Qiagen EZ1 Advanced XL User manual

May 2008
Sample & Assay Technologies
EZ1®Advanced User Manual
9001410, 9001411
1050261
QIAGEN GmbH, D-40724 Hilden
R2

Trademarks: QIAGEN®, EZ1®(QIAGEN Group); DECON-QUAT®(Veltek Associates, Inc.); Gigasept®, Lysetol®, Mikrozid®(Schülke & Mayr GmbH);
IBM®(International Business Machines Corporation); Microsoft®, Windows®(Microsoft Corporation).
© 2008 QIAGEN, all rights reserved.

Contents
EZ1 Advanced User Manual 05/2008 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 1-4
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 UV radiation 1-7
1.10 Symbols on the EZ1 Advanced 1-8
1.11 Additional symbols in this user manual 1-9
2Introduction 2-1
2.1 About this user manual 2-1
2.2 General information 2-1
2.2.1 Technical assistance 2-1
2.2.2 Policy statement 2-2
2.2.3 Version management 2-2
2.3 Intended use of the EZ1 Advanced 2-2
2.3.1 Requirements for EZ1 Advanced users 2-3
3General Description 3-1
3.1 External features of the EZ1 Advanced 3-2
3.1.1 EZ1 Advanced door 3-2
3.1.2 Control panel 3-2
3.1.3 EZ1 Advanced Card slot 3-4
3.1.4 Status LEDs 3-5

Contents
Contents-2 EZ1 Advanced User Manual 05/2008
3.1.5 Connector panel 3-5
3.2 Internal features of the EZ1 Advanced 3-6
3.2.1 Worktable 3-6
3.2.2 Pipettor head 3-11
3.2.3 UV lamp 3-12
4Installation Procedures 4-1
4.1 Requirements 4-1
4.2 AC power connection 4-1
4.3 Hardware installation 4-3
4.3.1 Unpacking the EZ1 Advanced 4-4
4.3.2 Installing the EZ1 Advanced 4-8
4.3.3 Configuring and setting up the EZ1 Advanced 4-9
4.3.4 Installing the printer (optional) 4-10
4.3.5 Installing the bar code reader 4-10
4.4 Installing the PC software 4-11
4.4.1 System requirements 4-12
4.4.2 Installing the driver of the USB-RS232 converter 4-12
4.4.3 Installing the EZ1 Advanced Communicator
software 4-16
4.5 Installing multiple EZ1 Advanced instruments 4-17
4.6 Transportation and removal of the EZ1 Advanced 4-19
5General Operation 5-1
5.1 Overview 5-1
5.2 Inserting and removing the EZ1 Advanced Card 5-2
5.2.1 Inserting the EZ1 Advanced Card 5-2
5.2.2 Removing the EZ1 Advanced Card 5-4
5.3 Switching the EZ1 Advanced on and off 5-5
5.3.1 Switching on the EZ1 Advanced 5-5
5.3.2 Switching off the EZ1 Advanced 5-5
5.4 Opening and closing the EZ1 Advanced door 5-5

Contents
EZ1 Advanced User Manual 05/2008 Contents-3
5.4.1 Opening the EZ1 Advanced door 5-5
5.4.2 Closing the EZ1 Advanced door 5-6
5.5 Starting and stopping a protocol run 5-7
5.5.1 Starting and finishing a protocol run 5-7
5.5.2 Stopping a protocol run 5-8
5.6 Setting up the worktable 5-9
5.6.1 Removing and replacing the tray 5-9
5.6.2 Loading the reagent cartridges 5-10
5.6.3 Loading the elution tubes, filter-tips, and
sample tubes 5-11
5.6.4 External tube rack 5-13
5.7 Using the UV lamp 5-13
5.7.1 Switching on the UV lamp 5-14
5.7.2 Switching off the UV lamp 5-15
5.7.3 Lifetime reminder of the UV lamp 5-16
5.7.4 UV lamp ignition error 5-16
5.8 Manual operation 5-17
5.8.1 Manual operation “home axis” 5-17
5.8.2 Manual operation “return tip” 5-18
5.8.3 Manual operation “clean” 5-18
5.8.4 Manual operation “resend” 5-19
5.9 Test 5-20
5.9.1 Test axis 5-21
5.9.2 Test heating block 5-22
5.9.3 Test serial port 5-23
5.9.4 Test version 5-26
5.10 System setup 5-26
5.10.1 Setting the date 5-26
5.10.2 Setting the time 5-27
5.10.3 Setting the serial port 5-28
5.10.4 Setting the preventive maintenance reminder 5-29
5.11 Using the bar code reader 5-29
5.12 Using the external printer (optional) 5-30

