Thermo Scientific KingFisher Duo User manual

Thermo Scientific
KingFisher Duo
User Manual
Rev. 1.0

Thermo Scientific
KingFisher Duo
User Manual
Rev. 1.0, Cat. no. N12420

Copyright
Copyright 2011 Thermo Fisher Scientific Corporation. All rights reserved. Reproduction of the
accompanying user documentation in whole or in part is prohibited.
Patents
This product is protected by the following patents:
US 6447729, Method and means for magnetic particle specific binding assay, and US 6448092, Separation
device for microparticles involving a magnetic rod.
KingFisher Duo also has national and international patents pending.
Trademarks
“BindIt” is a trademark and “KingFisher” and “Microtiter” are registered trademarks of Thermo Fisher
Scientific Inc. and its subsidiaries.
All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective holders.
Disclaimer
Thermo Fisher Scientific reserves the right to change its products and services at any time to incorporate
technological developments. This manual is subject to change without prior notice as part of a continuous
product development. Although this manual has been prepared with every precaution to ensure accuracy,
Thermo Fisher Scientific assumes no liability for any errors or omissions, nor for any damages resulting from
the application or use of this information. This manual supersedes all previous editions.
Remarks on screenshots
The version number displayed in screenshots may not always be the one of the currently released version.
Screenshots are only replaced if the content related to the application has changed.
No liability for consequential damages
Thermo Fisher Scientific shall not be liable for any damages whatsoever arising out of the use or inability to
use this product.
Power failure
The system requires uninterrupted power supply in order to operate correctly. Thermo Fisher Scientific has no
responsibility whatsoever for system malfunctions arising from power failures.

Thermo Fisher Scientific Thermo Scientific KingFisher Duo User Manual 3
About This User Manual
This user manual is written for the actual end user, for example,
research scientist or laboratory technician, and provides information on
the Thermo Scientific KingFisher Duo magnetic particle processor,
including the installation and operating instructions.
This user manual is for the KingFisher Duo instrument (Cat. no.
5400100). It aims to give you the information you need for:
●Reviewing safety precautions
●Installing the KingFisher Duo
●Using the KingFisher Duo in routine jobs – the processing step
●Performing basic cleaning and maintenance procedures
●Troubleshooting the instrument performance
This user manual also describes all the features and specifications of the
KingFisher Duo instrument as well as ordering information.
Note that simulated data appears in the screen captures.
Read the manual in its entirety before operating the instrument.
Keep the user manual for future reference. The user manual is an
important part of the instrument and should be readily available during
use of the instrument.
For PC software-related issues, refer to the Thermo Scientific BindIt
Software User Manual (Cat. no. N07974).
For the latest information on products and services, visit our websites
at:
http://www.thermoscientific.com
http://www.thermoscientific.com/kingfisher
In our efforts to provide useful and appropriate documentation, we
would appreciate any comments you may have on this user manual to
your local Thermo Fisher Scientific representative.
Intended users
How to use this
user manual
For more
information

About This User Manual
Safety symbols and markings
4Thermo Scientific KingFisher Duo User Manual Thermo Fisher Scientific
These symbols are intended to draw your attention to particularly
important information and alert you to the presence of hazards as
indicated.
The following symbols and markings appear on the type label and the
instrument itself.
Power ON ▲
Power OFF ▲
Warning Hot surface, risk of burns. ▲
Warning Risk of body parts, hair, jewelry or clothing getting caught in
a moving part. ▲
Serial number ▲
Catalog number ▲
Date of manufacture ▲
Consult instructions for use ▲
WEEE symbol This product is required to comply with the European
Union’s Waste Electrical & Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive
2002/96/EC. ▲
Safety symbols
and markings
Safety symbols and
markings used on the
KingFisher Duo

