tecan Columbus Washer User manual

TECAN
Instructions for Use for
Columbus Washer
Document Part No. I 109 006
May 2003
Document Revision : 2.2
Firmware Level: 4.x

Tecan Affiliates and Service Centers
Austria
Tecan Austria GmbH
Untersbergstrasse 1a
A-5082 Grödig / Salzburg
Austria
Tel.: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Asia
Tecan Asia (Pte) Ltd.
80, Marine Parade #13-04
Singapore 449269
Singapore
Tel.: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Belgium
Tecan Benelux B.V.B.A.
Vaartdijk 55
B-2800 Mechelen
Belgium
Tel.: [phone]
Fax. [phone]
France
Tecan France S.A.
Parc d'Activités de Pissaloup
Batiment Hermes II
Rue Edouard Branly
F-78190 Trappes
France
Tel.: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Germany
Tecan Deutschland GmbH
Theodor-Strom-Straße 17
D-74564 Crailsheim
Germany
Tel.: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Germany
Tecan Munich GmbH
Feldkirchner-Strasse 12a
D- 85551, Kirchheim
Germany
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Italy
Tecan Italia S.r.l.
Via F.lli Cervi
Palazzo Bernini
Centro Direzionale Milano2
20090 Segrate (Mi)
Italy
Tel.: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Japan
Tecan Japan Co. Ltd
Meiji Seimei Fuchu Building 10F
1-40 Miyamachi
Fuchu City, Tokyo
Japan
Tel.: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Netherlands
Tecan Benelux B.V.B.A.
Industrieweg 30,
NL-4283 Giessen,
Netherlands
Tel.: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Spain
Tecan Spain
Sabino de Arana, 32
E-08028 Barcelona
Spain
Tel.: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Sweden
Tecan Nordic AB
Box 208, SE-431 23
Mölndal
Sweden
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Switzerland
Tecan Sales Switzerland AG
Seestrasse 103
CH-8708 Männedorf
Switzerland
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
[email protected]
United Kingdom
Tecan UK
Theale Court
11-13 High Street
Theale
UK-Reading RG7 5AH
United Kingdom
Tel.: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
USA
Tecan Boston
200 Boston Avenue
Suite 3000
Medford, MA 02155
USA
Tel.: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
USA
Tecan US
P.O. Box 13953
Research Triangle Park,
NC 27709
USA
Tel.: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
2 Instructions for Use for Columbus Washer No. I 109 006 Rev No. 2.2 May 2003

WARNING
CAREFULLY READ AND FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE BEFORE
OPERATING THE INSTRUMENT.
Notice
Every effort has been made to avoid errors in text and diagrams, however,
Tecan Austria Ges.m.b.H. assumes no responsibility for any errors which may
appear in this publication.
It is the policy of Tecan Austria Ges.m.b.H. to improve products as new
techniques and components become available. Tecan Austria Ges.m.b.H.
therefore reserves the right to change specifications at any time.
We would appreciate any comments on this publication.
Tecan Austria Ges.m.b.H.
Untersbergstraße 1A
A-5082 Grödig/Salzburg
AUSTRIA / EUROPE
Telephone: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
Copyright Information
The contents of this Instructions for Use (IFU) are the property of Tecan Austria
Ges.m.b.H and are not to be copied, reproduced or transferred to another person
or persons without our prior written permission.
Copyright Tecan Austria Ges.m.b.H
All rights reserved.
Printed in Austria.
Declaration for EU Certificate
See the back of this Instructions for Use (IFU).
Intended use of Instrument
The Columbus Washer is an in vitro diagnostic instrument for stripwise
processing of microplates in the 96 well format (384 well format as option). The
instrument is designed for professional use only.
About this Instructions for Use (IFU)
This Instructions for Use (IFU) describes the basic Columbus Washer, designed
to wash microplates. It contains instruction for the use of the instrument and is
intended as a reference for the user.
It instructs the user how to:
• Install the instrument
• Operate the instrument
• Programming the wash procedure
• Definition on the wash parameters
• Cleaning and maintenance procedures
May 2003 Instructions for Use for Columbus Washer No. I 109 006 Rev No. 2.2 3

