EF600 Instruction Manual
Asymptote Ltd.
St John’s Innovation Centre, Cowley Road, Cambridge, CB4 0WS, UK
Tel: +44 1223 421161, Fax: +44 1223 421166, E-mail: [email protected]
13
5.
Operating Procedure for the EF600 Freezer
5.1
Pre-operation checks
Before operating, ensure that:
a)
The freezer has been installed and switched on (section 2).
b)
The data logging software has been opened (EF600-01, EF600-10 section 3.2)
and communications established (no longer reading 999).
c)
The appropriate file name for the logged data has been selected (EF600-01,
EF600-10 section 4.1).
d)
The desired logging interval (EF600-01, EF600-10) and freezing profile has
been selected (EF600-10 section 4.1).
5.2
Preparing the nucleating tool
The cryopen is a sterile medical device that can be used to nucleate the sample
straws. If the cryopen has been ordered with the freezer, please refer to
appendix 4 for instructions on how to prepare and use it.
Alternative tools for nucleating (e.g. forceps) may be used if sterility of the
operating environment is not essential. These should be placed in liquid
nitrogen before the freezing cycle is started.
5.3
Preparing the straws
Prepare up to 12 0.25ml standard IMV straws as normal and seal with a straw
plug, crytaseal, PVA powder or other approved sealant. Thoroughly dry the
outside of the straws after preparation to prevent them from freezing to the
sample plate.
5.4 Loading the straws
After the freezer has been switched on it takes approximately 10 minutes for
the temperature to stabilize. When the freezer has reached a stable
temperature the ‘Ready To Load’ green light will be illuminated.
Remove the lid completely and check that the sample plate is dry. If there is
any condensation on the plate, gently dry it with tissues or a soft cloth. Never
dry the plate with a hot-air gun, as this could damage the freezer, or with a
material that could scratch the plate surface.
Position the straws into the sample plate and fully press them into the grooves
(figure 5.4). Place the lid over the sample plate checking that it is located
