MSD MESO SECTOR S 600 User manual

MESO®SECTOR S 600
www.mesoscale.com®
USER MANUAL

FOR RESEARCH USE ONLY. NOT FOR USE IN DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES.
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MESO SCALE DIAGNOSTICS, LLC. (“MSD”) MAKES NO REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, AND HEREBY EXPRESSLY
EXCLUDES AND DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES WITH REGARD TO THIS INSTRUMENT MANUAL
(THIS “MANUAL”), INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, SUITABILITY OR FITNESS
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IN THIS MANUAL SHALL BE INTERPRETED TO GRANT OR EXTEND ANY WARRANTY ON THE PRODUCTS DESCRIBED HEREIN. MSD
SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ERRORS OR OMISSIONS CONTAINED HEREIN OR FOR ANY DAMAGES OF ANY KIND, INCLUDING, BUT
NOT LIMITED TO DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR PUNITIVE, WHETHER ARISING IN CONTRACT,
TORT, STRICT LIABILITY OR OTHERWISE, THAT MAY BE INCURRED IN CONNECTION WITH THE FURNISHING, PERFORMANCE OR
USE OF THIS MANUAL.
Changes in Publication
The information contained in this Manual is subject to change without notice.
Unauthorized Use of Manual Material
No part of this Manual may be duplicated, reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, translated, transcribed, or transmitted in any form or
by any means without the express prior written permission of MSD. This Manual shall be returned to MSD within two (2) business days
following any request by MSD.
Unauthorized Use of Trademarks or Service Marks
MESO SCALE DISCOVERY, MESO SCALE DIAGNOSTICS, MSD, MSD GOLD, DISCOVERY WORKBENCH, MULTI-ARRAY, MULTI-
SPOT, QUICKPLEX, SECTOR, SECTOR PR, SECTOR HTS, SULFO-TAG, R-PLEX, S-PLEX, U-PLEX, V-PLEX, STREPTAVIDIN GOLD,
MESO, www.mesoscale.com, SMALL SPOT (design), 96 WELL 1, 4, 7, 9, & 10-SPOT (designs), 384 WELL 1 & 4-SPOT (designs),
MSD (design), R-PLEX (design), S-PLEX (design), U-PLEX (design), V-PLEX (design), It’s All About U, and SPOT THE DIFFERENCE
are trademarks and/or service marks of Meso Scale Diagnostics, LLC.
All other trademarks or service marks are the property of their respective owners.
© 2013, 2017 Meso Scale Diagnostics, LLC. All rights reserved.
Manual Part Number: IM-MN-002-C
August 2017
Printed in USA

