Thermo Scientific KingFisher Flex User manual

Thermo Scientific
KingFisher Flex
User Manual
Rev. 1.5, Cat. no. N07669

Copyright
2016 Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. All rights reserved. First edition published in 2008. Decon is a
trademark of Decon Laboratories Limited. Microside SQ is a trademark of Global Biotechnologies, Inc.
Virkon is a trademark of E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company or its affiliates. All (other) trademarks are
the sole property of Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. and its subsidiaries.
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 Flex also has national and international patents pending.
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 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.
No liability for consequential damages
Thermo Fisher Scientific shall not be liable for any indirect or consequential damages whatsoever arising
out of the use or inability to use this product.
Warranty statement
Thermo Fisher Scientific Microplate Instrumentation Business products are fully guaranteed against
defective parts and materials, including defects caused by poor workmanship, for a period of one year
from the date of delivery. Thermo Fisher Scientific will repair or replace defective parts or materials during
the term of warranty at no extra charge for materials and labor provided that the products were used and
maintained in accordance with Thermo Fisher Scientific’s instructions. The warranty is invalid if products
have been misused or abused. For the warranty to be effective, the product must have been purchased
either directly from Thermo Fisher Scientific or from an authorized Thermo Fisher Scientific distributor.
The guarantee is not transferable to a third party without prior written approval from Thermo Fisher
Scientific. This guarantee is subject to the following exclusions:
Any defects caused by normal wear and tear.
Defects caused by fire, lightning, flood, earthquake, explosion, sabotage, war, riot, or any other
occurrence of the type listed above.
Refurbished products that are subject to different warranty conditions.
THIS WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING
BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A
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obtained from your local Thermo Fisher Scientific dealer.

Thermo Fisher Scientific Thermo Scientific KingFisher Flex 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™Flex, including the
installation and operating instructions.
Read the manual in its entirety before operating the instrument.
This user manual is designed to give you the information to:
Review safety precautions
Install the KingFisher Flex
Use the KingFisher Flex in routine jobs –the processing step
Perform basic cleaning and maintenance procedures
Troubleshoot the instrument performance
This user manual also describes all the features and specifications
of the KingFisher Flex hardware and onboard software. Refer to
Chapter 7: “Technical Specifications”.
In Chapter 4: “Routine Operation” you find explanations of the
processing principles and procedures and on how to use the
KingFisher Flex internal software.
In Chapter 9: “Troubleshooting Guide”you find explanations of error
and warning messages and a problem-solving guide. The user
should be familiar with the contents of Chapter 5: “Maintenance”. For
ordering information, refer to Chapter 10: “Ordering Information”.
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
http://www.unitylabservices.com
In our efforts to provide useful and appropriate documentation, we
appreciate your comments 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 Flex 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 s
Power OFF s
Warning Hot surface, risk of burns. s
Warning Risk of body parts, hair, jewelry or clothing getting
caught in a moving part. s
Serial number s
Catalog number s
Date of manufacture s
Consult instructions for use s
WEEE symbol This product is required to comply with the
European Union’s Waste Electrical & Electronic Equipment
(WEEE) Directive 2012/19/EC. s
A black label with the following text (Figure 2–4):
WARNING: DISCONNECT SUPPLY BEFORE SERVICING
AVERTISSEMENT: COUPER L'ALIMENTATION AVANT
L'ENTRETIEN ET LE DEPANNAGE
Safety symbols
and markings
Safety symbols
and markings
used on the
KingFisher Flex

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

About This User Manual
Instrument safety and guidelines for use
6Thermo Scientific KingFisher Flex User Manual Thermo Fisher Scientific
Always follow basic safety precautions when using the
KingFisher Flex 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 Flex than
the transparent lid or the sliding door (Figure 2–3) while the
instrument is plugged into a power source.
Never force a microplate onto the instrument.
The KingFisher Flex 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. s
Warning If the device is not used according to manufacturer’s
instructions the protection provided by the device cannot be
guaranteed. s
Instrument safety
and guidelines
for use