Warnings, Cautions and Notes
There are three types of informational notices used in the Instructions for Use
(IFU). These notices highlight important information or warn the user of a
potentially dangerous situation. The following notices are:
Note: Gives helpful information.
Caution
Indicates a possibility of instrument damage or data loss if instructions are
not followed.
WARNING
INDICATES THE POSSIBILITY OF SEVERE PERSONAL INJURY, LOSS OF
LIFE OR EQUIPMENT DAMAGE IF THE INSTRUCTIONS ARE NOT
FOLLOWED.
4 Instructions for Use for Columbus Washer No. I 109 006 Rev No. 2.2 May 2003

Table of Contents
1. Safety
1.1 Instrument Safety............................................................................. 1-1
2. General
2.1 Introduction ...................................................................................... 2-1
2.2 Instrument Specifications ............................................................... 2-2
2.3 Instrument Description.................................................................... 2-4
2.3.1 Rear Panel Connections .................................................................... 2-4
2.3.2 Connection Diagram .......................................................................... 2-5
2.3.3 Instrument Options............................................................................. 2-6
2.3.4 Liquid System Diagram...................................................................... 2-8
2.4 Instrument Software Features ........................................................ 2-9
2.4.1 Software Menus ................................................................................. 2-9
2.5 Washing Sequence Modes............................................................ 2-10
2.5.1 Washing Modes ............................................................................... 2-10
2.5.2 Aspirating Positions ......................................................................... 2-11
2.6 Rinse Modes................................................................................... 2-11
3. Installation Procedure
3.1 Unpacking and Inspection .............................................................. 3-1
3.2 Unpacking Procedure...................................................................... 3-2
3.3 Power Requirements ....................................................................... 3-2
3.4 Installation Procedure ..................................................................... 3-3
3.4.1 Installing the Instrument..................................................................... 3-3
3.4.2 Connecting the Solution Tubes.......................................................... 3-3
3.4.3 Fitting and Connecting the Liquid Sensors (Optional) ....................... 3-4
3.4.4 Connecting the Barcode Reader (Optional)....................................... 3-5
3.4.5 Connecting the Printer (Optional) ...................................................... 3-5
3.4.6 Power Connections............................................................................ 3-5
4. Operating Instructions
4.1 Switching the Instrument On .......................................................... 4-1
4.2 Mode Selection Menu ...................................................................... 4-2
4.3 Priming Procedure........................................................................... 4-3
4.4 Operating Instructions .................................................................... 4-4
Procedure to Wash Individually Selected Strips ................................ 4-5
Instrument with Printer and Barcode Reader Options ....................... 4-6
Fill Verification.................................................................................... 4-7
Drip Mode Option (Cell Wash) ........................................................... 4-9
384 Well Manifold Option................................................................... 4-9
May 2003 Instructions for Use for Columbus Washer No. I 109 006 Rev No. 2.2 5

