Imaging System Hardware
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21
utmost attention has been given to selecting and implementing components to
create a highly reliable, high-performance instrument.
Placing Slides into Slide Holder
Standard microscope slides (1"
×
3"; 25
×
75 mm) can be used in GenePix scanners.
Open the door of the scanner and lift up the top of the slide holder by lift on the
clasp. Hold the slide in one hand with the thumb and index finger, positioned near
the bottom of the slide. Carefully place the slide, feature-side-down into the slide
holder and gently click the side spring 2 to 3 times to help position the slide into
place, if necessary. Slowly close the top of the slide holder, ensuring that the clasp
locks into place and close the scanner door.
Perform a Preview or Data Scan using the controls in the GenePix Pro software.
Refer to the GenePix Pro user’s manual for more information.
Proper Use of Slide Holder
The slide holder retracts into the scanner when the scanner door is closed. Opening
the door or pressing the Eject button in GenePix Pro will return the slide holder to
the loading position. It takes a few moments to fully eject the slide holder;
do not
open the slide holder before it has come to a 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.
Electronic
While the optical components of the GenePix scanner are indispensable for
generating the electrical current from the PMT, the electronic components are just
as important. They govern the operation of the PMT and the conversion of their
analog current signals into a digital signal that can be processed by the host
computer.
Chapter 4