About This User Manual
Safety symbols and markings
Thermo Fisher Scientific Thermo Scientific KingFisher Duo User Manual 5
The following symbols and markings appear in this user manual.
Warning Risk of electric shock. ▲
Warning Biohazard risk. ▲
Warning Risk of injury to the user(s). ▲
Caution Risk of damage to the instrument, other equipment or loss of
performance or function in a specific application. ▲
Note Marks a hint, important information that is useful in the
optimum operation of the system, or an item of interest. ▲
W
arning and other
markings used in
the documentation

About This User Manual
Instrument safety and guidelines for use
6Thermo Scientific KingFisher Duo User Manual Thermo Fisher Scientific
●Always follow basic safety precautions when using the KingFisher
Duo to reduce the risk of injury, biohazardous contamination, fire,
or electric shock.
●Read this user manual in its entirety prior to operating the
instrument. Failure to read, understand, and follow the instructions
in the manual may result in damage to the instrument, injury to
laboratory and operating personnel or poor instrument
performance.
●Observe all “Warning”, “Caution”, and “Note” statements as well as
safety symbols and markings on the instrument and in the
documentation.
●The device shall be operated only with software specifically designed
for the device.
●Never open any other covers of the KingFisher Duo than the front
lid or the maintenance door (Figure 2–3) while the instrument is
plugged into a power source.
●Never force a microplate onto the instrument.
●The KingFisher Duo is intended for laboratory research use only.
Observe proper laboratory safety precautions, such as wearing
protective clothing and following approved laboratory safety
procedures.
●Preventative maintenance instructions should be followed closely to
keep the instrument in the best condition for maximum reliability.
A poorly maintained instrument will not give the best results.
Warning This product contains very strong permanent magnets.
People wearing a pacemaker or metallic prostheses should not use this
product. A pacemaker or prostheses may be affected or damaged if it
comes in close contact with a strong magnetic field. ▲
Instrument safety
and guidelines
for use

Thermo Fisher Scientific Thermo Scientific KingFisher Duo User Manual 7
Contents
Intended users...................................................................................3
How to use this user manual ............................................................. 3
For more information .......................................................................3
Safety symbols and markings.............................................................4
Safety symbols and markings used on the KingFisher Duo.............4
Warning and other markings used in the documentation ...............5
Instrument safety and guidelines for use............................................6
Introduction to the KingFisher®Duo ........................................................ 11
Intended use.................................................................................... 11
Principle of operation......................................................................11
Functional Description ............................................................................... 13
Instrument layout............................................................................ 13
Front view....................................................................................13
Back / internal view......................................................................14
KingFisher Duo magnetic particle processor....................................14
Principle of magnetic particle processing .........................................15
Working with a magnetic rod.......................................................... 16
Collecting magnetic particles........................................................ 16
Releasing magnetic particles ......................................................... 16
Washing magnetic particles and incubation.................................. 16
Changing the volume during the magnetic particle processing .....16
Magnet heads .................................................................................. 17
Heating blocks ................................................................................17
Elution blocks ................................................................................. 18
Shield plate ..................................................................................... 18
USB port for PC ............................................................................. 18
USB ports for memory devices ........................................................18
Consumables...................................................................................18
Reagents.......................................................................................... 19
Installation .................................................................................................... 21
What to do upon delivery ...............................................................21
Unpacking the instrument ........................................................... 21
Checking delivery for completeness and damage ..........................22
Environmental requirements ........................................................... 22
Precautions and limitations .............................................................22
Installation setups............................................................................ 23
Releasing the transport lock.......................................................... 23
Connecting the power supply cable..............................................24
Operational check ........................................................................... 25
Fitting the subassemblies of the instrument into place..................25
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3

