Biotek Epoch Operator's Manual
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Biotek Epoch Operator's Manual

Microplate spectrophotometer
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Epoch
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Summary of Contents for Biotek Epoch

  • Page 1 Microplate Spectrophotometer Epoch ™ Operator’s Manual...
  • Page 3 ™ Epoch Microplate Spectrophotometer Operator's Manual August 2009 © 2009 Part Number 7201000 Revision A ® BioTek Instruments, Inc.
  • Page 4 BioTek Instruments, Inc. Changes made to the information in this document will be incorporated in new editions of the publication. No responsibility is assumed by BioTek for the use or reliability of software or equipment that is not supplied by BioTek or its affiliated dealers.

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    6: Install the Software on the Host Computer ........... 9 7: Turn on the Reader ................9 Operational/Performance Qualification ............ 11 Repackaging and Shipping ..............11 Controlling Epoch Using Gen5 ........15 Overview.................... 16 Controlling the Reader with Gen5............16 Instrument Qualification ..........19 Recommendations for Achieving Optimum Performance ......
  • Page 6 Warnings & Precautions ................ 45 Routine Cleaning Procedure ..............45 Decontamination ................. 46 Specifications ...............49 General Specifications ................50 Read Specifications ................50 Optical Performance................52 Error Codes ..............55 Overview.................... 56 General Errors..................57 Fatal Errors..................65 ® BioTek Instruments, Inc.

  • Page 7: Contacting Biotek Instruments, Inc

    Contacting BioTek Instruments, Inc. | Contacting BioTek Instruments, Inc. ® BioTek Instruments, Inc. Highland Park, P.O. Box 998 Winooski, Vermont 05404-0998 USA Customer Service and Sales Internet: www.biotek.com Phone: 888-451-5171 (toll free in the U.S.) 802-655-4740 (outside the U.S.) Fax:...

  • Page 8: Revision History

    | Preface Revision History Revision Date Changes 8/2009 Initial release to Production ® BioTek Instruments, Inc.

  • Page 9: Document Conventions

    Caution Caution indicates potential damage to the instrument and tells you how to avoid the problem. Note text is primarily used for emphasis. Bold This icon calls attention to important information. Epoch Operator’s Manual...

  • Page 10: Intended Use Statement

    Warranty and Product Registration Please take a moment to review the warranty information that shipped with your product. Please also register your product with BioTek to ensure that you receive important information and updates about the product(s) you have purchased.

  • Page 11: Hazards And Precautions

    Failure to conduct quality control checks could result in erroneous test data. Warning! Reader Data Reduction Protocol. No limits are applied to the raw absorbance data. All information exported via computer control must be thoroughly analyzed by the operator. Epoch Operator’s Manual...
  • Page 12 Precautions The following precautions are provided to help avoid damage to the instrument: Caution: Service. The instrument should be serviced by BioTek authorized service personnel. Only qualified technical personnel should perform troubleshooting and service procedures on internal components. Caution: Environmental Conditions.

  • Page 13: Ce Mark

    6 for Immunity. Verification of compliance was conducted to the limits and methods of the following: EN 61000-4-2, Electrostatic Discharge EN 61000-4-3, Radiated EM Fields EN 61000-4-4, Electrical Fast Transient/Burst EN 61000-4-5, Surge Immunity EN 61000-4-6, Conducted Disturbances from RFI EN 61000-4-11, Voltage Dips, Short Interruptions and Variations Epoch Operator’s Manual...

  • Page 14: Electromagnetic Interference And Susceptibility

    Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause interference, in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense. ® BioTek Instruments, Inc.

  • Page 15: User Safety

    Part 1: general requirements” • Canadian Standards Association CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 61010-1-04 “Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control and Laboratory Use; Part 1: General Requirements” For International User Safety requirements, see CE Mark on page xi. Epoch Operator’s Manual...

