MSD MESO QuickPlex SQ 120 User manual

INSTRUMENT MANUAL
www.mesoscale.com®
MESO®QuickPlex SQ 120

FOR RESEARCH USE ONLY. NOT FOR USE IN DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES.
Disclaimer of Warranty and Liability
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
FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, DATA ACCURACY, SYSTEM INTEGRATION, QUIET TITLE OR NONINFRINGEMENT. NO STATEMENT
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, N-PLEX, R-PLEX, S-PLEX, T-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), N-PLEX (design), R-PLEX (design), S-PLEX (design), T-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: 3-1300-0B0002-F
July 2018
Printed in USA

iii
Table of Contents
1Introduction..............................................................................................................................................................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
2Safety Information................................................................................................................................................... 10
2.1 Regulatory and Safety Certifications .............................................................................................................. 10
2.1.1 Laser............................................................................................................................................. 10
2.1.2 WEEE Compliance.......................................................................................................................... 10
2.1.3 Hazardous Substances ................................................................................................................... 11
2.2 Symbols and Labels ..................................................................................................................................... 11
2.3General Operation ........................................................................................................................................ 12
2.4 Hazards ....................................................................................................................................................... 13
2.4.1 Electrical ....................................................................................................................................... 13
2.4.2 Chemical and Biological................................................................................................................. 14
2.4.3 Visual............................................................................................................................................ 14
2.4.4 Mechanical.................................................................................................................................... 15
2.4.5 ESD Sensitivity .............................................................................................................................. 15
2.4.6 Electromagnetic Interference and Susceptibility ............................................................................... 15
2.5 Software and Operating System Compatibility................................................................................................ 16
2.6 Decontamination Prior to Shipping or Servicing ............................................................................................ 16
3System Description................................................................................................................................................. 18
3.1 Intended Use................................................................................................................................................ 18
3.2 Specifications Overview................................................................................................................................ 18
3.3 Plate Compatibility....................................................................................................................................... 18
3.4 System Components..................................................................................................................................... 18
3.5 MESO QuickPlex SQ 120 Instrument ............................................................................................................. 19
3.5.1 CCD Camera and Telecentric Lens .................................................................................................. 20
3.5.2 Motion Control System .................................................................................................................. 20
3.5.3 Plate Barcode Reader ..................................................................................................................... 20
3.5.4 Integrated Assay Plate Stacker ........................................................................................................ 21
3.5.5 Status LEDs................................................................................................................................... 22
3.5.6 Power Switch and Input/Output (I/O) Panel...................................................................................... 23
3.6 Microsoft Windows-Compatible Computer..................................................................................................... 24
3.7 MSD DISCOVERY WORKBENCH Software ..................................................................................................... 24
3.8 Operational Modes ....................................................................................................................................... 24
3.9 Image Readout ............................................................................................................................................. 24
3.9.1 Reading Partial Plates .................................................................................................................... 26
3.10 Electronic Test Plate..................................................................................................................................... 26
3.11 Uninterruptible Power Supply ....................................................................................................................... 26
4Installation, Quick Start, and General Use................................................................................................................. 28
4.1 Installation................................................................................................................................................... 28
4.2 Quick Start................................................................................................................................................... 28
4.2.1 Start-up......................................................................................................................................... 29
4.2.2 Setup ............................................................................................................................................ 29

