PerkinElmer QuantaSmart 1694267 Reference Manual
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PerkinElmer QuantaSmart 1694267 Reference Manual

PerkinElmer QuantaSmart 1694267 Reference Manual

Liquid scintillation analyzer
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QuantaSmart™ For The
TriCarb
Liquid Scintillation
®
Analyzer
Reference Manual

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Summary of Contents for PerkinElmer QuantaSmart 1694267

  • Page 1 QuantaSmart™ For The TriCarb Liquid Scintillation ® Analyzer Reference Manual...
  • Page 2 The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice. Except as specifically set forth in its terms and conditions of sale, PerkinElmer makes no warranty of any kind with regard to this document, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and fit- ness for a particular purpose.
  • Page 3 Safety Electrical Safety Use proper plugs and good earth ground connections. WARNING For systems operating at voltages other then 115 volts AC or 220 volts AC, a locally approved 3-prong plug may be required to correctly power the system. WARNING CAUTION: Do not move the fully assembled unit.

  • Page 4: Explanation Of Symbols

    Explanation of Symbols You may find one or more of the following symbols used on labels on your system. Symbol Explanation L’explication Erklarung Alternating Current Courant alternatift Wechselstrom Protective Earth Ground Mise a la terre Schutz -Erdun On (Supply) Marche (alimentation) Off (Supply) Arret (alimentation) Caution-Attention: Risk of...

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents Chapter 1 Specifications............1 System Control .
  • Page 6 Chapter 3 The System Computer..........33 Attaching To A Network .
  • Page 7 Chapter 5 Assays ............. 67 CPM Assays .
  • Page 8 Chapter 8 Advanced Features ..........135 Priostat .
  • Page 9 Chapter 12 Theory ............. 197 Low Level Counting Theory .

  • Page 11: Specifications

    SPECIFICATIONS Chapter 1 Specifications All instrument specifications are developed using sources whose activity is referenced to NIST source activity and PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences reference methods. System Control The system is controlled by an IBM-compatible Pentium computer. The standard computer is configured with one floppy disk drive, a CD-drive and one hard drive.

  • Page 12: Efficiency

    (58% for 3170TR/SL). For Carbon-14 in the range 0-156keV, the minimum acceptable efficiency is 95% (94% for 3170TR/SL). These values were generated by PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences at our Downers Grove, Illinois facility. The exact values obtained at other instrument locations may vary. Counting Efficiency is a parameter measured as part of Instrument Performance Assessment (IPA).

  • Page 13: Environmental Requirements

    If necessary, these belts can run in the reverse (clockwise) direction (such as during recovery from a power failure). The instrument can hold up to: 408 large vials 720 small vials 720 4ml vials PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...

  • Page 14: Electrical Requirements

    Average values for Normal Count Mode: Tritium:17.3 CPM Carbon-14:24.3 CPM These values were generated by PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences at our Downers Grove, Illinois facility. The exact values obtained at other instrument locations may vary. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...

  • Page 15: Sample Cassettes

    The protocol flag and cassette ID are automatically read by the instrument to provide Positive Sample Identification (PID) when using Worklists. Figure 1-4 Sample Cassette Shielding The detector assembly is surrounded by a minimum of 2 inches of lead. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...

  • Page 16: Sample Vials

    CHAPTER 1 Sample Vials Vials and caps must conform to the following sizes. Caps must not exceed the diameter of the vial. Figure 1-5 Vial Sizes PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...

  • Page 17: How To

    Associate (link) the assay parameters to a protocol. Attach the correct protocol flag to the first cassette to be counted and load the cassette(s) with samples. Begin sample counting. Do not use the system’s CD writer while the instrument is counting. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...

  • Page 18: How To Perform The Snc (Self-Normalization And Calibration)

    (this is at the same end as the protocol plug). Caution: Do not use the unpurged, Low Level standards to calibrate the instrument, even if the instrument is to be used in Low Level, High Sensitivity or Super Low Level count mode. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 19 Load the purged background standard into the fourth cassette position. Load the instrument with cassettes. Press the green flag start button to begin counting. Do not use the system’s CD writer while the instrument is counting. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...

  • Page 20: Steps In Performing An Assay

    CHAPTER 2 Steps in Performing an Assay Select the File-Open Assay menu option. The Open Assay window is displayed. Figure 2-2 Open Assay Window. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 21 When you have finished editing, save the assay. The password must be used to edit the assay after it is saved. In the Sample Nuclides Library, define an appropriate nuclide for the assay, if one does not already exist. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...

  • Page 22: How To Perform An Assay

    In the Protocols Tree of the main window, select the protocol to which you would like to associate an assay. Right click on that protocol flag number. From the menu that is displayed, select Associate Assay. The Associate Assay window is displayed. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 23 HOW TO... Note:You can also associate an assay to a flag using the File menu. Figure 2-5 Protocol Tree. Figure 2-6 Associate Assay Window. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 24 12. Attach the appropriate protocol flag in reset position. 13. Load the cassette(s) with samples. 14. Load the instrument with cassettes. 15. Press the (green start flag) button to begin counting. Do not use the system’s CD writer while the instrument is counting. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...

  • Page 25: How To Create A Password

    How to Create a Password Select the File-New Assay menu option. The Select Assay Type window is displayed. Figure 2-8 Select Assay Type Window. In the Select Assay Type window, select the type of assay you would like to PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 26 In the Assay Parameters tab, mark the Lock Assay box. The Password field becomes enabled. Enter a descriptive password in the Password field. When you have completed the assay definition process, save the assay. The password must be used to edit the assay after it is saved. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...