Thermo Fisher Scientific Thermo Scientific KingFisher Flex 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 Flex..................4
Warning and other markings used in the documentation ......................5
Instrument safety and guidelines for use .................................................. 6
Introduction to the KingFisher Flex........................................................13
Intended use............................................................................................13
Principle of operation...............................................................................13
Advantages of using KingFisher Flex......................................................14
Functional Description.............................................................................15
Instrument layout.....................................................................................15
Front view.............................................................................................15
Back / side view....................................................................................16
KingFisher Flex magnetic particle processor ..........................................16
Principle of magnetic particle processing................................................17
Working with a magnetic rod...................................................................18
Collecting magnetic particles ...............................................................18
Releasing magnetic particles...............................................................18
Washing magnetic particles .................................................................18
Incubation.............................................................................................18
Changing the volume during the magnetic particle processing...........18
Installation.................................................................................................21
Delivery check.........................................................................................21
Unpacking ............................................................................................21
Checking delivery.................................................................................22
Requirements..........................................................................................22
Precautions and limitations .....................................................................23
Installation setups....................................................................................23
Releasing the transport locks...............................................................23
How to ensure startup..........................................................................26
How to fit the subassemblies of the instrument into place...................27
Shield plate .......................................................................................27
Heating block ....................................................................................29
Interchangeable KingFisher Flex heads ...........................................31
Transparent lid..................................................................................34
Operational check....................................................................................34
How to pack the instrument for transportation ........................................35
How to refit the transport lock of the heating block..............................35
How to refit the transport lock of the tip comb holder ..........................36
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3

Contents
8Thermo Scientific KingFisher Flex User Manual Thermo Fisher Scientific
Do’s and Don’ts of the KingFisher Flex ...................................................39
Routine Operation.....................................................................................39
Do.........................................................................................................39
Don’t .....................................................................................................39
Switching on ............................................................................................40
Control panel ...........................................................................................40
Keypad .................................................................................................40
Keys ..................................................................................................40
Display..................................................................................................41
Navigating.............................................................................................41
Using KingFisher Flex PC software.........................................................44
Using internal software............................................................................44
Factory / User protocols...........................................................................44
Selecting the protocol...........................................................................44
Setting the default protocol...................................................................45
Instrument options ...................................................................................47
Device information................................................................................47
Computer interface...............................................................................48
Language..............................................................................................48
Buzzer ..................................................................................................49
Maintenance protocol...........................................................................50
How to handle tip combs .........................................................................51
How to start..............................................................................................54
Changing the heating block.....................................................................58
Shutdown.................................................................................................60
Emergency situations ..............................................................................61
Maintenance ..............................................................................................63
Regular and preventive maintenance......................................................63
How to clean the turntable....................................................................63
How to clean the magnetic rods........................................................65
How to clean the shield plate............................................................65
Disposal of materials ...............................................................................66
Decontamination procedure.....................................................................66
Packing for service ..................................................................................67
Service contracts .....................................................................................68
Disposal of the instrument.......................................................................68
Technical Specifications..........................................................................69
General specifications .............................................................................69
Performance specifications .....................................................................69
Safety specifications................................................................................70
In conformity with the requirements.........................................................70
Frequently Asked Questions...................................................................73
Q&As........................................................................................................73
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7

Contents
Thermo Fisher Scientific Thermo Scientific KingFisher Flex User Manual 9
Troubleshooting Guide............................................................................ 77
Error messages and warnings.................................................................77
Troubleshooting guide.............................................................................78
Ordering Information................................................................................ 81
KingFisher Flex........................................................................................81
List of accessories and consumables......................................................81
List of spare parts....................................................................................82
References ................................................................................................83
Keywords for web pages.........................................................................83
Literature .................................................................................................84
Certificate of Decontamination ...............................................................87
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Appendix A

