Qiagen QIAcube User manual

Version 1.1 June 2008
Sample & Assay Technologies
QIAcube®User Manual

Trademarks: QIAGEN®, QIAamp®, QIAcube®, QIAprep®, QIAquick®, DNeasy®, EpiTect™, MinElute®, RNeasy®(QIAGEN Group); DNA-ExitusPlus™
(AppliChem); Gigasept®, Lysetol®, Mikrozid®(Schülke & Mayr GmbH); DECON-QUAT®(Veltek Associates, Inc.); RNaseZap® (Ambion, Inc.).
© 2007–2008 QIAGEN, all rights reserved.

Contents
QIAcube User Manual 06/2008 Contents-1
Contents
1Safety Information 1-1
1.1 Proper use 1-1
1.2 Electrical safety 1-2
1.3 Environment 1-3
1.4 Biological safety 1-4
1.5 Chemicals 1-6
1.6 Waste disposal 1-7
1.7 Mechanical hazards 1-7
1.8 Heat hazard 1-8
1.9 Translations of warnings and cautions 1-8
1.10 Symbols on the QIAcube 1-26
2Introduction 2-1
2.1 About this user manual 2-1
2.2 General information 2-2
2.2.1 Technical assistance 2-2
2.2.2 Policy statement 2-2
2.2.3 Version management 2-2
2.3 Intended use of the QIAcube 2-3
2.3.1 Requirements for QIAcube users 2-3
3General Description 3-1
3.1 QIAcube principle 3-2
3.2 External features of the QIAcube 3-4
3.3 Internal features of the QIAcube 3-7

Contents
Contents-2 QIAcube User Manual 06/2008
4Installation Procedures 4-1
4.1 Requirements 4-1
4.2 AC power connection 4-2
4.3 Unpacking the QIAcube 4-2
4.4 Installing the QIAcube 4-4
4.5 Packing the QIAcube 4-7
5Operating Procedures 5-1
5.1 QIAcube software 5-2
5.2 Running a QIAGEN protocol 5-2
5.2.1 Starting a protocol 5-3
5.2.2 End of the protocol run 5-9
5.2.3 Stopping a protocol 5-9
5.3 Setting up the worktable 5-9
5.3.1 Loading the reagent bottle rack 5-9
5.3.2 Loading the tip racks 5-11
5.3.3 Loading the rotor adapters 5-12
5.3.4 Loading the samples 5-16
5.3.5 Loading accessory buffers 5-18
5.4 Installing and deleting protocols 5-20
5.5 Saving data files 5-23
5.6 General information 5-26
5.7 Operating the shaker 5-29
5.8 Operating the centrifuge 5-32
6Maintenance Procedures 6-1
6.1 Regular maintenance procedure 6-4
6.2 Daily maintenance procedure 6-4
6.3 Monthly maintenance procedure 6-5
6.4 Periodic maintenance procedure 6-6

Contents
QIAcube User Manual 06/2008 Contents-3
6.4.1 Cleaning the centrifuge 6-6
6.4.2 Cleaning the instrument 6-10
6.4.3 Tightness test 6-10
6.5 Decontaminating the QIAcube 6-11
6.6 Cleaning the QIAcube centrifuge after a plastic crash 6-12
6.6.1 Opening the centrifuge lid 6-12
6.6.2 Cleaning the rotor and buckets 6-12
6.6.3 Cleaning the centrifuge 6-13
6.6.4 Cleaning the worktable 6-15
6.6.5 Cleaning the gripper unit 6-16
6.6.6 Installing the centrifuge rotor and buckets 6-17
6.6.7 Operating the centrifuge after cleaning 6-18
7Troubleshooting 7-1
7.1 General information 7-1
7.2 Resolving error messages and warnings 7-1
7.2.1 Load check errors 7-2
7.2.2 Protocol errors 7-4
7.2.3 File system errors 7-7
7.2.4 General instrument errors 7-8
7.2.5 General troubleshooting 7-14
7.2.6 Protocol interruption 7-14
7.2.7 Centrifuge 7-15
7.2.8 Shaker 7-20
7.2.9 Touchscreen 7-20
7.2.10 USB stick 7-20
7.2.11 Reagent volume detection 7-21

Contents
Contents-4 QIAcube User Manual 06/2008
8Glossary 8-1
Appendix A A-1
Technical data A-1
Environmental conditions A-1
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) A-3
FCC declaration A-4
EC declaration of conformity A-6
Appendix B B-1
Loading the centrifuge and shaker B-1
Appendix C C-1
QIAcube accessories C-1
Appendix D D-1
Liability clause D-1
Index Index-1