  • Page 27: How To Associate An Assay To A Protocol

    Select the Assay that you would like to associate to a protocol flag number. Click the Open button. The Data Paths window is displayed. In the Data Paths window, enter a User ID for the assay. Enter an Additional Header, if necessary. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 28 Text file for the assay and would like the data to be saved in a directory other than the default. Check the Use Default Output Data Path box if you would like the data to be saved in the default directory. Figure 2-11 Associate Assay Window. Figure 2-12 Data Paths Window. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...

  • Page 29: How To Count Samples

    Press the button to begin counting. Note: Do not use the system’s CD writer while the instrument is counting. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...

  • Page 30: How To Disassociate An Assay From A Protocol

    Figure 2-14 Protocol Tree. Right click on that assay. Note:You can also disassociate an assay from a flag using the File menu. From the menu that is displayed, select Disassociate Assay. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...

  • Page 31: How To Edit An Assay

    HOW TO... How to Edit an Assay Select the File-Open Assay menu option. The Open Assay window is displayed. Figure 2-15 Open Assay Window. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 32 If you would like to save the assay using a different name, click the Save As button. The Save As window is displayed. Enter an appropriate name for the assay and click the Save button. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...

  • Page 33: How To Print An Assay

    In the Protocols Tree of the main window, select the report icon ( ) that you would like to print. The Output window is displayed. In the Output window, select the print icon( ). The report of interest will print once the icon is selected. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...

  • Page 34: How To Link A Quench Set To A Sample Nuclide

    Note:Refer to page 26 on how to set up a quench set standards assay. This requires the single/dual/color DPM option on the 2800TR. Select the Libraries-Sample Nuclides Main menu item. The Sample Nuclides window is displayed. Figure 2-18 Sample Nuclides Window. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 35 Select the name of the quench set you would like to link to the sample nuclide. Click OK. The name of the quench set(s) you selected should appear in the Sample Nuclides Library window on the Quench Set buttons. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...

  • Page 36: How To Set Up A Quench Standards Assay

    NOT use quench standards which have been purged free of oxygen with an inert gas. The oxygen quenching in unpurged standards facilitates discrimination between background and true beta events. Unpurged standards are available from PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...

  • Page 37: How To Run An Alpha Beta Assay

    Load the cassette(s) with vials and load the instrument with cassettes. Click the green start button at the top of the main window. Start the instrument. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...

  • Page 38: How To Run An Alpha Beta Standards Assay

    11. After counting is complete, the misclassification (or spillover) curve and the optimum discriminator value will be stored for the Standard Set. Review the curve and discriminator setting, if desired, from the Alpha Beta Standards Library. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...

  • Page 39: How To Use The Replay Feature

    Replay Tree using file names with the following syntax: User id \ assay_name \ yyyymmdd_militarytime Right click on the selected file name. Select Open for Replay. The Replay window is displayed. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 40 Click the Replay button. Any reports that you defined are generated after the reanalysis of data occurs. Note: Data processed with Replay does not change the original data. All Replay changes are temporary. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...

  • Page 41: How To Calculate Radioactive Decay

    Enter Reference Activity, Date and Time. Click the Start Decay Button. The current DPM for the nuclide is displayed in the Current DPM Activity field. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...

  • Page 42: How To Change The Time And Date

    Start, Settings, Control Panel, and then double clicking Date/Time. Double click on the date and time on the task bar. The Date/Time Properties window will display. Use this window to change the date and time. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...

  • Page 43: The System Computer

    Attaching To A Network The system can also be attached to a network. We sell a networking kit to attach the system to a network. For additional information on the networking kit, contact your PerkinElmer representative. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 44 CHAPTER 3 PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...

  • Page 45: The System Software

    It also provides you with a convenient means of saving and reusing specific nuclide parameters and sample counting regions. Software Security Security is built-in to QuantaSmart. The same software cannot be loaded on multiple systems due to this security feature. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...

  • Page 46: Main Window

    CHAPTER 4 Main Window The main software window is comprised of several functional elements which provides you with a means of accessing all instrument features. Figure 4-1 Main Window PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...

  • Page 47: Output Window

    It is a copy of the printer report if one is selected. The output is defined in the Report Output window. The following is a typical Output Window display: Figure 4-2 Output Window PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...

  • Page 48: The Spectraview Window

    The SpectraView window is typically used for the following: Monitoring sample counting. Detecting spectral distortions or compressions resulting from sample quench. Observing the effect of altering the counting region settings. Viewing the spectrum in linear or logarithmic scale. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...

  • Page 49: The Instrument Status Bar

    Click this button to end the current protocol and stop the instrument. Count Button Click this button to begin a counting protocol. End Protocol Button Click this button to end a counting protocol and continue counting the next protocol. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...

  • Page 50: The Protocols Tree

    During protocol execution, this window uses different symbols to provide a visual indication of which protocol is being executed, which protocols have remaining cycles, and which protocols have been completed. Figure 4-5 Protocol Tree PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 51 This symbol could also indicate that an assay file has been deleted. Figure 4-10 The Red Prohibitory Symbol A yellow prohibitory symbol indicates that data analysis cannot be performed. Typically, this will result when an appropriate standard set is missing from the PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 52 Figure 4-12 The Page Symbol A white flag indicates an inactive protocol. If no assay name appears adjacent to this flag, it is available to be associated to an assay. Figure 4-13 The White Flag PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...

  • Page 53: The Replay Tree

    Note: Clicking twice on the Results folder will bring up the Replay tree. The Replay files have a fixed data storage path, but it can be changed in the Report Output window. The default filename is autoincrementing. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...

  • Page 54: Menus

    Once a menu is displayed, you may display a menu item by pressing the underlined character key indicated. For example: Use the Alt-T keys to display the Tools menu: Figure 4-16 Tools menu PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...

