
5.2 Setting up a program......................................................................18
5.3 Modify existing programs ...............................................................18
5.4 Detailed description of pipetting modes .........................................19
5.4.1 General parameters ............................................................19
5.4.2 Serial Dilution mode............................................................21
5.4.3 Repeat dispense mode .......................................................23
5.4.4 Variable Dispense mode.....................................................25
5.4.5 Multi Aspirate mode ............................................................26
5.4.6 Custom program mode .......................................................27
Chapter 6 Maintenance
6.1 Cleaning .........................................................................................29
6.2 Decontamination ............................................................................29
6.3 Servicing.........................................................................................29
6.4 Equipment disposal ........................................................................29
Chapter 7 Technical Data
7.1 Environmental conditions ...............................................................30
7.2 Specification of the device..............................................................30
7.2.1 Maximum labware height on plate carrier ...........................30
7.3 Intellectual Property........................................................................30
Chapter 8 Accessories
8.1 Accessories for VIAFLO ASSIST ...................................................31
8.2 Accessories for VIAFLO II Electronic Pipettes ...............................31
8.3 Consumables .................................................................................32
Imprint ...................................................................................................35

VIAFLO ASSIST – Operating instructions V07 Introduction
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1 Introduction
These operating instructions contain all the information required for installation, operation
and maintenance of the VIAFLO ASSIST. This chapter informs about the symbols used in
these operating instructions, the intended use of the VIAFLO ASSIST and the general
safety instructions.
1.1 Symbols used
The operating instructions specifically advise of residual risks with the following symbols:
WARNING
This safety symbol warns against hazards that could result in injury. It also
indicates hazards for machinery, materials and the environment.
It is essential that you follow the corresponding precautions.
CAUTION
This symbol cautions against potential material damage or the loss of data in
a microprocessor controller. Follow the instructions.
NOTE
This symbol identifies important notes regarding the correct operation of the
device and labor-saving features.
The device is marked with the following symbol:
BIOHAZARD
The instrument can be potentially biohazardous due to the use of
biozazardous substances by the operator.

VIAFLO ASSIST – Operating instructions V07 Introduction
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1.2 Intended use
This is a general-purpose laboratory instrument for use in research only. Any use of this
instrument in a medical or IVD setting is the sole responsibility of the user.
With a VIAFLO II electronic multichannel pipette attached, VIAFLO ASSIST performs
pipetting operations in microplates automatically.
NOTE
Only VIAFLO II multichannel pipettes (as of serial number 600 000 and
firmware version 3.00 or higher) can be used with VIAFLO ASSIST. The
VIAFLO II pipette needs its own Bluetooth module, which has to be ordered
separately (part no. 4221).
VIAFLO II Electronic Pipettes are microprocessor controlled and stepper motor driven
pipettes. They are used for aspirating and dispensing liquids in the volume range of 0.5–
1250 µl using GripTip pipette tips. Please refer to the VIAFLO II Electronic Pipettes
operating instructions for more detailed informations on www.integra-biosciences.com.

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1.3 Safety notes
VIAFLO ASSIST complies to the recognized safety regulations and is safe to operate.
VIAFLO ASSIST can only be operated when in intact condition and while observing these
operating instructions.
The device may be associated with residual risks if it is used or operated improperly by
untrained personnel. Any person operating the VIAFLO ASSIST must have read and
understood these operating instructions, and particularly, the safety notes, or must have
been instructed by supervisors so that safe operation of the device is guaranteed.
CAUTION
Do not open or modify the VIAFLO ASSIST in any way. Repairs may only be
performed by INTEGRA Biosciences AG or by an authorized after-sales
service member. Parts may be replaced with original INTEGRA Biosciences
parts only.
WARNING
Do not use the VIAFLO ASSIST near flammable material or in explosive
areas. Also, do not pipette highly flammable liquids such as acetone or ether.
When handling dangerous substances, comply with the material safety data
sheet (MSDS) and with all safety guidelines such as the use of protective
clothing and safety goggles.
NOTE
Prolonged exposure of the VIAFLO ASSIST to UV-light can cause
discoloration and/or yellowing. However, this will not affect the performance
of the device in any way.
Regardless of the listed safety notes, additional applicable regulations and guidelines of
trade associations, health authorities, trade supervisory offices, etc. must be observed.
Please visit our website www.integra-biosciences.com on a regular basis for up to date
information regarding REACH classified chemicals contained in our products.

