Operating Procedures
0112-0127 B
103
Shutting Down the System
When a read is completed, you can perform more reads, or shut down
the instrument.
Shutting down the FlexStation 3 instrument includes the following steps:
1.
Save any data files desired in the SoftMax Pro Software.
2.
Make sure all three drawers are empty of pipette tips and plates.
3.
Clean up any spills that may have occurred during the day’s
experiments.
4.
Turn off the instrument and the computer according to your
laboratory’s practice.
Optimizing Fluorescence Assays
The optimum instrument settings for detection of a particular
fluorophore depend on a number of different factors. Settings that can
be adjusted for assay optimization include the excitation and emission
wavelengths, emission cutoff filter, readings per well, the PMT voltage,
and the temperature of the reading chamber.
Another important factor that is independent of the instrument but
which affect assays optimization is the Stokes shift. When the Stokes shift
is very small, optimizing the excitation and emission wavelengths and
correct cutoff filter choices are very important.
Excitation and Emission Wavelengths
The excitation and emission wavelengths can be set in 1 nm increments
between 250 nm and 850 nm. A procedure to optimize excitation and
emission wavelengths for a given assay is outlined in
Scanning to Optimize Excitation and Emission Wavelengths for
Fluorescence Assays on page 105
Note:
Generally, you do not need to switch off the power at the end of
the day. If the system will not be used for more than one day, it is best
to turn off the instrument.
FlexStation_manual.book Page 103 Tuesday, June 25, 2013 10:22 AM
