tecan GENios User manual

Operating Manual for
GENios, GENios FL,
and GENios Plus
Document Part No. I 112 904
June 2002
Document revision: 1.1
Software level: 4.4x

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]
Switzerland
Tecan Schweiz AG
Seestrasse 103
CH-8708 Männedorf
Switzerland
Tel.: + 41 1 922 81 11
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]
Italy
Tecan Italia S.r.l.
Via F.lli Cervi
Palazzo Bernini
Centro Direzionale Milano2
I-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]
USA
Tecan US
P.O. Box 13953
Research Triangle Park,
NC 27709
USA
Tel.: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Spain
Tecan Spain
Sabino de Arana, 32
E-08028 Barcelona
Spain
Tel.: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Germany
Tecan Deutschland GmbH
Theodor-Strom-Straße 17
D-74564 Crailsheim
Germany
Tel.: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
USA
Tecan Boston
200 Boston Avenue
Suite 3000
Medford, MA 02155
USA
Tel.: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Netherlands
Tecan Benelux B.V.B.A.
Industrieweg 30,
NL-4283 Giessen,
Netherlands;
Tel.: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
United Kingdom
Tecan UK
Theale Court
11-13 High Street
Theale
UK-Reading RG7 5AH
United Kingdom
Tel.: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
2 Operating Manual for GENios, GENios FL, and GENios Plus No: I 112 904 Rev No: 1.1 June 2002

WARNING
CAREFULLY READ AND FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS
PROVIDED IN THIS MANUAL 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 manual 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.
About this Manual
This manual describes the GENios, GENios FL, and GENios Plus instruments,
which are detection devices designed for measuring samples in a microplate.
It is intended as a reference and instruction manual for the user.
This manual instructs how to:
• Install the instrument
• Operate the instrument
• Insert and define filter slides
• Perform quality control tests
• Clean and maintain the instrument
June 2002 Operating Manual for GENios, GENios FL, and GENios Plus No: I 112 904 Rev No: 1.1 3

Warnings, Cautions and Notes
There are three types of informational notices used in this manual. 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 Operating Manual for GENios, GENios FL, and GENios Plus No: I 112 904 Rev No: 1.1 June 2002

Registration Form
Dear Customer,
Congratulations on purchasing one of TECAN's microplate readers: GENios,
GENios FL, or GENios Plus. We are sure that the performance of the instrument
will show that you have made the right choice.
In order to ensure that you will be satisfied with your instrument for a long time we
would like to ask you to fill in the registration form below or send us an email at
[email protected] with the relevant information. By doing this you are
qualified to receive all updates of GENios software XFLUOR free of charge as they
are released.
We would appreciate any comments or questions you may have regarding the
performance of the instrument.
TECAN
Your partner in microplate measurement and handling
Registration Form
GENios
Serial Number: ---------------------------------------
Company / University: ---------------------------------------
Department / Institute: ---------------------------------------
User Name: ---------------------------------------
Address: ---------------------------------------
Street: --------------------------------------------
City / State / Zip code: --------------------------------------------
Country: --------------------------------------------
Phone: ---------------------------------------
Fax: ---------------------------------------
Applications /
Field of use: ---------------------------------------
---------------------------------------
TECAN Austria GmbH
Untersbergstr. 1A
A-5082 Grödig
AUSTRIA
Place
postage
here
June 2002 Operating Manual for GENios, GENios FL, and GENios Plus No: I 112 904 Rev No: 1.1 5

