Molecular Devices FLIPR Tetra, User Manual

Page: 225 / 302

FLIPR
®
Tetra High Throughput Cellular Screening System User Guide
0112-0109 H 225
Plate Layout
The stage has 4 positions where plates and/or tips may be placed.
These may be:
• Position 1: Source Plate 1 or Tip-loading
• Position 2: Source Plate 2
• Position 3: Read Plate
• Position 4: Source Plate 3 or Cell Reservoir
A tip wash reservoir for tips or pins is available in position 5.
Users may place either tip racks or plates in the tip-loading position
(position 1) and Cell Reservoir or plates in Cell Reservoir position
(position 4). The wash reservoir is not disposable but is replaced by
users when the head type is changed.
Plate-Handling System
Users may manually place plates or tip racks in the instrument or
deliver them automatically using a robot or stacker.
In manual mode, users access the plate stage through a large,
manually operated door. This door opens on a vertical hinge, mounted
to the left side of the door. An observation panel is built into this door
and may be removed by users to attach to the top instrument
compartment. In this arrangement, users may observe assays in
progress (data quality will be poor or simulated) in order to debug
assay setup issues.
At the start of an assay, the door latch engages to prevent users from
accidentally interrupting an assay in progress or injuring themselves.
The door will also be latched for most other instrument actions not
associated with an assay (for example , load tips, unload tips, signal
test, etc …). This latch will remain engaged throughout the assay or