Qiagen BioRobot M48 User manual

January 2003
User Manual

Trademarks
Patented or patent-pending technology and/or registered or registration-pending trademarks of the QIAGEN Group: QIAGEN®,
QIAsoft™, BioRobot®, MagAttract®.
Adobe is a registered trademark of Adobe Systems Incorporated.
Celeron and Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation.
HEPA is a registered trademark of HEPA Corporation.
Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Registered names, trademarks, etc. used in this document, even when not specifically marked as such, are not to be considered
unprotected by law.
QIAGEN Robotic Systems are not available in all countries; please inquire.
© 2003 QIAGEN, all rights reserved. 1023287 01/2003
QIAGEN Distributors
Please see the last page for contact information for your local QIAGEN distributor.
Australia QIAGEN Pty Ltd PO Box 25 • Clifton Hill • Victoria 3068
ABN 75 072 382 944 Orders 03-9489-3666 • Fax [phone] • Technical 1-800-243-066
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Orders 800-572-9613 • Fax [phone] • Technical 800-DNA-PREP (800-362-7737)
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Orders 02-33430411 • Fax [phone] • Technical 02-33430414
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www.qiagen.co.jp Telephone [phone] • Fax [phone] • Technical 03-5547-0811
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Orders 800-426-8157 • Fax [phone] • Technical 800-DNA-PREP (800-362-7737)
www.qiagen.com
QIAGEN Companies
QIAGEN Worldwide

Contents
QIAGEN BioRobot M48 01/2003 Contents-1
Contents
1Safety Information ....................................................1-1
1.1 Proper use ................................................................1-2
1.2 Electrical safety .........................................................1-3
1.3 Environment .............................................................1-4
1.4 Biological safety........................................................1-5
1.5 Chemicals ................................................................1-6
1.6 Waste disposal..........................................................1-6
1.7 Mechanical hazards ..................................................1-7
1.8 Heat hazard .............................................................1-7
1.9 Translations of warnings and cautions........................1-8
1.10 Symbols on the BioRobot M48 .................................1-20
2Introduction ..............................................................2-1
2.1 About this manual.....................................................2-1
2.2 General information..................................................2-2
2.2.1 Policy statement ...............................................2-2
2.2.2 Software for operating the BioRobot M48 ..........2-2
2.2.3 Version management .......................................2-2
2.3 Intended use of the BioRobot M48..............................2-3
2.3.1 Requirements for BioRobot M48 users................2-4
3BioRobot M48 — General Description .......................3-1
3.1 External features of the BioRobot M48 ........................3-2
3.2 Internal features of the BioRobot M48.........................3-5
3.2.1 Worktable........................................................3-5

Contents
Contents-2 QIAGEN BioRobot M48 01/2003
3.2.2 Pipettor head ................................................ 3-14
4Installation Procedures..............................................4-1
4.1 Requirements ........................................................... 4-1
4.2 AC power connection................................................ 4-2
4.3 Hardware installation................................................ 4-4
4.4 Software installation.................................................. 4-6
5General Operation....................................................5-1
5.1 Overview ................................................................. 5-1
5.2 Starting up and shutting down the BioRobot M48........ 5-2
5.2.1 Starting up the BioRobot M48........................... 5-2
5.2.2 Opening the QIAsoft M software ...................... 5-3
5.2.3 Closing the QIAsoft M software ........................ 5-4
5.2.4 Error log window............................................. 5-4
5.2.5 Shutting down the BioRobot M48...................... 5-5
5.3 Main features of the QIAsoft M software..................... 5-5
5.3.1 Menu bar........................................................ 5-5
5.3.2 Protocol selection box ...................................... 5-8
5.4 Running a protocol ................................................... 5-8
5.4.1 Selecting a protocol......................................... 5-9
5.4.2 Checking the tip guard insert and waste
chute ............................................................ 5-11
5.4.3 Loading the disposable tips............................ 5-12
5.4.4 Loading the reagents..................................... 5-13
5.4.5 Importing and exporting a memo................... 5-14
5.4.6 Loading the sample prep plates...................... 5-15
5.4.7 Loading Heat/Cool Block 1............................ 5-16
5.4.8 Loading Heat/Cool Block 2............................ 5-17