VIAFLO ASSIST – Operating instructions V07 Description of the device
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2 Description of the device
2.1 Scope of delivery
• VIAFLO ASSIST (VIAFLO II Electronic Pipette to be ordered separately)
• Mains adapter
• Sample pack 10 ml, 25 ml and 100 ml reagent reservoir
CAUTION
Verify the scope of delivery when unpacking the device and check for
potential transportation damage. Do not operate a device that is damaged,
instead contact your local dealer.
2.2 Overview of the VIAFLO ASSIST
2.2.1 VIAFLO ASSIST device
2.2.2 Keypad
1Tower with pipette arm. Arm moves in Z-direction
2Plate carrier, moves in X-direction
3Power connection
4USB port, for firmware updates
5Keypad
6Reservoir position
7Instrument base
8Pipette holder on pipette arm with lever to shift the
pipette in Y-direction
9Gripper, lever to release the pipette
10 VIAFLO II Electronic Pipette
11  Up and  Down arrow keys move the pipette
along the Z-axis to teach pipetting heights.
12  Left and  Right arrow keys move the plate
carrier along the X-axis to adjust the plate carrier
position.
13 Start/Pause key, to start/stop operations.
Green LED blinks: press to start operation/homing
Green LED lights: operation performed
14 Bluetooth control LED (lights blue if connection is
active) and Error LED (flashes red in case of error)
15 On/Off key (lights green if On)
3
9
5
6
8
2
10
1
7
4
11 12 13 14 15

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2.3 Overview of VIAFLO II Electronic Pipette
2.3.1 VIAFLO II pipette parts
2.3.2 Display
The Display shows all pipetting options.
16 Display
17 Back button, to navigate backward
18 Touch wheel, spin to scroll and move the cursor
19 OK button, to make a selection
20 Left and right arrow buttons, for selections
21 Purge button, to empty tips
22 Run key, to start operations
23 Tip ejector
24 Finger hook, facilitates easy operation
25 Volume indicator label, color matches GripTip box
insert.
Battery life indicator
Instruction
Volume
Options
16
17
20
21
22
23
18
19
24
25
K
Current mode
Active step
OK -
Serial Dilution,
select program

VIAFLO ASSIST – Operating instructions V07 Installation
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3 Installation
3.1 Operating environment
VIAFLO ASSIST has been designed for use in a laboratory. It shall be operated in a dry
and dust-free location with a temperature of 5–40°C and a maximal (non-condensing)
relative humidity of 80 %, see “7.1 Environmental conditions” on page 30.
3.2 Relocating VIAFLO ASSIST
Before VIAFLO ASSIST can be relocated, clear the Instrument base (7). Switch off the
device and disconnect it from the electricity mains. Lift the VIAFLO ASSIST on both sides
of the Instrument base. Never lift the instrument on the Tower.
3.3 Charging the battery of the VIAFLO II Electronic Pipette
The battery indicator in the upper right corner of the pipette screen informs about the
battery status. When it turns red, the pipette needs to be charged.
CAUTION
Use only the approved INTEGRA battery, power supply or charging stand.
Use of an incompatible power transformer can damage the pipette.
The battery can be charged using either the mains adapter or a charging stand, see (“8.2
Accessories for VIAFLO II Electronic Pipettes” on page 31).
3.4 Adapting the pipette holder
The pipette holder can be adapted to the type of the VIAFLO II Electronic Pipette.
Insert the mains adapter connector into the receptacle on the top
back of the pipette. Plug the mains adapter into a wall outlet.
To adapt the holder for an 8- or 16-channel pipette, pull the silver
lever down as shown beside.
Lift the lever up to insert a 12-channel pipette.