Table of Contents
1. Safety
1.1 Instrument Safety .......................................................................... 1-1
2. General Description
2.1 Introduction.................................................................................... 2-1
2.2 The GENios, GENios FL, and GENios Plus ................................. 2-2
3. Installation
3.1 Unpacking & Inspection................................................................ 3-1
3.2 Removal of the Transport Lock.................................................... 3-2
3.3 Power Requirements..................................................................... 3-3
3.4 Switching the Instrument ON ....................................................... 3-4
4. Inserting and Defining Filter Slides
4.1 About Filters .................................................................................. 4-1
4.1.1 Fluorescence Filters ........................................................................ 4-1
4.1.2 Absorbance Filters........................................................................... 4-1
4.1.3 Organization of Filters in Filter Slides.............................................. 4-2
4.2 Inserting the Filter Slides.............................................................. 4-3
4.3 How Do I Install the Custom Filter? ............................................. 4-4
4.3.1 Defining the Filter ............................................................................ 4-6
5. Instrument Features
5.1 Specifications (GENios)................................................................ 5-1
5.1.1 Fluorescence ................................................................................... 5-3
5.1.2 Absorbance ..................................................................................... 5-4
5.1.3 Glow Type Luminescence ............................................................... 5-4
5.2 Specifications (GENios FL) .......................................................... 5-5
5.2.1 Fluorescence ................................................................................... 5-7
5.3 Specifications (GENios Plus) ....................................................... 5-8
5.3.1 Fluorescence ................................................................................. 5-10
5.3.2 Absorbance ................................................................................... 5-11
5.3.3 Glow Type Luminescence ............................................................. 5-11
6. Interface
6.1 Hardware Specifications............................................................... 6-1
6.2 Pin Designation ............................................................................. 6-1
6.3 RS-232-C Interface Lines .............................................................. 6-2
6.4 Synchronization and Data Format ............................................... 6-3
6.5 Signal Levels.................................................................................. 6-3
6 Operating Manual for GENios, GENios FL, and GENios Plus No: I 112 904 Rev No: 1.1 June 2002

7. Quality Control
7.1 Periodic Quality Control Tests ..................................................... 7-1
7.2 Fluorescence ................................................................................. 7-1
7.2.1 Sensitivity Test ................................................................................ 7-1
7.2.2 Linearity Test ................................................................................... 7-2
7.2.3 Precision Test.................................................................................. 7-3
7.2.4 Cross-Talk Test ............................................................................... 7-3
7.3 Glow Type Luminescence ............................................................ 7-4
7.3.1 Sensitivity Test ................................................................................ 7-4
7.3.2 Cross-Talk Test ............................................................................... 7-5
8. Cleaning & Maintenance
8.1 Introduction.................................................................................... 8-1
8.2 Liquid Spills ................................................................................... 8-1
8.3 Replacing the Fuse........................................................................ 8-2
8.4 Maintenance................................................................................... 8-3
8.4.1 Daily................................................................................................. 8-3
8.4.2 Weekly............................................................................................. 8-3
8.4.3 Every Six Months............................................................................. 8-3
8.4.4 Yearly Maintenance......................................................................... 8-3
8.5 Instrument Disinfection ................................................................ 8-4
8.5.1 Disinfection Solutions ...................................................................... 8-4
8.5.2 Disinfection Procedure .................................................................... 8-5
8.6 Disinfection Certificate ................................................................. 8-6
9. Application Note for DNA Quantification
9.1 Introduction.................................................................................... 9-1
9.1.1 Common techniques for the quantitation of DNA ............................ 9-1
9.2 Experimental Setup ....................................................................... 9-2
9.2.1 DNA extraction ................................................................................ 9-2
9.2.2 Assay Procedure ............................................................................. 9-2
9.3 Typical Results .............................................................................. 9-3
9.3.1 Detection techniques vs detection limits.......................................... 9-3
9.3.2 Sensitivities in comparison: ............................................................. 9-4
9.3.3 Results from Plasmid and Blood DNA Sample................................ 9-4
9.3.4 DNA Purity at 260/280 nm............................................................... 9-5
9.4 Conclusion ..................................................................................... 9-5
Acknowledgements ......................................................................... 9-5
Index
June 2002 Operating Manual for GENios, GENios FL, and GENios Plus No: I 112 904 Rev No: 1.1 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 Operating Manual. Failure to
read, understand, and follow the instructions in the manual may result in
damage to the product, injury to operating personnel or poor instrument
performance.
3. Observe all STOP and CAUTION statements in the manual.
4. Never open the instrument while it is plugged into a power source.
5. Never force a microplate or filter slide into the instrument.
6. The GENios, GENios FL, and GENios Plus are intended for laboratory research use only. Observe
proper laboratory safety precautions, such as wearing protective clothing and using approved
laboratory safety procedures.
7. When using GENios, GENios FL, or GENios Plus please refer to
5. Instrument Features.I13737~1.PDF
June 2002 Operating Manual for GENios, GENios FL, and GENios Plus No: I 112 904 Rev No: 1.1 1-1

