Thermo Scientific Wellwash Versa User manual

Thermo Scientific
Wellwash Versa
User Manual
Rev. 1.3

Thermo Scientific
Wellwash Versa
User Manual
Rev. 1.3, Cat. No. N11166

Copyright
2014 Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. First edition published in 2010. All rights reserved. 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.
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.
Remarks on screenshots and pictures
The version number displayed in screenshots may not always be the one of the currently released version.
Screenshots and pictures 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 direct or consequential 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.
Cat. No. N11166
February 2014
Manufacturer
Thermo Fisher Scientific Oy
Ratastie 2, P.O. Box 100
FI-01621 Vantaa
Finland

Thermo Fisher Scientific Thermo Scientific Wellwash Versa User Manual 3
About This User Manual
The Thermo Scientific™ Wellwash™ Versa microplate washer can be
used as standalone in research and routine-test laboratories by
professional personnel.
This user manual is for the following instruments, Wellwash Versa:
Cat. No. 5165010 and 5165050. It has been written to give you the
information you need to:
●Review safety precautions
●Install the Wellwash Versa
●Navigate and edit in the Wellwash Versa user interface
●Operate the instrument
●Create and run wash protocols
●Define wash parameters
●Perform cleaning and maintenance procedures
●Troubleshoot the instrument performance
This user manual also describes all the features and specifications of the
Wellwash Versa instrument as well as ordering information.
Read the manual in its entirety before operating the instrument.
Keep the user manual on the CD provided for future reference. The
user manual is an important part of the instrument and should be
readily available during use of the instrument. Keep the user manual
together with the instrument in case you distribute it onwards.
For the latest information on products and services, visit our websites
at:
http://www.thermoscientific.com
http://www.thermoscientific.com/wellwash
http://www.unitylabservices.com
In an effort to provide useful and appropriate documentation, we
appreciate any comments you may have on this user manual for 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 Wellwash Versa 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 ▲
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
2012/19/EC. ▲
Safety symbols
and markings
Safety symbols and
markings used on
the Wellwash Versa

About This User Manual
Safety symbols and markings
Thermo Fisher Scientific Thermo Scientific Wellwash Versa 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
Safety symbols and markings
6Thermo Scientific Wellwash Versa User Manual Thermo Fisher Scientific

Thermo Fisher Scientific Thermo Scientific Wellwash Versa 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 Wellwash Versa ............. 4
Warning and other markings used in the documentation ............... 5
Introduction to the Wellwash Versa Microplate Washer ................... 11
Intended use.................................................................................... 12
Principle of operation......................................................................12
Installation .................................................................................................... 15
What to do upon delivery ...............................................................15
How to unpack ............................................................................ 15
Checking delivery for completeness or damage.............................15
Environmental requirements ........................................................ 16
Setups .............................................................................................16
Releasing the transport lock.......................................................... 16
Installing the priming vessel .........................................................17
Installing the wash head(s) ........................................................... 18
Installing the cell wash head ...................................................... 21
Liquid bottles and channels..........................................................22
Connection diagram.................................................................. 23
Installing the liquid bottles........................................................24
Foaming....................................................................................27
Connecting the power supply cable..............................................27
Connecting to a computer............................................................... 28
Warnings and cautions.................................................................... 28
Electrical ......................................................................................28
Defects and abnormal stresses....................................................... 29
Operating precautions and limitations before operation .................. 29
Mechanical checks before switching on ........................................... 30
Installing the aerosol cover ..............................................................31
Switching on ................................................................................... 31
Performing the operational check after switching on .......................31
Settings after installation ................................................................. 32
Wellwash Versa Main Parts...................................................................... 33
Instrument views............................................................................. 33
Liquid system diagram ....................................................................35
USB memory device port ................................................................35
USB PC port................................................................................... 35
Plate carrier .....................................................................................35
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3