Contents
QIAGEN BioRobot M48 01/2003 Contents-3
5.4.9 Loading the samples ......................................5-19
5.4.10 Confirming the worktable layout .....................5-22
5.4.11 Checking the status of the protocol run............5-23
5.4.12 Viewing the results of the protocol run .............5-25
5.4.13 Sterilizing the BioRobot M48 ...........................5-27
6Preventive Maintenance ............................................6-1
6.1 Daily maintenance procedure ....................................6-2
6.1.1 Cleaning the tip guard insert.............................6-4
6.2 Weekly maintenance procedure .................................6-4
6.2.1 Greasing the O-rings .......................................6-5
6.2.2 Replacing the O-rings.......................................6-6
6.3 Monthly maintenance procedure ................................6-7
6.3.1 Performing an O-ring leakage test ....................6-7
7Troubleshooting........................................................7-1
7.1 General troubleshooting............................................7-1
7.2 Errors displayed in the QIAsoft M software..................7-2
7.2.1 Recording an error...........................................7-2
7.2.2 Types of error log codes ...................................7-3
7.2.3 Common error codes .......................................7-8
8Glossary....................................................................8-1
Appendix A....................................................................... A-1
Technical assistance................................................................A-1
Appendix B ........................................................................B-1
Technical data........................................................................B-1

Contents
Contents-4 QIAGEN BioRobot M48 01/2003
Appendix C....................................................................... C-1
Warranty statement ................................................................ C-1
Liability clause ....................................................................... C-2
Index .......................................................................... Index-1

Safety Information
QIAGEN BioRobot M48 01/2003 1-1
1 Safety Information
This manual contains information and warnings that must be
followed by the user to ensure safe operation of the
BioRobot®M48 workstation and to maintain the instrument 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 manual.
The following safety conventions are used throughout this
manual.
WARNING
The term WARNING is used to inform you about situations
that could result in personal injury to you or 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 the instrument or other
equipment.
Details about these circumstances are given in a box like
this one.
Translations of the warnings and cautions used in this
manual are given at the end of this section. Each translated
warning or caution has a reference number in square
brackets at the top right of its box (e.g., [W1], [C1]).
Before using the instrument, it is essential to read this manual
carefully and to pay particular attention to any advice it
contains concerning hazards that may arise from use of the
instrument.
The advice given in this manual is intended to supplement,
not supersede, the normal safety requirements prevailing in
the user’s country.

Safety Information
1-2 QIAGEN BioRobot M48 01/2003
1.1 Proper use
WARNING
Risk of personal injury and material damage [W1]
Improper use of the BioRobot M48 may cause personal
injuries or damage to the instrument.
The BioRobot M48 should only be operated by qualified
personnel who have been appropriately trained.
Servicing of the BioRobot M48 should only be performed
by QIAGEN Instrument Service Specialists.
Use only QIAGEN®components, otherwise your right to
make a claim under the guarantee may be invalidated. Carry
out the maintenance regularly in accordance with the
operating instructions. QIAGEN charges for repairs that
prove to be required due to incorrect maintenance.
CAUTION
Damage to the instrument [C1]
Avoid spilling water or chemicals onto the BioRobot M48.
Instrument damage caused by water or chemical spillage
will void your Warranty.
In case of an emergency, switch off the BioRobot M48 at the
power switch on the left side of the instrument and unplug the
power cord from the wall power outlet.

Safety Information
QIAGEN BioRobot M48 01/2003 1-3
1.2 Electrical safety
To ensure satisfactory and safe operation of the
BioRobot M48, it is essential that the line power cord is
connected to true electrical earth (ground).
WARNING
Electrical hazard [W2]
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, and opening covers or removing parts is likely
to expose live parts.
When working with the BioRobot M48:
• Make sure the line power cord is connected to a line
power outlet that has a protective conductor (earth/
ground).
• Do not attempt to make any internal adjustments or
replacements.
• Do not operate the instrument with any covers or parts
removed.
• If water or reagent has spilled inside the instrument,
switch off the instrument and disconnect it from the line
power supply. Call QIAGEN Technical Services.
• Servicing should be carried out only by QIAGEN
Instrument Service Specialists.
• If the instrument becomes electrically unsafe for use,
make the instrument inoperative and secure it against
unauthorized or unintentional operation. Call QIAGEN
Technical Services.