2. General Description
2. General Description
2.1 Introduction
The GENios instruments are fully automatic, computer controlled microplate
readers for measuring samples in a microplate. The instruments fulfill the
requirements for numerous fluorescence, absorbance and glow type
luminescence applications in research and routine investigations.
Note:
The GENios FL instrument does not have absorbance or glow type
luminescence measurement capabilities.
The GENios Reader offers fluorescence, absorbance, and glow type
luminescence and can be used with 384, 96, 24, 12 or 6 well microplates.
The GENios FL Reader offers fluorescence top measurement with 384, 96, 24,
12 or 6 wells.
The GENios Plus Reader offers glow type luminescence, absorbance and
fluorescence with high sensitivity especially in the UV range and the capability of
measuring fluorescence in 1536 well plates.
The filters are arranged in filter slides; four excitation filters and four emission
filters respectively. The instrument has no on-board software and is exclusively
controlled via an external computer using Windowsformat.
June 2002 Operating Manual for GENios, GENios FL, and GENios Plus No: I 112 904 Rev No: 1.1 2-1

2. General Description
2.2 The GENios, GENios FL, and GENios Plus
Front View
Ensure that the instrument
is held on both sides
during transportation!
1
3
4
2
1 = power LED
2 = emission filter
3 = excitation filter
4 = plate carrier
Caution
If the instructions given in this manual are not correctly performed, the
instrument may be damaged or the procedure may not be performed
correctly and the safety of the instrument can not be guaranteed.
2-2 Operating Manual for GENios, GENios FL, and GENios Plus No: I 112 904 Rev No: 1.1 June 2002

3. Installation
3. Installation
3.1 Unpacking & Inspection
The delivered packaging includes the following:
• Instrument with absorbance, excitation and emission filter slides
• Operating manual and XFLUOR manual
• Fluorescence Microplate Assays catalog
• Fluorescence Probes and Research Chemicals handbook
• Software (disk, CD)
• Cables (interface and mains)
• Transport lock
• Spare fuses
• 2 mm Allen key
• Cover plate for use with luminescence measurements
• Adapter plate for use with cuvettes
Note
Due to its specifications, the GENios FL instrument does not come
delivered with absorbance filter slides, cover plate used for
luminescence measurements or adapter plate for use with cuvettes.
Visually inspect the container for damage before it is opened.
Report any damage immediately.
Select a location to place the instrument that is flat, level, vibration free, away
from direct sunlight and free from dust, solvents and acid vapors. Allow at least
10cm distance between the back of the instrument and the wall or any other
equipment. Ensure that the main switch and the mains cable can be reached at
all times and are in no way obstructed.
Place the carton in an upright position and open it.
Lift the instrument out of the carton and place it in the selected location. Take
care when lifting the instrument and ensure that it is held on both sides.
Visually inspect the instrument for loose, bent or broken parts.
Report any damage immediately.
Compare the serial number on the rear panel of the instrument with the serial
number on the packing slip.
Report any discrepancy immediately.
Check the instrument accessories against the packing list.
Save packing materials and transport lock for further transportation purposes.
Define and insert the filters
June 2002 Operating Manual for GENios, GENios FL, and GENios Plus No: I 112 904 Rev No: 1.1 3-1

