Bio-Tek ELx405, Operator'S Manual

Page: 145 / 250

Clean Components
|
115
Cleaning the Bottles
•
Clean and rinse the supply bottles with deionized water before the first
use, before each refill, and, periodically, as necessary, to prevent
bacteria growth.
•
Empty the waste bottle often (at least daily), and firmly seat the waste
bottle stopper.
•
Rinse the covers every time the wash or rinse bottles are filled.
•
Accumulated algae, fungi, or mold may require decontamination.
Decontamination is described on page 128.
To ensure that fluid does not back up into the vacuum pump during
operation, always operate the washer with the waste sensor cable
installed and the waste detection sensor enabled (the sensor is
enabled by default; see
Setup Utilities
in
Chapter 3
,
Operation
). If
fluid collects in the overflow bottle , thoroughly rinse the level-
switch assembly and bottle.
•
Check the white hex nuts securing the Quick-Disconnects to the bottle
cap to ensure they are not loose or corroded.
Cleaning the Plate Carrier System
If liquid has overflowed onto the plate carrier, transport rail, or glide strips,
some buildup may occur and prevent the microplate from seating correctly on
the carrier. This can interfere with plate transport. Weekly cleaning is
recommended.
1. Turn the washer on and wait for the System Self Test to complete. Turn
the washer off when the manifold and tubes are resting above the
priming trough (“home” position). Disconnect the power cable.
2. Carefully lift the carrier straight up and off the horizontal transport rail.
See
Figures 25
,
26
, and
27
.
3. Clean the carrier, rail, and glide strips, using mild detergent and hot
water, 70% isopropyl alcohol, or 70% ethanol.
Select and HT models: Take extra care to clean the spring-loaded
transport arm that allows these models to move the plate forward
and back (Y-axis). The arm fits into the left side of the plate carrier
as you face the washer. If more intensive cleaning is required (for
example, if reagent has spilled and dried on the stainless steel
shaft), see Cleaning the Carrier Transport Arm (Select, Select
CW, and HT Models)
on page 116 for thorough cleaning
instructions.
ELx405 Operator's Guide