  • Page 55: File Menu

    THE SYSTEM SOFTWARE File Menu Display the File menu by selecting File from the Menu Bar. Figure 4-17 File Menu New Assay This menu item allows you to define a new assay. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 56 Disassociate Assay from the File menu. The name of the assay should disappear from the Protocols Tree. You may also right click on the assay and select Disassociate Assay from the menu that is displayed. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 57 To print a list of parameters defined for an assay, select the Print Assays item from the File menu. Select the assay you would like to print from the Select Assays to Print window and click Open. Exit This menu item allows you to close the QuantaSmart program. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...

  • Page 58: Run Menu

    Next Protocol This menu item unloads any sample in the detector and aborts the current protocol. The instrument searches for the next cassette with an active protocol flag and begins running that protocol. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 59 This menu item allows you to identify an unknown nuclide in your sample using the Quench Indicating Parameters SIS and tSIE. Optimize Regions This menu item allows you to optimize sample counting regions to provide the highest figure of merit for Normal count mode. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...

  • Page 60: View Menu

    The Instrument Status Bar is located underneath the Menu Bar in the main window. Status Bar This menu item allows you to view or hide the Status Bar located at the bottom of the main window. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...

  • Page 61: Libraries Menu

    2800TR) are used in the same manner as the Quench Standards and Sample Nuclides Libraries. The information stored in these libraries is relevant only when performing Alpha Beta Assays, where both an Alpha-emitting and a Beta-emitting radionuclide are quantified independently within the same sample vial. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 62 The list of nuclides that is displayed is dependent on the assay type, the nuclide and the number of quench sets associated with the nuclide. See the Libraries chapter for information on adding a sample nuclide name. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 63 The number of standards (up to twenty) is determined automatically during counting. For additional information, refer to the Libraries chapter. Figure 4-24 Quench Standards Window PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 64 Alpha Beta Nuclides Library is a repository of information regarding previously defined Alpha and Beta emitting nuclides counted in Alpha Beta Assays. For additional information, refer to the Libraries chapter. Figure 4-25 Alpha Beta Nuclides Library Window PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...

  • Page 65: Tools Menu

    The Alpha Beta Standards Library is a repository of information regarding previously defined standards used in Alpha Beta Assays. For additional information, refer to the Libraries chapter. Figure 4-26 Alpha Beta Standards Library Window Tools Menu Figure 4-27 Tools Menu. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 66 Spectrum Files created in High Sensitivity and Low Level Count Modes and activate the feature which allows negative CPM and DPM reporting. Figure 4-29 The Options Menu PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 67 Figure 4-30 Show Protocol Errors Spectral Mapping The Spectral Mapping menu item allows you to view a three-dimensional spectral map for a sample and quench standards. This option is used for single-label DPM samples. Figure 4-31 Spectral Mapping PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...

  • Page 68: Ipa Menu

    The IPA menu can also be displayed by selecting the Alt-P keys. Each item in the menu can be displayed by selecting the underlined character indicated. IPA Definition This menu item allows you to define the parameters used to assess instrument performance. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...

  • Page 69: Diagnostics Menu

    Diagnostics Menu Display the Diagnostics menu by selecting Diagnostics from the menubar. The TSE Diagnostics item in the Diagnostics menu is for the use of a PerkinElmer Service Engineer to view the system’s diagnostic screens and assess the system’s functional status. A password is required.

  • Page 70: Window Menu

    Figure 4-35 Window Menu Cascade This menu item displays the open windows in the following fashion: Figure 4-36 Cascaded Windows Tile This menu item displays the open windows in the following fashion: Figure 4-37 Tiled Windows PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...

  • Page 71: Help Menu

    This menu item will launch the On-Line Help documentation with the Table of Contents initially in view. About QuantaSmart This menu item indicates the version of the QuantaSmart software you are using and the date and time of its creation. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...

  • Page 72: Spectral Displays

    Z-axis represents the quench indicating parameter, tSIE. The spectral map can be used for the following: Comparing a sample spectrum to the quench standard spectrum. Checking for spectral anomalies. Display a spectral map by selecting the Tools-Spectral Mapping menu option. Figure 4-39 Spectral Mapping Window PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...

  • Page 73: Spectrum Unfolding

    Visualizing the relationship of the individual nuclide spectra. Approximating the ratio of lower energy nuclide to higher energy nuclide. Display the unfolded spectra by selecting the Tools-Spectrum Unfolding menu option. Figure 4-40 Spectrum Unfolding Window. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...

  • Page 74: The Spectraview Window

    The Y-axis represents the gross counts for the current sample. The regions settings are graphically displayed using solid line boxes. This window is updated every six seconds. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...

  • Page 75: Reports

    To print a list of the parameters you have selected for an assay, select the File- Print Assays menu option. The Select Assays to Print window is displayed. Select an assay that you would like to print and click OK. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...

  • Page 76: Electronic Reports

    (not the assay) for data storage. You can also view or modify this information for existing protocol associations by choosing the Data Paths item on the File menu. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...

  • Page 77: Assays

    Associate (link) the assay parameters with a protocol and attach the corresponding protocol flag to the first cassette to be counted. Load the cassette(s) with vials and load the instrument with cassettes. Start the instrument. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...

  • Page 78: Dpm Assays

    Associate (link) the assay parameters with a protocol and attach the corresponding protocol flag to the first cassette to be counted. Load the cassette(s) with vials and load the instrument with cassettes. Start the instrument. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...

  • Page 79: Fs Dpm Assay

    50:1 to 1:8 (low energy to high energy nuclide). The quench standards used for FS DPM should be of the same chemistry and geometry as your unknown samples. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 80 Associate (link) the assay parameters with a protocol and attach the corresponding protocol flag to the first cassette to be counted. Load the cassette(s) with vials and load the instrument with cassettes. Start the instrument. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...

  • Page 81: Direct Dpm Assays

    The accuracy is independent of cocktail density variation, vial size or type, sample volume, color and chemical quench. Direct DPM is not recommended for any background level samples counted for a short time. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...

