Dynex Agility Automated ELISA System, Operator'S Manual

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Chapter 1 Overview
Agility System
Operator’s Manual
9
Chapter 1 Overview
1.1 Introduction
The Agility Automated ELISA Processing System (Figure 1-1) is a flexible, high capacity
system to perform a broad range of automated ELISA assays. The operator simply inserts
packaged SmartKits
TM
that contain all of the reagents, standards and related fluids as well as
assay information (Section 1.2) that are required for the assay into the ports on the front panel.
Similarly, the operator places samples (Section 1.3), microplates (Section 1.4) and disposables
such as pipette tips and mixing wells (Section 1.5) into compartments that are accessible from
the front of the system. A straightforward worklist (Section 1.6) on the built in touch screen
interface is used to indicate the desired operation of the system to analyze the samples. If
desired, multiple assays can be performed on a given sample.
Figure 1-1: The Agility Automated ELISA Processing System
In normal operation, all materials are inserted into the system and waste is removed via the
ports shown in Figure 1-1. The status of each port is indicated by a multi-colored LED (see
Section 4 for detailed information).
This chapter introduces the various components that are placed in the system for routine
operation. The internal design of the system includes a sample pipetting arm, a sample
loading module, a transport arm to move items around the system, a reagent pipetting arm,
two workspaces, a microplate heater, a microplate washer, cameras and an absorbance reader
that are all described in detail in Chapter 3. A detailed discussion of preparing the system for
operation and generating a worklist is presented in Chapter 4.