Table of Contents
1 Introduction..............................................................................................................................................................7
1.1 Intended Audience..........................................................................................................................................7
1.2 How to Use This Manual................................................................................................................................. 7
1.3 Warnings and Caution Symbols ......................................................................................................................8
1.4 Formatting Information................................................................................................................................... 8
2 Safety Information................................................................................................................................................... 10
2.1 Regulatory and Safety Certifications .............................................................................................................. 10
2.1.1 WEEE Compliance.......................................................................................................................... 10
2.1.2 Hazardous Substances ................................................................................................................... 11
2.2 Symbols and Labels ..................................................................................................................................... 11
2.3 General Operation ........................................................................................................................................ 13
2.4 Hazards ....................................................................................................................................................... 13
2.4.1 Electrical ....................................................................................................................................... 14
2.4.2 Chemical and Biological................................................................................................................. 15
2.4.3 Mechanical.................................................................................................................................... 16
2.4.4 ESD Sensitivity .............................................................................................................................. 17
2.4.5 Electromagnetic Interference and Susceptibility ............................................................................... 17
2.5 Software and Operating System Compatibility................................................................................................ 17
2.6 Decontamination Prior to Shipping or Servicing ............................................................................................ 18
3 System Description................................................................................................................................................. 20
3.1 Intended Use................................................................................................................................................ 20
3.2 Specifications Overview................................................................................................................................ 20
3.3 Plate Compatibility....................................................................................................................................... 20
3.4 System Components..................................................................................................................................... 20
3.5 The SECTOR S 600 Instrument...................................................................................................................... 21
3.5.1 CCD Camera and Telecentric Lens .................................................................................................. 22
3.5.2 Motion Control System .................................................................................................................. 22
3.5.3 Plate Barcode Readers.................................................................................................................... 22
3.5.4 MULTI-ARRAY Plate Input/Output Stacker....................................................................................... 23
3.5.5 Stack Tubes................................................................................................................................... 23
3.5.6 Single Plate Adapter....................................................................................................................... 25
3.5.7 Stacker Cover Plate........................................................................................................................ 25
3.5.8 Status LEDs................................................................................................................................... 26
3.5.9 Power Switch and Input/Output (I/O) Panel...................................................................................... 27
3.5.10 Halt Button (on some configurations).............................................................................................. 28
3.6 Microsoft Windows-Compatible Workstations................................................................................................ 29
3.7 MSD DISCOVERY WORKBENCH Software ..................................................................................................... 29
3.8 Operational Modes ....................................................................................................................................... 30
3.9 Image Readout ............................................................................................................................................. 30
3.10 MESO SECTOR Demonstration Plate ............................................................................................................. 31
3.11 Uninterruptible Power Supply ....................................................................................................................... 32
4 Installation ............................................................................................................................................................. 34
5 Quick Start ............................................................................................................................................................. 36
5.1 Start-up ....................................................................................................................................................... 37
5.2 Setup........................................................................................................................................................... 38

iv
5.3 Run ............................................................................................................................................................. 40
5.3.1 Operations..................................................................................................................................... 41
5.4 Results ........................................................................................................................................................ 42
6 Using the SECTOR S 600 ........................................................................................................................................ 44
6.1 Single Plate Run .......................................................................................................................................... 44
6.2 Stack Run—Multiple Plates.......................................................................................................................... 44
6.2.1 Loading the Stack Tube .................................................................................................................. 44
6.2.2 Unloading the Stack Tube............................................................................................................... 46
6.3 Robotics Integration ..................................................................................................................................... 46
7 Maintenance........................................................................................................................................................... 48
7.1 Preventive Maintenance................................................................................................................................ 48
7.2 Instrument Cleaning ..................................................................................................................................... 48
7.2.1 Adapter and Stack Tube Cleaning.................................................................................................... 49
7.3 Instrument Decontamination ......................................................................................................................... 49
8 Appendix ................................................................................................................................................................ 51
8.1 Troubleshooting Guide ................................................................................................................................. 51
8.2 Specifications .............................................................................................................................................. 54
8.2.1 SECTOR S 600............................................................................................................................... 54
8.2.2 Scientific Performance ................................................................................................................... 54
8.2.3 Environmental Specifications.......................................................................................................... 54
8.2.4 Power Requirements ...................................................................................................................... 54
8.2.5 SECTOR S 600 Physical Dimensions .............................................................................................. 55
8.2.6 Plate Standard Read Volume (per Well)........................................................................................... 55
8.2.7 Custom Bar Code Compatibility* .................................................................................................... 55
8.2.8 Plate Specifications........................................................................................................................ 55
9 Technical Support................................................................................................................................................... 57
9.1 Bug Reports and Suggestions ....................................................................................................................... 57
9.2 Problems Running SECTOR S 600 Instruments.............................................................................................. 57
9.3 How to Contact Us ....................................................................................................................................... 57

