Qiagen QIAsymphony SP User manual

Sample to Insight__
December 2017
QIAsymphony®SP/AS
Consolidated Operating
Guide
For use with software versions 4.0 and 4.1
Version 1
QIAGEN GmbH, QIAGEN Strasse 1, 40724 Hilden
GERMANY
R2 1112127

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Contents
1Introduction ...........................................................................................................10
1.1 General information......................................................................................10
1.1.1 Technical assistance..............................................................................10
1.1.2 Policy statement....................................................................................10
1.1.3 Version management ............................................................................11
1.2 Intended use of QIAsymphony SP/AS .............................................................11
1.2.1 QIAsymphony SP..................................................................................11
1.2.2 QIAsymphony AS.................................................................................11
1.3 Requirements for QIAsymphony SP/AS users ...................................................12
1.3.1 Training for QIAsymphony SP/AS users ..................................................12
1.4 QIAsymphony Cabinet SP/AS .......................................................................12
1.5 User manual references.................................................................................13
1.6 Glossary......................................................................................................13
1.7 QIAsymphony SP/AS accessories ..................................................................13
2Safety Information ..................................................................................................14
2.1 Proper use ...................................................................................................14
2.2 Electrical safety ............................................................................................15
2.3 Environment.................................................................................................16
2.3.1 Operating conditions ............................................................................16
2.4 Waste disposal ............................................................................................17
2.5 Biological safety...........................................................................................17
2.5.1 Samples ..............................................................................................17
2.6 Chemicals....................................................................................................18
2.6.1 Toxic fumes..........................................................................................18
2.7 Mechanical hazards .....................................................................................19
2.8 Heat hazard ................................................................................................19
2.9 Maintenance safety ......................................................................................19
2.10 Radiation safety .......................................................................................21
2.11 Symbols on the QIAsymphony SP/AS instruments.........................................22

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3Startup Procedure...................................................................................................24
3.1 Site requirements..........................................................................................24
3.1.1 Workbench..........................................................................................24
3.2 General features...........................................................................................25
3.2.1 Hood(s) ...............................................................................................25
3.2.2 Touchscreen.........................................................................................25
3.2.3 USB ports ............................................................................................25
3.2.4 Network interface.................................................................................26
3.2.5 Status LEDs ..........................................................................................26
3.3 Switching on the QIAsymphony SP/AS ...........................................................26
3.3.1 Getting started .....................................................................................26
3.3.2 Logging out .........................................................................................27
3.3.3 Switching off the QIAsymphony SP/AS ...................................................28
4User Settings..........................................................................................................29
4.1 Configuration settings ...................................................................................29
4.2 User accounts ..............................................................................................29
4.2.1 Create new users..................................................................................30
4.2.2 Activate/inactivate user accounts ...........................................................31
4.2.3 System request for password change ......................................................32
4.2.4 User request for password change..........................................................33
4.3 Language package installation.......................................................................34
4.3.1 Setting up the USB stick and transferring language files from the USB stick..34
4.3.2 Transferring files using the QMC ............................................................35
4.3.3 Changing the language on QIAsymphony SP/AS ....................................35
4.3.4 Changing the language in QIAsymphony Management Console (QMC).....36
5QIAsymphony SP/AS User Interface.........................................................................37
5.1 QIAsymphony SP/AS screen layout ................................................................37
5.1.1 Status bar ............................................................................................37
5.1.2 Tab menus ...........................................................................................39
5.2 Software symbols .........................................................................................40