  • Page 82: Alpha Beta Assays

    Calibrate the instrument, if necessary. Create a new assay, choosing Direct DPM as the assay type. If you are counting samples using PerkinElmer Ultima Gold™, scintillation cocktail, you must indicate this in the nuclide library. Doing so will ensure that the appropriate quench curve will be used to calculate DPM for 3H.
  • Page 83 Associate (link) the assay parameters with a protocol number in the protocol tree and attach the corresponding protocol clip to the first cassette to be counted. Load the cassette(s) with vials and load the instrument with cassettes. Start the instrument. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 84 Count Corrections tab (default is 75ns). Adjusting the value, you can optimize the background reduction for the highest sensitivity. A value between 150 and 300 is typical. The optimum must be empirically determined with a representative background and sample. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...

  • Page 85: Alpha Beta Standards Assay

    Click the green start button at the top of the main window. After counting is complete, the misclassification (or spillover) curve and the optimum discriminator value will be stored in the Alpha Beta Standards Library. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...

  • Page 86: Quench Standards Assay

    The oxygen quenching in unpurged standards facilitates discrimination between background and true beta events. Unpurged quench standards are available from PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...

  • Page 87: Spc Assay

    Associate (link) the assay parameters with a protocol and attach the corresponding protocol flag to the first cassette to be counted. Load the cassette(s) with vials and load the instrument with cassettes. Start the instrument. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...

  • Page 88: Defining An Assay

    The QuantaSmart program enables you to define an unlimited number of assays and associate them with up to sixty protocols by enabling the Lock Assay feature. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...

  • Page 89: Assay Parameters

    Enter a password if you would like to restrict editing functions for this assay. You must check the Lock Assay box before you can enter a password in this field. Author Enter your name or other identification as the author of the assay. This is an optional entry. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 90 Mark this box if you would like to restrict editing functions for this assay. You must enter a password in the Password field if you would like to lock the assay. Assay Type The Assay Type reflects the selection that you made in the Select Assay Type window. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...

  • Page 91: Count Conditions

    ASSAYS Count Conditions The Count Conditions tab in the Assay Definition window allows you to define specific counting parameters for an assay. Figure 5-2 Assay Definition - Count Conditions Tab. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 92 (with a minimal compromise in counting efficiency). Quench Indicator Quench indicators available are: tSIE, tSIE/AEC or SIS. These parameters measure chemical quenching in your sample. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 93 This process is “dark adaption”; it will reduce luminescence originating from the samples. Luminescence can distort the count statistics of the sample and is particularly problematic with low count rate samples and long count times. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 94 Note: This field will only be enabled for Single Label DPM Assays where tSIE is selected as the Quench Indicating Parameter. The system uses the tSIE and the sample spectrum endpoint to determine sample heterogeneity. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 95 Any background subtraction that occurs in DPM assays will apply to the quench standards used for the purpose of recalculating the quench curve in the DPM assay. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 96 The sample count terminates if any one of the regions does not meet the specified minimum CPM threshold within the first 30 seconds of counting. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...

  • Page 97: Count Corrections

    ASSAYS Count Corrections The Count Corrections tab in the Assay Definition window allows you to define specific count correction parameters for an assay. Figure 5-4 Assay Definition - Count Corrections Tab. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 98 Note: This field will only be enabled for Single Label DPM Assays where tSIE is selected as the Quench Indicating Parameter. The system uses the tSIE and the sample spectrum endpoint to determine sample heterogeneity. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 99 (afterpulses). Afterpulses, which occur after the prompt pulse and delay time interval, indicate that a scintillation event is due to background. Some scintillators (e.g. PerkinElmer Ultima Gold) produce slower decaying pulses which may require longer delay times.

  • Page 100: Report Definition

    Report Output tab. You can use a different report format for each of the output types (Printer, Data File, RS232, Rich Text Format), if desired. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 101 These Custom Fields are automatically titled Custom1, Custom2, and so on when you create them. You can name these custom fields anything appropriate. If you decide to delete a custom field, QuantaSmart will not reuse the title in this assay. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 102 Note: You cannot delete a custom field if it is referenced by an equation in another field. Delete or modify any field(s) that reference the one you want to delete, so that you can then delete the desired field. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 103 The sample is intended to show the number of digits and decimal places that will be used to report this field. The zero character is used to represent a digit that can take on any value appropriate for the field type (alpha and/or numeric). PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 104 This drop-down box contains the defined report fields that yield a numeric value. You can type a numeric constant (either an integer or a floating point number) into this field or select one of the entries from the drop-down list. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 105 No alphabetic standard or blank custom fields are available. You can type in a numeric constant (either an integer or a floating point number) into the field or select from the entries in the drop-down box. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 106 Select this Block Data Item to include information from the last set of acquired IPA data in your printed (and RTF file) reports. This Block Data Item contains information regarding efficiency, background, figure of merit and Chi-square for the Tritium and Carbon-14 performance of the system. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 107 Move Report Field Order Use the button to move a selected field to the left. Use the button to move a selected field to the right. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...

  • Page 108: Report Output

    Select this to send the report to the printer. Data from an assay will automatically print once an assay count cycle is completed. Data File Check this to output the data for the specified type of file. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 109 Text type, you can also enter any file extension that you want to use for the name. All other file types have the extension predefined by convention. These predefined extensions are: Excel - csv Lotus - 123 Auto Increment - ### (incrementing numeric) Delimited Text - txt (default, user selectable). PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 110 Protocol Data Before First Sample Before First Sample (after Spectrum Data, if enabled. Spectrum Data After All Samples After All Samples Before Each Sample Column Headers Before First Sample Before First Sample Before First Sample PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 111 Data File - the file defined in the Data File section above is used Rich Text File - the file defined in the Rich Text File section above is used. None - No specific data file is identified for use. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...