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3.5 Attaching and removing a VIAFLO II Electronic Pipette
Rotate the lower hosing of the VIAFLO II Electronic Pipette by 90 degrees as displayed in
the picture.
3.6 Toolbox settings
3.6.1 Enabling ASSIST mode
The ASSIST mode is hidden from the Main Menu of the VIAFLO II pipettes by default.
3.6.2 Connection between VIAFLO ASSIST and pipette
The first time a specific VIAFLO II pipette is going to be connected to the VIAFLO ASSIST,
both instruments need to be paired. Scroll to the Toolbox and press OK.
To install a pipette, hold it at an angle and insert it into the pipette
holder.
Then lift up until the black gripper snaps in place.
To release the VIAFLO II Electronic Pipette lift the black gripper by
pushing down on one end.
Use the Touch wheel to select Toolbox from the Main Menu and press
OK.
Select Preferences and then Main Menu. Enable the ASSIST mode by
pressing OK (green ) and press  to save your settings.
From the ASSIST option select Bluetooth Pairing.
Switch OFF and ON the VIAFLO ASSIST device, see “4.1 Turn on/off
the VIAFLO ASSIST device” on page 14, and wait approx. 30 sec.
until the message “Pairing successful” is displayed. Press OK.

VIAFLO ASSIST – Operating instructions V07 Installation
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3.6.3 Setting tip type
VIAFLO II Electronic Pipettes of 12.5 µl size can be used with standard or long GripTips.
In order to teach the correct heights for VIAFLO ASSIST movements, the used tip type
must be specified. Go to the Toolbox of the VIAFLO II pipette, select ASSIST and press
OK.
3.6.4 Adjusting the plate alignment
The Plate Alignment option is used to align the pipette's tips along the X-axis with the
center of the wells in the first row/column of a microplate (depending on plate orientation).
Select ASSIST on the Toolbox and press OK.
With GripTips attached, install the VIAFLO II pipette on the VIAFLO ASSIST and put a
plate on the plate carrier. Use the  Left arrow key to positon row A / column 1 below the
tips. Press the arrow keys until the tips target the center of the wells. Press Set  to save
this position.
NOTE
Plate alignments with 384 well plates require a 16-channel VIAFLO II
Electronic Pipette. When working with 8- or 12-channel pipettes in a 384 well
plate, the plate alignment is made on a 96-well plate nevertheless.
Select Tip Type and press OK.
Use the Touch wheel to highlight Standard or Long. Press OK to
select the correct tip type (green ) and Save  your settings.
Select Plate Alignment and press OK.
Define the number of wells of your plate (e.g. 96 for a
96-well plate) and choose the plate orientation from
either landscape or portrait. Use the Touch wheel to
select an option and press OK.
For fine adjustment of the pipette tips along the Y-axis turn the
screw on the pipette holder (a) with a flathead screw driver size 2.
Turning clockwise moves the pipette to the rear, counterclockwise
to the front. The maximum Y-shift is +/- 5 mm.
a

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3.6.5 Move Speed
Allows to change the move speed of the pipette arm (1, Z-axis) and the plate carrier (2, X-
axis) on ASSIST.
Select Move Speed and press OK.
Use the Touch wheel to select Slow, Medium or Default (=fast) and
press OK. Save  your settings.