v
List of Figures
Figure 2:1 SECTOR S 600 electrical hazards.................................................................................................................... 14
Figure 3:1 SECTOR S 600 system ................................................................................................................................... 21
Figure 3:2 SECTOR S 600 components............................................................................................................................ 22
Figure 3:3 Custom Barcode Reader Selection Dialog........................................................................................................ 23
Figure 3:4 Input (right) stacker interface plate.................................................................................................................. 24
Figure 3:5 Fully loaded standard and high capacity stack tubes ........................................................................................ 24
Figure 3:6 SECTOR plate in single plate adapter .............................................................................................................. 25
Figure 3:7 SECTOR S 600 status LEDs ............................................................................................................................ 26
Figure 3:8 Power switch and I/O panel. ........................................................................................................................... 27
Figure 3:9 SECTOR S 600 halt button (on some configurations) ....................................................................................... 28
Figure 3:10 Cable attachment locations for SECTOR S 600............................................................................................... 29
Figure 3:11 The SECTOR S 600 reads 96-well plates in six sectors................................................................................... 30
Figure 3:12 MESO SECTOR Demonstration Plate ............................................................................................................. 31
Figure 3:13 Loading a demonstration plate...................................................................................................................... 32
Figure 5:1 Instrument Status window............................................................................................................................... 36
Figure 5:2 MSD DISCOVERY WORKBENCH desktop icon ................................................................................................. 37
Figure 5:3 SECTOR S 600 icon ....................................................................................................................................... 37
Figure 5:4: MSD DISCOVERY WORKBENCH splash screen............................................................................................... 38
Figure 5:5 SECTOR S 600 Window: Setup, Plate Summary, and Operations areas.............................................................. 39
Figure 5:6 Stacker cover over the output port with empty single plate adapter in the input port........................................... 39
Figure 5:7 MESO SECTOR demonstration plate in the single plate adapter ........................................................................ 40
Figure 5:8 SECTOR S 600 window, Run Options dialog box ............................................................................................. 41
Figure 5:9 Demonstration plate results, Color Map layer .................................................................................................. 42
Figure 6:1 Loading MULTI-ARRAY plates into stack tube ................................................................................................. 45
List of Tables
Table 2:1 Hazardous Substances..................................................................................................................................... 11
Table 2:2 Symbols and labels ......................................................................................................................................... 11
Table 3:1 Stack tube plate capacities............................................................................................................................... 23
Table 8:1 Troubleshooting guide..................................................................................................................................... 51
Table 8:2 Scientific performance ..................................................................................................................................... 54

6
1
Introduction

Introduction 7
1Introduction
MESO SCALE DISCOVERY (MSD) develops, manufactures, and markets biological assays that provide cost-effective and valuable
information to scientists in drug discovery, therapeutic screening, and life science research. MSD's product portfolio is based on MULTI-
ARRAY®technology, a proprietary combination of patterned arrays and electrochemiluminescence detection that results in exceptional
sensitivity, speed, dynamic range, and convenience.
MSD develops, manufactures, and markets detection instrument systems as well as a line of assay kits for use with these instruments, a
proprietary line of reagents, and custom microplate printing and assay development services. MSD®MULTI-ARRAY microplates are
available in 96- and 384-well formats with standard or high-binding surfaces. MSD plates may be purchased uncoated or coated with
proteins such as streptavidin or avidin, with anti-species antibodies such as goat anti-mouse or goat anti-rabbit, or with antibodies
against specific analytes. Custom coatings and surface treatments are available.
MSD MULTI-ARRAY plates are available as single spot (single assay) plates and as MULTI-SPOT®plates with patterned spot arrays in
each well. MULTI-SPOT plates measure multiple analytes simultaneously in a single well, increasing throughput and enabling novel
assay panels.
For more details and information about applications, please visit the MSD website at www.mesoscale.com.
1.1 Intended Audience
This manual is for all users of the MESO SECTOR®S 600 instrument. Users should understand general computer and Microsoft Windows
terminology, and be familiar with standard laboratory practices. The intended users of the SECTOR S 600 are those conducting research
in the life sciences.
This manual describes how to operate the SECTOR S 600 and acquire data using SECTOR MULTI-ARRAY and MULTI-SPOT plates. The
analysis of this data is treated in a separate manual: DISCOVERY WORKBENCH®User’s Guide.
1.2 How to Use This Manual
This manual is organized by chapters containing main topics and subsections. Use the hyperlinked Table of Contents to find topics of
interest quickly. The List of Figures and List of Tables hyperlink to the images and tables that enhance understanding of written
information in this manual. The Appendix contains supplemental information on troubleshooting, instrument specifications, safety
symbols, regulatory information, and labels.
Tips
Symbol 
Tips provide extra information or details that help users perform functions more efficiently.
Notes
Notes provide supplemental information on the proper use of the SECTOR S 600 and its software.