4.5 Error Messages...............................................................................4-10
4.5.1 Standard Instrument .........................................................................4-10
4.5.2 Instrument with Liquid Sensor (Optional) .........................................4-11
4.5.3 Instrument Fitted with Printer (Optional)...........................................4-12
4.5.4 Instrument Fitted with Manifold Detection Sensors (Optional) .........4-12
4.5.5 Instrument Fitted with Fill Verification (Optional) ..............................4-12
4.6 End of Operation ............................................................................4-14
5. Programming Procedure
5.1 Introduction.......................................................................................5-1
5.2 Procedure for Defining a New Program..........................................5-2
5.2.1 Process Step: Aspirate .......................................................................5-3
5.2.2 Process Step: Wash ...........................................................................5-3
5.2.3 Process Step: Dispense .....................................................................5-4
5.2.4 Process Step: Soak ............................................................................5-4
5.2.5 Process Step: END.............................................................................5-5
5.3 Editing a Defined Program ..............................................................5-6
5.3.1 Changing the Type of Defined Process Step .....................................5-6
5.3.2 End Programming Procedure .............................................................5-6
5.4 Show Program ..................................................................................5-7
5.5 Clear Program ...................................................................................5-8
6. Adjust Menu
6.1 Introduction.......................................................................................6-1
6.2 Plate Type..........................................................................................6-3
6.2.1 Round Bottom Plates..........................................................................6-3
6.2.2 Flat Bottom Plates ..............................................................................6-4
6.2.3 Movement Diagrams...........................................................................6-5
6.3 Adjust Liquid Sensors (Optional)....................................................6-6
Liquid Sensors 1 - 2............................................................................6-7
7. Maintenance and Cleaning
7.1 Manifold Removal.............................................................................7-1
7.1.1 Manifold Cleaning...............................................................................7-2
7.1.2 Exchanging the Manifolds ..................................................................7-3
Manifold for the Standard Instrument
(without Aerosol Aspiration and Fill Verification) ................................7-4
384 Well Manifold ...............................................................................7-4
Manifold for Instrument with Aerosol Aspiration .................................7-5
Manifold for Instrument with Fill Verification .......................................7-5
7.1.3 Exchanging the Plate Support ............................................................7-6
6 Instructions for Use for Columbus Washer No. I 109 006 Rev No. 2.2 May 2003

7.2 Replacing the Mains Fuses............................................................. 7-7
7.3 Cleaning Procedures ....................................................................... 7-8
7.4 Preventive Maintenance Plan ......................................................... 7-9
7.4.1 Daily ................................................................................................... 7-9
7.4.2 Weekly ............................................................................................... 7-9
7.4.3 Every Six Months ............................................................................... 7-9
7.4.4 Yearly (Service Engineer Required) .................................................. 7-9
7.5 Rinse Modes................................................................................... 7-10
7.5.1 Rinse: Soak...................................................................................... 7-10
7.5.2 Rinse: Day ....................................................................................... 7-11
7.5.3 Rinse: Night ..................................................................................... 7-12
7.5.4 Rinse: Auto ...................................................................................... 7-12
7.6 Instrument Disinfection................................................................. 7-13
7.6.1 Disinfection Procedure..................................................................... 7-13
7.7 Disposal of Instrument .................................................................. 7-15
8. Trouble Shooting
8.1 Introduction ...................................................................................... 8-1
9. Service Menu
9.1 Introduction ...................................................................................... 9-1
9.2 Skip Messages ................................................................................. 9-3
Duration Test ..................................................................................... 9-4
Function Test ..................................................................................... 9-4
Select Options.................................................................................... 9-4
Adjust Dispensing Pump.................................................................... 9-4
Adj. Prime Pos. .................................................................................. 9-4
Adj. Plate Ref. .................................................................................... 9-4
Index
May 2003 Instructions for Use for Columbus Washer No. I 109 006 Rev No. 2.2 7

1. Safety
1. Safety
1.1 Instrument Safety
1. Always follow basic safety precautions when using this product to reduce the
risk of injury, fire or electrical shock.
2. Read and understand all information in the IFU. Failure to read, understand
and follow the instructions may result in damage to the product, injury to
operating personnel or poor instrument performance.
3. Observe all STOP and CAUTION statements in the IFU.
4. Never open Columbus while the instrument is plugged into a power source.
5. Observe proper laboratory safety precautions, such as wearing protective
clothing and using approved laboratory safety procedures.
May 2003 Instructions for Use for Columbus Washer No. I 109 006 Rev No. 2.2 1-1