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6Handling Files........................................................................................................41
6.1 Transfer options............................................................................................41
6.2 Data transfer via the USB stick .......................................................................42
6.3 File transfer from QIAsymphony instruments to the USB stick ..............................42
6.4 Transferring files from the USB stick ................................................................44
6.5 Synchronizing files .......................................................................................45
6.5.1Synchronizing files on instruments with files on the USB stick .....................46
6.5.2 Synchronizing files on the USB stick with files on instruments .....................46
6.6 Deleting files ................................................................................................47
7QIAsymphony SP Features.......................................................................................48
7.1 Workflow principle.......................................................................................48
7.1.1 Basic principle .....................................................................................49
7.2 Instrument features ........................................................................................49
7.2.1 Magnetic head.....................................................................................49
7.2.2 Lysis station..........................................................................................50
7.2.3 Robotic arm .........................................................................................50
7.3 Bar code reader ...........................................................................................52
7.3.1 Sample input bar code reader ...............................................................52
7.3.2 Reagents and consumables 2D bar code reader ......................................52
7.3.3 Bar code types .....................................................................................53
7.3.4 Handheld scanner ................................................................................53
8Loading QIAsymphony SP Drawers ..........................................................................54
8.1 Using the software Wizard............................................................................54
8.2 Loading the “Waste” drawer .........................................................................55
8.2.1 Tip park station ....................................................................................56
8.2.2 Liquid waste container ..........................................................................56
8.2.3 Tip chute .............................................................................................57
8.2.4 Tip waste collection ..............................................................................57
8.2.5 Unit boxes ...........................................................................................58
8.2.6 Closing the “Waste” drawer..................................................................59

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8.3 Loading the “Eluate” drawer ..........................................................................59
8.3.1 Features of the “Eluate” drawer ..............................................................59
8.3.2 Loading procedure ...............................................................................61
8.3.3Transfer module....................................................................................63
8.3.4 Unloading the “Eluate” drawer...............................................................64
8.4 Loading the “Reagents and Consumables” drawer ...........................................66
8.4.1 Loading consumables............................................................................67
8.4.2 Reagent cartridges................................................................................70
8.4.3 Buffer bottle .........................................................................................71
8.4.4 Accessory Trough .................................................................................72
8.4.5 Unloading reagents and consumables.....................................................73
8.5 Loading the “Sample” drawer ........................................................................74
8.5.1 Loading tube carriers ............................................................................74
8.5.2 Loading the plate carrier .......................................................................83
8.6 Performing inventory scans (SP)......................................................................83
8.6.1 Inventory scan of the “Reagents and Consumables” drawer.......................83
8.6.2 Inventory scan of the “Waste” drawer.....................................................85
8.6.3 Inventory scan of the “Eluate” drawer .....................................................86
8.7 Starting, pausing, resuming, and stopping a run ..............................................86
8.7.1 Starting a run.......................................................................................86
8.7.2 Pausing a run.......................................................................................86
8.7.3 Resuming a run ....................................................................................87
8.7.4 Stopping a run .....................................................................................87
8.8 End of batch processing or run.......................................................................88
8.9 End of working day ......................................................................................88
9QIAsymphony SP Run Definitions .............................................................................89
9.1 Configuring a sample type ............................................................................89
9.2 Use of virtual bar codes ................................................................................89
9.3 Defining a batch/run (queuing)......................................................................90
9.3.1 Samples loaded in the tube carrier .........................................................90

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10 QIAsymphony AS Features......................................................................................95
10.1 QIAsymphony AS principle........................................................................95
10.2 Instrument features ....................................................................................96
10.2.1 QIAsymphony AS hood.........................................................................96
10.2.2 QIAsymphony status LEDs......................................................................97
10.2.3 Robotic arm .........................................................................................97
11 QIAsymphony AS Drawers......................................................................................98
11.1 “Eluate and Reagents” drawer ...................................................................98
11.1.1 Filter-tips..............................................................................................98
11.2 “Assays” drawer ......................................................................................99
12 QIAsymphony AS Basic Functions ......................................................................... 100
12.1 Definitions ............................................................................................ 100
12.1.1 Independent operation ....................................................................... 100
12.1.2 Integrated operation .......................................................................... 101
12.1.3 Run with normalization....................................................................... 101
12.1.4 Standard curve.................................................................................. 101
12.2 Preparing a run ..................................................................................... 102
12.2.1 Assay favorites.................................................................................. 102
12.3 Integrated run ....................................................................................... 103
12.3.1 Defining an integrated run.................................................................. 104
12.3.2 Loading an integrated run .................................................................. 113
12.3.3 Checking cooling temperatures ........................................................... 123
12.3.4 Starting an integrated run................................................................... 124
12.3.5 Removing assays after an AS run ........................................................ 125
12.3.6 Procedure after run completion............................................................ 126
12.3.7 Pausing, resuming, and stopping an integrated run ............................... 126
12.4 Independent run .................................................................................... 128
12.4.1 Defining an independent assay run...................................................... 128
12.4.2 Defining/checking sample rack(s)........................................................ 132
12.4.3 Defining assay(s) to be processed in the run ......................................... 136
12.4.4 Assigning selected assays to sample positions....................................... 139

