Molecular Devices MultiWash+ User manual

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August 2019
MultiWash+ Microplate Washer
User Guide

MicroWash+ Microplate Washer User Guide
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This document is provided to customers who have purchased Molecular Devices equipment, software,
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©2019Molecular Devices, LLC.
All rights reserved.

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Contents
Safety Information 5
Warnings, Cautions, Notes, and Tips 5
Chapter 1: Unpacking and Setting Up the Instrument 9
Contents of the Package 10
Unpacking the Washer 11
Installing the Manifold 15
Connecting the Fluid Bottles 17
Installing the Microplate Carrier 18
Connecting Power to the Instrument 19
Chapter 2: Using the Instrument 21
Using the Instrument Control Panel 22
Software Overview 23
Setting Up the Software 24
Loading a Microplate 24
Chapter 3: Running a Procedure 25
Running the Selected Procedure 26
Chapter 4: Priming or Rinsing the Fluidics System 31
Running a Manual Prime or Rinse Process 32
Running an Automatic Prime or Rinse Process 37
Running a Periodic Prime or Rinse Process 43
Chapter 5: Defining a Procedure 51
Defining the Procedure 52
Chapter 6: Defining a Wash or Rinse Cycle 65
Defining the Cycle 66
Chapter 7: Defining a Microplate Type 77
Defining Microplate Types 78
Defining a Round-Bottom Microplate Type 80
Defining a Flat-Bottom Microplate Type 95
Chapter 8: Selecting Instrument Set Up Options 113
Selecting the Language for the Display 114

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Selecting the Installed Manifold 115
Selecting the Number of Installed Wash Bottles 116
Scrolling Through the Detection Options 117
Selecting the Display of the Liquid Level Warning 118
Selecting the Display of the Waste Level Warning 119
Selecting the Display of the Microplate Warning 120
Selecting the Key Click Option 121
Selecting the Emergency Stop Option 122
Chapter 9: Maintenance and Troubleshooting 123
Preventive Maintenance 123
Clean the Instrument 124
Maintaining the Fluidics System and Manifold 126
Replacing Fuses 130
Packing the Instrument for Storage or Service 132
Status Messages and Error Messages 141
Obtaining Support 142
Appendix A: Parts and Accessories 143
Appendix B: Instrument Specifications 145
Physical Specifications 145
Measurement Specifications 146
Appendix C: System Dimensions 147
Index 149

Safety Information
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Safety Information
Information about the safe use of the instrument from Molecular Devices® includes an
understanding of the user-attention statements in this guide, the safety labels on the
instrument, precautions to follow before you operate the instrument, and precautions to
follow while you operate the instrument.
Make sure that everyone involved with the operation of the instrument has:
Received instruction in general safety practices for laboratories.
Received instruction in specific safety practices for the instrument.
Read and understood all Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all materials being used.
Read and observe all warnings, cautions, and instructions. The most important key to safety
is to operate the instrument with care.
WARNING! If the instrument is used in a manner not specified by Molecular
Devices, the protection provided by the equipment might be impaired.
Warnings, Cautions, Notes, and Tips
All warning symbols are framed within a yellow triangle. An exclamation mark is used for
most warnings. Other symbols can warn of other types of hazards such as biohazard,
electrical, or laser safety warnings as are described in the text of the warning. Follow the
related safety information.
The following user attention statements might be displayed in the text of Molecular Devices
user documentation. Each statement implies the amount of observation or recommended
procedure.
WARNING! A warning indicates a situation or operation that could cause
personal injury if precautions are not followed.
CAUTION! A caution indicates a situation or operation that could cause damage to
the instrument or loss of data if correct procedures are not followed.
Note: A note calls attention to significant information.
Tip: A tip provides useful information or a shortcut, but is not essential to the
completion of a procedure.