Introduction 8
1.3 Warnings and Caution Symbols
WARNING
General warnings advise operators of potential hazards and highlight the procedures or information necessary to avoid personal injury
during use of the SECTOR S 600.
Symbol
Explanation
Risk exists for a mechanical, chemical, or safety hazard
Risk exists for an electrical hazard
Risk of exposure to biohazards
CAUTION
A caution note highlights procedures or information necessary to avoid damage to equipment, corruption of software, loss of data, or
invalid test results.
CAUTION: Carefully read and understand all information in this document. Failure to read, understand, and follow the
instructions in this publication may result in damage to the product, injury to operating personnel or poor instrument
performance
1.4 Formatting Information
This guide uses the following formatting conventions:
Internal hyperlinks are formatted bold/gray. Click to jump instantly to the referenced section or figure.
External hyperlinks are formatted underlined/blue. Click to create an email message or open an external web page.
Clickstreams are indicated with arrows and always start with a top-level menu item: Select Tools Plate Data
History.
Information to be entered by the user is shown in italics: Enter Administrator
When referring to a term as it appears in the software, we capitalize it exactly as it is capitalized on-screen: Select
Read from Bar Code from the Plate Type menu.

9
2
Safety Information

Safety Information 10
2Safety Information
2.1 Regulatory and Safety Certifications
The SECTOR S 600 has been tested to comply with applicable regulatory standards; it carries the cSGSus mark and is CE marked.
Regarding EN 61326-1: 2013 Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use – EMC Requirements:
•The SECTOR S 600 instrument is designed for operation in a controlled electromagnetic environment. Transmitters of RF
energy such as mobile (cellular) telephones should not be used in close proximity.
Regarding FCC Rules, Part 15, Subpart B, a Class A digital device:
•This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of FCC
rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated
in a commercial environment. The equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and
used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause interference in which case the user will be required to correct the
interference at his own expense.
Regarding Industry Canada Interference-Causing Equipment Standard:
•This Class A digital apparatus complies with CAN ICES-001(A).
•Cet appareil numérique de la Classe A est conforme à la norme NMB-001(A) du Canada.
Contact MSD Scientific Support with inquiries about the regulatory compliance of MSD instrumentation.
2.1.1 WEEE Compliance
The MESO SECTOR S 600 was placed on the market after 2005 in compliance with European Union (EU) directive 2012/19/EU, the
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive.
For all inquiries regarding recycling of shipping materials and instrument disposal, contact MSD Instrument Service.

