12
•
Operation
complete stop
as this can cause misalignment. This type of misuse is evident when
scrapes or even paint from the scanner enclosure are found on the slide holder.
Misalignment of the slide holder caused by prematurely opening the slide holder
while the stage is still in motion can result in deterioration of scanner performance
and may require servicing.
The slide holder is a precision component designed to ensure proper focusing and
field uniformity. Never touch the slide holder while it is moving. Never force the
slide holder closed, or apply significant pressure to it for any reason. Do not rub or
scratch the sapphire balls.
Functional Checkout
The Functional Checkout procedure is to help you confirm that your GenePix
Personal 4100A microarray scanner is performing according to the specifications
set by Axon Instruments, Inc. A similar, but much more detailed procedure was
performed at the factory prior to shipping this unit to you. We recommend that you
follow the procedure once upon receiving the scanner and then again any time you
wish to check the performance of the scanner.
The GenePix 4100A microarray scanner has been designed to provide robust, long-
lived microarray scanning for years of normal use. However, if the images you
acquire on the GenePix scanner do not appear correct and if you believe there is a
problem with the scanner, it is important to follow these instructions before
contacting Technical Support:
1. Start the GenePix Pro software and click the Report tab.
2. Click the Functional Checkout link.
3. Follow the Functional Checkout procedure.
GenePix Pro automatically logs hardware performance into the Hardware
Diagnostics Report every two hours during operation.
GenePix 4100A User's Guide, Copyright 2005 Axon Instruments / Molecular Devices, Corp.
