Biotek ELx808, Operator'S Manual

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| Chapter 3: Operation
Assay
• Select REPORT at the Main Menu, and then select ASSAY .
S E L E C T A S S A Y N U M B E R : 0 1
N A M E : H B S - A G
• Press Options to cycle through the list of available assays, or enter the
number of the desired assay.
•
Press Enter to print the report.
List
• Select REPORT at the Main Menu, and then select LIST . The entire list of
assays stored in the ELx808’s memory will be sent to the printer.
Recommendations for Optimum Performance
• Microplates should be perfectly clean and free of dust or bottom scratches. Use
new microplates from sealed packages.
•
Do not allow dust to settle on the surface of the solution; use microplate covers
when not reading the plate. Filter solutions to remove particulates that could cause
erroneous readings.
• Although the ELx808 supports standard flat, U-bottom, and V bottom 96-well
microplates, the reader achieves optimum performance with optically clear, flat-
bottomed wells.
•
Non-uniformity in the optical density of the well bottoms can cause loss of
accuracy, especially with U- and V-bottom polyvinyl microplates. Check for this
by reading an empty microplate. Dual wavelength readings can eliminate this
problem, or bring the variation in density readings within acceptable limits for
most measurements.
• Inaccuracy in pipetting has a large effect on measurements, especially if smaller
volumes of liquid are used. For best results, use at least 100 µL per well.
•
The inclination of the meniscus can cause loss of accuracy in some solutions,
especially with small volumes. Agitate the microplate before reading to help bring
this problem within acceptable limits. Use Tween 20, if possible (or some other
wetting agent) to normalize the meniscus. Some solutions develop menisci over a
period of several minutes. This effect varies with the brand of microplate and the
BioTek Instruments, Inc.