Contents
8Thermo Scientific Wellwash Versa User Manual Thermo Fisher Scientific
Wash heads .....................................................................................36
Shaker ............................................................................................. 37
Operating the Instrument............................................................................39
Display and keys for navigating and editing .................................... 39
Menus............................................................................................. 41
Main menu .....................................................................................41
Liquid level detection...................................................................42
Running Protocols........................................................................................43
Filling and emptying liquid bottles..................................................44
Starting ready-made protocols ......................................................... 44
Starting a ready-made protocol with the quick keys......................45
Starting a ready-made protocol from the list.................................45
Loading the plate ............................................................................46
Priming the system.......................................................................... 47
Strip selection.................................................................................. 48
Strip selection with the number keys ............................................ 49
Strip selection with the Layout row .............................................. 50
Starting a run ..................................................................................51
Canceling a run............................................................................... 51
Rinsing the liquid system ................................................................51
Menus, Tabs and Parameters ....................................................................53
Display and keys for navigating and editing .................................... 53
Menus............................................................................................. 55
Main menu .....................................................................................55
Liquid level detection...................................................................56
Protocol .......................................................................................56
Creating a protocol ...................................................................57
Creating a protocol in an optional way......................................60
Adding new steps to protocols................................................... 61
Deleting steps from protocols....................................................63
Head / Plate .................................................................................63
Well .............................................................................................64
Microplate requirements ...........................................................66
Steps ............................................................................................66
Wash.........................................................................................67
Cell wash................................................................................... 71
Aspirate.....................................................................................74
Cell aspirate .............................................................................. 75
Dispense ...................................................................................76
Cell dispense .............................................................................77
Soak .......................................................................................... 78
Prime ........................................................................................79
Pause......................................................................................... 80
Layout.......................................................................................80
Settings menu ................................................................................. 81
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6

Contents
Thermo Fisher Scientific Thermo Scientific Wellwash Versa User Manual 9
Prime & rinse parameters............................................................. 81
Sensors ......................................................................................... 83
Wash head configuration..............................................................84
System.......................................................................................... 85
Reports......................................................................................... 86
Maintenance menu ......................................................................... 87
Clean ...........................................................................................87
Cleaning/Disinfection procedure............................................... 87
Clean wash head........................................................................ 90
Soak wash head .........................................................................92
Move wash head........................................................................93
Empty priming vessel ................................................................ 94
Calibration................................................................................... 95
Starting the calibration..............................................................96
Active calibration ......................................................................97
Calibrate current wash head ...................................................... 97
Service........................................................................................ 102
Exporting and Importing ........................................................................... 103
Exporting a protocol ..................................................................... 103
Importing a protocol.....................................................................104
Exporting a protocol as text file.....................................................105
Deleting........................................................................................................ 107
Deleting a protocol .......................................................................107
Shutdown..................................................................................................... 109
Shutting down .............................................................................. 109
Emergency Situations ............................................................................... 111
Handling abnormal situations ....................................................... 111
Regular and preventative maintenance .......................................... 113
Maintenance............................................................................................... 113
Maintenance checklist ................................................................ 113
Instrument care .......................................................................... 114
Cleaning the instrument................................................................ 115
Salt deposit.................................................................................115
Cleaning the priming vessel........................................................... 115
Cleaning the plate carrier .............................................................. 116
Cleaning liquid bottles ..................................................................117
Checking the liquid level sensors...................................................118
Autoclavation................................................................................118
Cleaning the wash head(s)............................................................. 119
Mechanical cleaning of the wash head........................................119
Changing or replacing the wash head ............................................120
Checking the liquid line................................................................120
Checking the residual volume ....................................................... 120
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11

Contents
10 Thermo Scientific Wellwash Versa User Manual Thermo Fisher Scientific
Checking the dispense accuracy..................................................... 121
Checking the aspirate height .........................................................121
Manual priming ............................................................................ 121
Disposal of materials .....................................................................122
Decontamination procedure..........................................................122
Refitting the transport lock ........................................................... 124
Maintaining a system log...............................................................125
How to pack for service................................................................. 125
Disposal of the instrument ............................................................126
Technical Specifications .........................................................................129
General specifications....................................................................129
Performance specifications ............................................................130
Safety specifications.......................................................................131
In conformity with the requirements.......................................... 131
Troubleshooting Guide..............................................................................133
Error and warning codes ...............................................................133
USB memory device......................................................................134
Troubleshooting guide ..................................................................135
Ordering Information .................................................................................137
Wellwash Versa.............................................................................137
List of spare parts and accessories .................................................. 137
System Log...................................................................................................139
Certificate of Decontamination ...............................................................141
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Appendix A
Appendix B