Contents
Contents-4 EZ1 Advanced User Manual 05/2008
5.13 Generating a report file 5-32
5.14 Using the EZ1 Advanced Communicator software 5-36
5.14.1 User interface 5-36
5.15 Using multiple EZ1 Advanced instruments 5-40
5.16 Evaluating pipetting accuracy 5-40
6Preventive Maintenance 6-1
6.1 Regular maintenance procedure 6-3
6.2 Daily maintenance procedure 6-6
6.3 Weekly maintenance procedure 6-7
6.4 Reagents for decontamination 6-8
7Troubleshooting 7-1
7.1 Detecting an error 7-1
7.1.1 EZ1 Advanced door errors 7-1
7.1.2 Other errors 7-1
7.2 Error codes 7-3
8Glossary 8-1
Appendix A A-1
Technical data A-1
Environmental conditions A-1
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) A-6
EC declaration of conformity A-7
Appendix B B-1
Liability clause B-1
Index Index-1

Safety Information
EZ1 Advanced User Manual 05/2008 1-1
1Safety Information
This manual contains information and warnings that must be
followed by the user to ensure safe operation of the EZ1
Advanced 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.
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
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.
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 EZ1 Advanced User Manual 05/2008
1.1 Proper use
WARNING
Risk of personal injury and material damage [W1]
Improper use of the EZ1 Advanced may cause personal
injuries or damage to the instrument.
The EZ1 Advanced must only be operated by qualified
personnel who have been appropriately trained.
Servicing of the EZ1 Advanced must 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.
WARNING
Risk of personal injury [W2]
Two people must carry the instrument. Use the handle
attached to the box to lift the EZ1 Advanced. After the
EZ1 Advanced has been unpacked, 2 people must lift
the instrument. Lift the instrument by placing your hands
underneath the bottom of the instrument.
In case of an emergency or malfunction, switch off the EZ1
Advanced at the power switch at the rear of the instrument
and unplug the power cord from the wall power outlet.
Contact the address stated on the back cover of the EZ1
Advanced User Manual.
WARNING
Explosive atmosphere [W3]
The EZ1 Advanced is not designed for use in an
explosive atmosphere. The EZ1 Advanced is intended for
use with reagents and substances supplied with QIAGEN
kits. Use of other reagents and substances described in
this manual may lead to fire or explosion.

Safety Information
EZ1 Advanced User Manual 05/2008 1-3
CAUTION Damage to the instrument [C1]
Avoid spilling water or chemicals onto the EZ1
Advanced. Instrument damage caused by water or
chemical spillage will void your warranty.
CAUTION
Damage to the instrument [C2]
Ensure that the EZ1 Advanced is switched off before you
manually move the mechanical components of the
instrument.
1.2 Electrical safety
To ensure satisfactory and safe operation of the EZ1
Advanced, it is essential that the line power cord is connected
to true electrical earth (ground).
WARNING
Electrical hazard [W4]
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 EZ1 Advanced:
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.

Safety Information
1-4 EZ1 Advanced User Manual 05/2008
If the instrument becomes electrically unsafe for use,
make the instrument inoperative and secure it against
unauthorized or unintentional operation. Call QIAGEN
Technical Services.
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
If water, reagent, sample, or ethanol has spilled onto or into
the instrument, switch off the instrument and disconnect it
from the line power supply. Call QIAGEN Technical Services.
WARNING
Risk of electric shock [W5]
Do not touch the EZ1 Advanced with wet hands.
1.3 Environment
Operating conditions
WARNING
Explosive atmosphere [W6]
The EZ1 Advanced is not designed for use in an
explosive atmosphere.
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).

Safety Information
EZ1 Advanced User Manual 05/2008 1-5
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 [W7]
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, 2 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 EZ1 Advanced User Manual 05/2008
1.5 Chemicals
WARNING
Hazardous chemicals [W8]
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, etc., you
must provide an efficient laboratory ventilation system to
remove vapors that may be produced.
1.6 Waste disposal
Used labware, such as reagent cartridges and filter-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.
For disposal of waste electrical and electronic equipment
(WEEE), see page A-6.

Safety Information
EZ1 Advanced User Manual 05/2008 1-7
1.7 Mechanical hazards
The worktable of the EZ1 Advanced moves during operation
of the instrument.
WARNING
Moving parts [W9]
Never open the EZ1 Advanced door while the EZ1
Advanced is operating.
WARNING
Risk of overheating [W10]
To ensure proper ventilation, maintain a minimum
clearance of 15 cm and 30 cm at the rear and sides of
the EZ1 Advanced, respectively.
Slits and openings that ensure the ventilation of the EZ1
Advanced must not be covered.
1.8 Heat hazard
The EZ1 Advanced worktable contains a heating system.
WARNING
Hot surface [W11]
The heating system can reach high temperatures. Avoid
touching it when it is hot.
1.9 UV radiation
WARNING
The EZ1 Advanced contains a UV lamp [W12]
Avoid looking directly into UV light. Do not expose your
skin to UV light.
The wavelength of the UV light produced by the UV lamp is
253.7 nm. This wavelength corresponds to ultraviolet light
type C, which can be used for decontamination procedures.
The UV lamp does not produce any ozone.