Safety Information
1-4 QIAGEN BioRobot M48 01/2003
The instrument is likely to be electrically unsafe when:
- It shows visible damage
- The line power cord shows signs of damage
- It has been stored under unfavorable conditions for a
prolonged period
- It has been subjected to severe transport stresses
WARNING
Risk of electric shock [W3]
The panel on the left side of the BioRobot M48 contains
connectors for the power cord and the computer cables.
Do not touch this panel with wet hands.
1.3 Environment
Operating conditions
WARNING
Explosive atmosphere [W4]
The BioRobot M48 is not designed for use in an explosive
atmosphere.
The BioRobot M48 will operate correctly under the following
conditions:
• Indoors
• Ambient temperature of 15–30ºC (59–86ºF)
• Ambient relative humidity of <80% at <30ºC (86ºF)
Storage conditions
If you intend to store the instrument for a prolonged period of
time, unplug the power cord from the wall power outlet. The
instrument can be stored at –40ºC to 65ºC (–40ºF to 149ºF).

Safety Information
QIAGEN BioRobot M48 01/2003 1-5
1.4 Biological safety
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).
Samples
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.
WARNING
Samples containing infectious agents [W5]
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, two pairs of gloves, and a lab
coat.
The responsible body (e.g., laboratory manager) must take
the necessary precautions to ensure that the surrounding
workplace is safe, and that the instrument operators are
suitably trained and not exposed to hazardous levels of
infectious agents as defined in the applicable Material
Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) 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)

Safety Information
1-6 QIAGEN BioRobot M48 01/2003
1.5 Chemicals
WARNING
Hazardous chemicals [W6]
Some chemicals used with this instrument may be
hazardous or may become hazardous after completion of
the protocol run.
Always wear safety glasses, gloves, and a lab coat.
The responsible body (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 levels of toxic substances
(chemical or biological) as defined in the applicable
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) 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)
Toxic fumes
If you work with volatile solvents, toxic substances, and so on,
you must provide an efficient laboratory ventilation system to
remove vapors that may be produced.
1.6 Waste disposal
Used labware, such as sample prep plates and disposable
tips, may contain hazardous chemicals or infectious agents
from the purification process. Such wastes must be collected
and disposed of properly in accordance with the local safety
regulations.

Safety Information
QIAGEN BioRobot M48 01/2003 1-7
1.7 Mechanical hazards
To protect users, the pipettor head of the BioRobot M48 will
not move until the workstation door is closed.
WARNING
Moving parts [W7]
To avoid contact with the moving pipettor head during
operation of the BioRobot M48, do not insert your hands
and fingers through the waste chute at the front of the
instrument.
Ventilation inlets are located on both sides of the instrument
and contain dust filters. A fan blows out air through
ventilation outlets located at the bottom or on the opposite
side of the instrument. Another 2 fans blow out air from the
worktable through a HEPA®filter.
WARNING
Risk of overheating [W8]
To ensure proper ventilation, maintain a minimum
clearance of 5 cm and 15 cm at the rear and left of the
BioRobot M48, respectively.
Slits and openings which ensure the ventilation of the
BioRobot M48 must not be covered.
1.8 Heat hazard
The right-hand side of the BioRobot M48 worktable contains
2 cooling and heating systems.
WARNING
Hot surface [W9]
The cooling and heating systems can reach high
temperatures. Avoid touching them when they are hot.

