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FlowCAM
®
Quick Start Guide
Before You Start
·
Flow cells should be clean of contaminants (both inside and out) as best as possible.
·
Keep the workbench and area free of vibrations or movement while performing an analysis.
·
Refer to the FlowCAM Manual, and other supplemental training documents, for more
information and tips.
·
If using a new flow cell the tubing ends will need to be cut. A length of 8-10 cm for the top
tubing and 20-30 cm for the bottom tubing is the standard recommendation. If a flow cell is
being reused, measure the tubing above and below the flow cell while it is lying flat before
installing it into the FlowCAM.
Step-By-Step Instructions
1.
Insure that the license dongle is plugged into a USB port on the FlowCAM (not applicable to all
FlowCAM models).
2.
Turn on the FlowCAM using the power switches located on the rear and front of the instrument.
3.
Wait for the operating system to fully load.
4.
Set up the hardware in the following order:
§
Attach sample introduction stand
§
Screw in collimator/diffuser if required
§
Screw in objective
§
Clean the flow cell
§
Place flow cell in the correct flow cell holder (QCFC)
§
Place flow cell and flow cell holder onto the flow cell holder mount
§
Lower sample introduction tray down over the tubing from the flow cell
§
Gently push pipette tip down into the flow cell tubing until tubing starts to expand
§
Lift sample introduction tray up until the flow cell tubing is taut but not over stretched
§
Insure that tubing from the flow cell to the pipette tip is as straight as possible
§
Prepare pump (refer to the correct section in the FlowCAM Manual for more information)
§
Attach flow cell tubing to pump