VIAFLO ASSIST – Operating instructions V07 Operation
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4 Operation
4.1 Turn on/off the VIAFLO ASSIST device
Connect VIAFLO ASSIST to the power supply with the supplied mains adapter. Turn on
VIAFLO ASSIST by pressing the On/Off key (15), which is confirmed by the green LED
lighting up.
Press the Start/Pause key when it is blinking to home the VIAFLO ASSIST device.
WARNING
Remove hands from VIAFLO ASSIST during homing.
After homing the LED of the Start/Pause key will turn off.
To turn off VIAFLO ASSIST press the On/Off key two seconds. It’s LED switches off.
4.2 Turn on/off the VIAFLO II Electronic Pipette
Press and release the Run key (22) to turn on the pipette.
To turn off the pipette, press and hold the Back button (17) for 3 seconds.
4.3 Bluetooth connection
If the connection fails, press  to retry the connection or refer to “4.6 Troubleshooting” on
page 16. Alternatively, continue Offline . During offline mode VIAFLO ASSIST cannot be
operated. It is possible to create programs, however without teaching of active heights.
4.4 Running a program
Select the ASSIST mode in the Main Menu of the VIAFLO II pipette
and press OK. The pipette establishes the Bluetooth connection.
When the blue Bluetooth symbol ( ) next to the battery indicator is
displayed and the Bluetooth control LED (14
) alights, both
instruments are connected.
From the ASSIST menu select the Pipetting mode and the stored
program you want to run and press OK.
Press the Run key (22).

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You are prompted to place the pipette on the VIAFLO ASSIST device, see “3.5 Attaching
and removing a VIAFLO II Electronic Pipette” on page 11. When attached press the green
blinking Start/Pause key (13) on the VIAFLO ASSIST device. It switches to solid green
and the program will be performed automatically.
WARNING
Keep hands out of area of moving VIAFLO ASSIST parts during the run.
A program can be interrupted by pressing the Start/Pause key (13
). Either press the
Start/Pause key again to continue the program or press  Abort on the pipette to abort
the program.
4.5 Pipetting in 96 and 384 well plates
The standard option to fill a 384 well plate is to use a 16-channel pipette. To access a 384
well plate with an 8- or 12-channel pipette, the pipette needs to be shifted in Y-direction.
To do so, switch the lever (a) on the pipette holder to the front or rear position. The center
position is used for 96 well plates.
The rear position of the
lever (a) moves the pipette
to the rear to accommo-
date the rear positions of
384 well plates.
Set the lever (a) to the
center to pipette in 96 well
plates.
The front position of the
lever (a) moves the pipette
to the front to accommo-
date the front positions of
384 well plates.
a
a
a

VIAFLO ASSIST – Operating instructions V07 Operation
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4.6 Troubleshooting
Problem Probable cause Remedy
The connection
between pipette and
ASSIST cannot be
established.
• The two instruments have not
been paired or the pairing
was lost.
• From the main menu of the
pipette go to Toolbox -> ASSIST
and select Bluetooth Pairing,
see “3.6.2 Connection between
VIAFLO ASSIST and pipette”
on page 11. Follow the instruc-
tions on the pipette screen.
Error LED (14)
blinks red
• VIAFLO ASSIST motor lost
steps during movement.
• Pipetting heights were set
wrong and the pipette
crashed into the plate.
• Follow the instructions on the
pipette display.
After firmware
update, the Error
LED (14) blinks red
and VIAFLO
ASSIST cannot be
started.
• No firmware installed. • Contact service for VIALINK
special firmware update.
GripTips are not
aligned in X-posi-
tion.
• Plate alignment not set. • Perform plate alignment, see
“3.6.4 Adjusting the plate
alignment” on page 12.
The tip height is not
correct using 12.5 μl
GripTips.
• Wrong tip type set. • Enter the tip type used, see
“3.6.3 Setting tip type” on
page 12.

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5 Programming
5.1 Overview pipetting modes
The table below shows pipetting modes which can be performed automatically in combi-
nation with VIAFLO ASSIST. All modes are accessed from the ASSIST Menu of a
VIAFLO II Electronic Pipette. You can create and store up to 20 different programs in each
of Serial Dilution, Repeat Dispense, Variable Dispense or Multi Aspirate mode and up to
40 different Custom programs.
Pipetting mode Description
Serial Dilution Allows aspirating a transfer volume followed by a mix. Columns
and Mix Cycles are tracked on the display.
Repeat Dispense Allows dispensing multiple aliquots of the same volume without
refilling the tips after each dispense for fast microplate filling and
processing.
Variable Dispense Allows dispensing multiple aliquots of different volumes.
Multi Aspirate Allows aspirating multiple aliquots of the same or different
volumes from a microplate.
Custom Allows to create and store multi-stepped user-defined pipetting
protocols.