iv
4.2.3 Run ............................................................................................................................................... 30
4.2.4 Results.......................................................................................................................................... 32
4.3 Run Multiple Plates...................................................................................................................................... 32
4.4 Robotics Integration ..................................................................................................................................... 32
5Maintenance........................................................................................................................................................... 34
5.1 User Maintenance ........................................................................................................................................ 34
5.1.1 Computer Maintenance .................................................................................................................. 34
5.1.2 Performance Qualification .............................................................................................................. 34
5.1.3 Cleaning and Exterior Decontamination........................................................................................... 34
5.2 Preventive Maintenance................................................................................................................................ 34
6Appendix ................................................................................................................................................................ 36
6.1 Troubleshooting Guide ................................................................................................................................. 36
6.2 Specifications .............................................................................................................................................. 38
6.2.1 MESO QuickPlex SQ 120 Instrument Specifications ......................................................................... 38
6.2.2 MSD Plate Specifications ............................................................................................................... 39
7Technical Support................................................................................................................................................... 41
7.1 Bug Reports and Suggestions ....................................................................................................................... 41
7.2 Problems Running the QuickPlex SQ 120 ...................................................................................................... 41
7.3 How to Contact Us ....................................................................................................................................... 41

v
List of Figures
Figure 2:1 User hazards.................................................................................................................................................. 13
Figure 3:1 The QuickPlex SQ 120 imager and computer ................................................................................................... 19
Figure 3:2 Cutaway view of the imager ............................................................................................................................ 20
Figure 3:3 MSD and custom barcode label locations........................................................................................................ 21
Figure 3:4 Custom Barcode Reader Selection Dialog........................................................................................................ 21
Figure 3:5 Status LEDs................................................................................................................................................... 22
Figure 3:6 Power switch, power entry port, and USB port on the back of the instrument ..................................................... 23
Figure 3:7 Electrical Noise Filter ..................................................................................................................................... 23
Figure 3:8 Notebook computer cable attachments (USB and power) .................................................................................. 24
Figure 3:9 SECTOR plate showing 24, 4-well sectors ....................................................................................................... 25
Figure 3:10 Reading QUICKPLEX plates in sectors, 1 well at a time .................................................................................. 25
Figure 3:11 The electronic test plate................................................................................................................................ 26
Figure 4:1 Status window ............................................................................................................................................... 28
Figure 4:2 MSD DISCOVERY WORKBENCH splash screen................................................................................................ 29
Figure 4:3 MSD DISCOVERY WORKBENCH desktop icon ................................................................................................. 29
Figure 4:4 Setup window ................................................................................................................................................ 30
Figure 4:5 Loading an electronic plate............................................................................................................................. 30
Figure 4:6 Run Options dialog box.................................................................................................................................. 31
Figure 4:7 Electronic test plate results, Color Map layer................................................................................................... 32
List of Tables
Table 2:1 Hazardous Substances..................................................................................................................................... 11
Table 2:2 Symbols and labels ......................................................................................................................................... 11
Table 6:1 Troubleshooting Guide .................................................................................................................................... 36
Table 6:2 Specifications ................................................................................................................................................. 38

1
Introduction

Introduction 7
Introduction
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 for the MESO QuickPlex®SQ 120 instrument in a 96-well format 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 users of the MESO QuickPlex SQ 120 instrument. Users should have an understanding of general computer and
Microsoft®Windows terminology and be familiar with standard laboratory practices.
This manual describes how to operate the MESO QuickPlex SQ 120 instrument and acquire data using both SECTOR®and QUICKPLEX®
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 the manual. The Appendix contains supplemental information on troubleshooting, instrument specifications, regulatory
information, and safety symbols 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 QuickPlex SQ 120 instrument 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 QuickPlex SQ 120 instrument.
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.

2
Safety Information

Safety Information 10
Safety Information
2.1 Regulatory and Safety Certifications
The QuickPlex SQ 120 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 QuickPlex SQ 120 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 Laser
The MESO QuickPlex SQ 120 is classified per CFR Title 21 part 1040.10 and part 1040.11 as a Class 1 laser product with a built-in
barcode reader classified as Class 2. The QuickPlex SQ 120 is classified as Class 1 in accordance with IEC 60825-1:2014.
The MESO QuickPlex SQ 120 complies with FDA performance standards for laser products except for deviations pursuant to Laser
Notice No. 50, dated June 24, 2007.
2.1.2 WEEE Compliance
The MESO QuickPlex SQ 120 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
2.1.3 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 QuickPlex SQ 120 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)
Motor with pulley
X
O
O
O
O
O
Contact Board
X
O
O
O
O
O
Cable Assemblies
X
O
O
O
O
O
Printed Circuit Boards
X
O
O
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 symbol indicates the presence of a Class 1 Laser.
This warning indicates this instrument is an electrostatic sensitive device. The QuickPlex SQ 120 is
sensitive to static discharge in excess of 4.0 kV.
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 electric current is in the form of direct current (DC).

