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

Microplate spectrophotometer
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Microplate Spectrophotometer
Epoch
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Operator's Manual

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  • Page 1 Microplate Spectrophotometer Epoch ™ Operator’s Manual...
  • Page 3 ™ Epoch Microplate Spectrophotometer Operator's Manual November 2015 © 2015 Part Number 7201000 Revision E  BioTek Instruments, Inc.
  • Page 4 BioTek is a registered trademark, and Epoch™, Gen5™, BioStack™, and Take3™ ® and Take3 Trio™ Micro-Volumne Plate are trademarks of BioTek Instruments, Inc. BioCell™ is a trademark of BioTek Instruments and is patented under U.S. patent number 5,963,318.  ...

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    Getting Started ............. 15 Gen5 Software ..................16 Recommendations for Optimum Performance ........... 17 Preventive Maintenance ..........19 Overview .................... 20 Required Materials ................20 Warnings and Precautions ..............21 Routine Cleaning Procedure ..............21 Decontamination ................. 22 Epoch Operator’s Manual...
  • Page 6 Absorbance Plate Test ................31 Liquid Testing ..................37 Specifications ............... 47 General Specifications ................48 Read Specifications ................49 Optical Performance ................50 Error Codes ..............53 Overview .................... 54 General Errors ..................55 Fatal Errors..................64 Index ................69 BioTek Instruments, Inc.

  • Page 7: Contact Information

    Winooski, Vermont 05404-0998 USA Global Service and Support BioTek instrument service and repair is available worldwide at one of BioTek’s International Service Centers and in the field at your location. To arrange for service or repair of your instrument, contact the office nearest you; visit www.biotek.com...

  • Page 8: Revision History

    Chapter 1, Introduction: Updated wording for getting the shipping address in Product Support & Services Chapter 3, Control Using Gen5: Included instructions for setting up the Epoch as a Plug & Play reader Chapter 4, Qualification: Removed mention of Software Documentation, Wavelength Table Verification, and “Run Assay”...
  • Page 9 “Decontamination” section text to match other instruments’ decontamination procedure. Chapter 5, Qualification: Added 340 nm Absorbance Test Plate PN 7260551 to the “Recommended Qualification Schedule” section; updated text of System Test and Liquid Test sections to match other instruments’ Qualification chapters. Epoch Operator’s Manual...

  • Page 10: Document Conventions

    Caution indicates potential damage to the instrument and tells Caution you how to avoid the problem. text is primarily used for emphasis. Note Bold  This icon calls attention to important information. BioTek Instruments, Inc.

  • Page 11: 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 12: Warnings

    If a spill occurs while a program is running, abort the program and turn off the instrument. Wipe up all spills immediately. Do not operate the instrument if internal components have been exposed to fluid. Call BioTek TAC for assistance.

  • Page 13: Precautions

    Precautions The following precautions are provided to help avoid damage to the instrument: The instrument should be serviced by BioTek-authorized Caution: Service. service personnel. Only approved spare parts should be used for Caution: Spare Parts.

  • Page 14: Ce Mark

    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 BioTek Instruments, Inc.

  • Page 15: Electromagnetic Interference And Susceptibility

    In order to maintain compliance with FCC regulations, shielded cables must be used with this equipment. Operation with non-approved equipment or unshielded cables is likely to result in interference to radio and television reception. Epoch Operator’s Manual...

  • Page 16: User Safety

    Part 1: general requirements” Canadian Standards Association CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 61010-1 • “Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control and Laboratory Use; Part 1: General Requirements” EN 61010 standards, see CE Mark, starting on page xii • BioTek Instruments, Inc.

  • Page 17: Safety Symbols

    Attention, risque d’écrasement et électrique pincement Gefährliche elektrische schlag Warnen, Gefahr des Zerquetschens und Klemmen Precaución, riesgo de sacudida eléctrica Precaución, riesgo del machacamiento y sejeción Attenzione, rischio di scossa elettrica Attenzione, rischio di schiacciare ed intrappolarsi Epoch Operator’s Manual...
  • Page 18 Recogida selectiva de aparatos eléctricos y electrónicos Dispositivo medico diagnostico in vitro Raccolta separata delle apparecchiature elettriche ed elettroniche Consult instructions for use Consulter la notice d’emploi Gebrauchsanweisung beachten Consultar las instrucciones de Consultare le istruzioni per BioTek Instruments, Inc.

  • Page 19: Introduction

    Chapter 1 Introduction This chapter introduces the Epoch, describes its hardware and software features, and provides contact information for technical assistance. Product Description ............2 Package Contents ............2 Optional Accessories ............3 Product Support and Service ........... 4 Technical Assistance Center (TAC) ........4...