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12.4.5 Modifying assay parameters............................................................... 141
12.4.6 Queuing an independent assay run ..................................................... 143
12.4.7 Validating the assay run..................................................................... 143
12.4.8 Loading an independent run ............................................................... 144
12.4.9 Checking cooling temperatures ........................................................... 145
12.4.10 Starting an independent run............................................................ 145
12.4.11 Removing assays after an independent run ....................................... 146
12.4.12 Pausing, resuming, and stopping an independent run ........................ 150
12.5 Performing inventory scans (AS) .............................................................. 151
12.5.1 Inventory scan of “Eluate and Reagents” drawer ................................... 152
12.5.2 Inventory scan of the “Assays” drawer ................................................. 153
12.5.3 Transfer to a PCR cycler ..................................................................... 153
13 Troubleshooting .................................................................................................. 154
13.1 Error messages and warnings ................................................................. 154
13.1.1 Errors indicated in the status bar ......................................................... 154
13.1.2 Errors indicated in the tab headers ...................................................... 154
13.1.3 Errors indicated in the command bar ................................................... 154
13.1.4 Messages with Help button ................................................................. 155
13.1.5 Messages without Help button............................................................. 156
13.2 Software help boxes .............................................................................. 156
13.2.1 Structure of software help boxes.......................................................... 157
13.3 Contacting QIAGEN Technical Services................................................... 158
13.3.1 Make a record of the incident............................................................. 158
13.3.2 Creating an instrument report file......................................................... 159
13.4 Error codes ........................................................................................... 160
13.5 General errors that do not have error codes ............................................. 166
13.5.1 File handling errors............................................................................ 167
13.5.2 File errors ......................................................................................... 167
13.5.3 Tip waste errors................................................................................. 170
13.5.4 Maintenance errors............................................................................ 170
13.5.5 Configuration menu errors .................................................................. 170

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13.6 QIAsymphony SP errors that do not have error codes ................................ 170
13.6.1 “Eluate” drawer ................................................................................ 170
13.6.2 “Sample” drawer .............................................................................. 171
13.6.3 “Waste” drawer................................................................................ 172
13.6.4 “Reagents and Consumables” drawer.................................................. 172
13.6.5 Errors that may occur when starting a batch/run ................................... 173
13.6.6 Protocol errors................................................................................... 173
13.6.7 Errors that may occur while operating the QIAsymphony SP ................... 173
13.6.8 Protocol interruption........................................................................... 174
13.6.9 Inventory scan errors.......................................................................... 174
13.7 QIAsymphony AS errors that do not have error codes................................ 175
13.7.1 Assay definition errors ....................................................................... 175
13.7.2 Inventory scan errors.......................................................................... 176
13.7.3 Errors occurring during an assay run ................................................... 177
13.7.4 Data analysis errors........................................................................... 178
13.8 Integrated run errors that do not have error codes ..................................... 179
13.8.1 “Eluate” drawer ................................................................................ 179
13.8.2 Removal of an integrated run .............................................................. 179
13.8.3 Maintenance, service, and configuration.............................................. 179
14 Maintenance ...................................................................................................... 180
14.1 Cleaning .............................................................................................. 180
14.2 Servicing .............................................................................................. 182
14.3 Regular maintenance ............................................................................. 182
14.3.1 Regular disposal of tips ...................................................................... 182
14.3.2 Regular maintenance procedure for the QIAsymphony SP ...................... 183
14.3.3 Regular maintenance procedure for the QIAsymphony AS...................... 184
14.4 Daily maintenance (SP/AS) .................................................................... 184
14.4.1 Pipetting system tip guards (SP/AS) ..................................................... 185
14.4.2 Tip disposal chute.............................................................................. 185
14.4.3 Drawers and lysis station (SP).............................................................. 186
14.4.4 Drawers (AS) .................................................................................... 186

