Thermo Scientific Nanodrop Lite User manual

© 2011 Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.
All rights reserved.
The NanoDrop™ Lite comes with preloaded software and can be used
as a standalone instrument or with the optional printer. This
document is intended to provide basic instructions for using the
NanoDrop Lite without the optional printer.
Figure 1. Back view
Figure 2. Left side view
Figure 3. Bottom view
Figure 4. Basic screen features
NanoDrop Lite Quick Reference Guide
Installation
6VDC 18W
External power
supply
For factory use only
Port for
customer USB
memory device
Memory device for
customer data
Keypad Operation
Key or button Function
• When pressed, initiates a specific function as
displayed above each button
• Functions will change depending on the
screen
• Arrow keys that control the direction of the
cursor
Select • Accepts entered or selected values
• Advances to the next parameter or screen
Home • Returns to the main menu
Blank • Initiates blank measurement
Measure • Initiates sample measurement
Change • Allows you to change settings
Back • Returns to previous screen
Connector used
with optional
printer
CE label with serial number
Message bar
Buttons
Button functions
Baseline correct Off icon
Autoprint On icon
Revision A 269-275100

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Figure 5. Home screen
Menu Selection
DNA
dsDNA factor = 50
ssDNA factor = 33
RNA
RNA factor = 40
Protein
Protein (1A/cm = 1 mg/ml) Default general reference setting
Protein (IgG) E1%=13.7
Protein (BSA) E1%=6.7
Tools & Settings Function
Figure 6. Tools & Settings screen
Settings
Autoprint: On/Off • Off is the default state.
•WhenAutoprint On is selected,
and the NanoDrop Lite is docked
onto the printer, a label will print
automatically every time a
measurement is made.
• Labels will not be printed
automatically if Autoprint Off is
selected.
Baseline correct: On/Off • On is the default state.
• It is best to keep Baseline correct
setting On.
• If you turn Baseline correct Off,
the instrument no longer uses the
365 nm correction.
Date & Time • Set at the factory for Eastern
Standard Time, USA.
• Upon instrument installation,
ensure the time and date is set for
the local time zone.
System Info
Product • NanoDrop Lite
Serial Number • Instrument identification.
Firmware Version • Version number of firmware
currently installed.
Calibration Date • Date shown is the last date the
calibration was checked on the
NanoDrop Lite.
Reset Sample ID
Reset Sample ID? Yes/No • When Yes is selected, the
instrument will reset sample ID
number back to #1.
Calibration Check
• Verifies that the pathlengths are
within tolerance.
• It is recommended that a pedestal
calibration check be performed
every six months to verify that the
instrument is performing within
specifications.
New Cal. Check • Follow on-screen directions to
perform new calibration check
using the CF-1 Calibration Check
solution.
• See NanoDrop Lite Calibration
Check Procedure for more details.
View Previous Cal. Check • Displays data from last calibration
check.
Diagnostics
• Follow on-screen directions. Test
checks the LED output and
ensures that arm sensor and
pedestals are operating correctly.
• Results will be Pass/Fail.
Sample History
• Displays previous measurements
• Print option available.
• The instrument memory holds
data for 500 samples. Sample data
#501 overrides sample data #1.
Tools & Settings Function

3
1. Raise the arm and pipette the sample onto the lower pedestal.
2. Lower the arm and initiate a measurement.
The sample column is automatically drawn between the upper
and lower pedestals and the measurement is made. The formation
of the liquid column during measurement may be viewed
through the aperture on the side of the NanoDrop Lite arm.
3. When the measurement is complete, raise the arm and wipe the
sample from both the upper and lower pedestals using a dry,
lint-free laboratory wipe.
Blanking the Instrument
1. Select the assay type from the Home screen.
2. Establish a blank by pipetting 1-2 μl of the blanking buffer onto
the bottom pedestal, lower arm and press Blank.
3. When measurement is complete, raise the arm and wipe buffer
from both upper and lower pedestals using a dry laboratory wipe.
4. Confirm blank measurement by pipetting a fresh aliquot of
blanking buffer onto the bottom pedestal, lower the arm and
press Blank.
5. When measurement is complete, raise the arm and wipe buffer
from both the upper and lower pedestals using a dry laboratory
wipe.
Measuring a Sample
Pipette 1-2 μl of sample onto lower pedestal and press Measure.
Although it is not necessary to blank between each sample, it is
recommended that a new blank be taken every 30 minutes when
measuring many samples.
Figure 7. Sample measurement screen
Transferring Data From Instrument to Computer
These options appear when a USB device is inserted.
Figure 8. USB Operations
The sample data is automatically saved on the instrument. To transfer
data from the instrument to USB memory device, insert the device
and then from the USB Operations menu select Save Data. This file
can be transferred to a computer and opened in Microsoft Excel®.
The Save Data will only appear when a USB device is inserted.
Sleep Function
•WhenSleep is selected, the
instrument enters a low-power
state.
• The screen will go black and the
blue LED below the keypad will
pulse.
• To wake the instrument, push any
button or raise the arm.
Measurement Basics
Tip Simple wiping with a dry laboratory wipe is sufficient to
prevent sample carryover in subsequent measurements.
Taking Measurements
Note A fresh aliquot of sample should be used for each
measurement.
Note When measuring more than one sample, be sure to wipe
the upper and lower pedestal before loading the next sample.
USB Operations Function
Save Data Saves all data currently in
instrument’s memory to USB
memory device.
Save Diagnostics Appends diagnostic data to sample
measurements and saves to USB
memory device.
Save Cal. Check Saves the last calibration check
data to USB memory device.
Application
Sample number
Time & date
sample and blank
measurements
were collected
Absorbance
Purity ratio
Concentration

4
The primary maintenance for the NanoDrop Lite is to keep the
pedestal surfaces clean.
1. Pipette 3 μl of deionized water (dH2O) onto the bottom pedestal.
Do not use a squirt bottle to apply dH2O or any other liquid to
the surface of the instrument.
2. Lower the arm to form a liquid column; let it sit for
approximately 2-3 minutes.
3. Wipe away the water from both the upper and lower pedestals
with a dry, lint-free lab wipe.
Between measurements: Wipe the sample from both the upper and
lower pedestals with a clean, dry, lint-free lab wipe, to prevent sample
carryover and avoid residue buildup.
Between users: A final cleaning of both measurement surfaces with
dH2O is recommended after the last sample measurement.
See the Pedestal Cleaning and Reconditioning guide for more details.
Trademark Information
Trademarks are the property of Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. and its
subsidiaries.
Contact Information
Thermo Fisher Scientific
3411 Silverside Road
Bancroft Building, Suite 100
Wilmington, DE 19810 U.S.A.
Telephone: [phone]
Toll free: [phone] (US & Canada)
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]
www.thermofisher.com/nanodrop
NOTICE A maximum of 500 samples will be saved in the
instrument and are available to be transferred to a USB memory
device at any time. Sample #501 will replace sample #1.
Cleaning the Pedestals