V&P Scientific, Inc.
6
Technical Note 115A
USING ASPIRATION MANIFOLDS
1.
Ensure that the entire set-up is level by placing the Bubble Level (15) on the top of the
Manifold.
2.
Close in-line shut-off valve. Turn on vacuum pump
3.
Place the microplate to be aspirated into the Microplate Platform (13) under the
Manifold.
4.
Raise the Z Arm Lever (8) to the pre-set Z Height Stop Bar (see Setting Z Height
section).
5.
Open the shut-off valve to aspirate samples from wells.
6.
Lower Z Arm Lever (8) and remove the microplate from the Microplate Platform (13).
7.
Close in-line valve to allow pressure to build up in the vacuum trap before aspirating
from the next plate.
8.
Blot tubes with VP 540DB lint free pads or rinse pins with appropriate fluid in a tray or
tip lid box before aspirating from next plate.
TROUBLESHOOTING ASPIRATION MANIFOLDS
1.
If a single well not emptying properly, locate the clogged tube corresponding to the
well. Insert the “rapier” (metal wire included with the Manifold) into the
clogged tube.
This should remove the obstruction. Wash the system well after performing this step.
2.
Alternatively, the top portion of both the aspiration and dispense Manifolds can be
removed: the Manifold examined for clogged tubes and cleaned. Use care not to
damage the gasket when removing and replacing the top Manifold section.
STORAGE
1.
For short-term storage, keep the tips of the metal aspirate tubes in the liquid in use or
distilled water. This will prevent the liquid from drying and clogging the tubes.
2.
For long-term storage, drain the Manifold and aspirate three separate 100 ml distilled
water aliquots through the system.
DO NOT USE DE-IONIZED WATER
: De-ionized
water will corrode the stainless-steel tubes.
3.
Tip the system back and forth after each aliquot to ensure all water is aspirated from
the Manifold on each rinse.