  • Page 112: Special Files

    Sample – the application program will run after each sample. Special Files The Special Files window allows you to select and configure information regarding files pertinent to the assays. Figure 5-11 Assay Definition - Special Files Tab. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 113 Enter a name for the file in the box. The composite spectra file will be created in the Output Data Path (Raw Data Path for Replay if used from Replay) identified in the Data Paths window. Figure 5-12 Spectrum File Format. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 114 3HCPM_20040511_1024_S0001_R01_A.Spectrum IPA Data File (Current Values) Selecting this checkbox causes QuantaSmart to generate an IPA data file containing the most recent IPA parameter values. Enter a name for the file in the box. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...

  • Page 115: Worklist

    The Worklist feature is optional on 2800 and 2900 series instruments. Figure 5-13 Assay Definition - Worklist Tab. Sample # This represents the sample number on the printout or electronic report. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 116 Open. About the imported file: The file must have the exact header with the exact case and punctuation as shown in the example below. This is the format used by the Export Worklist function. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 117 Import Worklist function to reuse it if desired. Note: The default folder for exporting Worklists is the Libraries folder. Worklists can be saved to other folders, as necessary. Print Worklist Click this button to print a Worklist. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 118 CHAPTER 5 PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...

  • Page 119: Libraries

    Quench Standards and Sample Nuclides Libraries. The information stored in these libraries is relevant only when performing Alpha Beta Assays, where both an Alpha-emitting and a Beta-emitting radionuclide are quantified independently within the same sample vial. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...

  • Page 120: Sample Nuclides Library

    OK. To delete a nuclide from the list, select that nuclide, click the Delete button and click OK. A:LL - Lower Limit Region A This field represents the lower counting limit for region A, measured in keV. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 121 DPM values. The names of the quench sets selected should appear on the Quench Set buttons. Note: Depending on the DPM options installed, you may not have access to all three quench sets. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 122 This field is for display purposes only. It represents the Count Mode used to count the quench standards which was defined in the Quench standards assay. Note:The count mode associated with the Quench standards will be used in DPM assays when linking the Quench set(s) to the sample nuclides. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...

  • Page 123: Quench Standards Library

    To count a new quench curve, the following needs to be entered in the quench standards library: Add a name Max keV DPM value # of Standards, Count Mode, Coincidence Time, Delay Before Burst, Date Counted, and Time Counted will be filled after quench standards is counted. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...

  • Page 124: Alpha Beta Nuclide Library

    OK. That name will now appear next to the Alpha Beta Nuclide name. Beta A:LL This is the lower limit of the counting region for the Beta nuclide in Region A, in keV. Note:This value cannot exceed 2000 PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 125 This is the lower limit of the counting region for the Alpha nuclide, in keV. Note:This value cannot exceed 1000. Alpha:UL This is the upper limit of the counting region for the Alpha nuclide, in keV. Note:This value cannot exceed 1000. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...

  • Page 126: Alpha Beta Standards Library

    Beta Standards Library, an Alpha Beta Standards Assay can be run to establish the instrument’s optimum pulse discriminator value. This value is then used to discriminate between Alpha and Beta nuclides in Alpha Beta Assays. Figure 6-3 Alpha Beta Standard Library Window. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 127 0 and 255 for the lower limit of the Pulse Decay Discriminator Range. Discriminator Range: UL If you selected Manual as the Discriminator Type, you may enter a value between 0 and 255 for the upper limit of the Pulse Decay Discriminator Range. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 128 This field represents the time at which the Alpha Beta Standard Assay was completed. Note: This field is for information only. Click this button to add a line to the table and enter a new Alpha Beta Standard Set. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 129 Click this button to delete a selected entry from the table. Comment Click this button if you want to enter descriptive comments. The Comment window will appear. AB Nuclides Click this button to display the Alpha Beta Nuclides Library. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 130 Spillover percentages are shown for both the Computed and In Use values. The In Use setting is reported and used as the Discriminator Setting in the Alpha Beta Standards Library. Figure 6-4 Alpha Beta Standard Curve Window. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...

  • Page 131: Calibration And Normalization

    During Instrument Performance Assessment (IPA), the instrument measures background, counting efficiency, sensitivity (Figure-of-Merit) and the reproducibility of sample counting (Chi-Square test). Note: IPA is an optional feature on the 2800 and 2900 series instruments. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...

  • Page 132: When To Perform These Procedures

    “resetting” the protocol flag on the cassette. An IPA report is generated after each IPA procedure is completed. To access the data generated from all IPA runs, select IPA Charts & Tables from the IPA menu. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...

  • Page 133: Instrument Performance Assessment

    Before performing any Instrument Performance Assessment (IPA) you must define the parameters that the instrument will use in the assessment process. To define these parameters, select IPA Definition from the IPA menu. The IPA Definition window is displayed. Figure 7-1 IPA Definition Window PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 134 You must enter this value for half-life correction to occur. The reference date for standards purchased from PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences are printed on the vial. Carbon-14 Standard DPM Enter the DPM value for the unquenched, sealed Carbon-14 standard (supplied).
  • Page 135 The instrument calculates the mean value for Tritium efficiency from the number of IPA runs (datapoints) specified. The limit is calculated as 3% below the baseline, or less than 58% efficiency. When this limit is exceeded, a message is displayed in the main window. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 136 This message indicates that Chi-Square data has never been collected. To acquire Chi-Square data for Tritium or Carbon-14, check the corresponding boxes in the IPA Definition window. This window is accessible via the IPA-IPA Definition menu option. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...

  • Page 137: Ipa Charts & Tables

    Using the Print button, you may print an individual IPA chart or table, or you may print all the IPA charts and tables. All of the available IPA charts have similar graphical displays and include the same data items. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 138 This chart displays the Carbon-14 efficiency data based on a fixed baseline value. The number of values used to generate the baseline is defined in the IPA Definition window. The default for this setting is five. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 139 This field displays the Mean value of the selected IPA parameter as calculated from all the included data points. A deleted data point is not used to determine the mean value of the IPA parameter. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...