Safety Information
QIAcube User Manual 06/2008 1-1
1Safety Information
Before using the QIAcube, it is essential that you read this
user manual carefully and pay particular attention to the
safety information. The instructions and safety information in
the user manual must be followed to ensure safe operation
of the instrument and to maintain the instrument in a safe
condition.
The following types of safety information appear 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.
The advice given in this manual is intended to supplement,
not supersede, the normal safety requirements prevailing in
the user’s country.
1.1 Proper use
WARNING
Risk of personal injury and material damage [W1]
Improper use of the QIAcube may cause personal injuries
or damage to the instrument.
The QIAcube must only be operated by qualified personnel
who have been appropriately trained.
Servicing of the QIAcube must only be performed by
QIAGEN Field Service Specialists.
Perform the maintenance as described in Section 6. QIAGEN
charges for repairs that are required due to incorrect
maintenance.

Safety Information
1-2 QIAcube User Manual 06/2008
WARNING Risk of personal injury and material damage [W2]
The QIAcube is too heavy to be lifted by one person. To
avoid personal injury or damage to the instrument, do not
lift the instrument alone.
WARNING
Risk of personal injury and material damage [W3]
Do not attempt to move the QIAcube during operation.
CAUTION
Damage to the instrument [C1]
Avoid spilling water or chemicals onto the QIAcube.
Damage caused by water or chemical spillage will void
your warranty.
In case of emergency, switch off the QIAcube at the power
switch at the front of the instrument and unplug the power
cord from the power outlet.
CAUTION
Damage to the instrument [C2]
Only use QIAGEN®spin columns and QIAGEN Spin Kits
with the QIAcube. Damage caused by use of other types of
spin column or chemistries will void your warranty.
1.2 Electrical safety
Disconnect the line power cord from the power outlet before
servicing.

Safety Information
QIAcube User Manual 06/2008 1-3
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.
To ensure satisfactory and safe operation of the QIAcube,
follow the advice below:
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 instrument.
Do not operate the instrument with any covers or parts
removed.
If liquid has spilled inside the instrument, switch off the
instrument, disconnect it from the power outlet, and
contact QIAGEN Technical Services.
If the instrument becomes electrically unsafe, prevent other
personnel from operating it, and contact QIAGEN Technical
Services; the instrument may be electrically unsafe when:
It or the line power cord appears to be damaged.
It has been stored under unfavorable conditions for a
prolonged period.
It has been subjected to severe transport stresses.
1.3 Environment
Operating conditions
WARNING
Explosive atmosphere [W5]
The QIAcube is not designed for use in an explosive
atmosphere.

Safety Information
1-4 QIAcube User Manual 06/2008
WARNING Risk of explosion [W6]
The QIAcube is intended for use with reagents and
substances supplied with QIAGEN kits. Use of other
reagents and substances may lead to fire or explosion.
CAUTION
Damage to the instrument [C3]
Direct sunlight may bleach parts of the instrument and
cause damage to plastic parts.
The QIAcube must be located out of direct sunlight.
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 according to the
required safety regulations.

Safety Information
QIAcube User Manual 06/2008 1-5
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 QIAcube User Manual 06/2008
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).
WARNING
Risk of fire [W9]
When cleaning the QIAcube with alcohol-based
disinfectant, leave the QIAcube door open to allow
flammable vapors to disperse.
Only clean the QIAcube when worktable components have
cooled down.
Toxic fumes
If working with volatile solvents or toxic substances, you must
provide an efficient laboratory ventilation system to remove
vapors that may be produced.
WARNING
Toxic fumes [W10]
Do not use bleach to disinfect used labware. Bleach in
contact with salts from the buffers used can produce toxic
fumes.

Safety Information
QIAcube User Manual 06/2008 1-7
1.6 Waste disposal
Used labware, such as sample tubes, QIAGEN spin columns,
filter-tips, or rotor adapters, may contain hazardous
chemicals or infectious agents from the purification process.
Such wastes must be collected and disposed of properly
according to local safety regulations.
For information about how to dispose of the QIAcube, see
Appendix A.
1.7 Mechanical hazards
The door of the QIAcube must remain closed during
operation of the instrument. Only open the door when
instructed to do so by the software.
WARNING
Moving parts [W11]
To avoid contact with moving parts during operation of the
QIAcube, the instrument must be operated with the door
closed.
If the door sensor is not functioning correctly, contact
QIAGEN Technical Services.
Centrifuge
Make sure that the rotor and buckets are installed correctly.
All buckets must be mounted before starting a protocol run,
even if processing fewer than 12 samples. If the rotor or
buckets show signs of mechanical damage or corrosion, do
not use the QIAcube; contact QIAGEN Technical Services.
CAUTION
Damage to the instrument [C4]
The QIAcube must not be used if the centrifuge lid is
broken or if the lid lock is damaged.
Make sure that the rotor is installed correctly and that all
buckets are properly mounted, even if processing fewer
than 12 samples. Load the rotor symmetrically.
Only use rotors, buckets, and consumables designed for
use with the QIAcube. Damage caused by use of other
consumables will void your warranty.