VIAFLO ASSIST – Operating instructions V07 Programming
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5.2 Setting up a program
NOTE
If no Bluetooth connection is available, you can also use the offline mode to
create a new program. Live teaching of pipetting heights is not possible in
offline mode.
To run the program, select the stored program and press OK on the VIAFLO II Electronic
Pipette, see 4.4 “Running a program” on page 14.
5.3 Modify existing programs
Use the Touch wheel to scroll to your desired pipetting mode and
press OK.
Press New  to create a new program of the selected mode. Your are
prompted to enter a name.
Use the Touch wheel to select characters and press OK. Once
finished, press  to save the name. The programs can later be
renamed, see 5.3 “Modify existing programs” on page 18.
Define all parameters of your program and press Save .
At any program display, use the Touch wheel to highlight an existing
program.
Press  Options, use the Touch wheel to select an option (View/Edit,
Delete, Copy, Rename) to modify the program and press OK.

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5.4 Detailed description of pipetting modes
5.4.1 General parameters
NOTE
Perform all position settings with GripTips attached. For 12.5 µl volume
pipettes the correct tip type needs to be defined first, see 3.6.3 “Setting tip
type” on page 12.
Plate
The following basic plate setup is part of every pipetting mode. Use the Touch wheel to
select an option, define the required parameters and press OK. If a parameter is out of
range, the VIAFLO II pipette beeps. Press Error  to read the error message.
NOTE
Keep the Arrow keys (,, , ) pressed to increase the movement
speed of the plate carrier or pipette holder during position teaching.
Options Description
Wells Press OK and use the Touch wheel to choose the kind of well plate used
(6-384). Press OK.
Orientation Choose the orientation of the plate. Press OK to toggle between
landscape and portrait:
Landscape
Columns
Portrait
Rows
Note: Switching to portrait requires to adapt default parameters like
“Rows”, “Columns” or “Count”.
Clear Height The travel height at which the GripTips move from well to well. The tips
must be above the plate, see “Adjust the tip heights” on page 20.

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Adjust the tip heights
Press OK to display the setting dial showing the current selected height. The required
heights can be entered directly with the Touch wheel, if known:
•Reservoir or Tube Strip are chosen as container: The height is the distance between
the end of the GripTips and the Instrument base (7).
•Column or Row: If the plate or container is located on the Plate carrier (2), the lower
point of reference is the Plate carrier (2).
Alternatively, adjust the tip height by moving the GripTips in the teach position:
•Reservoir or Tube Strip are chosen as container, located on Reservoir position (6):
move the plate carrier out of the way with the  Right arrow key of VIAFLO ASSIST.
•Column or Row: If the plate or container is located on the Plate carrier (2), use the
Left and  Right arrow keys of VIAFLO ASSIST to move the plate carrier into
position, so that the pipette tips target above the center of any wells or the container.
• Press OK to display the setting dial. Press the  Up and  Down keys to position the
GripTips at the desired height and press OK to save current settings.
Description of the tracking distances
The tracking distance is the distance the pipette automatically follows during aspirating,
dispensing or mixing allowing a constant tip immersion depth, e.g. 2 mm below the
surface.
Source Source Mix (↕):
Start tracking from (hs). Height (hs)
is defined in the Source section.
Source Asp (↓):
Start tracking from (hs). Height (hs) is
defined in the Source section.
Tar ge t Target Disp (↑):
Start tracking from (ht).
Height (ht) is defined in
the Target section.
Target Mix (↕):
Start tracking from (x):
Height (x) is calculated
automatically: (ht) +
Target Disp distance.
Target Aspirate (↓):
Start tracking from (x):
Height (x) is calculated
automatically: (ht) +
Target Disp distance.
(hs)
(hs)
(ht)
(x)
(ht)
(x)
(ht)