Safety Information 11
2.1.2 Hazardous Substances
In accordance with People’s Republic of China Order No. 32 of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (Management
Methods for the Restriction of the Use of Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Products), MSD has designated an
environmental protection use period of 50 years for the MESO SECTOR S 600 instrument when used under normal operating conditions.
Table 2:1 indicates parts containing hazardous substances.
Table 2:1 Hazardous Substances
Part Name
Hazardous Substances
Lead
(Pb)
Mercury
(Hg)
Cadmium
(Cd)
Hexavalent
Chromium (Cr (VI))
Polybrominated
biphenyls (PBB)
Polybrominated
diphenyl ethers (PBDE)
Motion Control System
X
O
O
O
O
O
Plate Contact Mechanism
X
O
O
O
O
O
Plate Stacker Assembly
X
O
O
O
O
O
Main Control Board
X
O
O
O
O
O
Cable Assemblies
X
O
O
O
O
O
Printed Circuit Boards
X
O
O
O
O
O
Camera
O
O
X
O
O
O
This table was prepared in accordance with the provisions of SJ/T 11364.
O: Indicates that said hazardous substance contained in all of the homogeneous materials for this part is below the limit req
uirement of GB/T 26572.
X: Indicates that said hazardous substance contained in at least one of the homogeneous materials used for this part is above the limit requirement of GB/T 26572.
2.2 Symbols and Labels
Table 2:2 defines the symbols found in this manual, on the instrument, and on the instrument labels.
Table 2:2 Symbols and labels
Symbol/Label
Description
WARNING
Warning messages are highlighted with this symbol and the word WARNING in red. They advise
operators of potential mechanical or other hazards and highlight the procedures or information necessary
to avoid personal injury.
CAUTION
Caution messages are highlighted with this symbol and the word CAUTION in red. They highlight
procedures or information necessary to avoid damage to equipment, corruption of software, loss of data,
or invalid test results.
This warning symbol indicates a potential electrical hazard. This device contains high voltage. Disconnect
the device from its power source before changing a fuse, moving the device, or connecting/disconnecting
any cable.
These symbols indicate a risk of exposure to biohazards. Ensure surfaces are decontaminated and
cleaned and proper personal protective equipment is worn to prevent exposure.
This warning symbol indicates a pinch hazard exists. Keep fingers and loose clothing away from moving
parts. Unplug the power cord before putting hands near parts labelled with this warning.
These symbols indicate the presence of a rated fuse. Electrical fuses should only be accessed by MSD
Service Engineers.
This warning indicates this instrument is an electrostatic sensitive device. The SECTOR S 600 is sensitive
to static discharge in excess of 4.0 kV.

Safety Information 12
Symbol/Label
Description
V
This symbol indicates a measurement or requirement in Volts.
A
This symbol indicates a measurement or requirement in Amperes, often referred to as Amps.
~
This symbol indicates electric current is in the form of alternating current (AC).
This symbol indicates placing a toggle switch in this position will place the instrument in a powered on
state.
This symbol indicates placing a toggle switch in this position will place the instrument in a powered off
state.
This symbol marks the location of the plate motion halt button. The plate motion system will be halted if
this button, which is located on the left side of the instrument, is pressed. It is an on/off button and must
be pressed a second time to allow the plate motion system to function again.
This symbol marks the location of the USB I/O Port on the instrument.
This symbol marks the location of the External Stop or Pause Control I/O Port.
The European Conformity Marking indicates that the device complies with the essential requirements of
the relevant European health, safety and environmental protection legislation, which includes compliance
with the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS 2) directive.
The WEEE symbol above a horizontal bar indicates this product was placed on the market after 2005 in
compliance with European Union (EU) directive 2012/19/EU, the Waste Electrical and Electronic
Equipment (WEEE) Directive.
The SGS System Certification Mark, or “Q-mark”, is issued by the Société Générale de Surveillance. It
indicates this instrument has been tested by an accredited certification body for electromagnetic
compatibility (EMC) and safety. This product is certified in the United States and Canada. The certification
ID for Meso Scale Discovery is 800052. (http://www.sgs.com/certifiedclients).
This logo is required by the China Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. It indicates the
environmental protection use period of this instrument, in accordance with Order No. 32 (Management
Methods for the Restriction of the Use of Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Products).
This product contains certain hazardous substances and under normal operating conditions can be used
safely, without harm to the user or to the environment from these substances, for 50 years from the date
of manufacture.
This Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM) is required by the Australian Communications and Media
Authority (ACMA). It indicates this instrument complies with all applicable ACMA regulatory
arrangements and the instrument meets the regulatory requirements necessary for shipment to the
Australian market.

