Molecular Devices ImageXpress Confocal HT.ai, User Manual

Page: 149 / 256

Chapter 7: Expansion Solution Options
5084773 A 149
Before You Run an Experiment
Check the water reservoir level. Refill as needed.
Check the CO
2
supply. Refill as needed.
Allow the instrument to warm up for at least two hours. The current temperature in the
chamber is displayed on the front of the controller.
Make sure the plate sealing ring is at 37°C before use, either by keeping it inside the
instrument or inside an incubator. Incorrect sealing-ring temperature can cause
temperature fluctuation.
Wait 30 minutes to 1 hour for the plate to reach equilibrium. You can use a journal to set this
waiting period.
If there is interstitial space between wells, pipette deionized water or media into these
areas. This helps to increase the thermal mass of the plate and reduces overall
evaporation.
Fill all unused wells with deionized water or buffer.
Note: Due to the changes in Z-height over time, you might need to occasionally adjust
the plate focus parameters in the MetaXpress software. To do this, open the
MetaXpress software, and click Screening > Plate Acquisition Setup > Plate tab > Edit
Plate Bottom Settings. Increase the adjacent well max variation to accommodate the
added Z-height variation introduced by the fluctuation of temperature.
When setting laser autofocus options, make sure that the instrument and plate
temperatures are at equilibrium. Room-temperature laser autofocus settings are not
ideal when the system is used at higher temperatures.