Safety Information
1-8 QIAGEN BioRobot M48 01/2003
1.9 Translations of warnings and cautions
This subsection contains translations of the warnings and
cautions used in this manual. Each warning or caution has a
reference number in square brackets at the top right of its
box.
WARNING
The term WARNING is used to inform you about situations
that could result in personal injury to you or other
persons.
Details about these circumstances are given in a box like
this one.
DE WARNING (WARNUNG)
WARNUNG weist auf Situationen und Umstände hin, die
zu einer Verletzung des Benutzers oder anderer Personen
führen können.
Nähere Angaben zu der Art der Gefährdung und der
Vermeidung solcher Situationen werden in einem Textfeld
wie diesem neben der Warnung gemacht.
FR WARNING (DANGER)
La formule WARNING (DANGER) est utilisée pour avertir
des situations pouvant occasionner des dommages
corporels à l’utilisateur ou à d’autres personnes.
Les détails sur ces circonstances sont données dans un
encadré semblable à celui-ci.

Safety Information
QIAGEN BioRobot M48 01/2003 1-9
WARNING Risk of personal injury and material damage [W1]
Improper use of the BioRobot M48 may cause personal
injuries or damage to the instrument.
The BioRobot M48 should only be operated by qualified
personnel who have been appropriately trained.
Servicing of the BioRobot M48 should only be performed
by QIAGEN Instrument Service Specialists.
DE Verletzungsgefahr und Beschädigung des Gerätes
Die unsachgemäße Bedienung des BioRobot M48 kann zu
einer Verletzung des Benutzers oder zur Beschädigung des
Gerätes führen.
Die Bedienung des BioRobot M48 sollte nur durch
qualifiziertes Personal, das entsprechend geschult wurde,
erfolgen.
Die Wartung des BioRobot M48 sollte nur durch
Mitarbeiter des QIAGEN Kundendienstes durchgeführt
werden.
FR Risque de dommages corporels et matériels
L’utilisation non convenable du BioRobot M48 peut causer
des blessures ou des détériorations de l’instrument.
Le BioRobot M48 ne doit être utilisé que par du personnel
qualifié qui a été formé de façon appropriée.
Seul un ingénieur du service après-vente QIAGEN est
autorisé à effectuer des travaux d’entretien sur le
BioRobot M48.

Safety Information
1-10 QIAGEN BioRobot M48 01/2003
WARNING Electrical hazard [W2]
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, and opening covers or removing parts is likely
to expose live parts.
DE Gefährdung durch Elektrizität
Das Gerät muss zum Betrieb immer geerdet sein.
Es ist verboten, die Schutzleiter im Gerät oder in der
Netzzuleitung zu trennen oder zu entfernen.
Gefährliche Spannung im Gerät
Auch in ausgeschaltetem Zustand kann an einigen Stellen
im Gerät Netzspannung anliegen, wenn das Gerät am
Stromnetz angeschlossen ist. Das Öffnen oder Entfernen
von Gehäuseteilen kann diese stromführenden Teile
freilegen.
FR Risque d’électrocution
Toute interruption du conducteur de protection à l’intérieur
ou à l’extérieur de l’instrument, ou déconnexion du
raccord du conducteur de protection (terre) peut rendre
l’instrument dangereux. Il est interdit d’interrompre
volontairement ce conducteur.
Présence de tensions mortelles dans l’instrument
Lorsque l’instrument est relié au secteur, les raccords
peuvent être sous tension, et des parties sous tension
peuvent être découvertes en ouvrant des capots ou en
retirant des pièces (à l’exception de celles auxquelles il est
possible d’accéder manuellement).

Safety Information
QIAGEN BioRobot M48 01/2003 1-11
WARNING Risk of electric shock [W3]
The panel on the left side of the BioRobot M48 contains
connectors for the power cord and the computer cables.
Do not touch this panel with wet hands.
DE Gefährdung durch Elektrizität
Auf der linken Seite des BioRobot M48 befindet sich das
Feld mit den Anschlüssen und Buchsen für die
Stromversorgung und die Computerkabel. Dieses
Anschlussfeld darf nicht mit nassen Händen berührt
werden.
FR Risque de l’électrocution
Le panneau avec les connexions pour le câble
d’alimentation et les câbles de l’ordinateur se trouve du
côté gauche du BioRobot M48. Ne pas y toucher avec des
mains mouillées.
WARNING
Explosive atmosphere [W4]
The BioRobot M48 is not designed for use in an explosive
atmosphere.
DE Explosionsfähige Atmosphären
Der BioRobot M48 darf nicht in explosionsfähigen
Atmosphären betrieben werden.
FR Atmosphère explosive
Le BioRobot M48 n’est pas conçue pour fonctionner dans
une atmosphère explosive.