  • Page 16: Safety Symbols

    Borne de terre de protection Schutzleiteranschluss Borne de tierra de protección Terra di protezione On (Supply) Marche (alimentation) Ein (Verbindung mit dem Netz) Conectado Chiuso Off (Supply) Arrêt (alimentation) Aus (Trennung vom Netz) Desconectado Aperto (sconnessione dalla rete di alimentazione) ® BioTek Instruments, Inc.
  • Page 17 Separate collection for electrical and electronic equipment Les équipements électriques et électroniques font l’objet d’une collecte sélective Getrennte Sammlung von Elektro- und Elektronikgeräten Recogida selectiva de aparatos eléctricos y electrónicos Raccolta separata delle apparecchiature elettriche ed elettroniche Epoch Operator’s Manual...
  • Page 18 | Preface ® BioTek Instruments, Inc.

  • Page 19: Introduction

    Chapter 1 Introduction This chapter introduces the Epoch and describes its hardware and software features, and technical specifications. Instructions on how to contact BioTek for Product Support & Service are included on page 4. Product Description.............. 2 Package Contents ..............2 Optional Accessories ............

  • Page 20: Product Description

    BioTek’s patented BioCell quartz vessel for 1-cm measurements, and the BioTek Take3 Multi-Volume Plate. • Two reading speeds: normal and sweep. Package Contents Part numbers are subject to change over time. Please contact BioTek Customer Care with any questions. Item Part # Epoch Operator’s Manual...

  • Page 21: Optional Accessories

    Optional Accessories | Optional Accessories Part numbers are subject to change over time. Please contact BioTek Customer Care if you have any questions. Item Part # 7-filter Absorbance Test Plate for absorbance measurement testing 7260522 Epoch Product Qualification (IQ-OQ-PQ) package...

  • Page 22: Product Support & Service

    A superior support staff backs all of BioTek’s products. If your instrument(s) or software ever fails to function properly, if you have questions about how to use or maintain it, or if you need to send an instrument to BioTek for service or repair, please contact our Technical Assistance Center (TAC).

  • Page 23: Installation

    Chapter 2 Installation This chapter includes instructions for unpacking and setting up the Epoch, connecting to a PC, and repackaging the instrument. Product Registration............. 6 1: Unpack and Inspect the Instrument........6 2: Remove the Carrier Shipping Hardware......7 3: Select an Appropriate Location ......... 8 4: Connect the Power Supply ..........

  • Page 24: Product Registration

    | Chapter 2 Installation Product Registration If you have not already done so, please register your product(s) with BioTek to ensure that you receive important information and updates about the product(s) you have purchased. Register online through BioTek’s Customer Resource Center (CRC) at www.biotek.com or by contacting BioTek Customer Care.

  • Page 25: 2: Remove The Carrier Shipping Hardware

    2: Remove the Carrier Shipping Hardware | 2: Remove the Carrier Shipping Hardware The Epoch is shipped with shipping hardware that must be removed before the reader is used, and saved in case the instrument needs to be repackaged for shipment. See Figure 1.

  • Page 26: 3: Select An Appropriate Location

    Figure 2: Shipping screw, o-ring, and plug in usage position 3: Select an Appropriate Location For optimal operation, install the Epoch on a clean, level surface in an area where ambient temperatures between 18°C (64°F) and 40°C (104°F) can be maintained. The reader is sensitive to extreme environmental conditions.

  • Page 27: 4: Connect The Power Supply

    Locate the power on/off switch on the front of the instrument, next to the carrier eject button. See Figure 3 below. The power on/off switch has a green, internal LED lamp that is illuminated when the power is on. The carrier eject Epoch Operator’s Manual...
  • Page 28 If the test is successful, the reader is ready for use. • If the test fails, note any error codes that are displayed in Gen5, and contact BioTek. Appendix B, Error Codes, contains a list of error codes that may appear in Gen5. On/off switch...