3. Installation
3.2 Removal of the Transport Lock
The instrument is delivered with the plate support locked into place, so that it can
not be damaged.
Before the instrument can be used the transport lock must be removed using the
following procedure:
1. Ensure that the instrument is disconnected from the mains power supply.
2. Open the plate compartment flap.
3. Using the 2mm Allen key supplied, remove the two screws holding the
transport lock in place. (See diagram below).
2 screws
4. Remove the transport lock.
Note:
The transport lock should be saved for further transportation purposes.
3-2 Operating Manual for GENios, GENios FL, and GENios Plus No: I 112 904 Rev No: 1.1 June 2002

3. Installation
3.3 Power Requirements
The instrument is auto sensing and it is therefore unnecessary to make any
changes to the voltage range. Check the voltage specifications on the rear panel
of the instrument and ensure that the voltage supplied to the instrument is correct
to this specification.
The voltage range is 100-120 / 220-240V.
If the voltage is not correct, please contact your distributor.
Caution
Do not use the instrument if the voltage setting is not correct.
If the instrument is switched ON with the incorrect voltage
setting it will be damaged.
Ensure that the correct type and rating of fuse is fitted.
Fuse = T 2A / 250 (slow blow)
WARNING
RISK OF FIRE!
REPLACE ONLY WITH THE SAME TYPE AND RATING OF FUSE.
June 2002 Operating Manual for GENios, GENios FL, and GENios Plus No: I 112 904 Rev No: 1.1 3-3

3. Installation
3.4 Switching the Instrument ON
Caution
Before the instrument is switched on for the first time after installation,
it should be left to stand for at least 3 hours, so there is no possibility of
condensation causing a short circuit.
• Ensure the computer is switched OFF and the instrument's mains power
switch in the back panel of the instrument is in the OFF position.
• Connect the computer to the instrument with the delivered RS 232 interface
cable.
• Insert the power cable into the mains power socket (with protective earth
connection) in the back panel of the instrument.
• Connect the connecting cable to the computer and the instrument. All
connected devices must be proved and listed with regulations EN 60950,
UL 1950 or CSA C22.2 No. 950 for Data Processing Devices
• Switch the instrument ON using the switch in the back panel of the
instrument.
Caution
When installing or uninstalling the instrument ensure that the instrument
and the computer are both switched off and disconnected from the mains
before the RS 232 interface cable is connected or removed.
Rear View
On/Off Switch
0 = OFF
1 = ON
RS 232
The instrument is now ready to be used with a suitable software program.
If the instructions given in this manual are not correctly performed the
instrument may be damaged or procedures may not be correctly performed.
Consequently the safety of the instrument can not be guaranteed.
To operate the software, refer to the XFLUOR manual.
3-4 Operating Manual for GENios, GENios FL, and GENios Plus No: I 112 904 Rev No: 1.1 June 2002

4. Inserting and Defining Filter Slides
4. Inserting and Defining Filter
Slides
4.1 About Filters
4.1.1 Fluorescence Filters
The optical filters (bandpass style) in the EX and EM filter slides are specially
designed for fluorescence measurements. The spectral rejection and the
bandwidth of the fluorescence filters are optimized for achieving excellent
sensitivity.
Contact TECAN for filters other than those supplied on the standard filter slides.
4.1.2 Absorbance Filters
Bandpass filters, which are commonly used in microplate readers for absorbance
measurements, usually have a bandwidth of 10 nm. Therefore, it is not
recommended to use fluorescence filters for absorbance measurements,
because the bandwidth (FWHM) is usually larger than 10 nm. This could cause a
bright value error or low OD values when measuring dyes with narrow peaks.
June 2002 Operating Manual for GENios, GENios FL, and GENios Plus No: I 112 904 Rev No: 1.1 4-1