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Symbols on the Instrument
Each safety label found on the instrument contains an alert symbol that indicates the type of
potential safety hazard.
Symbol Indication
Consult the product documentation.
Potential biohazard.
Power switch indicates power on.
Power switch indicates power off.
Indicates the location of the Protective Ground Terminal.
Required in accordance with the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment
(WEEE) Directive of the European Union. It indicates that you must not discard this
electrical or electronic product or its components in domestic household waste or
in the municipal waste collection system.
For products under the requirement of the WEEE directive, contact your dealer or
local Molecular Devices office for the procedures to facilitate the proper
collection, treatment, recovery, recycling, and safe disposal of the device.
- California proposition 65 requires businesses to provide
warnings to Californians about significant exposures to chemicals that cause cancer, birth
defects, or other reproductive harm.

Safety Information
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Service Trained Users
Most procedures required to operate and troubleshoot the instrument can be done by a
user who reads the instructions in this user guide and is familiar with the system. However,
all installation procedures and some complex service and troubleshooting procedures
require the expertise of a service trained user. When Molecular Devices installs the
instrument, part of the setup procedure is to provide training for the people in your
company who are to be your company's service trained users. Contact Molecular Devices to
arrange additional training.
Whenever the following warning message appears, a service trained user must do the
procedure to ensure user safety and to prevent instrument damage. Example:
WARNING! The following procedures must be completed by a service trained
user. Do not attempt the following procedures if you have not received proper
training by Molecular Devices personnel.
Electrical Safety
To prevent electrical injuries and property damage, inspect all electrical equipment before
use and report all electrical deficiencies. Contact Molecular Devices technical support for
equipment service that requires the removal of covers or panels.
To prevent electrical shock, use the supplied power cord and connect to a properly
grounded wall outlet.
To ensure sufficient ventilation and provide access to disconnect power from the
instrument, maintain a 20cm to 30cm (7.9in. to 11.8in.) gap between the rear of the
instrument and the wall.
Power off the instrument when not in use.
Chemical and Biological Safety
Normal operation of the instrument can involve the use of materials that are toxic,
flammable, or otherwise biologically harmful. When you use such materials, observe the
following precautions:
Handle infectious samples based on good laboratory procedures and methods to
prevent the spread of disease.
Observe all cautionary information printed on the original containers of solutions before
their use.
Dispose of all waste solutions based on the waste disposal procedures of your facility.
Operate the instrument in accordance with the instructions outlined in this guide, and
take all the required precautions when using pathological, toxic, or radioactive materials.

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Splashing of liquids can occur. Take applicable safety precautions, such as using safety
glasses and wearing protective clothing, when working with potentially hazardous
liquids.
Observe the applicable cautionary procedures as defined by your safety officer when
using hazardous materials, flammable solvents, toxic, pathological, or radioactive
materials in or near a powered-up instrument.
WARNING! Never use the instrument in an environment where potentially
damaging liquids or gases are present.
Moving Parts Safety
The instrument contains moving parts that can cause injury. Under normal conditions, the
instrument is designed to protect you from these moving parts.
WARNING! If the instrument is used in a manner not specified by Molecular
Devices, the protection provided by the equipment might be impaired.
To prevent injury:
Never try to exchange labware, reagents, or tools while the instrument is operating.
Never try to physically restrict the moving components of the instrument.
Keep the instrument work area clear to prevent obstruction of the movement.
Always keep the cover closed when the instrument is in use.
Note: Observe all warnings and cautions listed for all external devices attached to or in
use during the operation of the instrument. See the applicable user guide for the
operating and safety procedures of that device.

