Dynex Agility Automated ELISA System, Operator'S Manual

Page: 32 / 155

Chapter 3 System Design
32 Agility System
Operator’s Manual
3.5.2 Reagent Dilution
Dilution and pre-dilutions of sample / control fluids in a deep well can be performed using the
following

1 in .....
The user programs a dilution using the ratio 1 in ... selection. The software calculates both
parts of the dilution fluid amounts required based on this ratio. As an example, 1 in 100
would be calculated to be 1 part of sample / control fluid to 99 parts of diluent (reagent)
fluid. The product makes enough dilution fluid to be available for the set volume of the
dilution to be dispensed to the plate taking into account any replicate wells or other assays
that may share the dilution fluid.

1 to....
The user programs a dilution using the ratio 1 to ... selection. The software calculates both
parts of the dilution fluid amounts required based on this ratio. As an example, 1 to 100
would be calculated to be 1 part of sample / control fluid to 100 parts of diluent (reagent)
fluid. The product should make enough dilution fluid to be available for the set volume of
the dilution to be dispensed to the plate, this should also taking into account any replicate
wells or other assays that may share the dilution fluid.

Defined sample volumes and diluent volumes
The user programs a dilution using set volume amounts for the sample / control and
diluent then these should be the volumes that are used to make the dilution even if there is
more diluted fluid in the deep well than required. However, the volumes will scale up to
make more fluid available to be pipetted to the microplate if the set volumes are not be
sufficient to meet all the microplate dilution requirements.
When performing a deep well dilution the system dispenses all the dilution fluids (reagents) to
the deep wells on the reagent workspace prior to transferring samples or controls to the deep
wells at the sample workspace positions.
The system can perform at least a minimum of two stages of dilution. A two stage dilution is a
dilution that uses two deep wells to perform a large dilution ratio. Depending on the ratio
programmed and the required volume of final diluted fluid two deep wells will be used.
Initially a dilution of reagent / sample or control will be performed in the first well then an
amount of that diluted fluid will be added to a second well containing reagent to dilute the
mixture further. Then that final mixture is transferred to the microplate.
3.5.3 Reagent Mixing
The product allows for mixing of fluids. The capacity of these mixing vessels is at least 15
mL and 18 mixing vessels with a maximum dead volume of 0.5 mL may be made available
on the Reagent Workspace area at one time.
The method of adding and mixing the components using the pipettor is designed not to create
bubbles or foam to such a degree that subsequent pipetting from the mixing well is affected.