Thermo Fisher Scientific Thermo Scientific Wellwash Versa User Manual 11
Chapter 1
Introduction to the Wellwash
Versa Microplate Washer
The Wellwash Versa (Figure 1-1) is a microplate washer. It is designed
to use both 96- and 384-well plate formats: the 96-well plate in both
landscape and portrait orientation, and the 384-well plate in landscape
orientation. The 96-well plates and strips are designed to be washed in
1x8, 2x8, 1x12, or 2x12 format, and the 384-well plates in 1x16
format. Additionally, a 2x8 cell wash head is available for washing of
cells in 96-well plates. The instrument allows shaking. The instrument
is controlled through the built-in graphical user interface and keypad.
In addition, the Wellwash Versa can be connected to plate handling
devices.
The Wellwash Versa can be used to wash and prepare plates for a
variety of test routines, mainly in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
(ELISA) tests.
The Wellwash Versa is available in the following configurations:
●Wellwash Versa 2x8 100-240V (Cat. No. 5165010)
●96- and 384-well plate washing
●Wellwash Versa 2x12 100-240V Cat. No. 5165050)
●96- and 384-well plate washing
Figure 1-1. Wellwash Versa microplate washer

Introduction to the Wellwash Versa Microplate Washer
Intended use
12 Thermo Scientific Wellwash Versa User Manual Thermo Fisher Scientific
The Wellwash Versa is a microplate washer intended for automated
washing, aspiration, dispensing, and shaking of 96- and 384-well plates
and strips that meet ANSI/SBS standards. The instrument can be
equipped with up to four liquid bottles. It can be used in research or
routine-test laboratories by professional personnel.
As the Wellwash Versa is part of an analyzing system for the end user,
the user is responsible for validation of the whole system to enable
production of reliable and safe results. If the assay performance is
essential to the analysis, the test result has to be assured using internal
quality controls or an alternative test.
It is recommended using Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) during the
analyzing process.
Use for self-testing is excluded.
The Wellwash Versa can be used to wash and prepare plates for a
variety of test routines, mainly in ELISA applications. The Wellwash
Versa (Figure 1-1) is a microplate strip washer for automated washing,
aspiration, dispensing, and shaking of both 96- and 384-well plate
formats: the 96-well plate in both landscape and portrait orientation,
and the 384-well plate in landscape orientation. The instrument is
equipped with three standard buffer bottles and one waste liquid bottle
each with a cap, tubing, and a liquid level sensor. The instrument has a
color display with an intuitive graphical user interface and keypad for
programming and controlling the instrument. The Wellwash Versa
comes with a 1x8, 2x8, 1x12, or 2x12 wash head. The plate carrier
places the microplate accurately under the wash head to perform the
desired operation. During priming the wash head moves into the
priming vessel to fill the liquid tubing from the liquid bottle to the
wash head tips.
The 96-well plates and strips are designed to be washed in 1x8, 2x8,
1x12, or 2x12 format, and the 384-well plates in 1x16 format (Figure
1–2). Additionally, a 2x8 cell wash head is available for washing of cells
in 96-well plates. The wash heads have both dispensing and aspiration
channels. In the washing step, the wash heads aspirate continuously and
descend until they reach the bottom of the well and the liquid is
aspirated (Figure 1–3). In sweep mode, the wash heads aspirate in two
positions of the well bottom to enable a low residual volume (Figure 1–
4). When the wash heads are in the upper position, the desired volume
is dispensed into the well (Figure 1–3 and Figure 1–4). Aspiration runs
continuously, enabling overflow dispensing of large volumes. After the
first row or column has been washed, the next row or column is moved
under the wash heads for washing.
Intended use
Principle of
operation

Introduction to the Wellwash Versa Microplate Washer
Principle of operation
Thermo Fisher Scientific Thermo Scientific Wellwash Versa User Manual 13
Figure 1–2. Wash heads
Figure 1–3. Principle of washing step (Normal)
Figure 1–4. Principle of washing step (Sweep2)
Figure 1–5. Principle of washing step (Sweep3)

Introduction to the Wellwash Versa Microplate Washer
Principle of operation
14 Thermo Scientific Wellwash Versa User Manual Thermo Fisher Scientific

Thermo Fisher Scientific Thermo Scientific Wellwash Versa User Manual 15
Chapter 2
Installation
Warning The Wellwash Versa weighs 9 kg [19.8 lbs.] and care must be
taken when lifting the instrument. ▲
For more information on main parts of the instrument, refer to Chapter
3: “Wellwash Versa Main Parts”.
This section covers the relevant procedures to be carried out on receipt
of the instrument.
Move the packed instrument to its site of operation. To prevent
condensation, the instrument should be left in its protective plastic
wrapping until the ambient temperature has been reached. Unpack the
Wellwash Versa instrument and accessories carefully with the arrows on
the transport package pointing upwards. Place the instrument onto a
laboratory bench.
Caution Do not touch or loosen any screws or parts other than those
specifically designated in the instructions. Doing so may cause
misalignment and will invalidate the instrument warranty. ▲
Retain the original packaging for future transportation. The packaging
is designed to assure safe transport and minimize transit damage. Using
other packaging materials may invalidate the warranty. Also retain all
instrument-related documentation provided by the manufacturer for
future use.
If you relocate your instrument or ship it for service, refer to “How to
pack for service” on page 125.
Check the enclosed packing list against the order. Visually inspect the
transport package, the instrument and the accessories for any possible
transport damage. If any parts are missing or damaged, contact your
local Thermo Fisher Scientific representative or Thermo Fisher
Scientific Oy.
Caution If the instrument has been mechanically damaged, ship it for
service. ▲
W
hat to do upon
delivery
How to unpack
Checking delivery
for completeness or
damage

