Replacing The Sample Block - Applied Biosystems 7900HT User Manual

Chapter 7 Maintaining the Instrument

Replacing the Sample Block

When to Perform
Sample Block
Installation
Workflow
7-6 Applied Biosystems 7900HT Fast Real-Time PCR System and SDS Enterprise Database User Guide
September 1, 2004 11:39 am, CH_Maintenance.fm
Before changing the sample block, perform all required upgrades to
IMPORTANT!
the SDS software and instrument firmware. Failure to update the software can make
the instrument inoperable or result in damage to instrument components.
You need to remove the 7900HT instrument sample block when you:
• Decontaminate the wells of the sample block (see
• Change sample block formats
Always run a background plate after installing the sample block.
IMPORTANT!
Unless instructed to do otherwise, adhere to the following guidelines when
exchanging sample block modules of different formats.
To install a sample block module:
1. Perform all required software and firmware upgrades to the Applied Biosystems
7900HT Fast Real-Time PCR System (see page 7-55).
2. Remove the existing sample block (see page 7-7).
3. Install the new sample block (see page 7-10).
4. Change the plate adapter (see page 7-12).
5. Run a background plate to check the sample block for contamination
(see page 7-16).
If you are changing block formats or installing a new block, also do the following:
Perform pure dye and background runs after replacing the sample
IMPORTANT!
block, even if you are replacing a sample block module with another block of the
same format.
6. Run a pure dye plate or microfluidic pure dye card to create the pure spectra
calibration values for the new format (see page 7-20).
7. Run the appropriate TaqMan
TaqMan ® Low Density 7900HT Installation Array (TGF-β card) to confirm the
proper operation of the sample block (see page 7-30).
If you are using an Automation Accessory, also do the following:
8. If changing consumable formats (for example, when replacing a Standard
384-Well Block with a Standard 96-Well Block, a Fast 96-Well Block, or a
7900HT System TaqMan
switch on the Plate Handler arm for the new plates (see page 7-37).
9. Align the Zymark
for the new plate format (see page 7-41).
You must align the Plate Handler to only the Instrument position
IMPORTANT!
(Zymark position 2) as explained on pages
10. Align the fixed-position bar code reader for the new plate format
(see page 7-49).
DRAFT
® RNase P Instrument Verification Plate or a
® Low Density Array Upgrade), adjust the plate sensor
® Twister Microplate Handler fixed-position bar code reader
page 7-14)
7-41 to 7-44.