  • Page 29: Operational/Performance Qualification

    If the carrier has not been returned to its home position inside the unit, press the carrier eject button to retract the carrier. Turn off the Epoch, and unplug the 24 VDC power supply from the power outlet and from the power supply connector on the back of the reader.

  • Page 30: Repackage The Instrument

    BioTek’s Technical Assistance Center for guidance. Ensure that the Epoch carrier shipping hardare has been attached to the reader’s carrier as instructed in the preceding section, Attach the Carrier Shipping Hardware. Refer to Figure 4 on the following page when performing these steps: Place the foam cap into the bottom of the shipping container.
  • Page 31 Repackaging and Shipping | Figure 4: Packing the Epoch Epoch Operator’s Manual...
  • Page 32 | Chapter 2 Installation ® BioTek Instruments, Inc.

  • Page 33: Controlling Epoch Using Gen5

    Chapter 3 Controlling Epoch Using Gen5 The Epoch can be controlled only using software installed on a PC connected to the reader via the computer's USB port. This chapter describes how to configure BioTek Gen5 to control the reader. Overview................16 Controlling the Reader with Gen5...........

  • Page 34: Overview

    The Epoch is a completely computer-controlled instrument. Gen5 is the primary operating software. For users requiring a custom interface to the Epoch, there are other methods of computer-controlling the reader. A typical example of this requirement is the need to integrate the Epoch into an automated system.
  • Page 35 Confirm that the reader has passed its Self-Test. The reader will not communicate if it fails an internal system test. If the test still fails, refer to the Troubleshooting section in the Gen5 Help system for further assistance or contact BioTek’s Technical Assistance Center. Getting Started with Gen5 The following instructions...
  • Page 36 | Chapter 3: Controlling Epoch Using Gen5 To perform a Quick Read: At the Gen5 Welcome screen, select System Menu > File > New Experiment . (Alternative: Select Read a Plate at the Welcome screen, then proceed to step 4 below.)

  • Page 37: Instrument Qualification

    Chapter 4 Instrument Qualification This chapter discusses the tasks and procedures necessary for verifying and qualifying the Epoch’s performance on an ongoing basis. Recommendations for Achieving Optimum Performance .... 20 Recommended Qualification Schedule ........21 Installation and Performance Qualification Procedures....22 Routine Procedure .............

  • Page 38: Recommendations For Achieving Optimum Performance

    | Chapter 4: Instrument Qualification Recommendations for Achieving Optimum Performance An Installation/Operational/Performance Qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ) package (PN 7200515) for the Epoch is available upon request. Contact your local dealer for more information. • Microplates should be perfectly clean and free from dust or bottom scratches.

  • Page 39: Recommended Qualification Schedule

    Recommended Qualification Schedule The schedule shown below defines the factory-recommended intervals for performance testing for an Epoch used for one shift seven days a week. The risk factors associated with your tests may require that the Operational and Performance Qualification procedures be performed more or less frequently than shown below.

  • Page 40: Installation And Performance Qualification Procedures

    Routine Procedure To ensure proper operation of the Epoch on an ongoing basis, the System Self-Test and the Absorbance Plate Test should be conducted monthly. Run the Reader System Test to verify that the light levels and electronic noise at all set wavelengths fall within factory acceptance criteria.

  • Page 41: System Self-Test

    The Epoch automatically runs an internal System Test each time it is powered on. If the carrier shipping hardware has not been removed from the carrier, the power- on System Test will not be initiated and the instrument will beep (see step 2: Remove the Microplate Carrier Shipping Hardware in Chapter 2).
  • Page 42 13868 Delta AUTOCAL ANALYSIS Upper Left Corner: y =15615 Lower Left Corner: y =21835 Lower Right Corner: x = 10034 y =21851 Upper Right Corner: x = 10045 y =158630 Delta 1: 287 - 279 = ® BioTek Instruments, Inc.

