Agilent Technologies NovoCyte Quanteon, Operator'S Manual, Page: 131 / 148

System Maintenance
NovoCyte Quanteon Flow Cytometer Operator's Guide 131
Figure 112. Software Message Indicating Fluidics Station Calibration is Successful
Clean the Optical Filters
In normal operation, the optical filters are tightly enclosed inside the optical
fixtures and should remain clean. However, it might get dirty if removed from the
slot or during replacement. The following method describes how to clean the
optical filters when it gets dirty. Maintaining the optical filters surface clean is very
important to get the optimal data.
CAUTION
When cleaning or replacing optical filters, handle with care to avoid
scratching the surface and to prevent the filters from falling out of the
holder. Use cotton swabs, optical lens paper, and spectral-grade methanol
or analytical grade ethanol in a dropper bottle to clean the optical filters.
Acetone should not be used for cleaning the optical filters. Always wear
laboratory gloves when handling the optical filter.
1 Open the top cover of the instrument. Insert one end of the Allen wrench
through the hole of optical filter. Gently hold the proper optical filter and pull it
upward to remove it from the slot (Figure 29).
2 Blow off the contaminants on the surface of optical filters. Many
contaminants are just loosely attached to the surface of the optical filters and
can be blown off. Hold the filter firmly in one hand. Always use a gentle to
moderate air flow and maintain an oblique angle. Slowly move the air steam
over the filter surface at an angle to gently blow off the contaminants. Repeat
this process for the other side of the filter.
3 Wrap a triangular-shaped lint-free wipe or lens cleaning tissue around a lint-
free cotton swab. Moisten and seal the end with a few drops of anhydrous
alcohol.
4 Holding the cotton swab in a horizontal position, gently clean the surface of
the filter with a continuous motion in one direction at a constant speed.
5 Allow the solvent to evaporate. Use a room light to inspect the filter to ensure
it is clean. If contamination remains, start with a brand-new wipe and swab
and repeat Step 3-4 again.
6 Repeat Step 3-5 to clean the other side of the filter.
7 Insert the cleaned filter back into the filter slot according to the correct
orientation and push it all the way in (Figure 29).
8 Close the top cover of the instrument.