Installation
Setups
16 Thermo Scientific Wellwash Versa User Manual Thermo Fisher Scientific
When you set up your Wellwash Versa, avoid sites with excess dust,
vibrations, strong magnetic fields, direct sunlight, draft, excessive
moisture, or large temperature fluctuations. Make sure that:
●The working area is flat, dry, clean and vibration-proof, and leave
additional room for cables, covers, and so on.
●There is at least 10 cm around the instrument on the laboratory
bench of free space for ventilation.
●There is sufficient room behind the instrument to enable
disconnecting the device.
●The ambient air is clean and free of corrosive vapors, smoke, and
dust.
●The ambient temperature range is between +10°C (50°F) and +40°C
(104°F).
●The humidity is low so that condensation does not occur (relative
humidity is between 10% and 80%, non-condensing).
Caution Do not operate the instrument in an environment where
potentially damaging liquids or gases are present. ▲
This section describes the procedures that must be carried out before
instrument operation.
Warning All parts of the instrument that come into contact with
potentially infectious materials must be treated as potentially infectious
areas.
It is advisable to adhere to applicable safety precautions, such as the
wearing of disposable powder-free gloves, safety glasses, and protective
clothing, to avoid potential infectious disease contamination when
performing cleaning procedures and also when making adjustments to
the instrument. ▲
Caution Leave the instrument to stand for at least three hours before
installing and switching it on, so there is no possibility of condensation
causing a short circuit. ▲
The instrument comes with one transport lock.
Caution Make sure that the transport lock has been removed and that
the priming vessel, the wash heads, and the liquid bottles with tubes and
liquid level detectors have been installed before you put the instrument
into operation. ▲
Environmental
requirements
Setups
Releasing the
transport lock

Installation
Setups
Thermo Fisher Scientific Thermo Scientific Wellwash Versa User Manual 17
1. Remove the padded packing material protecting the wash head arm
and plate carrier to reveal the transport lock and transport lock tag
(Figure 2–6). Also remove the plastic transport protection bag.
Figure 2–6. Transport lock and transport lock tag
2. Unfasten the transport lock screw with the Allen key supplied
(Figure 2–7).
Figure 2–7. Unfastening the transport lock
3. Keep the transport lock and tag for future relocation or
transportation of the instrument.
The instrument comes with the priming vessel installed. The priming
vessel is correctly installed if it stays in place and does not move up. If
the priming vessel is not installed, insert it downwards and pull it
towards yourself (Figure 2–8).
Installing
t
he
priming vessel

Installation
Setups
18 Thermo Scientific Wellwash Versa User Manual Thermo Fisher Scientific
Figure 2–8. Priming vessel installation
Warning The priming vessel may be contaminated after the instrument
has been used. ▲
The wash heads are packed separately and must be installed before use.
Keep the wash head package for storage purposes. If the wash head is
not used, place it first into the enclosed plastic bag and then into the
original package. The wash heads supplied with the instrument are
calibrated at the factory. The wash head box includes an instrument
serial number according to which it has been calibrated at the factory.
Optional wash heads should be calibrated by the user prior to use.
Warning The wash heads may be contaminated after the instrument
has been used. ▲
Warning Failing to connect the dispensing or aspiration tube may cause
spillage. ▲
Caution Only use wash heads that have an identification label. ▲
Note Always wear disposable powder-free gloves when handling the
wash heads. ▲
Note Do not remove the lot number sticker on the wash head. ▲
1. The instrument is supplied with a 1x8, 2x8, 1x12, or 2x12 wash
head.
2. Fit the supplied wash heads to the tubing according to Figure 2–9
through Figure 2–11. Note the difference in sizes.
●The larger aspiration (waste) tube is connected to the
bottom hole.
Installing the wash
head(s)