  • Page 43: Absorbance Plate Test

    Figure 6: System Self Test report Absorbance Plate Test Description This test uses BioTek’s 7-Filter Absorbance Test Plate (PN 7260522) to confirm the mechanical alignment; optical density accuracy, linearity, and repeatability; and wavelength accuracy to NIST-traceable values. An alternate method that may be used to determine accuracy/linearity, repeatability, and alignment is Liquid Test 2, described on page 37.

  • Page 44: Test Plate Certificates

    The wavelength of maximum absorbance is compared to the expected peak wavelength supplied on the Test Plate’s certificate and entered into Gen5. Test Plate Certificates To run the Absorbance Plate Test on the Epoch, you will need BioTek’s 7-Filter Absorbance Test Plate (PN 7260522) with its accompanying certificates. •...

  • Page 45: Entering The Absorbance Test Plate Data

    Enter the reader serial number and user name, then click Start Test • For wavelength accuracy: While performing the steps above, click Perform peak wavelength test in Gen5. When the test is complete, print the results. A sample test report is provided in Figure 8. Epoch Operator’s Manual...
  • Page 46 | Chapter 4: Instrument Qualification Absorbance Test Plate Results Reader: Epoch (Serial Number: 182843) Basecode: P/N 7200201 (v1.07) Date and Time: 7/14/2009 8:49:39 AM Absorbance Plate: 7 Filter Test Plate (P/N 7260522) - S/N 161259 Last Plate Certification: April 2009...
  • Page 47 0.136 0.568 1.040 1.560 1.865 2.400 Min Limit 0.113 0.537 0.999 1.509 1.808 2.284 Max Limit 0.159 0.599 1.081 1.611 1.922 2.516 Read 1 0.134 0.566 1.039 1.557 1.864 2.392 Result PASS PASS PASS PASS PASS PASS Epoch Operator’s Manual...

  • Page 48: Results

    Absorbance Test Plate dialog. To verify wavelength accuracy, the wavelength of the maximum absorbance is compared with the peak wavelength value entered in the software, which comes from the Standards Certificate supplied with the Test Plate. The ® BioTek Instruments, Inc.
  • Page 49 Make sure the Test Plate is within its calibration certification period. The calibration sticker is affixed directly to the plate. If it is out of date, contact BioTek to schedule a recertification. Check the microplate carrier to ensure it is clear of debris.
  • Page 50 Verify that the Test Plate is within its calibration certification period. The calibration sticker is affixed directly to the plate. If it is out of date, contact BioTek to schedule a recertification. • Repeatability: Repeatability is a measure of the instrument’s ability to read the same well with minimum variation between two reads with the well in the same location.

  • Page 51: Liquid Testing

    Liquid Test 2. • BioTek offers a dye solution (PN 7120779, 25 mL; or 7120782, 125 mL) that can be used in the stock solution formulation for Liquid Tests 1 and 2, or, if you prefer, you may use the dye solution described in Table 2 on page 35.

  • Page 52: Stock Solution Formulation

    The stock solution for Liquid Tests 1 and 2 may be formulated from the chemicals listed below, or by diluting a dye solution available from BioTek. See Procedure A or Procedure B outlined below and on the following page for details.

  • Page 53: Liquid Test 1

    Weigh out 0.092 gram of FD&C No. 5 yellow dye powder into a weigh boat. Rinse the contents into a 1-liter volumetric flask. Add 0.5 mL of Tween 20, or 5 mL of BioTek’s wetting agent. Make up to 1 liter with DI water; cap and shake well.
  • Page 54 For comparison in this test, the following accuracy specifications are applied, using Normal reading mode and a 96-well microplate. ± 1% ± 0.010 OD from 0.000 OD to 2.000 OD ± 3% ± 0.010 OD from 2.000 OD to 3.000 OD ® BioTek Instruments, Inc.