  • Page 20: Product Description

    BioTek’s patented BioCell quartz vessel for 1-cm measurements, and the BioTek Take3 and Take3 Trio Micro-Volume Plate. Two reading speeds: normal and sweep. • Some models of the Epoch are robot-accessible and compatible with the • BioStack Microplate Stacker. Package Contents ...

  • Page 21: Optional Accessories

    Take3 Trio Micro-Volume Plate TRIO Some models of the Epoch are compatible with the BioStack Microplate Stacker. The BioStack rapidly and systematically transfers a “stack” of microplates to and from the Epoch’s microplate carrier. Contact BioTek or visit our website to learn more (www.biotek.com).

  • Page 22: Product Support And Service

    (see also Appendix C, Error Codes). If you need to return an instrument to BioTek for service or repair, please contact the TAC for a Service Call Notice (SCN) number and the shipping address.

  • Page 23: I Nstallation

    Chapter 2 I nstallation 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: Select an Appropriate Location ........6 3: Remove the Shipping Hardware ........

  • Page 24: Product Registration

    2: Select an Appropriate Location Install the Epoch on a level, stable 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. Conditions to avoid are: •...

  • Page 25: 3: Remove The Shipping Hardware

    Excessive vibration: machines that cause the surface to vibrate.  If you are installing the BioStack for operation with the Epoch, you may wish to seat the instruments in their aligning plates now. Refer to the BioStack Operator’s Manual for more information.

  • Page 26: 4: Connect The Power Supply

    Connect the power supply’s outlet plug to the 24-VDC connector on the rear of the instrument. Tighten the plug barrel to retain the plug. Plug the other end of the power cord into an appropriate power receptacle. BioTek Instruments, Inc.

  • Page 27: 5: Connect The Host Computer

    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. Epoch Operator’s Manual...

  • Page 28: 8: Establish Communication

    Select Plug & Play  An Epoch must be connected via USB to the computer and turned on to appear in the Available Plug & Play Readers list. Set the Com Port to the computer’s COM port to which the reader is •...

  • Page 29: Operational/Performance Qualification

     If you remain unable to get Gen5 and the reader to communicate with each other, contact BioTek’s Technical Assistance Center. Operational/Performance Qualification Your Epoch was fully tested at BioTek prior to shipment and should operate properly following the successful completion of the installation and setup procedures described throughout this chapter.

  • Page 30: Repackaging And Shipping

    • rubber plug (PN 19610) If you need to ship the Epoch to BioTek for service or repair, be sure to use the original packaging materials. Other forms of commercially available packaging are not recommended and can void the warranty.

  • Page 31: 3 B R Epackage 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, A ttach the Shipping Hardware...
  • Page 32 | Chapter 2 Installation Figure 4: Packing the Epoch BioTek Instruments, Inc.

  • Page 33: Getting Started

    Chapter 3 Getting Started 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. Gen5 Software .............. 16 Protocols and Experiments .........

  • Page 34: Gen5 Software

    | Chapter 3: Getting Started Gen5 Software BioTek Gen5 software supports all Epoch reader models. This section provides brief instructions for working with Gen5 to create protocols and experiments. Refer to the Gen5 Help system for more information. Protocols and Experiments In Gen5, a protocol contains instructions for controlling the reader and (optionally) instructions for analyzing the data retrieved from the reader.

  • Page 35: Recommendations For Optimum Performance

    • Although the Epoch supports standard flat, U-bottom, and V-bottom microplates, the reader achieves optimum performance with flat-bottomed wells. Non-uniformity in the optical density of the well bottoms can cause loss of •...
  • Page 36 <3% in long kinetics may also have a destructive effect. If the experiment is incubated, it will accelerate the deterioration of chamber components. When in doubt about the use of acids, corrosives, or solvents; please contact TAC@biotek.com. BioTek Instruments, Inc.

  • Page 37: Preventive Maintenance

    Chapter 4 Preventive Maintenance This chapter contains the procedures for cleaning and decontaminating the Epoch. Overview ..............20 Required Materials ............20 Warnings and Precautions ..........21 Routine Cleaning Procedure ........... 21 Procedure ..............21 Decontamination ............22 Required Materials ............ 23...

  • Page 38: Overview

    | Chapter 4: 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 21 •...

  • Page 39: Warnings And Precautions

    (not decontaminated) with a cloth moistened (not soaked) with water or water and a mild detergent. 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.