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14.4.5 Conveyor base tray (SP) — optional .................................................... 186
14.4.6 Robotic gripper (SP)........................................................................... 187
14.4.7 Liquid waste container (SP) ................................................................. 187
14.5 Weekly maintenance (SP/AS)................................................................. 187
14.5.1 File management............................................................................... 187
14.5.2 Cleaning the touchscreen ................................................................... 187
14.5.3 Cleaning the QIAsymphony SP/AS hoods............................................ 188
14.5.4 Cleaning the tube carriers (SP) ............................................................ 188
14.5.5 Cleaning the optical sensor (SP) .......................................................... 188
14.5.6 Magnetic head (SP) ........................................................................... 188
14.5.7 Liquid waste container (SP) ................................................................. 189
14.5.8 Cleaning adapters (AS)...................................................................... 189
14.6 UV decontamination of the worktable ...................................................... 189
14.7 Maintenance of the tip adapter O-ring ..................................................... 191
15 Technical Data.................................................................................................... 192
15.1 Environmental conditions........................................................................ 192
15.2 Mechanical data and hardware features .................................................. 193
16 User Interface Addendum..................................................................................... 194
Appendix A .................................................................................................................. 205
Declaration of Conformity .................................................................................... 205
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) ................................................. 206
FCC declaration.................................................................................................. 207
Liability clause .................................................................................................... 208
Wen Quan Yi Micro Hei font................................................................................ 209
Index ........................................................................................................................... 211

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1Introduction
Thank you for choosing QIAsymphony SP/AS instruments. We are confident that they will
become an integral part of your laboratory.
This consolidated operating guide gives you basic information about operating the QIAsymphony
SP and AS instruments.
Before using the instruments, it is essential to read this consolidated operating guide carefully. The
instructions and safety information in the consolidated operating guide must be followed to ensure
safe operation of the instruments and to maintain the instruments in a safe condition.
1.1 General information
1.1.1 Technical assistance
At QIAGEN, we pride ourselves on the quality and availability of our technical support. Our
Technical Services Departments are staffed by experienced scientists with extensive practical and
theoretical expertise in molecular biology and the use of QIAGEN®products. If you have any
questions or experience any difficulties regarding the QIAsymphony SP/AS instruments or
QIAGEN products in general, do not hesitate to contact us.
QIAGEN customers are a major source of information regarding advanced or specialized uses of
our products. This information is helpful to other scientists as well as to the researchers at
QIAGEN. We therefore encourage you to contact us if you have any suggestions about product
performance or new applications and techniques.
For technical assistance, contact QIAGEN Technical Services.
For up-to-date information about QIAsymphony SP/AS instruments, visit
www.qiagen.com/goto/QIAsymphony.
1.1.2 Policy statement
It is the policy of QIAGEN to improve products as new techniques and components become
available. QIAGEN reserves the right to change the specifications of products at any time.

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1.1.3 Version management
This document is the QIAsymphony SP/AS Consolidated Operating Guide, version 1, revision 2
(for use with software versions 4.0 and 4.1).
1.2 Intended use of QIAsymphony SP/AS
Note: The QIAsymphony SP and AS instruments are intended for use by professional users, such
as technicians and physicians trained in molecular biological techniques and the operation of
QIAsymphony SP and AS instruments.
1.2.1 QIAsymphony SP
The QIAsymphony SP instrument is designed to perform automated purification of nucleic acids.
It is intended to be used only in combination with QIAsymphony Kits indicated for use with the
QIAsymphony SP for the applications described in the kit handbooks.
1.2.2 QIAsymphony AS
The QIAsymphony AS instrument is designed to perform automated assay setup.
If used in combination with QIAGEN kits indicated for use with the QIAsymphony AS instrument,
it is intended for the applications described in the respective QIAGEN kit handbooks. If the
QIAsymphony AS instrument is used with kits other than QIAGEN kits, it is the user’s responsibility
to validate the performance of such product combinations for any particular application.

