Prevent Condensation On Plate Lids - Biotek BioStack 4 Operator's Manual

1. The BioStack removes the first plate,
leaving its lid in the stack. The first plate
is put on the BioStack's carrier and then
transferred to the processing instrument's
carrier.
2. After the first plate is processed, the
BioStack simultaneously moves both the
first plate's lid and the next plate in the
stack to the its carrier. (To keep the plates
covered for as long as possible the
BioStack waits till the processing
instrument is finished.)
3. The BioStack retrieves the processed plate. Then, lifts the pair moved in the
previous step (the next plate and the current plate's lid). The carrier moves the
processed plate under the gripper, and the BioStack replaces its lid.
4. Finally, the BioStack repositions the next plate to better grasp it and moves it to
the processing instrument.
Reading plates with lids: The Gen5 option "Keep lids on during read" performs
n
differently depending on the plate type. The BioStack 4 can keep the lids on plates
throughout processing only when they meet the requirements of Stay-On Lid
Mode (BioStack 4 Only) on page 10. Otherwise, a plate's lid is temporarily
removed and replaced during the transfer.

Prevent Condensation on Plate Lids

These recommendations have been effective at minimizing condensation on the
microplate lids :
Avoid temperature changes during the application that can cause condensation. Run
l
experiments at ambient temperatures, if possible. Synergy Neo, Synergy Neo2,
Synergy H1, Synergy HTX, Cytation 3, Cytation 5, and Epoch 2 users: apply a 1 or 2
gradient to your incubator to help prevent condensation.
Treat the inside covers with surfactant, for example: 0.05% Triton X-100 in 20%
l
ethanol. Pour 2 or 3 mL into the lid and tilt it several times to ensure even coverage of
the inner surface. Wait 15–30 seconds and pour off the treatment solution. Shake the
lid to remove most of the liquid and lean it against a vertical surface to dry.
Processing Plates with Lids | 51
BioTek Instruments, Inc.