Safety Information 12
Symbol/Label
Description
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.
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 SGS
contract number for Meso Scale Diagnostics, LLC. is 800052.
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.
2.3 General Operation
Once initialized, the QuickPlex SQ 120 instrument enters standby mode and maintains the CCD camera at its set temperature. The
instrument is ready to read plates at any time. The QuickPlex SQ 120 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 QuickPlex SQ 120’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 QuickPlex SQ 120 should be operated in a dust-free environment with an ambient temperature between 20 °C and
26 °C, and humidity levels between 10 % and 80 % (non-condensing). Environments or locations with high levels of vibration
should be avoided. See 6.2 Specifications for complete environmental specifications.
CAUTION: Keep the QuickPlex SQ 120 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 QuickPlex SQ 120 are not blocked.
CAUTION: Do not place any objects, materials, or liquid containers on top of the QuickPlex SQ 120.
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 QuickPlex SQ 120.

Safety Information 13
2.4 Hazards
This section contains notices and warnings of hazards and should be read carefully. Before working with the QuickPlex SQ 120, 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 QuickPlex SQ 120 presents certain hazards for users. There are six key types of hazards:
•Electrical
•Chemical and biological
•Visual
•Mechanical
•ESD sensitivity
•Electromagnetic interference and susceptibility
Figure 2:1 User hazards
2.4.1 Electrical
The QuickPlex SQ 120 has been designed and tested for compliance with appropriate electrical safety standards.
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 QuickPlex SQ 120’s 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 QuickPlex SQ 120 has not been tested regarding intrinsic safety. Accordingly, the QuickPlex SQ 120 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.
CAUTION
Do not remove covers.
WARNING
Moving components during plate
processing.
WARNING
Depending on use, areas of chemical
or biohazard risk.

Safety Information 14
WARNING: Although the QuickPlex SQ 120 uses a 24 volt DC power supply, 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 QuickPlex SQ 120.
NOTE: We strongly recommend that users of laboratory instruments (such as the QuickPlex SQ 120) follow the Clinical and
Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) document entitled GP17-A3, Clinical Laboratory Safety; Approved Guideline – Third Edition,
Section 8.2, Electrical Equipment.
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 QuickPlex SQ 120, 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: 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.
2.4.3 Visual
The instrument uses a scanning barcode reader with a Class 2 laser rated at a maximum of 1 mW. The laser beam is not visible during
normal operation. However, there is risk of exposure if the instrument is operated without the external covers and the internal barcode
reader cover.
WARNING: DO NOT STARE INTO THE BEAM. The laser is only directly viewable and accessible by qualified service
personnel.
WARNING: Operation of the instrument without external covers and the internal barcode reader cover may result in hazardous
radiation exposure.

Safety Information 15
2.4.4 Mechanical
WARNING: The QuickPlex SQ 120 instrument weighs 44.5 lbs. (20.2 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 QuickPlex SQ 120 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 the plate stacker or the plate carrier when the instrument is in
operation.
WARNING: Moving parts of the QuickPlex SQ 120 instrument 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 QuickPlex SQ 120,
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 QuickPlex SQ 120 or place any objects on top of it.
2.4.5 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.
2.4.6 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 QuickPlex SQ 120 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 notebook computer and the instrument into outlets on the
same circuit. If an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is available, plug the notebook computer and instrument into the battery
backup outlets. Please contact MSD Scientific Support if you have questions or need assistance.

