146 | Chapter 3: Operation
The magnet should be stored in a cool, dry environment and should be cleaned
with a damp cloth and mild detergent when exposed to harsh solvents. Do not
autoclave.
To install the magnet in the proper orientation:
l
Flat magnet: place in the plate carrier adapter so the text on the side of the magnet is
readable;
l
Ring magnet: place in the plate carrier adapter with the small round magnets visible,
facing upwards.
Realign the BioStack with the Magnet Installed
Using the magnet increases the effective height of the carrier surface (generally by
at least 7 mm). This shift in the plate position requires a comparable adjustment to
the BioStack’s gripper movement. Realign the BioStack before using it with the
magnetic bead assays.
Refer to the BioStack Operator’s Manual for detailed instructions of the alignment
procedure. To help get you started:
1. Place the magnet in the carrier and a microplate on top of it.
2. Launch the
BioStack Alignment Utility
:
LHC
Touch screen
Tools> BioStack Utilities> Alignment Utility Instrument>Next> BioStack
3. HOME the BioStack and Begin Realignment.
4. Lower the claw until a 0.050” (1.3 mm) gap between the bottom of the plate and
the top of the gripper fingers is achieved and save the gripper position.
5. Put the microplate in the input stack and Verify the alignment.
Remember to realign the BioStack for non-bead assays, when applicable.
Perform Magnetic Bead Assays
For the best results when performing biomagnetic separation assays:
l
Realign the BioStack with the Magnet Installed
l
Change the
Magnet Height Offset on page 150
l
Optimize Magnetic Bead Protocols on the facing page
MultiFlo™ FX Multi-Mode Dispenser