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Chapter 1: Unpacking and Setting Up the Instrument
Before unpacking and setting up the MultiWash+ Microplate Washer, prepare a dry, flat,
vibration-free work area that has sufficient space for the instrument, the fluidics bottles and
tubing, and the power cable.
The instrument is 21.00cm (8.27in.) wide, 21.00cm (8.27in.) high, and 46.00cm (18.11in.)
deep. To provide access to disconnect power from the instrument, maintain a 20cm to
30cm (7.9in. to 11.8in.) gap between the rear of the instrument and the wall.
Keep the instrument away from direct sunlight.
Unpacking and setting up the instrument includes the following procedures:
Unpacking the instrument and saving the original packaging. See Unpacking the Washer
on page 11.
Installing the manifold and connecting the fluidics tubing. See Installing the Manifold on
page 15.
Connecting the fluidics tubing to the waste, rinse, and wash bottles. See Connecting the
Fluid Bottles on page 17.
Installing the microplate carrier on the instrument deck. See Installing the Microplate
Carrier on page 18.
Connecting the power cord and powering on the instrument. See Connecting Power to
the Instrument on page 19.
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Contents of the Package
The package contains the instrument and the accessories that are required for installing the
instrument as follows:
MultiWash+ Microplate Washer Quick-Start Guide
MultiWash+ Microplate Washer
Power cord
2.5L waste bottle
2.0L rinse bottle
2.0L wash bottles (3)
Microplate carrier
8-channel manifold
Fluidics tubing
Cleaning tools for manifold needles
Spare fuses (2)
Figure 1-1: Instrument and Accessories

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Unpacking the Washer
The packaging is specifically designed to protect the MultiWash+ Microplate Washer during
transportation.
Note: Keep the shipping box and all packaging materials for future transport needs.
Do not use tools that can damage the packaging or the instrument.
To unpack the washer:
1. Check the box for visible damage that occurred during transportation. In case of
damage, immediately report it to your Molecular Devices representative and keep the
damaged packaging.
2. With the box facing up as indicated on the packaging, use a box cutter to carefully cut
open the top of the box.
3. Remove the power cable.
4. Remove the waste, wash, and rinse bottles.
Figure 1-2: Waste, Wash, and Rinse Bottles

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5. Remove the accessories boxes.
Figure 1-3: Accessories Boxes
6. Remove the cardboard dividers from each end of the box
Figure 1-4: Cardboard Dividers

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7. Carefully lift the instrument out of the box.
8. Remove the foam and cardboard packing materials from the instrument.
Figure 1-5: Instrument Packing Materials
9. Remove the plastic wrapper from the instrument.
10. Gently place the instrument on a dry, flat, vibration-free area of the workbench.
The instrument is 21.00cm (8.27in.) wide, 21.00cm (8.27in.) high, and 46.00cm
(18.11in.) deep. To provide access to disconnect power from the instrument, maintain a
20cm to 30cm (7.9in. to 11.8in.) gap between the rear of the instrument and the wall.
Keep the instrument away from direct sunlight.
11. Visually inspect the instrument for loose, bent, or broken parts. If damage is found,
immediately report it to your Molecular Devices representative.
12. Compare the serial number on the rear of the instrument with the instrument serial
number on the shipping document and the packing list.
13. Make sure that all the instrument accessories are present and match the shipping
document and the packing list.

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14. Remove the adhesive tape from the clear cover and then open the cover.
15. Remove all packing material, foam, and adhesive tape from the instrument deck.
Figure 1-6: Remove and keep all packing materials
16. Remove the metal microplate carrier lock that is attached to the instrument deck with
adhesive tape and held in place by the magnet below the surface of the instrument.
17. Keep the shipping box and all packaging materials for future transport needs.
CAUTION! Before the instrument is installed and powered on, let the instrument
stand for at least 2 hours to reduce the possibility of condensation that can damage
the instrument or cause a malfunction.

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Installing the Manifold
There are three manifolds available for the MultiWash+ Microplate Washer.
The standard 8-channel manifold works with 96-well plates in portrait orientation.
The optional 12-channel manifold works with 96-well plates in landscape orientation.
The optional 16-channel manifold works with 384-well plates in portrait orientation.
The instrument comes with the standard 8-channel manifold. The standard manifold and the
fluidics tubing for connecting the manifold to the instrument are packed in separate
accessories boxes.
To install the manifold:
1. Open the clear cover.
2. Connect the red quick-fit connector on the aspiration tubing to the red connector on the
top of the instrument.
Item Description
1 Manifold
2 Manifold holder
3 Aspiration tubing (red)
4 Dispense tubing (blue)
5 Pinch valve
Figure 1-7: Manifold and Fluidics Tubing
3. Slide the other end of the aspiration tubing onto the red connector on the manifold.