Contents
8Thermo Scientific KingFisher Duo User Manual Thermo Fisher Scientific
Changing the heating blocks ..................................................... 25
Interchangeable heating blocks.................................................. 26
Interchangeable KingFisher Duo magnet heads......................... 27
Changing the magnet head........................................................ 28
Packing the instrument for transportation....................................... 30
Refitting the transport lock .......................................................... 30
Routine Operation ........................................................................................33
Switching on ................................................................................... 33
Control panel.................................................................................. 33
Keypad.........................................................................................33
Keys ..........................................................................................33
Display.........................................................................................34
Navigating ...................................................................................35
Using KingFisher Duo PC software ................................................38
Using internal software.................................................................... 38
Factory / User protocols .................................................................. 38
Selecting the protocol...................................................................38
Run menu.......................................................................................39
Instrument options.......................................................................... 43
Export device report.....................................................................43
Export run log.............................................................................. 44
Import protocol ........................................................................... 45
Export protocol............................................................................46
Maintenance protocol ..................................................................47
Information.................................................................................. 47
Language...................................................................................... 48
Buzzer ..........................................................................................49
Date and time .............................................................................. 49
Handling the consumables ..............................................................51
Tip combs.................................................................................... 51
Plates............................................................................................ 52
Elution strip.................................................................................53
How to start.................................................................................... 53
Shutdown ....................................................................................... 56
Emergency situations ......................................................................56
Maintenance .................................................................................................57
Regular and preventive maintenance ............................................... 57
Cleaning the turntable.................................................................. 57
Cleaning the magnetic rods..........................................................58
Cleaning the shield plate .............................................................. 58
Disposal of materials .......................................................................58
Decontamination procedure............................................................58
Packing for service........................................................................... 60
Service contracts..............................................................................61
Maintaining a system log.................................................................61
Disposal of the instrument .............................................................. 61
Chapter 4
Chapter 5

Contents
Thermo Fisher Scientific Thermo Scientific KingFisher Duo User Manual 9
Technical Specifications ........................................................................... 63
General specifications......................................................................63
Performance specifications ..............................................................64
Safety specifications.........................................................................64
In conformity with the requirements............................................... 64
Troubleshooting Guide ............................................................................... 67
Troubleshooting guide ....................................................................67
Ordering Information................................................................................... 69
KingFisher Duo .............................................................................. 69
List of accessories and consumables ................................................. 69
List of spare parts ............................................................................70
List of KingFisher Kits .................................................................... 70
Certificate of Decontamination................................................................. 71
System Log .................................................................................................... 73
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Appendix A
Appendix B

Contents
10 Thermo Scientific KingFisher Duo User Manual Thermo Fisher Scientific

Thermo Fisher Scientific Thermo Scientific KingFisher Duo User Manual 11
Chapter 1
Introduction to the KingFisher®
Duo
The KingFisher Duo magnetic particle processor (Figure 1–1) is
intended for professional research use by trained personnel. The
instrument is intended for automated transfer and processing of
magnetic particles in a microplate format. Use for self-testing is
excluded. It is recommended that Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) is
followed to guarantee reliable analyses.
Refer to Chapter 6: “Technical Specifications”.
The KingFisher Duo magnetic particle processor (Figure 1–1) is
designed for automated transfer and processing of magnetic particles in
microplate format.
The patented technology of the KingFisher Duo system is based on the
use of magnetic rods covered with a disposable, specially designed tip
comb and plates. The instrument functions without any dispensing or
aspiration parts or devices.
Samples and reagents, including magnetic particles, are dispensed into
the plates according to the corresponding instructions. The protocol
that is selected by the user via the keypad and display has already been
transferred onto the onboard software. Thermo Scientific BindIt
Software can be used to create and run protocols.
Figure 1–1. KingFisher Duo magnetic particle processor
Intended use
Principle of
operation

Introduction to the KingFisher® Duo
Principle of operation
12 Thermo Scientific KingFisher Duo User Manual Thermo Fisher Scientific

Thermo Fisher Scientific Thermo Scientific KingFisher Duo User Manual 13
Chapter 2
Functional Description
This section shows the front, back and internal views of the KingFisher
Duo instrument.
The front views of the KingFisher Duo instrument are shown in
Figure 2–2 and Figure 2–3.
Figure 2–2. KingFisher Duo front view with front lid and maintenance door
open
Figure 2–3. KingFisher Duo front view with plates and front lid and
maintenance door closed
Instrument
layout
Front view
Interchangeable heating
block
Display
Keypad
Shield plate (blue dashed line)
Front lid (open)
Turntable
Interchangeable KingFisher Duo head
USB port for memory stick
Front lid (closed)
Elution block (fixed)
On/Off switch
Maintenance door (open, red dashed line)
Cooling air outlet
Maintenance door (closed, red dashed line)