Safety Information 13
2.3 General Operation
Once initialized, the SECTOR S 600 instrument enters standby mode and maintains the CCD camera at its set temperature. The instrument
is ready to read plates at any time. The SECTOR S 600 is designed to run indefinitely in standby mode.
WARNING: The instrument must be operated with all covers in place. If the unit is operated in any manner not specified in
this manual, the protection provided by the equipment may be impaired.
CAUTION: Additional USB devices should not be connected to the SECTOR S 600’s computer system or used while plates
are being read.
CAUTION: Changes to the computer clock can cause a system error if the changes are made during a plate read. A system
error may also occur if a plate is being read when the time is automatically changed from standard to daylight savings time or vice
versa.
NOTE: The SECTOR S 600 should be operated in a dust-free environment with an ambient temperature between 20oC and 26oC,
and humidity levels between 10% and 80% (non-condensing). Environments or locations with high levels of vibration should be
avoided. See Section 8.2.3 Environmental Specifications for complete environmental specifications.
CAUTION: Keep the SECTOR S 600 away from direct sources of heat or cold and direct sunlight. Ensure that the rear cooling
vents and the CCD camera tower cooling vents on the SECTOR S 600 are not blocked.
CAUTION: Do not place any objects, materials, or liquid containers on top of the SECTOR S 600.
CAUTION: Falling objects or splashing liquids, including chemically reactive or infectious reagents, can cause damage to
the instrumentation or cause injuries. Avoid handling or storing infectious or radioactive materials near the SECTOR S 600.
2.4 Hazards
This section contains notices and warnings of hazards and should be read carefully. Before working with the SECTOR S 600, become
familiar with all safety precautions and regulations concerning the handling of materials and the instrument’s electrical and mechanical
components. Operating this device in a manner not specified by this manual may impair the electrical and thermal protection provided
by the equipment.
As with most laboratory instruments, the SECTOR S 600 presents certain hazards for users. There are five key types of hazards:
•Electrical
•Chemical and biological
•Mechanical
•ESD sensitivity
•Electromagnetic interference and susceptibility

Safety Information 14
Figure 2:1 SECTOR S 600 electrical hazards.
2.4.1 Electrical
The SECTOR S 600 has been designed and tested for compliance with appropriate electrical safety standards.
WARNING: The SECTOR S 600 contains AC voltages. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO SERVICE OR REPAIR THE SECTOR S 600.
Please contact MSD Instrument Service for all service and repair, including electrical problems.
When the power switch is in the off position, all internal electrical circuits are disconnected from both the live and neutral lines of the
electrical power source.
On Off
WARNING: For best performance, remove any sample or reagent spillage from the instrument. For safety, the operator should
power down the instrument and disconnect the SECTOR S 600 power cord prior to cleaning near moving parts. For significant
spills or liquid intrusion into the instrument enclosure (e.g., resulting from a fire protection water sprinkler), contact MSD
Instrument Service.
WARNING: The SECTOR S 600 has not been tested regarding intrinsic safety. Accordingly, the SECTOR S 600 must not be
operated in hazardous (classified) atmospheres as defined by the National Fire Protection Association and the National Electric
Code or other applicable local regulations.
WARNING: Although the SECTOR S 600 is shielded and grounded, laboratory personnel should never remove any instrument
covers that would expose electrical circuits. Only authorized MSD Service personnel should perform repairs to the interior of the
SECTOR S 600.
NOTE: We strongly recommend that users of laboratory instruments (such as the SECTOR S 600) follow the Clinical and Laboratory
Standards Institute (CLSI) document entitled GP17-A3, Clinical Laboratory Safety; Approved Guideline – Third Edition, Section
8.2, Electrical Equipment.