  • Page 140: Ipa Reports

    IPA run. The dates for each error or warning may vary to reflect the most recent date on which data for that individual IPA parameter was acquired. Figure 7-3 An IPA Report This IPA report will print after the IPA procedure is completed. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...

  • Page 141: Snc For An Instrument Without Super Low Level Counting

    Low Level, High Sensitivity or Super Low Level count mode. Load the purged, unquenched Tritium standard (supplied) into the second cassette position. 10. Load the purged background standard (supplied) into the third cassette position. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 142 IPA procedure begins and the flag is automatically returned to the “non-reset” position. To access the data generated from the IPA runs, select IPA Charts & Tables (optional on the Tri-Carb 2900TR) from the IPA menu. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...

  • Page 143: Snc For Super Low Level Counting (With Bgo Detector Guard)

    Load an empty vial into the second cassette position. This is used to establish the normalization spectrum for the BGO detector guard. Note:The empty vial must be of the same type and material that will used to count low level samples. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 144 IPA procedure begins. Once you have defined the IPA parameters and performed IPA, you can access the data generated from the IPA runs by selecting IPA Charts & Tables from the IPA menu. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...

  • Page 145: Advanced Features

    Print the results of the Group Priostat results by selecting the print icon in the Output window. Note:To end the Group Priostat protocol prior to counting all of the samples, select End Group Priostat from the Run menu. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...

  • Page 146: Sample Priostat

    End Sample Priostat from the Run menu. The data that is generated during any of the Sample Priostat options are not saved. You can print the data by selecting the print button in the Report window. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 147 To count samples using the Decay mode: Load your sample(s) into a cassette. Attach the Priostat flag in the reset position to the cassette. Select Decay from the Run menu. The Sample Priostat window is displayed. Figure 8-1 Decay Window PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 148 You can view either the sample spectrum or the results plotted as a histogram. The histogram displays the rate at which luminescence is decaying from the sample. Figure 8-2 SPC Decay Window PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 149 To stop the counting of a sample, select Stop from the Run menu. Select Next Sample followed by Count from the Run menu if you would like to count additional samples. Stop the sample counting procedure by selecting End Sample Priostat from the Run menu. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 150 Quench Indicating Parameters. As a result of this relationship, the Identify Nuclide feature allows you to identify any of the following nuclides in a single-label sample: Carbon-14 or Sulphur-35 (these nuclides cannot be differentiated). Chlorine-36 Iron-55 Nickel-63 Phosphorus-32 Tritium Figure 8-3 Identify Nuclide Window PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 151 Select Next Sample followed by Count from the Run menu if you would like to count additional samples. Stop the sample counting procedure by selecting End Sample Priostat from the Run menu. An output window is displayed which provides you with the identity of the nuclide. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 152 Reverse Region compensation feature is typically used for samples with variable quench; it allows the instrument to determine what the endpoint equivalent for the nuclide spectrum would be if the sample was not quenched. Figure 8-4 Optimize Regions Window PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 153 Nuclide Library, click the Restore button. If no nuclide exists, or one is not available, the region default setting for the Lower Level is 0.0 and the Upper Level is 2000.0 PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 154 To optimize the counting region settings such that they take into account your sample’s chemical environment, Reverse Region compensation should be used. Reverse Region determines region settings using a factor based on the tSIE and the observed spectral endpoint of the sample. Figure 8-5 Sample Priostat Window PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 155 Library for later use in various assays. Any quench standards sets defined for use with this nuclide will automatically use the new region settings. No new quench standards need to be counted as long as the nuclide is the same. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 156 If you would like to also optimize the sample counting regions with respect to the chemical environment of the sample, you can perform the Reverse Region compensation procedure prior to Low Level region optimization. Figure 8-6 Sample Priostat Optimize Window PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 157 Library for later use in various assays. Any quench standards sets defined for use with this nuclide will automatically use the new region settings. No new quench standards need to be counted as long as the nuclide is the same. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 158 This feature allows you to observe the sample spectrum and approximate the count rate of a sample containing an Alpha and Beta emitting nuclide in the same vial. Figure 8-7 Alpha Beta Preview Window PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 159 Stop the counting of a sample by selecting Stop from the Run menu. Select Next Sample followed by Count from the Run menu if you would like to count additional samples. Stop the sample counting procedure by selecting End Sample Priostat from the Run menu. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 160 Stop the counting of a sample by selecting Stop from the Run menu. Select Next Sample followed by Count from the Run menu if you would like to count additional samples. Stop the sample counting procedure by selecting End Sample Priostat from the Run menu. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 161 Stop the counting of a sample by selecting Stop from the Run menu. Select Next Sample followed by Count from the Run menu if you would like to count additional samples. Stop the sample counting procedure by selecting End Sample Priostat from the Run menu. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...

  • Page 162: The Replay Feature

    Select the type of data (CPM or DPM) you would like the instrument to calculate from the stored sample data and spectra. Nuclide Click this button to display the Sample Nuclides Library for informational purposes. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 163 2800 and 2900 series instruments. Regions Enter upper and lower limits for any of the three regions, A, B and C if you would like to redefine these limits for Replay analysis of data. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 164 If Quench Curves - Block Data is selected during Replay processing, only the curve will be initially displayed. Double-click on this curve to view the Expanded Quench Curve with the standard points and efficiency displayed. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...

  • Page 165: Replay Output Window

    The Output Window displays various assay parameters and data items. You may customize the information that is displayed in this window by defining the Output Window/Printer report. This report is defined in the Reports tab of the Replay window. Figure 8-11 Replay Output Window PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...