Functional Description
KingFisher Duo magnetic particle processor
14 Thermo Scientific KingFisher Duo User Manual Thermo Fisher Scientific
The back view of the KingFisher Duo instrument is shown in
Figure 2–4 and the internal view in Figure 2–5.
Figure 2–4. KingFisher Duo back view
Figure 2–5. KingFisher Duo internal view the from front processing position
The KingFisher Duo (Figure 2–6) has room for two plates and two
elution strips. The tip combs are compatible with the plates. During the
individual steps, the plates are kept stationary, and the only moving
assembly is the processing head with tip comb and magnetic rods. The
head consists of two vertically moving platforms. One is needed for the
magnetic rods (12 or 6 pieces) and the other one for the plastic tip
comb. For more details, refer also to “Magnet heads” on page 17,
“Heating blocks” on page 17 and “Elution blocks” on page 18.
Up to two plates can be simultaneously on the turntable and processed
automatically one after another. The processing of two sequential runs
is started with the 1st plate with samples in a 96-well plate. Then you
prepare the 2nd sample plate while the first plate is still being processed,
select the protocol and place the plate onto the turntable. The
processing of the 2nd plate starts automatically after the 1st one is
completed. Max. 24 samples in a 96 deep well plate can be processed
Back / internal view
KingFisher Duo
magnetic
particle
processor
Cooling-air inlet
USB port for memory stick
Type label
USB port for PC
Mains power supply connector
Positioning pin (to place the sample
plate in the correct direction)
Warning LEDs
Transport lock
Elution block (fixed, 2 pcs) Interchangeable heating block
(2 pcs)
Plate position

Functional Description
Principle of magnetic particle processing
Thermo Fisher Scientific Thermo Scientific KingFisher Duo User Manual 15
without interruptions. When using large-volume configurations on 24-
well plates, usually two plates are used in a run.
Before starting the magnetic particle processing via the keypad and
display, the samples and reagents are dispensed into the plate(s)/strip(s)
and the tip comb is placed onto the preset row of the sample plate,
default row B, from which it is automatically loaded. The plate(s) are
placed onto the turntable into the corresponding plate position
according to the protocol instructions. During the operation, the front
lid can be closed or open (Figure 2–3). The closed door protects the
processing against environmental contamination.
The operating principle employed is MPP (inverse magnetic particle
processing) technology (Figure 2–7). Rather than moving the liquids,
the magnetic particles are moved row wise on the plate(s)/strip(s)
containing specific reagents, in contrast to the external magnet method.
Magnetic particles are transferred with the aid of magnetic rods covered
with a disposable, specially designed plastic tip comb.
Figure 2–6. KingFisher Duo magnetic particle processor
Figure 2–7. Inverse magnetic particle processing
Principle of magnetic
particle processing

Functional Description
Working with a magnetic rod
16 Thermo Scientific KingFisher Duo User Manual Thermo Fisher Scientific
Working with magnetic particles can be divided into five separate
processes:
●collecting magnetic particles
●releasing magnetic particles
●washing magnetic particles
●incubation
●concentration
During the collection of the magnetic particles, the magnetic rod is
fully inside the tip. The magnetic rods together with the tip comb move
slowly up and down in the plate and the magnetic particles are collected
onto the edge of the tips. The magnetic rods together with the tip
comb, having collected the magnetic particles, can be lifted out of the
wells and transferred into the next wells.
After collection of the magnetic particles, the magnetic rods together
with the tip comb are lifted from the wells and transferred into the next
wells containing the reagent, the magnetic rods together with the tip
comb are lowered into the wells and the magnetic rods are lifted off.
Magnetic particles are released by moving the tip comb up and down
several times at considerably high speed until all the particles have been
mixed with the substance in the next reaction.
Washing the magnetic particles is a frequent and an important
processing phase. Washing is a combination of the release and
collection processes in wells filled with washing solution.
To maximize washing efficiency, the magnetic rods together with the
tip comb are designed to have minimized liquid-carrying properties.
To keep the magnetic particle suspension evenly mixed in incubating
long-running reactions, the tip comb can be moved up and down in the
solution.
The volume of the first row of the plate can be larger than the volume
of the next row, and this is used for concentration purposes (see
Figure 2–8 below).
W
orking with a
magnetic rod
Collecting magnetic
particles
Releasing magnetic
particles
W
ashing magnetic
particles and
incubation
Changing the volume
during the magnetic
particle processing