Safety Information 15
CAUTION: Do not use a two-prong plug or extension cord to connect primary power to the SECTOR S 600. Use of a two-
prong adapter disconnects utility ground, creating a shock hazard. Always connect the system power cord directly to a three-prong
receptacle with a protective earth ground.
WARNING: The instrument must be located in a position where the rear power switch and power input connector are
accessible.
CAUTION: Only power supply cables with a 10A or higher current rating can be connected to the external power supply.
2.4.2 Chemical and Biological
Users are responsible for taking all necessary precautions against hazards associated with the use of laboratory chemicals. In the course
of preparing assay plates to run on the SECTOR S 600, users may work with potent chemicals, such as acids, bases and solvents, and
thus be exposed to chemical hazards. This may also be the case when working with cleaning or disinfecting agents and with some
reagents used in assays.
Laboratory regulations and good laboratory practices concerning the use of such chemicals should be followed at all times. Product
labels, package inserts and product information sheets with specific usage recommendations are provided for all plates and reagents
used with the instrument. Contact MSD Scientific Support to obtain safety data sheets (SDS) for MSD plates and reagents. Use personal
protective equipment recommended by your facility when handling any of these reagents.
WARNING: Samples, user reagents, or controls used in assays may be infectious or biohazardous. By working with these
materials, users may be exposed to biological hazards. Laboratory regulations concerning the handling of potentially infectious
material should be followed at all times.
WARNING: Labels are affixed to the stack tube platforms indicating a potential chemical and biological hazard.
WARNING: Users should avoid breathing reagent fumes or aerosols. Gloves and goggles should be worn when disposing of
used plates. If skin comes in contact with reagents, rinse the exposed area with water immediately, and follow appropriate safety
protocols as determined by your facility. Dispose of used plates according to federal, state, and local regulations.
WARNING: Wear appropriate personal protective equipment and avoid skin contact and inhalation when handling plates that
contain or have been exposed to hazardous reagents.
WARNING: The plate stacker input and output locations are considered susceptible to contamination during normal use. Use
of personal protective equipment and good laboratory practices are strongly suggested when working in these areas.
CAUTION: When reading multiple plates in a run, ensure that the stack tube is not overloaded. See Table 3:1 Stack Tube
plate capacities.
WARNING: Loading a tall stack of plates could lead to spilling potentially harmful chemical reagents. Use caution when
loading the stack tubes.
CAUTION: Not removing the completed plates from the output stack may cause spills if the number of completed plates
exceeds the capacity of the output stack.

Safety Information 16
2.4.3 Mechanical
WARNING: The SECTOR S 600 instrument weighs 124 lbs (56 kg). Be careful to use proper technique when lifting it to
minimize the risk of injury. Two or more people should lift from beneath the instrument. Please contact MSD Instrument Service
before attempting to move the instrument.
WARNING: The halt switch, located on the left side of the instrument, should never be obstructed or restricted from access.
WARNING: The SECTOR S 600 instrument presents potential mechanical hazards. To avoid injury, do not touch any part of
the instrument while it is in operation. Do not place fingers in stack tubes or the plate carrier when the instrument is in operation.
Labels are affixed to the stack tube platforms indicating a pinch hazard.
WARNING: When the stack tubes are removed, the plate elevator and doors to the instrument pose a pinch hazard. Do not
put hands into these regions while the instrument is powered-up.
CAUTION: When using robotic plate loaders (robots), ensure that there is nothing present that will obstruct robot movement.
WARNING: A stacker cover plate should always be in place when a stack tube or single plate adapter is not present. The
stacker cover plate protects users from moving parts and protects the unused stacker area from dust and debris.
WARNING: Moving parts of the SECTOR S 600 can be damaged or become misaligned when exposed to strong mechanical
force. As with any mechanical instrument, you should take certain precautions when operating the SECTOR S 600, including:
•Do not wear loose garments or jewelry that could catch in moving mechanisms.
•Operate the instrument with the cover intact.
•Keep hands away from pathways of moving parts during operation.
•Do not attempt electrical or mechanical repairs.
•Do not bump into or lean on the SECTOR S 600, or place any objects on top of it.
•Never operate the instrument unless both stacker ports contain a single plate adapter (Figure 3:6), a stack tube (Figure
3:5), or the stacker cover plate (Figure 3:6).