Safety Information
1-12 QIAGEN BioRobot M48 01/2003
WARNING Samples containing infectious agents [W5]
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, two pairs of gloves, and a lab
coat.
The responsible body (e.g., laboratory manager) must take
the necessary precautions to ensure that the surrounding
workplace is safe, and that the instrument operators are
suitably trained and not exposed to hazardous levels of
infectious agents as defined in the applicable Material
Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) 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.
DE Infektiöses Probenmaterial
Proben, die mit Hilfe dieses Gerätes prozessiert werden,
können infektiöse Agenzien enthalten. Die Probenhand-
habung sollte aus diesem Grund mit größter Vorsicht und
gemäß den anzuwendenden Sicherheitsbestimmungen
erfolgen. Es sollten immer Sicherheitsbrille, zwei Paar
Handschuhe und ein Laborkittel getragen werden.
Der Betreiber der Anlage ist für die Gewährleistung der
Sicherheit am Arbeitsplatz verantwortlich. Er hat
sicherzustellen, dass die Bediener des Gerätes ausreichend
geschult sind und der Umgang mit infektiösen Agenzien
nicht das in den Sicherheitsdatenblättern (MSDSs) oder in
anderen zu beachtenden Dokumenten festgelegte Ausmaß
überschreitet.
Bei der Behandlung von Abluft und bei der
Abfallbeseitigung sind alle gesetzlichen Regelungen zur
Gesundheit und Sicherheit auf nationaler, regionaler und
lokaler Ebene zu berücksichtigen.

Safety Information
QIAGEN BioRobot M48 01/2003 1-13
FR Echantillons contenant des agents infectieux
Certains échantillons utilisés avec cet instrument peuvent
contenir des agents infectieux. Manipuler ce type
d’échantillon avec le plus grand soin et en accord avec les
règles de sécurité requises.
Toujours porter des lunettes de protection, deux paires de
gants et une blouse de laboratoire.
La personne responsable (par exemple le Chef du
laboratoire) doit prendre les précautions nécessaires pour
assurer la sécurité de l’environnement du poste de travail
et pour être sûr que les opérateurs de l’instrument sont
suffisamment formés et non exposés à des quantités
dangereuses d’agents infectieux comme défini dans
“Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs)” ou des documents
“OSHA, ACGIH ou COSHH”.
L’évacuation des vapeurs et déchets doit être conforme à
tous règlements et dispositions légales - au plan national,
départemental et local - concernant la santé et la sécurité.

Safety Information
1-14 QIAGEN BioRobot M48 01/2003
WARNING Hazardous chemicals [W6]
Some chemicals used with this instrument may be
hazardous or may become hazardous after completion of
the protocol run.
Always wear safety glasses, gloves, and a lab coat.
The responsible body (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 levels of toxic substances
(chemical or biological) as defined in the applicable
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) 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.
DE Gefährliche Chemikalien
Einige der in Verbindung mit diesem Gerät verwendeten
Chemikalien sind gesundheitsgefährdend oder können
nach Beendigung eines Protokoll-Durchlaufes gesundheits-
gefährdend werden. Es sollten immer Sicherheitsbrille,
zwei Paar Handschuhe und ein Laborkittel getragen
werden.
Der Betreiber der Anlage ist für die Gewährleistung der
Sicherheit am Arbeitsplatz verantwortlich. Er hat
sicherzustellen, dass die Bediener des Gerätes ausreichend
geschult sind und nicht gesundheitsgefährdenden
Konzentrationen toxischer Substanzen (chemischer oder
biologischer) ausgesetzt sind, so wie dies in den
Sicherheitsdatenblättern (MSDSs) oder in anderen zu
beachtenden Dokumenten festgelegt ist.
Bei der Behandlung von Abluft und bei der
Abfallbeseitigung sind alle gesetzlichen Regelungen zur
Gesundheit und Sicherheit auf nationaler, regionaler und
lokaler Ebene zu berücksichtigen.