  • Page 55: Liquid Test 2

    Prepare the Plate • Pipette 200 µL of the concentrated solution from Tube 1 into each well of the first column, A1 to H1, of a new flat-bottom microplate. Epoch Operator’s Manual...
  • Page 56 • For each mean below 2.000 OD, calculate the allowed deviation using the repeatability specification for a 96-well plate of ± 1.0% ± 0.005 OD. If above 2.000 OD, apply the ± 3.0% ± 0.005 specification. ® BioTek Instruments, Inc.
  • Page 57 H12 position is 1.873 to 1.931 OD. (1.902 x 1.0% = 0.019 + 0.010 = 0.029, which is added to and subtracted from 1.902 for the range.) If the four corner wells are within the accuracy range, the reader is in alignment. Epoch Operator’s Manual...

  • Page 58: Liquid Test 3

    β-NADH Powder (β-Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide, Reduced Form) Sigma bulk catalog number N 8129, or preweighed 10-mg vials, Sigma number N6785-10VL (or BioTek PN 98233). Store the powder according to the guidelines on its packaging. Prepare a PBS solution from the Sigma tablets.
  • Page 59 The three average Mean OD values are the “Y” values. The solution concentrations are the “X” values (1.00, 0.75, 0.50). Because it is somewhat difficult to achieve high pipetting accuracy when conducting linear dilutions, an R Square value of at least 0.99 is considered adequate. Epoch Operator’s Manual...
  • Page 60 | Chapter 4: Instrument Qualification ® BioTek Instruments, Inc.

  • Page 61: Preventive Maintenance

    Chapter 5 Preventive Maintenance This chapter contains the procedures for cleaning and decontaminating the Epoch. Overview................44 Required Materials ............... 44 Warnings & Precautions ............45 Routine Cleaning Procedure ..........45 Purpose................45 Procedure ................. 46 Decontamination ..............46 Purpose................46...

  • Page 62: Overview

    | Chapter 5: Preventive Maintenance Overview A general Preventive Maintenance (PM) regimen for the Epoch includes periodically cleaning all exposed surfaces and decontaminating the instrument before storage or shipment. This chapter includes instructions for the following: • Routine Cleaning Procedure, page 45 •...

  • Page 63: Warnings & Precautions

    If this happens, contact BioTek’s Technical Assistance Center. Routine Cleaning Procedure Turn off the Epoch and disconnect it from the power supply for the cleaning procedure. Purpose A regular cleaning regimen is recommended to keep the instrument free from dust and particulates that can cause erroneous readings.

  • Page 64: Decontamination

    | Chapter 5: Preventive Maintenance Procedure Turn on the Epoch and press the carrier eject button to eject the microplate carrier. Turn off and unplug the reader from the power supply. Moisten a clean, lint-free cloth with water, or with water and the mild detergent.

  • Page 65: Procedure

    The bleach solution is caustic; wear gloves and eye protection when handling the solution. Turn on the Epoch and press the carrier eject button to eject the carrier. Turn off and unplug the reader from the power supply. Prepare an aqueous solution of 0.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaClO, or bleach).
  • Page 66 | Chapter 5: Preventive Maintenance ® BioTek Instruments, Inc.

  • Page 67: Specifications

    Appendix A Specifications This appendix contains BioTek’s published specifications for the Epoch. General Specifications............50 Read Specifications............... 50 Optical Performance ............. 52...

  • Page 68: General Specifications

    General Specifications Microplates The Epoch accommodates standard 6-, 12-, 24-, 48-, 96-, and 384-well microplates with 128 x 86 mm geometry; Terasaki microplates; up to 8 BioCells; and the BioTek Take3 Multi-Volume Plate Hardware & Environmental Xenon flash light source, 10W maximum average power, lamp...
  • Page 69 384-Well Kinetic Read Timing Delay 630 nm Normal Read Mode, A1 to A1 100 msec 169 sec Normal Read Mode, A1 to A1 0 msec 129 sec Sweep Read Mode, A1 to A1 30 sec Epoch Operator’s Manual...