2. General
2. General
2.1 Introduction
The Columbus Washer is an in vitro diagnostic instrument for stripwise
processing of microplates in the 96 well format (384 well format as option). The
instrument is designed for professional use only and should only be operated by
trained personnel.
The instrument can be fitted with either an 8, 12, 16 way Manifold or a 384 Well
Manifold which are fitted with one aspirating and one dispensing needle per well.
The instrument can use up to nine software user-defined plate types that control
the dispensing and aspirating positions for round or flat bottomed plates.
The dispensing and aspirating speeds can be selected from five set speeds. For
dispensing, an additional drip mode setting is available which allows a wash
buffer to be added drop by drop.
These features allow the instrument to be used for all ELISA microplate washing
applications including Cell Washing applications.
Caution
The wash results obtained with the Columbus Washer are influenced by
the correct use of the instrument, according to the instructions given in
this IFU, as well as the liquid compounds used (reagents, wash buffer,
chemistry). The instructions for use, storage and other manipulations in
connection with samples or reagents have to be strictly followed. Taking
this fact into consideration, results must be interpreted carefully.
Caution
Before the instrument is installed and switched on,
it should be left to stand for at least three hours, so there is
no possibility of condensation causing a short circuit.
May 2003 Instructions for Use for Columbus Washer No. I 109 006 Rev No. 2.2 2-1

2. General
2.2 Instrument Specifications
The table below lists the physical specifications for the instrument. All
specifications listed below are based on the following instrument settings:
Dispensing speed: from 1 – 5 (standard setting is 3)
Aspirating rate: from 1 – 5 (standard setting is 3)
PARAMETERS CHARACTERISTICS
General
Display unit Liquid Crystal Display with two rows of sixteen digits
Keyboard Four key membrane keyboard
Number of dispensing
channels
Up to four channels
Manifold types 8, 12 or 16 way or 384 Well Manifold
Variable
Volume of solution dispensed 50 - 3000 µl in 50 µl steps for washing
(50 - 400 µl if 'Dispense rate: drip' is selected)
50 - 400 µl in 50 µl steps for dispensing
For the 384 Well Manifold:
10 - 120 µl in 10 µl steps for dispensing.
Dispensing accuracy CV: <= 4% over the plate
(300µl dispensing volume, dispensing rate: 3).
This is also for the 384 Well Manifold.
Residual volume Crosswise aspiration: <=2 µl per well
single aspiration - cell wash manifold: <= 5 µl per well
(Asp. rate 5, Asp. time 4 sec., Asp. speed 10mm/sec)
For the 384 Well Manifold:
Crosswise aspiration: <=2 µl per well
(Asp. rate 5, Asp. time 4 sec., Asp. speed 10mm/sec)
Interface All connected devices must be approved and listed as per
EN 60950, UL 1950 or CSA C22.2 No. 950 for Data
Processing Devices.
Serial RS 232 C 9600 Baud (fixed)
Power
Supply Auto sensing for the settings
100 - 120 volt or 220 - 240 volt, 50 / 60 Hz
Consumption < 65 VA
Main fuse 2 x 1.6 T Amp. (slow blow)
Physical
Outside dimensions Width : 28,5 cm, Depth : 39,5 cm, Height:: 22,0 cm
Weight 8.2 kg
2-2 Instructions for Use for Columbus Washer No. I 109 006 Rev No. 2.2 May 2003

2. General
Environmental
Ambient temperature
Operation 15°C to 35°C (59°F to 95°F)
Non-operation Below: -10°C (14°F) Above: 43°C (109°F)
Storage -40°C to 70°C (-40°F to 158°F)
Relative Humidity
Operation 20 % to 90 % no condensing
Non-operation Below: 5 % Above: 95 %
Storage 5 % to 95 %
Others
Overvoltage category II
Pollution degree 2
Method of disposal Contaminated waste
Linear Shaking
Mode Shaking Speed
1 2 3
Low 1.2 mm 4 Hz 7.5 Hz 11.0 Hz
Normal 1.7 mm 2 Hz 5.0 Hz 8.0 Hz
High 2.6 mm 2 Hz 3.5 Hz 5.0 Hz
The instruments conform to the legal norms at date. For more information, see
the Declaration of Conformity Certificate on the last page of this IFU.
May 2003 Instructions for Use for Columbus Washer No. I 109 006 Rev No. 2.2 2-3