Functional Description
Magnet heads
Thermo Fisher Scientific Thermo Scientific KingFisher Duo User Manual 17
Figure 2–8. A concentration step during magnetic particle processing
The KingFisher Duo can be used with one processing head at a time.
The instrument comes equipped with two interchangeable KingFisher
Duo magnet heads, a 12-pin magnet head and a 6-pin magnet head.
The magnet head options have been designed for different volume
needs.
The 12-pin magnet head is used with a corresponding plastic 12-tip
comb and a Thermo Scientific Microtiter deep well 96 plate and the
12-well KingFisher Duo elution strip.
●12-pin magnet head
•1–12 samples per run
•8 processing positions including the elution strip
•Up to 1 ml processing volume
The 6-pin magnet head is used with a corresponding plastic 6-tip comb
and a Thermo Scientific KingFisher Flex 24 deep well plate.
●6-pin magnet head
•1–6 samples per run
•3 processing positions (optionally with two plates up to
7 positions)
•Up to 5 ml processing volume
If necessary, the factory set 12-pin magnet head can be changed to the
6-pin magnet head. Refer to “Interchangeable KingFisher Duo magnet
heads” on page 27, “Changing the magnet head” on page 28 and “List
of spare parts” on page 70.
The KingFisher Duo comes equipped with two interchangeable
KingFisher Duo heating blocks, either 12- or 6-well and with two
Magnet heads
Heating blocks

Functional Description
Elution blocks
18 Thermo Scientific KingFisher Duo User Manual Thermo Fisher Scientific
pieces each. The two parallel 12-well KingFisher Duo heating block
rows installed at the factory can be changed to two parallel 6-well
heating blocks if necessary. Refer to “Changing the heating blocks” on
page 25 and “Interchangeable heating blocks” on page 26.
There are two parallel fixed 1 x 12-well elution blocks (Figure 2–2 and
Figure 2–5) with a heating and cooling option. The elution blocks can
only be used with a 12-pin magnet head. A plastic KingFisher Duo 1 x
12 elution strip can be placed onto the block.
Following the process, the elution block can be set to cool and thus act
as a cooling block to better preserve the samples.
Always when the turntable rotates as well as at the end of each protocol,
the tip moves on top of the fixed shield plate that serves as a protective
cover (Figure 2–3).
There is a USB port for PC located on top of the USB port for memory
stick on the back panel (see Figure 2–4). A USB cable (Cat. no.
N04001) is supplied with the instrument.
There are two parallel USB ports, one on the back panel and one on the
front panel (Figure 2–4 and Figure 2–3), designed for:
●Protocol import/export
●Export of the run log file for traceability
The user can either use the USB port on the back panel or the front to
accept an external memory device (Figure 2–4 and Figure 2–3).
It is convenient and user friendly to use the front USB port for
importing or exporting protocols. PC connection is not necessary. You
can also export the run log file for traceability.
It is recommended to use FAT16 or FAT32 formatted USB memory
devices.
It is not recommended to use multiple drive USB memory devices that
contain virtual CD drives. For more information, refer to Chapter 7:
“Troubleshooting Guide”.
For more details and ordering information on plastic consumables, such
as plates, tip combs, elution strips, etc. used with the KingFisher Duo
instrument, refer to “List of accessories and consumables” on page 69.
Elution blocks
Shield plate
USB port for PC
USB ports for
memory devices
Consumables