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1.3 Requirements for QIAsymphony SP/AS users
The following table covers the general level of competence and training necessary for
transportation, installation, use, maintenance, and servicing of QIAsymphony SP/AS instruments.
Type of task) Personnel Training and experience
Delivery No special requirements No special requirements
Installation QIAGEN Field Service
Specialists only
Appropriately trained and
experienced personnel familiar
with use of computers and
automation in general
Routine use (running
protocols)
Laboratory technicians or
equivalent
Professional users, such as
technicians and physicians,
trained in molecular biology
techniques
Routine maintenance Laboratory technicians or
equivalent
Professional users, such as
technicians and physicians,
trained in molecular biology
techniques
Servicing and annual
preventive maintenance
QIAGEN Field Service
Specialists only
Regularly trained, certified,
and authorized by QIAGEN
1.3.1 Training for QIAsymphony SP/AS users
Customers are trained by a QIAGEN representative upon installation of the QIAsymphony SP/AS
instrument(s). The training takes 1–3 days, depending on the subject and the knowledge level of
the customer.
Basic training covers general operation of the system, user management, configuration,
QIAsymphony Management Console (QMC) software, regular maintenance, and basic
troubleshooting. Application-specific topics will be addressed in an advanced training.
QIAGEN can also provide retraining, for example, after software updates, or for new laboratory
personnel. Please contact QIAGEN Technical Services to get more information about retraining.
1.4 QIAsymphony Cabinet SP/AS
The QIAsymphony Cabinet SP/AS is an optional accessory for QIAsymphony SP/AS instruments.
QIAsymphony Cabinets are specially designed for positioning the QIAsymphony SP/AS
instruments in your laboratory. For more information, visit www.qiagen.com/goto/QIAsymphony
or contact QIAGEN Technical Services.

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1.5 User manual references
The following user manuals are referred to in this consolidated operating guide:
QIAsymphony SP/AS User Manual — General Description
QIAsymphony SP/AS User Manual — Operating the QIAsymphony SP
QIAsymphony SP/AS User Manual — Operating the QIAsymphony AS
QIAsymphony Management Console User Manual
QIAsymphony Cabinet SP/AS User Guide
1.6 Glossary
For a glossary of terms used in this consolidated operating guide, refer to Section 11 of the
QIAsymphony SP/AS User Manual — General Description.
1.7 QIAsymphony SP/AS accessories
For information about QIAsymphony SP/AS accessories, refer to Appendix C of the
QIAsymphony SP/AS User Manual — General Description.

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2Safety Information
This consolidated operating guide contains information about warnings and cautions that must be
followed by the user to ensure safe operation of the QIAsymphony SP/AS instruments and to
maintain the instruments in a safe condition.
Possible hazards that could harm the user or result in damage to the instrument are clearly stated
at the appropriate places throughout this consolidated operating guide.
If the equipment is used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer, the protection provided
by the equipment may be impaired.
The following safety conventions are used throughout this consolidated operating guide.
WARNING
The term WARNING is used to inform you about situations that could result in
personal injury to other persons.
Details about these circumstances are given in a box like this one.
CAUTION
The term CAUTION
is used to inform you about situations that could result in
damage to an instrument or other equipment.
Details about these circumstances are given in a box like this one.
The advice given in this manual is intended to supplement, not supersede, the normal safety
requirements prevailing in the user’s country.
2.1 Proper use
Important
The QIAsymphony SP/AS must only be operated by qualified personnel who have been
appropriately trained.
Servicing of the QIAsymphony SP/AS must only be performed by QIAGEN Field Service
Specialists.