2. General
2.3 Instrument Description
The diagram below shows the main components of the instrument:
Fig. 2-1 Columbus Washer
Keyboard and
Display Unit
Manifold Arm
Manifold
Waste Sink
Plate Support
Guide Bar
POWER
Power ON LED
2.3.1 Rear Panel Connections
The instrument has the following connections on the back panel:
Fig. 2-2 Columbus Washer - Rear Panel
ON/OFF
Switch
Fuse
Compartment
Mains Power
Socket
Printer Connector
or
Serial RS 232 for
Remote Control
Hand held
Barcode
Reader
Bottle Holder with
Liquid Sensor for
each bottle
Waste
Tubing
(red)
A
erosol
Tubing
(optional)
(yellow)
Inlets for channels 1 - 4
All connected devices must be proved and listed with regulations
EN 60950, UL 1950 or CSA C22.2 No. 950 for Data Processing Devices
2-4 Instructions for Use for Columbus Washer No. I 109 006 Rev No. 2.2 May 2003

2. General
2.3.2 Connection Diagram
Fig. 2-3 Columbus Washer
Printer (option)
Hand held
Barcode Reader
(optional)
or
Computer for
Remote Control
Waste
Bottle
Wash
Liquid 1
Bottle Holders
with liquid senso
r
for each bottle
grey red
green
Rinse
solution
Marked
red
May 2003 Instructions for Use for Columbus Washer No. I 109 006 Rev No. 2.2 2-5

2. General
2.3.3 Instrument Options
Please note that some of the options listed below require an instrument firmware
level of 3.x.and 4.x
See price list for more details and order numbers.
Barcode Pen HBCS-A300 pen (Hewlett Packard) or a compatible pen
with a magnetic core for reading the microplate
identification numbers for the printout of the washing
protocol.
Included in the HBCS-A300 pen is the Decoder IC: HBCR
1611 (Hewlett Packard)
This decoder can read:
Code 39, Interleaved 2 of 5, UPC A, E0, E1
EAN / JAN 8, 13
Codabar, Code 128
Printer External printer for printing the washing protocol.
We recommend a DPU - 201 GS hand held thermal printer
(or EPSON compatible) with 27 character per line and a
power supply.
RS 232 interface, 9600 Baud, 8 data, 1 stop, no parity and
hardware handshake (BUSY on pin8 on the Washer
connector).
Fill Verification This option checks whether the wash buffer was dispensed
into each well during an overflow wash step (special
manifold required, M8 or M16).
The Fill Verification includes also the Manifold Detection
function.
Note:
The Fill Verification Option cannot be combined with the Aerosol Protection
option. Not available for 384 Well Manifold. Possible from firmware level
3.23 onwards. Factory installation required!
Manifold
Detection
Automatic detection for the type of manifold fitted:
For 96 Well plate: M8, M12, M16.
For 384 Well plate: only M32.
2-6 Instructions for Use for Columbus Washer No. I 109 006 Rev No. 2.2 May 2003