  • Page 166: High Sensitivity And Low Level Counting

    Count Corrections tab of Assay Definition. The Delay Before Burst feature works by delaying the time that afterpulse discrimination begins. The effect of this delay is to preserve high beta counting efficiency at the lowest possible background. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...

  • Page 167: Super Low Level Counting

    CPM samples. It is preferable to dark adapt samples before the counting begins. The instrument provides a protocol specific pre-count delay of up to 99.99 minutes. With a pre-count delay, a sample is lowered into the detection PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 168 Unpurged standards are available from PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences. For best DPM performance, it is recommended that the quench standards match your unknown samples as closely as possible in terms of cocktail, vial type and sample volume.

  • Page 169: Alpha Beta Counting

    PDA uses a time based Pulse Decay Discriminator (PDD) to evaluate the pulse duration of scintillation events and categorize the events as either alpha or beta. Resolution of individual alpha or individual beta radionuclides is not performed. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 170 Rn which decays by both alpha and beta emission. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...

  • Page 171: Tandem Processing

    Specify that a data file of the desired format be created. Select any appropriate special files that may be required by your application. Prot.dat and 2000ca.dat are special files necessary for certain PerkinElmer application programs, but additional data from spectrum files or IPA information may also be required.
  • Page 172 Note: Each time the application program is run, it must be loaded into memory. Whenever possible, run the application program after a batch or cycle, since it is more efficient and faster than running the program after each sample. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...

  • Page 173: Maintenance And Troubleshooting

    With the exception of inspection and cleaning, there are no preventative maintenance procedures that you should perform. Normal system preventative maintenance can be performed on a prescribed basis under a PerkinElmer Maintenance Agreement. Contact your PerkinElmer district office or official PerkinElmer distributor for information concerning the availability of a maintenance agreement.

  • Page 174: Storing Data

    The files in this folder contain information regarding the Libraries used in the QuantaSmart program. QuenchStdResults The files in this folder contain information regarding Quench Standards. Results The files in this folder contain the sample data generated from the assays. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...

  • Page 175: Operational Errors

    ON position. Protocol Flag Bypassed Verify that an assay has been defined and associated with a protocol. Check to see that the protocol flag is active. Determine if all sample counting cycles have completed. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 176 Turn the instrument power switch OFF, wait 10 seconds and switch back ON. Diagnostics The Diagnostics windows are typically used by PerkinElmer Technical Service to assess the system’s functional status. The TSE Diagnostics item in the Diagnostics menu would allow you to view the system’s diagnostic screens if you could log on to the system with the TSE rights.

  • Page 177: Ipa Errors

    If gamma sources are used in the lab, perform a wipe test check for gamma nuclide contamination on the vial. Check for electronic noise; use a separate power line for the instrument or call PerkinElmer Technical Service. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 178 IPA standards is suspect. Low Chi-Square Check for electronic noise. This typically creates spurious pulses of uniform rate. Use a separate power line for the instrument, or call PerkinElmer Technical Service. Note: A properly performing instrument may exceed the 7.63 to 36.19% limit 2% of the time.

  • Page 179: Warnings And Messages

    The following system messages are presented in alpha-numerical order. 2000CA File Error The system encountered an error while writing the 2000CA.DAT file. This file is needed by PerkinElmer application programs. Rerun the assay. If the error recurs, call you PerkinElmer Technical Service. ? (message column) If this character appears in the Messages column of a report, a math error occurred when calculating the result for the sample.
  • Page 180 A Sample changer error has occurred. No action is required unless a message is printed. If this message appears on a printout, call PerkinElmer Technical Service. BAD ELEV/EXT STD A Sample changer error has occurred. No action is required unless a message is printed.
  • Page 181 The protocol flag for the assay that is currently counting cannot be disassociated from the assay while it is active. Allow the instrument to complete the current assay before disassociating it from the protocol flag. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 182 A Sample changer error has occurred. No action is required unless a message is printed. If this message appears on a printout, call PerkinElmer Technical Service. Can’t raise vial. A Sample changer error has occurred. No action is required unless a message is printed.
  • Page 183 A Sample changer error has occurred. No action is required unless a message is printed. If this message appears on a printout, call PerkinElmer Technical Service. Elevator up. A Sample changer error has occurred. No action is required unless a message is printed.
  • Page 184 The instrument is not responding to the computer. Check that the instrument power is on. IPA error C-14 chi-square. The Chi-Square test failed while counting the Carbon-14 source. Rerun the Chi-Square test. If the test fails again, call PerkinElmer Technical Service. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 185 Check that the correct source is being used. Use a new source, if necessary. IPA error-H-3 chi-square The Chi-square test failed while counting the Tritium source. Rerun the Chi-Square test. If the test fails, call PerkinElmer Technical Service. IPA error-H-3 LCR. Tritium source does not contain enough activity.
  • Page 186 Normalization error-both tubes SIS. The count rate in both photomultiplier tubes is too low. Check that the unquenched Carbon-14 source is in sample position 1 in the cassette. Call PerkinElmer Technical Service. Normalization error-EXT STD. The external standard is not loading properly.
  • Page 187 Quench standard vial, used for generating quench curves. Shutter close. A Sample changer error has occurred. No action is required unless a message is printed. If this message appears on a printout, call PerkinElmer Technical Service. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 188 A Sample changer error has occurred. No action is required unless a message is printed. If this message appears on a printout, call PerkinElmer Technical Service. Skipped cassette with no label. A cassette on the sample changer deck is without an ID label.
  • Page 189 If Carbon-14 background is high and Tritium background is normal, there may be an increase in environmental radiation. The detector may be contaminated, or light is leaking into the detector. Check the background spectrum via the SpectraView window. Review the historic IPA data. Call PerkinElmer Technical Service. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 190 Check that the correct source is being used in sample position 2 of the SNC/IPA cassette. Check for dirt on the Tritium standard. Check the DPM value entered in the IPA Definitions window. Review the historic IPA data. Call PerkinElmer Technical Service.
  • Page 191 The Figure-of-Merit value for Tritium is below the threshold entered in the IPA Definitions window. Check the Figure-of-Merit threshold value. Check the efficiency and background values for Tritium. If these values are within specifications, call PerkinElmer Technical Service. Warning: system not normalized.
  • Page 192 CHAPTER 9 PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...

