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VaxArray® Imaging and Analysis System Operation Manual
CF-0159 R004
Troubleshooting, Cleaning, and Service
Failure to Find an Array
The VaxArray Imaging and Analysis Software automatically finds the antibody spots in the arrays and uses the
spot locations to determine signal intensities. Occasionally, the antibody spots are not automatically located
within an array. Several alerts indicate when this occurs. During Preview, failure to find spots of the selected
array (usually A1) is indicated by the error message Image Processing Failure shown in the QC alerts. In
addition, the selection text Show Enhanced Image will be inactive (gray) indicating that a cropped false color
image cannot be shown. During imaging of the full slide, failure to find spots is indicated by similar alerts.
For the specific arrays that fail, “
Image Processing Failure
”
is displayed as a QC alert, and the composite
image of each slide will have boxes with the red text
“
Error!
”
for arrays where the false color images would
normally be shown.
When the antibody spots of an array are not found, the signals are not measured. Therefore, no information
is present for analysis of those arrays.
Several factors can cause spots within an array to not be found. Some examples are:
•
The fiducial spots may be inadequate or non-existent due to:
o
Insufficient amount of fiducial label in the label mix
o
Short exposure times resulting in low fiducial signals
o
Array printing errors
o
Pipette tip or other damage to the microarray surface in the area(s) of the fiducial spots.
•
Image artifacts due to:
o
Large numbers of bright spots throughout the image background
o
Pseudo-fiducial spots similar in location and size to actual fiducial spots. These can be caused
by “lint” or other significant
artifacts that may cause scattering, and can lead to spot finding
failure or misalignment. The spots may be found but the determined locations are actually
incorrect.
Any array can be viewed in the Preview mode, and viewing arrays that failed spot finding may help
troubleshoot the cause of the failure.
Cleaning
The outside surface of the housing can be cleaned with a damp cloth or with one of the following cleaning
agents or their equivalent:
•
Dishwashing detergent
•
Isopropyl alcohol (70% solution)
•
Bleach (10% solution)
•
Window cleaning solution (with isopropyl alcohol and ammonia)
•
Hydrogen peroxide (3% solution)
Service
There are no user-serviceable parts inside the VaxArray Imaging and Analysis System. If the instrument does
not work properly contact InDevR service for assistance or to obtain an RMA number.