4. Inserting and Defining Filter Slides
4.1.3 Organization of Filters in Filter Slides
Our filter slides allow for eight different codes. The eight filter codes are: A, B, C,
D, E, F, G, and H. The fluorescence filter slides (EX and EM) that contain
standard filters are coded as A.
The absorbance filter slides that contain standard filters are coded as D.
You can order empty filter slides for: ABS/EX as B 126301 coded as
requested *
EM as B 126102 coded as requested *
* Without request it is coded as "B".
The barcodes are labeled as follows:
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
4-2 Operating Manual for GENios, GENios FL, and GENios Plus No: I 112 904 Rev No: 1.1 June 2002

4. Inserting and Defining Filter Slides
4.2 Inserting the Filter Slides
The filter slides are fitted with up to four interference filters which have a fixed
wavelength and are specially designed for fluorescence. Additionally there are
filter slides which are specially designed for absorbance measurements. Do not
use fluorescence filters for absorbance measurements.
Excitation and Absorbance Filters Emission Filter
To insert a filter slide, open the filter compartment manually and slot it in so that the
filter end of the slide is inserted first. The filter is then inserted automatically if it is
equipped with the automatic insertion code.
If the filter slide is not equipped with the automatic insertion code start the XFLUOR
program and click the Filter in button in the Movements dialog box. The filter slide
is then inserted.
(You may have to push the filter slide gently).
The excitation filter is
located on the left and
the emission filter on
the right side of the
instrument.
Ensure that the filter slides are only inserted into their respective
compartments and that they do not get mixed up.
Depending on the measurements that are to be performed, the appropriate filter
slide containing the required wavelength filters, must be inserted into the
instrument. The instrument can store the data for up to eight excitation and eight
emission filter slides.
The filter slides have a specific code which enables the instrument to distinguish
between the filter slides.
Please note
A ex. & em. Fitted with standard filters - see specifications for values.
D ex. Fitted with standard absorbance filters.
B, C, E, F, G & H For free configuration.
When a wavelength is selected, the instrument compares the entered wavelength
against the list of entered filter values for this filter carriage.
If the required filter is fitted in the filter slide, the instrument then moves the filter
slide so that the required filter is in the light beam.
June 2002 Operating Manual for GENios, GENios FL, and GENios Plus No: I 112 904 Rev No: 1.1 4-3

4. Inserting and Defining Filter Slides
4.3 How Do I Install the Custom Filter?
Caution
The filters are precision optical components, which should be handled by
the edges, and not scratched or stored face down in a drawer and so on.
Once the filters are installed in the slide, they are relatively protected, but
care should be exercised when handling or storing them.
In order to install a custom filter do the following:
1. If necessary, remove the securing screw (is used with fluorescence filters
which have an aluminum housing) from the filter slide using a 1.5 mm Allen
key.
2. Remove the inner filter securing ring from the filter slide. The inner filter
securing ring is used with absorbance filters, which do not have an aluminum
housing.
3. Carefully insert the filter into the opening, taking care not to scratch or get
fingerprints on the filter.
Caution
Take care when removing or replacing filters. They are easily scratched.
If necessary, use the eraser part of a pencil to aid in removing the filter from
the holder. Do this with extreme care as the filters are easily damaged.
4. For filters without aluminum housing, place the filter-securing ring into the
filter slide on top of the filter.
5. For filters with aluminum housing, carefully tighten the securing screw to
secure the filter.
6. If there are unused openings remaining after filter insertion, filter dummies
should be mounted in the holes that are still open. With GENios or
GENios Plus, the emission filter slide can have one hole opened, which is
used for luminescence measurements.
7. Affix the bar code that came with the filter to the back of the filter slide. This
is done by first removing the current bar code if one is present, and then affix
the new bar code ensuring that the bar code is in position in the deep
groove. The hole of the label must be placed on the centering pin of the filter
slide.
Do not use the two bar codes currently used for the standard excitation (A)
emission (A), and absorbance (D) filter slides for a combination of
customized filters.
4-4 Operating Manual for GENios, GENios FL, and GENios Plus No: I 112 904 Rev No: 1.1 June 2002