Figures
10 Thermo Scientific KingFisher Flex User Manual Thermo Fisher Scientific
Figures
Figure 1–1. KingFisher Flex magnetic particle processor..........................13
Figure 2–2. KingFisher Flex front view without transparent lid..................15
Figure 2–3. KingFisher Flex front view with transparent lid and plates .....15
Figure 2–4. KingFisher Flex back view......................................................16
Figure 2–5. KingFisher Flex side view.......................................................16
Figure 2–6. KingFisher Flex magnetic particle processor..........................17
Figure 2–7. Inverse magnetic particle processing .....................................17
Figure 2–8. A concentration step during magnetic particle processing.....19
Figure 3–9. KingFisher Flex transport locks fitted......................................24
Figure 3–10. Removing the transport lock of the tip comb holder .............24
Figure 3–11. Tip comb holder transport lock removed ..............................25
Figure 3–12. Removing the transport lock of the heating block (A)...........25
Figure 3–13. Removing the transport lock of the heating block (B)...........26
Figure 3–14. Mains supply cable and serial cable connected ...................27
Figure 3–15. Shield plate prior to fitting.....................................................27
Figure 3–16. Inserting the shield plate.......................................................28
Figure 3–17. Fastening / loosening the shield plate ..................................28
Figure 3–18. Shield plate fitted ..................................................................29
Figure 3–19. Inserting the heating block....................................................29
Figure 3–20. Pressing the heating block into place...................................30
Figure 3–21. Sectional view of the Microtiter deep well 96 plate (a), deep
well 96 plates of other manufacturers (b, c, d) and the
KingFisher Flex 96 deep well heating block.........................31
Figure 3–22. KingFisher Flex heads in their storage boxes ......................32
Figure 3–23. Inserting the KingFisher Flex head.......................................33
Figure 3–24. KingFisher Flex head for KingFisher 24 deep well plate fitted34
Figure 3–25. Transparent lid fitted.............................................................34
Figure 3–26. Refitting the transport lock of the heating block (A)..............35
Figure 3–27. Refitting the transport lock of the heating block (B)..............36
Figure 3–28. Pressing the tip comb holder downwards.............................36
Figure 3–29. Location of the locking hole..................................................37
Figure 3–30. Fitting the transport lock of the tip comb holder....................37
Figure 3–31. Both transport locks refitted..................................................38
Figure 4–32. Keypad of the KingFisher Flex..............................................40
Figure 4–33. Main view on the display of the KingFisher Flex ..................41
Figure 4–34. Tip comb package with two tip combs..................................51
Figure 4–35. Separating the two tip combs ...............................................52
Figure 4–36. Storing the other tip comb on a KingFisher 96 plate for further
use........................................................................................52

Figures
Thermo Fisher Scientific Thermo Scientific KingFisher Flex User Manual 11
Figure 4–37. PCR tip comb package.........................................................53
Figure 4–38. 24 deep well tip comb package............................................53
Figure 4–39. Combining the tip comb and KingFisher plate (A)................54
Figure 4–40. Combining the tip comb and KingFisher plate (B)................55
Figure 4–41. Loading the tip-plate.............................................................55
Figure 4–42. Loading the plates ................................................................56
Figure 4–43. Plates loaded........................................................................56
Figure 4–44. Tip comb in the tip comb holder ...........................................57
Figure 4–45. Shield plate in function .........................................................57
Figure 4–46. KingFisher Flex plates..........................................................58
Figure 4–47. Inserting the heating block....................................................59
Figure 4–48. Pressing the heating block into place...................................59
Figure 4–49. Four different heating blocks available.................................60
Figure 5–50. Unfastening the two finger screws .......................................64
Figure 5–51. Removing the turntable ........................................................64
Figure 5–52. Black spill shield exposed for cleaning.................................65

Tables
12 Thermo Scientific KingFisher Flex User Manual Thermo Fisher Scientific
Tables
Table 3–1. Plates vs. heating adapter(s)....................................................30
Table 3–2. Magnetic head vs. tip comb......................................................32
Table 4–3. Icons in the main view..............................................................43
Table 4–4. Processing volumes vs. plate types and magnetic heads........58
Table 4–5. Heating blocks vs. plate types..................................................60
Table 6–6. General specifications..............................................................69
Table 6–7. Performance specifications ......................................................69
Table 8–8. Error messages reported..........................................................77
Table 8–9. Actions taken against error messages and warnings...............78
Table 9–10. Codes for products.................................................................81
Table 9–11. Codes for accessories and consumables ..............................81
Table 9–12. Codes for spare parts.............................................................82

Thermo Fisher Scientific Thermo Scientific KingFisher Flex User Manual 13
Chapter 1
Introduction to the KingFisher
Flex
The Thermo Scientific™ KingFisher™Flex 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 scale. 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 Flex 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 Flex 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.
Before the run, samples and reagents, including magnetic particles, are
dispensed manually into the plates according to the corresponding
instructions. The protocol that is selected by the user via the keypad and
display has already been preloaded into the onboard software. Thermo
Scientific™ BindIt™Software can be used to create and run protocols.
Figure 1–1. KingFisher Flex magnetic particle processor
Intended use
Principle of
operation