Safety Information 16
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 QuickPlex SQ 120 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 QuickPlex SQ 120 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
QuickPlex SQ 120 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.
2.6 Decontamination Prior to Shipping or Servicing
The QuickPlex SQ 120 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 QuickPlex SQ 120 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.

17
3
System Description

System Description 18
System Description
3.1 Intended Use
The MESO QuickPlex SQ 120 is for research use only. The instrument is not for use in diagnostic procedures.
3.2 Specifications Overview
The QuickPlex SQ 120 instrument offers high sensitivity and a dynamic range that exceeds 5 logs. The QuickPlex SQ 120 instrument is
designed to read both SECTOR and QUICKPLEX plates. The QuickPlex SQ 120 instrument reads SECTOR plates 4 wells at a time (24
sectors per plate). QUICKPLEX plates are read 1 well at a time.
The QuickPlex SQ 120 instrument reads a SECTOR plate in approximately 1 minute, 30 seconds and a QUICKPLEX plate in 2 minutes,
45 seconds. The level of multiplexing does not affect plate read time.
The QuickPlex SQ 120 instrument will distinguish SECTOR and QUICKPLEX plate types by reading the plate’s barcode and will
automatically read each plate accordingly.
3.3 Plate Compatibility
The QuickPlex SQ 120 is compatible with all 96-well SECTOR and QUICKPLEX plates.
3.4 System Components
A standard QuickPlex SQ 120 system consists of the following:
•MESO QuickPlex SQ 120 instrument (Figure 3:1)
•Microsoft Windows-compatible notebook computer (Figure 3:1)
•Notebook computer power supply and AC cord
•MSD DISCOVERY WORKBENCH software (installed)
•MSD DISCOVERY WORKBENCH User’s Guide (installed)
•Instrument Manual (installed and printed)
•Electronic test plate
•USB communication cable
•Instrument 24 volt DC power supply and power cords
•Electrical noise filter and power cord
•Uninterruptible power supply (UPS)

System Description 19
Figure 3:1 The QuickPlex SQ 120 imager and computer
3.5 MESO QuickPlex SQ 120 Instrument
The main components of the QuickPlex SQ 120 instrument (Figure 3:2) include:
•CCD camera and telecentric lens
•Plate motion control system (not shown)
•Plate barcode reader (long side)
•Integrated assay plate input/output stacks
•Instrument status LEDs
•Power switch and I/O panel (not shown)

System Description 20
Figure 3:2 Cutaway view of the imager
3.5.1 CCD Camera and Telecentric Lens
The instrument uses a very sensitive, high-resolution CCD camera and lens system to detect light emitted from MULTI-ARRAY and
MULTI-SPOT plates. The custom-designed lens provides high efficiency and uniform collection of ECL generated light. For optimal
sensitivity, the camera sensor is cooled to a temperature of -25 °C and maintained at this temperature within a control band of ±2 °C.
3.5.2 Motion Control System
The instrument uses a high-precision mechanism for transporting plates from the input stack, into the CCD camera’s viewing area, and
back to either the input or output stack, depending on user setup in the DISCOVERY WORKBENCH software. See Section 4 Installation,
Quick Start, and General Use for more information on reading a plate.
3.5.3 Plate Barcode Reader
The instrument uses a single, internal barcode reader to identify the plate at the beginning of a plate read. The barcode information allows
DISCOVERY WORKBENCH software to identify the plate type and to read and interpret the plate data correctly.
For certain applications, users may be interested in applying custom barcode labels. Custom barcodes may be placed on the side of the
plate next to the MSD barcode. Figure 3:3 illustrates where custom barcode labels may be placed. Custom barcodes must be either
Code 39 or Code 128, with a minimum line width of 7 mils.
Output Stack
Input Stack
Status LEDs
CCD
Telecentric Lens
Barcode Reader