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WARNING/
CAUTION
Risk of personal injury and material damage
Improper use of the QIAsymphony SP/AS may cause personal injuries or
damage to the instrument.
CAUTION
Damage to the instrument
Avoid spilling water or chemicals onto the QIAsymphony SP/AS. Instrument.
Damage caused by water or chemical spillage will void your warranty.
Important Do not place items on top of the QIAsymphony SP/AS hoods.
CAUTION
Damage to the instrument
Do not lean on the touchscreen when it is folded down.
Important
In case of emergency, switch off the QIAsymphony SP/AS instruments and
unplug the power cord from the power outlet.
2.2 Electrical safety
Important
If operation of the instruments is interrupted in any way (e.g., due to interruption
of the power supply or a mechanical error), first switch off the QIAsymphony
SP/AS instruments, then disconnect the electrical cord from the power supply
and contact QIAGEN Technical Services.
WARNING
Electrical hazard
Any interruption of the protective conductor (earth/ground lead) inside or
outside the instrument or disconnection of the protective conductor terminal is
likely to make the instrument dangerous. Intentional interruption is prohibited.
Lethal voltages inside the instrument
When the instrument is connected to line power, terminals may be live. Opening
covers or removing parts is likely to expose live parts

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When working with the QIAsymphony SP/AS instruments:
The line power cord must be connected to a line power outlet that has a protective conductor
(earth/ground).
Do not adjust or replace internal parts of the instruments.
Do not operate the instruments with any covers or parts removed.
If liquid has spilled inside the instruments, switch off the instruments, disconnect them from the
power outlet, and contact QIAGEN Technical Services.
The instrument shall be installed in a way that the power cord is accessible.
If the QIAsymphony SP/AS instruments become electrically unsafe, prevent other personnel from
operating them, and contact QIAGEN Technical Services.
The instruments may be electrically unsafe when:
The QIAsymphony SP/AS or the line power cord appears to be damaged.
The QIAsymphony SP/AS has been stored under unfavorable conditions for a prolonged
period.
The QIAsymphony SP/AS has been subjected to severe transport stresses.
Liquids have come into direct contact with electrical components of the QIAsymphony SP/AS.
The power cord has been exchanged with a non-official power cord.
2.3 Environment
2.3.1 Operating conditions
WARNING
Explosive atmosphere
The QIAsymphony SP/AS is not designed for use in an explosive atmosphere.
WARNING
Risk of overheating
To ensure proper ventilation, maintain a minimum clearance of 5 cm (1.97 in.) at the
rear of the QIAsymphony SP/AS.
Slits and openings that ensure the ventilation of the QIAsymphony SP/AS must
not be covered.

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2.4 Waste disposal
Used consumables, such as sample tubes, sample prep cartridges, 8-Rod Covers, disposable filter-
tips, reagent tubes, and elution racks, may contain hazardous chemicals or infectious agents from
the purification or assay setup process. Such wastes must be collected and disposed of properly
according to local safety regulations.
CAUTION
Hazardous materials and infectious agents
The waste contains samples and reagents. This waste may contain toxic or
infectious material and must be disposed of properly. Refer to your local safety
regulations for proper disposal procedures.
For disposal of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE), see Appendix A, page 206.
2.5 Biological safety
Important
Specimens and reagents containing materials from humans should be treated as
potentially infectious. Use safe laboratory procedures as outlined in publications
such as Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories
, HHS
(www.cdc.gov/od/ohs/biosfty/biosfty.htm).
2.5.1 Samples
WARNING
Samples containing infectious agents
Some samples used with this instrument may contain infectious agents. Handle
such samples with the greatest of care and in accordance with the required
safety regulations.
Always wear safety glasses, gloves, and a lab coat.
The responsible persons (e.g., laboratory manager) must take the necessary
precautions to ensure that the surrounding workplace i
s safe, and that the
instrument operators are suitably trained and not exposed to hazardous levels of
infectious agents as defined in the applicable Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) or
OSHA,* ACGIH,†or COSHH‡documents.
Venting for fumes and disposal of wastes m
ust be in accordance with all
national, state, and local health and safety regulations and laws.
* OSHA: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (United States of America).
†ACGIH: American Conference of Government Industrial Hygienists (United States of America).
‡COSHH: Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (United Kingdom).