  • Page 40: Decontamination

    Wipe the plate carrier and all exposed surfaces of the instrument. If detergent was used, wipe all surfaces with a cloth moistened with water. Use a clean, dry lint-free cloth to dry all wet surfaces.  If liquid is spilled inside the reader, call BioTek TAC for cleanup instructions. Decontamination Any laboratory instrument that has been used for research or clinical analysis is considered a biohazard and requires decontamination prior to handling.

  • Page 41: Required Materials

    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 42 | Chapter 4: Preventive Maintenance BioTek Instruments, Inc.

  • Page 43: Instrument Qualification

    Chapter 5 Instrument Qualification This chapter contains procedure for qualifying the initial and ongoing performance of the Epoch. Overview ..............26 IQ/OQ/PQ ..............26 Recommended Qualification Schedule ....... 27 System Test ..............28 Absorbance Plate Test ............ 31 Define the Absorbance Test Plate Parameters ....31 Running the Absorbance Plate Test ......

  • Page 44: Overview

    Operational Qualification (OQ), and Performance Qualification (PQ) procedures for all models of the Epoch Microplate Reader. Every Epoch reader is fully tested at BioTek prior to shipment and should operate properly upon initial setup. If you suspect that a problem occurred during shipment, if...

  • Page 45: Recommended Qualification Schedule

    Recommended Qualification Schedule The schedule shown below defines the BioTek-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 46: System Test

    | Chapter 5: Instrument Qualification System Test Each time the Epoch is turned on, it automatically performs a series of tests on the reader’s motors, lamp, and various subsystems. This test can take a few minutes to complete. If all...
  • Page 47 Signal Air: 9479 41320 Wavelength 2: 352nm Cal Data: Rst: 4 Gain: 1.94 Rst/Gain: 2.062 Test Data: Rst: 4 Gain: 2.08 Rst/Gain: 1.921 Channel: Meas Total Air: 8944 45824 Dark Air (On): 5391 4411 Signal Air: 3553 41413 Epoch Operator’s Manual...
  • Page 48 Delta 2: 10045 - 10034 = Delta 3: 15630 - 15615 = Delta 4: 21851 - 21835 = MONOCHROMATOR A = +0.000000 B = -0.000390 C = -0.161696 SYSTEM TEST PASS 0000 Reviewed/Approved By: _______________________________________ Date: ________________ Figure 6: System Self-Test report BioTek Instruments, Inc.

  • Page 49: Absorbance Plate Test

     An alternate method for confirming accuracy, linearity, and repeatability is Liquid Test 2, described on page 41. To run this test, you need the BioTek Absorbance Test Plate (PN 7260522) with its accompanying data sheet. The Absorbance OD Standards section contains NIST-traceable standard OD •...
  • Page 50 If the C6 filter is Holmium or Erbium glass, the certificate contains two  Spectral Bandpass tables. For the Epoch, which has a bandpass wider than 5 mm for wavelength >285 nm and close to 4 nm for 230–285 nm, we recommend using the table.

  • Page 51: Running The Absorbance Plate Test

    When the test of completed, the results report appears. Scroll through the report; every result should show “PASS”. When the test is complete, print the results. A sample test report is provided in Figure 7. Epoch Operator’s Manual...
  • Page 52 0.147 0.618 1.133 1.701 2.279 2.945 Min Limit 0.124 0.586 1.090 1.647 2.168 #N/A Max Limit 0.170 0.650 1.176 1.755 2.390 #N/A Read 1 0.143 0.614 1.129 1.693 2.273 2.902 Result PASS PASS PASS PASS PASS #N/A BioTek Instruments, Inc.

  • Page 53: Results And Troubleshooting Tips

    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 Peak Wavelength Certificate supplied with the Test Plate. Epoch Operator’s Manual...
  • Page 54 Make sure the Test Plate is within its calibration certification period. If it  is out of date, contact BioTek to schedule a recertification. Check the microplate carrier to ensure it is clear of debris.  •...

  • Page 55: Liquid Testing

    • repeatability, and alignment of the reader by performing 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 39.

  • Page 56: 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 57: 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 58 Turnaround position. This will result in 32 mean values. Perform a mathematical comparison of the mean values for each microwell in its Normal and Turnaround positions (A1/H12, A2/H11, B1/G12, B2/G11, and so on). In order to pass this test, the differences in the BioTek Instruments, Inc.

  • Page 59: Liquid Test 2

    80% in the third tube, all the way to 10% in the tenth tube. • Dilute using the 0.05% solution of deionized water and Tween 20. This solution can also be made by diluting the BioTek wetting agent 200:1. Epoch Operator’s Manual...
  • Page 60 Perform a regression analysis on the data to determine if there is • adequate linearity. Because it is somewhat difficult to achieve high pipetting accuracy when conducting linear dilutions, an R Square value of at least 0.9900 is considered adequate. BioTek Instruments, Inc.
  • Page 61 ± 1.0% ± 0.010 OD, then the expected range for the mean of the same well in the 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.) Epoch Operator’s Manual...