Introduction to the KingFisher Flex
Advantages of using KingFisher Flex
14 Thermo Scientific KingFisher Flex User Manual Thermo Fisher Scientific
The KingFisher Flex magnetic particle processor has several operational
advantages:
Enables automation of complicated manual steps
Enables simultaneous processing and purification
Binding and elution are enhanced due to the heating option
Enables concentration of the sample during processing
Facilitates a good collection of bead-bound sample due to the
efficiency of the magnet
Enables a quicker reaction and a more efficient wash due to the
technology of moving magnetic particles instead of liquids
No carryover
No cross contamination
Facilitates the whole processing with the aid of an internal
program/BindIt Software.
Advantages of
using KingFisher
Flex

Thermo Fisher Scientific Thermo Scientific KingFisher Flex User Manual 15
Chapter 2
Functional Description
This section shows the front, back and side views of the KingFisher Flex
instrument.
The front views of the KingFisher Flex instrument are shown in
Figure 2–2 and Figure 2–3.
Figure 2–2. KingFisher Flex front view without transparent lid
Figure 2–3. KingFisher Flex front view with transparent lid and plates
Instrument
layout
Front view
Heating block
Display
Keypad
Plate station (1–8)
Shield plate
Loading station
Turntable
Interchangeable KingFisher Flex head
Transparent lid
Sliding door
(open)

Functional Description
KingFisher Flex magnetic particle processor
16 Thermo Scientific KingFisher Flex User Manual Thermo Fisher Scientific
The back view of the KingFisher Flex instrument is shown in
Figure 2–4 and the side view in Figure 2–5.
Figure 2–4. KingFisher Flex back view
Figure 2–5. KingFisher Flex side view
The KingFisher Flex (Figure 2–6) has room for eight plates. 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 (24 or 96 pieces) and the
other one for the plastic tip comb.
Up to eight plates can be simultaneously on the turntable. However, during
one sample processing, the protocol enables the use of more than eight
plates in total. One tip comb contains 24 or 96 tips used for processing 24
or 96 samples at a time.
Before starting the magnetic particle processing via the keypad and
display, the samples and reagents are dispensed into the plates and the tip
comb is placed onto a KingFisher plate, from which it is automatically
loaded. The plates are placed onto the turntable into the corresponding
plate stations according to the protocol instructions. During the operation,
Back / side view
KingFisher Flex
magnetic
particle
processor
ON/OFF switch
Cooling-air inlet
USB port
Type label
Serial port RS-232C
Cooling-air outlet
Warning marking
Mains power
supply connector

Functional Description
Principle of magnetic particle processing
Thermo Fisher Scientific Thermo Scientific KingFisher Flex User Manual 17
the sliding door can be closed or open
(Figure 2–3) or the whole transparent lid can be absent. 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 from plate to plate 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 Flex magnetic particle processor
Figure 2–7. Inverse magnetic particle processing
Principle of magnetic
particle processing

Functional Description
Working with a magnetic rod
18 Thermo Scientific KingFisher Flex 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 plate and
transferred into the next plate.
After collection of the magnetic particles, the magnetic rods together with
the tip comb are lifted from the plate, the magnetic rods are lifted off and
the tip comb is lowered into the next plate containing a reagent.
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
a plate 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 long-running
reactions, the tip comb can be moved up and down in the solution.
The volume of the first plate can be larger than the volume of the next
plate, and this is used for concentration purposes (see Figure 2–8 below).
Working with a
magnetic rod
Collecting magnetic
particles
Releasing magnetic
particles
Washing magnetic
particles
Incubation
Changing the volume
during the magnetic
particle processing

Functional Description
Working with a magnetic rod
Thermo Fisher Scientific Thermo Scientific KingFisher Flex User Manual 19
Figure 2–8. A concentration step during magnetic particle processing

Functional Description
Working with a magnetic rod
20 Thermo Scientific KingFisher Flex User Manual Thermo Fisher Scientific