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Important
Samples may contain infectious agents. You should be aware of the health
hazard presented by such agents and should use, store, and dispose of such
samples in accordance with the required safety regulations.
2.6 Chemicals
WARNING
Hazardous chemicals
Some chemicals used with the QIAsymphony SP/AS instruments may be
hazardous or may become hazardous after completion of the protocol run.
Always wear safety glasses, gloves, and a lab coat.
The responsible persons (e.g., laboratory manager) must take the necessary
precautions to ensure that the surrounding workplace is safe and that the
instrument operators are not exposed to hazardous level
s of toxic substances
(chemical or biological) as defined in the applicable Safety Data Sheets (SDSs)
or OSHA,* ACGIH,†or COSHH‡documents.
Venting for fumes and disposal of wastes must be in accordance with all
national, state, and local health and safety regulations and laws.
* OSHA: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (United States of America).
†ACGIH: American Conference of Government Industrial Hygienists (United States of America).
‡COSHH: Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (United Kingdom).
2.6.1 Toxic fumes
Important If you work with volatile solvents, toxic substances, etc., you must provide an
efficient laboratory ventilation system to remove vapors that may be produced.
WARNING
Toxic fumes
Do not use
bleach to clean or disinfect QIAsymphony SP/AS instruments. Bleach
in contact with salts from the buffers can produce toxic fumes.
WARNING
Toxic fumes
Do not use bleach to disinfect used labware. Bleach in contact with salts from the
buffers used can produce toxic fumes.

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2.7 Mechanical hazards
The hoods of the QIAsymphony SP/AS instruments must remain closed during operation. Only
open the hoods when instructed to do so by the software.
WARNING
Moving parts
To avoid
contact with moving parts during operation of QIAsymphony SP/AS
instruments, the instruments must be operated with the hoods closed. If the hood
sensors are not functioning correctly, contact QIAGEN Technical Services.
WARNING
Strong magnetic field
Do n
ot place QIAsymphony SP/AS instruments near magnetic storage systems
(e.g., computer discs).
Do not use metal tools when handling the magnetic rods.
Do not allow the magnetic rods to come into contact with other magnets.
CAUTION
Damage to the instrument(s)
Make sure to install the magnetic-
head guards before operating the
QIAsymphony SP.
2.8 Heat hazard
The QIAsymphony SP supports a lysis station that can be heated, if required by the protocol. In
addition, both the QIAsymphony SP and the QIAsymphony AS support a UV lamp.
WARNING
Hot surface
The lysis station and the UV lamps can reach temperatures of
up to 70°C
(158°F). Avoid touching them during operation.
2.9 Maintenance safety
WARNING/
CAUTION
Risk of personal injury and material damage
Only perform maintenance as described in this consolidated operating guide.

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Perform the maintenance as described in Section 14.
QIAGEN charges for repairs that are required due to incorrect maintenance.
WARNING/
CAUTION
Risk of personal injury and material damage
Improper use of QIAsymphony SP/AS instruments may cause personal injuries
or damage to the instruments.
QIAsymphony SP/AS instruments must only be operated by qualified personnel
who have been appropriately trained.
Servicing of Q
IAsymphony SP/AS instruments must only be performed by
QIAGEN Field Service Specialists.
WARNING
Risk of fire
When cleaning QIAsymphony SP/AS instruments with alcohol-based
disinfectant, leave the instrument hoods open to allow flammable vapors to
disperse.
Only clean QIAsymphony SP/AS instruments with alcohol-
based disinfectant
when worktable components have cooled down.
CAUTION
Damage to the instrument(s)
Do not use bleach, solvents, or reagents containing acids, alkalis, or abrasives
to clean QIAsymphony SP/AS instruments.
CAUTION
Damage to the instrument(s)
Do not use spray bottles containing alcohol or disinfectant to clean surfaces of
the QIAsymphony SP/AS instruments. Spray bottles should be used only to clean
items that have been removed from the worktables.
CAUTION
Damage to the instrument hood(s) or side panels
Never clean the instrument hood(s) or side panels with alcohol or alcohol-based
solutions. Alcohol will damage the hood and the side panels. To clean the
hood(s) and side panels, use distilled water.