Safety Information
1-8 QIAcube User Manual 06/2008
In case of breakdown, caused by power failure, the
centrifuge lid can be manually opened to remove the
samples (see Section 7.2.7, page 7-15).
WARNING
Moving parts [W12]
In case of breakdown caused by power failure, remove the
power cord and wait 10 minutes before attempting to
manually open the centrifuge lid.
WARNING
Risk of personal injury and material damage [W13]
Raise the centrifuge lid carefully. The lid is heavy and may
cause injury if it falls down.
WARNING
Risk of overheating [W14]
To ensure proper ventilation, maintain a minimum
clearance of 10 cm at the sides and rear of the QIAcube.
Slits and openings that ensure the ventilation of the
QIAcube must not be covered.
1.8 Heat hazard
The QIAcube worktable contains a heated shaker.
WARNING
Hot surface [W15]
The shaker can reach temperatures of up to 70°C (158°F).
Avoid touching it when it is hot.
1.9 Translations of warnings and cautions
This subsection contains translations of the warnings and
cautions used in this user 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.

Safety Information
QIAcube User Manual 06/2008 1-9
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.
WARNING
Risk of personal injury and material damage [W1]
Improper use of the QIAcube may cause personal injuries
or damage to the instrument.
The QIAcube must only be operated by qualified personnel
who have been appropriately trained.
Servicing of the QIAcube must only be performed by
QIAGEN Field Service Specialists.
DE Verletzungsgefahr und Beschädigung des Gerätes
Die unsachgemäße Bedienung des QIAcube kann zu einer
Verletzung des Benutzers oder zur Beschädigung des
Gerätes führen.
Die Bedienung des QIAcube darf nur durch qualifiziertes
Personal, das entsprechend geschult wurde, erfolgen.
Die Wartung des QIAcube darf nur durch Mitarbeiter des
QIAGEN Kundendienstes durchgeführt werden.
FR Risque de dommages corporels et matériels
L’utilisation non convenable du QIAcube peut causer des
blessures ou des détériorations de l’instrument.
Le QIAcube 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 QIAcube.

Safety Information
1-10 QIAcube User Manual 06/2008
WARNING Risk of personal injury and material damage [W2]
The QIAcube is too heavy to be lifted by one person. To
avoid personal injury or damage to the instrument, do not
lift the instrument alone.
DE Verletzungsgefahr und Beschädigung des Gerätes
Der QIAcube ist zu schwer um von einer Person gehoben
zu werden. Um Verletzungen des Benutzers oder eine
Beschädigung des Gerätes zu vermeiden ist davon
abzusehen, das Gerät alleine zu heben.
FR Risque de dommages corporels et matériels
Le QIAcube est trop lourd pour être soulevé par une
personne. Pour éviter des dommages corporels ou
matériels, ne pas soulever l’instrument tout seul.
WARNING
Risk of personal injury and material damage [W3]
Do not attempt to move the QIAcube during operation.
DE Verletzungsgefahr und Beschädigung des Gerätes
Den QIAcube während eines Laufes nicht bewegen.
FR Risque de dommages corporels et matériels
Ne pas essayer de bouger le QIAcube pendant son
fonctionnement.
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.

Safety Information
QIAcube User Manual 06/2008 1-11
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).
WARNING
Explosive atmosphere [W5]
The QIAcube is not designed for use in an explosive
atmosphere.
DE Explosionsfähige Atmosphären
Der QIAcube darf nicht in explosionsfähigen Atmosphären
betrieben werden.
FR Atmosphère explosive
Le QIAcube n’est pas conçu pour fonctionner dans une
atmosphère explosive.
WARNING
Risk of explosion [W6]
The QIAcube is intended for use with reagents and
substances supplied with QIAGEN kits. Use of other
reagents and substances may lead to fire or explosion.

Safety Information
1-12 QIAcube User Manual 06/2008
DE Explosionsgefahr
Der QIAcube ist ausschließlich mit Reagenzien und
Substanzen aus den QIAGEN Kits zu benutzen. Die
Benutzung von anderen Reagenzien oder Substanzen kann
Feuer oder eine Explosion auslösen.
FR Risque d’explosion
Le QIAcube a été conçu pour l’utilisation des réactifs et
substances fournis par les kits QIAGEN. L’utilisation de
réactifs et de substances autres que celles indiquées peut
entrainer un risque d’incendie ou d’explosion.
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.

Safety Information
QIAcube User Manual 06/2008 1-13
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 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.
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 (MSDS)” 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 QIAcube User Manual 06/2008
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.
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, 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 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.