  • Page 193: Calculations

    The background threshold value is expressed as Counts Per Minute (CPM) and is calculated from the Instrument Performance Assessment (IPA) background value. threshold where: Background threshold threshold Mean first five background values Background count time PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...

  • Page 194: Chi-Square Calculation

    Efficiency = Disintegra tions Minute Figure of Merit Calculation Figure of Merit (FOM) is a measure of the sensitivity of the instrument based on the instrument’s counting efficiency. This value is calculated as follows: (Efficienc Background PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...

  • Page 195: Half-Life Correction

    30 seconds of the sample count. LUM (% Luminescence) This value represents the % luminescence of a sample and is calculated as follows: chance coincidenc events LUM = true coincidenc events PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...

  • Page 196: Radioactivity Units

    It is calculated as: %2s = accumulate counts The following table indicates the total accumulated counts necessary to achieve the corresponding 2% Sigma: Figure 10-1 Gross Count Equivalents for 2 Sigma Percent Values PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...

  • Page 197: Radionuclide Decay Calculator

    In this case, the second vial is used as the reference standard. sample %Ref reference PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 198 CHAPTER 10 PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...

  • Page 199: Glossary

    The most common usage for Block Data items is in printing reports. By selecting certain Block Data items, the instrument is able to create reports that include instrument, protocol, spectrum or performance (IPA) information. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 200 (both events must occur within the specified coincidence time), these events are considered to be true decay events from the sample. If events do not occur in coincidence, they are considered random (background) and are not counted. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 201 Note:The field delimiter is defined by the Windows NT operating system, using the L field on the N tab of the EPARATOR UMBER window accessed from the C EGIONAL ETTINGS ROPERTIES ONTROL ANEL PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 202 Physically place an appropriately numbered flag on the first vial cassette of a group to identify the protocol that associates the desired assay parameters. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 203 A PMT is a device capable of converting low levels of light into electrical energy (photoelectrons). Photoelectrons generated in a PMT are multiplied to facilitate their detection. Photon In the quantum theory of electromagnetic radiation, light is emitted in discrete units of energy called photons. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 204 Typically, this parameter is described only for radionuclides with very short half-lives. Region This is the range of energy over which counts are measured for a nuclide in a liquid scintillation counter. Also referred to as “window” or “channel”. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 205 Spectral Mapping Spectral Mapping is a technique used during single-label DPM sample counting for displaying the sample and quench standards spectra in a three-dimensional view. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 206 TR-LSC Time Resolved Liquid Scintillation Counting is a process patented by PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences which allows for the detection of low levels of background counts. The result of this process is enhanced sensitivity through the discrimination of true beta from background counts.

  • Page 207: Theory

    This patented development is the basis of TR-LSC (Time Resolved Liquid Scintillation Counting) in PerkinElmer TriCarb liquid scintillation analyzers. In the TriCarb Model 3170 TR/SL analyzer, the burst counting circuitry is further enhanced through the use of a slow scintillating, Bismuth-Germanium Oxide (BGO) detector guard, thereby yielding even higher sensitivity.
  • Page 208 (BGO) detector guard is used in conjunction with TR-LSC electronics. The BGO guard completely surrounds the sample vial and acts as a cosmic guard to further increase afterpulse rejection, thus reducing PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 209 THEORY the background. Figure 12-1 Liquid Scintillation Background Pulse. Figure 12-2 Liquid Scintillation True Beta Pulse. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 210 TR- LSC. By increasing the time delay before afterpulse discrimination begins, counting efficiency losses are minimized and sensitivity is increased. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 211 THEORY High Sensitivity and Low Level Counting In the PerkinElmer TriCarb series of liquid scintillation analyzers, the patented TR- LSC burst counting circuitry quantitates the number of afterpulses following a coincident event. This information is then used to discriminate background pulses from pulses arising from actual scintillation events in the sample.
  • Page 212 34.2 22.3 None 0.0-18.6 Sample Only Sample Only 33.8 17.8 0.0-18.6 HSCM Sample Only 33.9 12.8 0.0-18.6 LLCM Sample Only 29.4 0.0-18.6 LLCM Sample+BGO 26.7 0.0-18.6 (SLLCM) Detector Example of Large Volume H in Water. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 213 Burst Discrimination Modes Mode None Equivalent to conventional LSC systems. Minimum or Normal Count Mode. HSCM Intermediate or Low Activity, High Sensitivity Count Mode. LLCM Maximum or Ultra Low Level Count Mode Burst Discrimination Modes. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 214 PPO and 0.2 grams per liter bis-MSB works well for many sample types and can be used reliably. This is the commonly used combination of scintillators for a wide variety of counting applications. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 215 Maximum vial dimensions are as follows: small vials must not exceed 17.8mm diameter and 58.0mm height (including cap); large vials must not exceed 28.1mm diameter and 63.0mm height (including cap). PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 216 The exact instrument background and performance for a given location must be determined at the site of the installation. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...

  • Page 217: Alpha Beta Counting Theory

    The optimum PDD is influenced by sample chemistry, vial type, geometry and degree of quenching. To obtain the best results, it is necessary to determine the optimum PDD for each type of sample. Refer to page 159 for more information regarding Alpha Beta counting. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...
  • Page 218 (minimal spill for both alpha and beta events). You can manually adjust this setting to favor either the alpha or the beta nuclide by entering the desired discriminator setting for In Use. Refer to page 156 for more information. PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences...

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