SMARTer™ ICELL8® cx Single-Cell System User Manual
(061918)
takarabio.com
Takara Bio USA, Inc.
Page 34 of 35
X.
Troubleshooting
If the ICELL8 cx or its software does not respond as desired or a warning is displayed, please attempt to rectify
the problem using the tables below. If you cannot solve the problem, contact TBUSA technical support.
Table VI. Problem: Drop dispersion, or improper dispensing.
Possible cause
Solution
Trapped air in the system
fluidics
A large volume of air in the tube will act like a spring. When the microsolenoid
valve is actuated, the air will absorb the pulse, leaving a drop hanging on the end
of the tip. Inspect the tube between the tip and the 2 x 4 manifold (where not
covered). Look for air or bubbles within the tube. If air is found within the tube,
move the tips to the wash position and prime the system by clicking the [Daily
Warmup] button.
Faulty tip connection
Inspect the slip fits on the tips and on the 2 x 6 manifold. The tubing must fit
snugly to the stainless-steel tube. If the tube can be removed easily, cut off a
small section of the tube and reseat the tube.
Crimped fluidic tubing
Inspect the tubing for crimps or bends. Remove crimped/bent sections if feasible
or replace the harness.
Plugged tip
Back-flush the tips by clicking the [Tip Clean] button in the SMARTer ICELL8 cx
Software. If the tip is plugged with a soluble material, aspirating and dispensing
reagent capable of dissolving the material may clear the blockage. If these
measures fail, it may be necessary to replace the tip, or the blockage could be
upstream of the tip. Contact TBUSA technical support.
Leaking inlet valve
Let the system sit idle for 5 min and inspect the dispensing tips. If there are water
bubbles at any of the tips, the corresponding solenoid is leaking. Contact TBUSA
technical support.
Incompatible buffers and
samples
Extremes of fluidic properties, such as viscosity, may result in poor performance.
Contact TBUSA technical support.
Table VII. Problem: Dispensing head does not home.
Possible cause
Solution
No communication with
the instrument
Cycle the power on the ICELL8 cx unit and restart the computer.
Table VIII. Problem: Low or partial dispenses.
Possible cause
Solution
Microsolenoid valve failure
Contact TBUSA technical support.
Crimped tubing
See Table VI above.