  • Page 70: Optical Performance

    0.000–2.000 OD +/-1% +/-0.005 OD 2.000–2.500 OD +/-3% +/-0.005 OD 384-well plate, normal read speed 0.000–1.500 OD +/-1% +/-0.005 OD 1.500–2.000 OD +/-3% +/-0.005 OD 96-well and 384-well plate, sweep read speed 0.000–1.000 OD +/-2% +/-0.010 OD BioTek Instruments, Inc.
  • Page 71 Optical Performance | Optics λ range 200 to 999 nm λ accuracy ± 2 nm λ repeatability ± 0.2 nm λ bandpass 5 nm Photodiodes (2). Measurements are reference channel-corrected for Detector light source fluctuation. Epoch Operator’s Manual...
  • Page 72 | Appendix A: Specifications BioTek Instruments, Inc.

  • Page 73: Error Codes

    Appendix B Error Codes This appendix lists and describes Epoch error codes that may appear in Gen5. If an error is displayed, refer to Product Support & Service in Chapter 1. Overview................56 Diagnostics ............... 56 General Errors..............57 Assay Errors—For 2Dnn Error Code ........64...

  • Page 74: Overview

    Error codes marked with a asterisk (*) will stop an assay from running but will continue to allow the Epoch to communicate with the controlling software and run system and calibration tests. When these errors are first encountered, the status LED will flash and the beeper will sound;...

  • Page 75: General Errors

    Filter wheel gearing is worn or dirty. • Defective or broken optical sensor or connection. • Defective motor, motor controller PCB, or cable. • 0233 Monochromator not able to locate home. Probable causes: Misaligned flash lamp • Disconnected photodiode cable • Epoch Operator’s Manual...
  • Page 76 Defective flash lamp. • Defective motor/power PCB or connection to it. • Flash lamp is missing flashes or is not flashing. • The optic system does not detect the saturation. • Defective monochromator (low probability). • ® BioTek Instruments, Inc.
  • Page 77 There may be an ambient light leak. Ensure that the • plate carrier door is properly closed. Detector PCB or connection failure. • • Internal electronic noise may be caused by a faulty analog PCB or faulty internal grounding. Epoch Operator’s Manual...
  • Page 78 The gain/reset data for one or more wavelength is missing. This data is collected during factory calibration and saved in nonvolatile memory. An error indicates that the internal software may be corrupted or the hardware has failed. ® BioTek Instruments, Inc.
  • Page 79 Failed configuration checksum test (1 = UI processor, 2 = MC processor). Probable causes: One of the processors on the PCB contains a defective • corrupt flash memory. The basecode software and/or assays may need to be redownloaded. Main PCB failure. • Epoch Operator’s Manual...
  • Page 80 This error is typically used only for software development purposes. If it occurs, however, try turning the instrument off, waiting 30 seconds, and then turning it on again. If the error persists, contact BioTek TAC. 1F0r Overlap error in PC command definition.
  • Page 81 Failure indicates there is a defect on the Main PCB assembly. 2907 Flash voltage scale error—done as part of self-test. Failure indicates the flash module is not connected or there is a defect on the Main PCB assembly. Epoch Operator’s Manual...

  • Page 82: Assay Errors-For 2Dnn Error Code

    INVALID_PLATE_INTRVAL—plate mode kinetic interval out of range READ_START_LATE—missed start of read INTERVAL_START_LATE—missed start of kinetic interval setup INVALID_DIRECTION—initial row or column direction is invalid DEBUG_MODE—unit is in debug mode; self-test may not have been run ® BioTek Instruments, Inc.

  • Page 83: Fatal Errors

    Fatal Errors Fatal errors indicate conditions that cannot be resolved by user actions. The instrument will no longer function. If a fatal error is displayed, contact BioTek’s Technical Assistance Center for further instructions (refer to the Product Support & Service section in Chapter 1). {data} indicates a parameter in the second-lowest digit of the error code.
  • Page 84 | Appendix B: Error Codes ® BioTek Instruments, Inc.

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