Safety Information 17
2.4.4 ESD Sensitivity
The instrument contains sensitive electronics and can be damaged if it is exposed to electrostatic discharges in excess of 4.0 kV. While
the instrument complies with electrostatic discharge (ESD) standards for this type of laboratory equipment, MSD recommends standard
precautions to minimize ESD. In typical laboratory environments, electrostatic discharge should not be a problem.
2.4.5 Electromagnetic Interference and Susceptibility
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of FCC rules. These
limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial
environment. The equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with
the instruction manual, may cause interference, in which case users will be required to correct the interference at their own expense.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by MSD may void the warranty. The operator shall use any special accessories
provided with the equipment such as the power supply or shielded cables that are necessary for compliance with FCC standards.
CAUTION: The SECTOR S 600 instrument has been tested for operation in a controlled electromagnetic environment.
Transmitters of RF energy such as mobile (cellular) telephones should not be used in close proximity.
CAUTION: To avoid interference from electrical transients, plug the computer, monitor, and instrument into outlets on the
same circuit. If an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is available, plug the computer, monitor and instrument into the battery
backup outlets. Please contact MSD Scientific Support if you have questions or need assistance.
2.5 Software and Operating System Compatibility
The Microsoft Windows®Update service can affect the operation of the instrument software. When running, the update application can
turn off the database services upon which the instrument relies, causing errors and stopping instrument operation. Updates should not
be run during instrument use. Run manually or schedule Windows and other software updates when you are sure that the instrument
will not be in use.
Occasionally, Windows Update does not restart the database server after it runs. This will cause the instrument software to run incorrectly.
Restarting the computer will restart the database service and restore the instrument to full operation.
The SECTOR S 600 system has not been tested for compatibility with all programs. Installation of additional applications, such as anti-
virus and security programs, may interfere with function.
CAUTION: Turn off automatic Windows and application update installation to prevent the system from automatically restarting
while a run is in progress.
CAUTION: Installation of additional software on the computer system used to operate the SECTOR S 600 is not supported.
Specifically, updating aspects of the operating system or installing any software that changes parameters of the computer
environment could interfere with proper operation of the instrument software.
CAUTION: Running screen-savers, automated maintenance software, network-security software, and other software on the
SECTOR S 600 computer system could cause conflicts with the operation of the instrument software.
CAUTION: The instrument generates files when running. Virus scanning on the instrument computer can interfere with
instrument operation. It is suggested that any virus checking software run on the instrument computer be configured to minimize
the scanning of newly generated files while the instrument is operating.
CAUTION: Use of other applications while plates are being read may interfere with system performance. Use of operating
system power features that disable USB communication, such as Hibernate or Sleep, will cause the system to stop responding.

Safety Information 18
2.6 Decontamination Prior to Shipping or Servicing
The SECTOR S 600 instrument may have been used to analyze infectious materials or used in an environment where infectious materials
were handled. For the protection of future users and service personnel, please follow site safety procedures and the directions of the site
safety officer to disinfect the SECTOR S 600 instrument. If shipping to MSD, contact MSD Instrument Service to determine the level of
decontamination required.
WARNING: Follow site safety procedures and the directions of the site safety officer to determine decontamination
requirements for the imager before shipping or service.
WARNING: Prior authorization must be obtained before the instrument and/or its accessories are shipped to MSD.
Authorization is contingent upon completion of the MSD Instrument Decontamination Certification Form and issuance of a Returned
Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number by MSD Instrument Service.

19
3
System Description

System Description 20
3System Description
3.1 Intended Use
The SECTOR S 600 is for Research Use Only. The instrument is not for use in diagnostic procedures.
3.2 Specifications Overview
The SECTOR S 600 offers high sensitivity and six logs of dynamic range. The SECTOR S 600 instrument reads plates at a rate of
approximately 70 seconds per plate. The DISCOVERY WORKBENCH software provides the capability to interact with a third party external
robotic controller.
3.3 Plate Compatibility
The SECTOR S 600 is compatible with 96- and 384-well single-spot and MULTI-SPOT SECTOR plates (4-, 7-, and 10-spot plates).
MSD plates are designed to be read only once and may not be reused.
3.4 System Components
A standard SECTOR S 600 system consists of the following (Figure 3:1):
•SECTOR S 600 instrument
•Microsoft Windows-compatible computer workstation
•MSD DISCOVERY WORKBENCH software
•MESO SECTOR Demonstration Plate
•Instrument Cables: AC power and USB
•Uninterruptible power supply (UPS)
•SECTOR S 600 Instrument Manual (supplied electronically on desktop)
•DISCOVERY WORKBENCH User Guide (supplied electronically on desktop)