  • Page 62: (Optional)Liquid Test 3

    Absorbance Test Plate. This test is optional because the reader has good “front end” linearity throughout its wavelength range.  BioTek Absorbance Test Plate PN 7260551 is offered as an alternative to conducting Liquid Test 3. Materials ...
  • Page 63 H4, and A5 to H6). Perform a regression analysis on the data to determine if there is • adequate linearity. The three average Mean OD values are the “Y” values. The solution concentrations are the “X” values (1.00, 0.75, 0.50). Epoch Operator’s Manual...
  • Page 64 | Chapter 5: Instrument Qualification Because it is somewhat difficult to achieve high pipetting accuracy when conducting linear dilutions, an R Square value of at least 0.9900 is considered adequate. BioTek Instruments, Inc.

  • Page 65: Specifications

    Appendix A Specifications This appendix contains BioTek’s published specifications for the Epoch. General Specifications ............48 Read Specifications............... 49 Optical Performance ............. 50...

  • Page 66: General Specifications

    General Specifications Microplates The Epoch accommodates standard 6-, 12-, 24-, 48-, 96-, and 384-well microplates with 128 x 86 mm geometry, and the BioTek Take3 and Take3 Trio Micro-Volume Plates. Hardware & Environmental Xenon flash light source, 10W maximum average power (not...

  • Page 67: Read Specifications

    630/450 nm Normal 100 msec Normal 0 msec Sweep Kinetic Measurements 96 Well Mode Delay Time 630 nm Normal 100 msec Normal 0 msec Sweep Mode Delay Time 630 nm Normal 100 msec Normal 0 msec Sweep Epoch Operator’s Manual...

  • Page 68: Optical Performance

    2.000–2.500 OD +/-3% +/-0.005 OD 384-well plate, normal read speed, 100-ms delay after plate movement 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 69 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 70 | Appendix A: Specifications BioTek Instruments, Inc.

  • Page 71: 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 ..............54 Diagnostics .............. 54 General Errors .............. 55 Assay Errors—For 2Dnn Error Code ......

  • Page 72: 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 73: 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 74 • 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 75 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 76 The gain/reset data for one or more wavelengths 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 77 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 78 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 79 Verify that the external power supply is correctly • connected. If error is intermittent, replace the external power • supply and/or the main PCB. Epoch Operator’s Manual...

  • Page 80: Assay Errors-For 2Dnn Error Code

    INVALID_READSETS—number of readsets defined invalid INVALID_MODE—invalid mode selection received ASSAY_DEF_NOT_SET—validated assay not defined INVALID_ROW_COL—invalid number of rows and columns INVALID_EVENT_COUNT—total events defined invalid INVALID_EVENT_TYPE—invalid event type received PLATE_START_LATE—missed start of plate mode event INVALID_WELL_DATAPTS—number of samples out of range BioTek Instruments, Inc.
  • Page 81 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 Epoch Operator’s Manual...

  • Page 82: 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 83 Instrument Dimensions This section shows the location of the microplate carrier in reference to the exterior surfaces of the Epoch and the mounting holes on the bottom. Use the illustrations to facilitate system setup with a robotic instrument, such as the...
  • Page 84 | Appendix C: Instrument Dimensions Special alignment hardware is included in the BioStack BioStack users: alignment kit for the Epoch. Refer to the BioStack Operator’s Manual for instructions for alignment of the BioStack with the reader. BioStack alignment pegs Figure 1: Front view of reader Figure 2: Side view of reader BioTek Instruments, Inc.
  • Page 85 Instrument Dimensions | BioStack alignment pegs Figure 3: Bottom view of reader, illustrating mounting holes for aligning caps (for operation with BioStack) Epoch Operator’s Manual...
  • Page 86 | Appendix C: Instrument Dimensions BioTek Instruments, Inc.

  • Page 87: Index

    Index absorbance plate test installing, 9 defining parameters, 31 hazards, x description, 31 inspecting the Epoch, 6 example, 35 Installation Qualification results, 35 Overview, 26 running, 33 intended use, ix troubleshooting, 35 internal voltage, x absorbance test plate liquid testing, 37...
  • Page 88 RMA. See Return Materials TAC. See Technical Assistance Authorization number Center safety symbols, xv Technical Assistance Center, 4 selecting an appropriate location, turning on the Epoch, 9 unpacking instructions, 6 shipping hardware user safety, xiv attaching, 12 voltage, x removing, 7...

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