2. General
Aerosol Protection Special manifold and pump to aspirate any aerosol vapors
away from the microplate when it is washed.
Note:
The Aerosol Protection option cannot be combined with the Fill Verification
option. Possible from firmware level 3.23 onwards. Factory installation
required! Not available for 384 Well Manifold.
Liquid Channel
Upgrade
Option to upgrade the number of liquid channels from 1 to
a maximum of 4.
Liquid Sensor
System
Allows the level of liquid in the bottles (wash buffer, rinse
solution, waste and so on) to be controlled. An acoustic
signal alerts the user when the bottles are empty or full.
Columbus PC
Software
Consisting of WinWash and Download including the
Instructions for Use (IFU) and RS232 interface cable.
Firmware Update Consisting of the Download software, the latest version of
the firmware 3.x, as well as 5 language software files
(English, German, French, Spanish and Italian) that can
change the on-board language of the Columbus (from
firmware level 2.23 onwards) in the field.
Drip Mode
(Cell Wash)
Drip Mode allows a wash buffer to be added drop by drop
(for example: for Cell Washing).
Note:
This option is only available together with our cell wash manifolds
(M 8, M12, M16). Dispensing in Drip mode is possible with the 384 Well
Manifold. Overflow washing using Drip mode is not possible with the 384 Well
Manifold.
384 Well Manifold
(starting at 4.x)
This option is used for washing the 384 well microplate in
rows and can only be performed with a 32 way Manifold.
May 2003 Instructions for Use for Columbus Washer No. I 109 006 Rev No. 2.2 2-7

2. General
2.3.4 Liquid System Diagram
Fig. 2-4 Columbus Washer
Manifold Dispense Solenoid
Valve
Dispensing Pump
Channel select
Solenoid Valves
A
spirating Pump
A
erosol Pump
(optional)
Marked
yellow
Marked blue
Marked red
Marked yellow
Marked
red
2-8 Instructions for Use for Columbus Washer No. I 109 006 Rev No. 2.2 May 2003

2. General
2.4 Instrument Software Features
The instrument has the following software features:
• 30 user definable washing programs, stored under the numbers 1 to 30.
• Up to 60 processing steps per program, each processing step can be
identical or different from the previous step.
• 3 Washing Modes, Dilution Washing, Bottom Washing and Overflow
Washing.
Set using the Plate type parameters.
• Soak Time selectable from 1 to 999 seconds.
• Software selectable Dispensing Speeds
• Software selectable Aspirating Speeds
• Software selectable Bottom position, for aspiration contact to the bottom
of the wells.
• Four Rinse Modes, the different Rinse modes can be used to select how the
instrument is rinsed before it is left to stand or switched off.
• Automatic Microplate Centering, the microplate is automatically centered
before the start of the washing program.
• Programmable Strip Selection, the program can be defined so that the
strips to be washed can be selected before starting the washing procedure.
2.4.1 Software Menus
The instrument can be used in the following software menus:
Run Selection of the Run procedure to perform the selected program
Prime Priming procedure for each channel
Rinse Rinsing procedure
Program Selection of the Programming procedure, to define the required
program
Clear Procedure to clear a program from the instrument's memory
Show Procedure to show the parameters for a program
Adjust Procedure to adjust the instrument parameters
Service Selection of the Service submenu
For service engineer only
May 2003 Instructions for Use for Columbus Washer No. I 109 006 Rev No. 2.2 2-9

2. General
2.5 Washing Sequence Modes
The instrument can wash a microplate using the following sequence modes:
Plate Mode Each process step is performed on all of the strips sequentially,
before proceeding to the next process step. The entire plate is
processed for the defined soaking time (as opposed to the Strip
Mode).
Strip Mode The entire Wash program is performed on a strip before
proceeding to the next strip. Each individual strip is processed for
the defined soaking time, before proceeding to the next strip.
2.5.1 Washing Modes
The instrument can use the following washing modes to wash a microplate:
Overflow Washing For ELISA assays and Cellular assays. Overflow
washing consists of a simultaneous aspiration and
dispense step. It creates a circular flow of wash
buffer in the well.
Bottom Washing For ELISA assays.
Dilution Washing Dilution washing consists of a sequence of
aspiration and dispense steps.
Fig. 2-5 Washing Positions
Overflow Washing
Bottom Washing
A
spiration step
Dilution Washing
Dispense step
2-10 Instructions for Use for Columbus Washer No. I 109 006 Rev No. 2.2 May 2003