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4. Connect the blue quick-fit connector on the dispense tubing to the blue connector on
the top of the instrument.
5. Press down on the black top of the pinch valve and then slip the dispense tubing into the
slot.
Figure 1-8: Dispense Tubing in Pinch Valve
6. Make sure that the tubing is fully inserted into the slot and then release the pinch valve.
7. Slide the other end of the dispense tubing onto the blue connector on the manifold.
Note: Make sure that there is enough slack in the dispense tubing
on both sides of the pinch valve to allow for vertical movement of
the manifold and to allow fluid to flow freely through the tubing.
8. Place the manifold on the horizontal manifold holder with the needles pointing down
and the mounting pins pointing to the rear of the instrument.
Figure 1-9: Placing the Manifold on the Manifold Holder
9. Set the mounting pins into the slots on the top of the manifold holder.
10. Close the clear cover.
After you start the instrument, make sure that the correct manifold is selected in the set up
options. See Selecting the Installed Manifold on page 115.

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Connecting the Fluid Bottles
The waste, rinse, and wash bottles connect to the color-coded fittings on the rear of the
MultiWash+ Microplate Washer.
Figure 1-10: Fittings for Fluid Bottle Connections
The 2.5 liter waste bottle connects to the fitting framed in red.
The 2 liter rinse bottle connects to the fitting with the black label below it.
The 2 liter wash bottles connect to the fittings with the blue labels below them.
You can connect up to three wash bottles to the instrument.
The bottles and fittings are labeled for their intended use. For example, the 2liter rinse bottle
is labeled Rinse, and the corresponding fitting on the rear of the instrument is also labeled
Rinse.
To install the fluid bottles:
1. Locate the waste tubing with the red marking.
2. Connect the waste tubing to the Waste fitting framed in red on the rear of the
instrument.
3. Connect the other end of the waste tubing to the fitting on top of the 2.5liter waste
bottle.
4. Locate the rinse tubing with the black marking.
5. Connect the rinse tubing to the Rinse fitting with the black label below it on the rear of
the instrument.
6. Connect the other end of the rinse tubing to the fitting on top of the 2liter rinse bottle.

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7. Locate a wash tubing with the blue marking.
8. Connect the wash tubing to the Wash 1 fitting with a blue label below it on the rear of
the instrument.
9. Connect the other end of the wash tubing to the fitting on top of a 2liter wash bottle.
10. Connect up to two more wash bottles if needed.
Note: Before starting a procedure, make sure that the applicable wash and rinse
bottles contain adequate liquid, and that the waste bottle is empty.
Installing the Microplate Carrier
The removable microplate carrier has a very strong magnet permanently mounted to its
base. When the microplate carrier is removed from the instrument, keep the carrier away
from magnet-sensitive items or devices.
Before installing the microplate carrier for the first time, remove all packing materials and
adhesive tape from the microplate carrier, and make sure that the metal microplate carrier
lock has been removed from the instrument deck.
To install the microplate carrier, carefully slide the microplate carrier onto the instrument so
that the slot on the bottom of the carrier fits on the rail on the top of the instrument and the
front of the carrier is near the front of the instrument deck. The magnet below the
instrument deck holds the carrier in the home position.
Figure 1-11: Installed Microplate Carrier

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Connecting Power to the Instrument
The power port and power switch are located on the rear of the instrument.
Item Description
1 Power switch
2 Fuse carrier
3 Power port
Figure 1-12: Power Switch, Fuses, and Power Port
To connect power to the instrument:
1. Make sure that the power switch on the rear of the instrument is in the off position.
2. Plug the provided power cord into the power port.
3. Plug the other end of the power cord into a properly grounded electrical wall outlet.
4. Make sure that the instrument is in position for operation on the work bench.
CAUTION! Before turning on the power to the instrument, make sure that the
metal microplate carrier lock has been removed from the instrument deck and
that the microplate carrier is installed.
5. Turn on the power to the instrument.
When the instrument is ready for use, the indicator light on the front of the instrument
illuminates, and the LCD screen displays the Run Procedure menu.
Power off the instrument when not in use.

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