Safety Information
1-8 EZ1 Advanced User Manual 05/2008
1.10 Symbols on the EZ1 Advanced
Symbol Location Description
Heating
system
Heat hazard — the temperature of the
heating system can reach up to 95ºC
Near the
tip rack
Biohazard — the tip rack may be
contaminated with biohazardous material
and must be handled with gloves
On the
back of the
instrument
UV radiation hazard. UV light could burn
your skin and cause damage to your eye.
Near the
pipettor
head
Crush hazard — the nozzle unit may crush
your fingers or hand
Near the
tip rack
UV lamp heat hazard — the UV lamp is hot.
Do not touch the UV lamp
Type plate
on the
back of the
instrument
CE mark for Europe
Type plate
on the
back of the
instrument
UL listing mark for Canada and the USA

Safety Information
EZ1 Advanced User Manual 05/2008 1-9
Symbol Location Description
Type plate
on the
back of the
instrument
RoHS mark for China (the restriction of the
use of certain hazardous substances in
electrical and electronic equipment)
Type plate
on the
back of the
instrument
WEEE mark for Europe
SN Type plate
on the
back of the
instrument
Serial number
Type plate
on the
back of the
instrument
Legal manufacturer
1.11 Additional symbols in this user manual
Symbol Location Description
Front
cover
Catalog number
Front
cover
Handbook

Safety Information
1-10 EZ1 Advanced User Manual 05/2008
Symbol on the heating system.
Symbol near the tip rack.
Symbol on back of the EZ1 Advanced.

Introduction
EZ1 Advanced User Manual 05/2008 2-1
2Introduction
Thank you for choosing the QIAGEN EZ1 Advanced. We are
confident it will become an integral part of your laboratory.
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 this instrument.
2.1 About this user manual
This manual provides information about the EZ1 Advanced.
It guides you systematically through the following sections:
1. Safety Information
2. Introduction
3. General Description
4. Installation Procedures
5. General Operation
6. Preventive Maintenance
7. Troubleshooting
8. Glossary
Appendices
The Appendices contain the following:
Contact information for technical assistance
Technical data
Warranty terms
2.2 General information
2.2.1 Technical assistance
At QIAGEN we pride ourselves on the quality and availability
of our technical support. Our Technical Service 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 regarding the

Introduction
2-2 EZ1 Advanced User Manual 05/2008
EZ1 Advanced or QIAGEN products in general, please 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 and more information, please see
our Technical Support Center at www.qiagen.com/Support
or call one of the QIAGEN Technical Service Departments or
local distributors (see back cover or visit www.qiagen.com ).
2.2.2 Policy statement
It is the policy of QIAGEN to improve products as new
techniques and components become available. QIAGEN
reserves the right to change specifications at any time.
In an effort to produce useful and appropriate
documentation, we appreciate your comments on this
publication. Please contact QIAGEN Technical Services.
2.2.3 Version management
This document is the EZ1 Advanced User Manual, revision
R1.
2.3 Intended use of the EZ1 Advanced
The EZ1 Advanced is designed to perform automated
isolation and purification of nucleic acids.
It is intended to be used only in combination with QIAGEN
kits indicated for use with the EZ1 Advanced instrument for
the applications described in the kit handbooks.
The system is intended for use by professional users, such as
technicians and physicians trained in molecular biological
techniques and the operation of the EZ1 Advanced.

Introduction
EZ1 Advanced User Manual 05/2008 2-3
2.3.1 Requirements for EZ1 Advanced users
This table covers the general level of competence and
training necessary for transportation, installation, use,
maintenance, and servicing of the EZ1 Advanced.
Type of task Personnel Training and experience
Delivery No special
requirements
No special requirements
Installation Laboratory
technicians or
equivalent
Appropriately trained and
experienced personnel
familiar with use of computers
and automation in general
Routine use
(running
protocols)
Laboratory
technicians or
equivalent
Appropriately trained and
experienced personnel
familiar with use of computers
and automation in general
Regular, daily,
and weekly
maintenance
Laboratory
technicians or
equivalent
Appropriately trained and
experienced personnel
familiar with use of computers
and automation in general
Servicing and
annual preventive
maintenance
QIAGEN
Instrument
Service
Specialists only

Introduction
2-4 EZ1 Advanced User Manual 05/2008
This page intentionally left blank