Page 1 QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide 5031498 G August 2022...
Page 2 For research use only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures. The trademarks mentioned herein are the property of Molecular Devices, LLC or their respective owners. These trademarks may not be used in any type of promotion or advertising without the prior written permission of Molecular Devices, LLC.
Page 3: Table Of Contents
Contents Safety Information Warnings, Cautions, Notes, and Tips Symbols on the Instrument Before Operating the Instrument Electrical Safety Ultraviolet (UV) Light Safety Magnet Safety External or Implanted Medical Device Safety Heat and Burn Safety Chemical and Biological Safety Moving Parts Safety Cleaning and Maintenance Chapter 1: Introduction Functionality of the QPix 450 or 460 System...
Page 4 QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide Chapter 5: Sanitizing the Instrument Interior Running Sanitise Processes Running UV Sanitise Processes Creating and Editing Sanitise Profiles Chapter 6: Picking Processes Creating and Editing Picking Processes Running Picking Processes...
Page 5 Running Rearraying Processes Chapter 16: Gridding Processes Creating and Editing Gridding Processes Running Gridding Processes Chapter 17: Data Viewer Processes Finding Data in the Database Displaying the Settings for Routines Working With Tags Adding Annotations to Routines, Receptacles, and Locations Exporting Data and Settings Working With Plate Properties Viewing Receptacle Location Maps...
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Page 7: Safety Information
When warnings and cautions are displayed in this guide, be careful to follow the specific safety information related to them. The following user-attention statements can be displayed in the text of Molecular Devices user documentation. Each statement implies a particular amount of observation or recommended...
Page 8: Symbols On The Instrument
QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide Symbols on the Instrument Each safety label on the instrument contains an alert symbol that indicates a type of potential safety hazard. Symbol Indication Indicates a warning for a situation or operation that could cause personal injury if precautions are not followed.
Page 9: Before Operating The Instrument
For products under the requirement of the WEEE directive, contact your dealer or local Molecular Devices office for the procedures to facilitate the proper collection, treatment, recovery, recycling, and safe disposal of the device.
Page 10: Ultraviolet (Uv) Light Safety
QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide WARNING! HIGH VOLTAGE Power off the instrument and disconnect the power cord before you do maintenance procedures that require removal of a panel or cover or disassembly of an interior instrument component.
Page 11: Chemical And Biological Safety
Safety Information Chemical and Biological Safety Normal operation of the instrument can involve the use of materials that are toxic, flammable, or otherwise biologically harmful. When using such materials, observe the following precautions: Handle infectious samples based on good laboratory procedures and methods to prevent the spread of disease.
Page 12: Cleaning And Maintenance
Unplug the instrument if there is a fluid spill in the instrument and contact Technical Support. Perform only the maintenance tasks described in this guide. Contact a Molecular Devices service engineer to inspect and perform a preventive maintenance service on the instrument each year.
Page 13: Chapter 1: Introduction
Functionality of the QPix 450 or 460 System The QPix 450 or 460 system is part of the QPix 400 series. The QPix 450 or 460 system offers a range of features to accommodate various requirements for picking of microbial colonies including multiple imaging modes, organism-specific pins, agar height sensor, and specific algorithms to detect variable biological samples.
Page 14 QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide Picking Microbial Colonies The QPix 450 or 460 system can automatically pick more than 3000 colonies per hour. This is done with an integrated vision, detection, and analysis hardware and software system and a 96- pin head assembly, all custom designed by Molecular Devices.
Page 15: Chapter 2: Qpix 450 Or 460 System Instrument Overview
Chapter 2: QPix 450 or 460 System Instrument Overview The QPix 450 Colony Picking System or QPix 460 Colony Picking System is constructed within a welded steel framework. Before operating the instrument or performing maintenance operations, make sure you are familiar with the safety information in this guide.
Page 16: Front Panel Controls And Display
QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide Front Panel Controls and Display Front Panel Controls and Display Item Description 1 Backlit indicator panel 2 START button 3 STOP button 4 Emergency Stop button 5 Power status 6 Instrument (robot) status 7 ...
Page 17: Stackers Overview
Chapter 2: QPix 450 or 460 System Instrument Overview Stackers Overview A stacker lane and cassettes enable the instrument to run processes with multiple plates. Up to three stacker lanes can be built into the system. Stacker cassettes are tall metal cases designed to hold multiple plates and lid pairs.
Page 18 QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide Two types of stacker cassettes are available: Standard Cassettes—identified by a silver base, used for standard and shallow plates in standard lanes. Deep Cassettes—identified by a blue base, used for deep-well plates in deep lanes.
Page 19: Instrument Connections
Chapter 2: QPix 450 or 460 System Instrument Overview Instrument Connections The power, data, and compressed air connections are on the right side of the instrument. Connection Ports and Fuses Item Description 1 Power Inlet: Instrument Mains 2 Power Outlets: Computer and Monitor 3 ...
Page 20: Compressed Air Supply
QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide Compressed Air Supply Compressed air is required for the picking movement of the picking pins. It is also used to operate the stackers. Laboratories with built-in compressed air systems can connect directly to the filter-regulator inlet on the side of the QPix instrument.
Page 21: Computer System Requirements
Chapter 2: QPix 450 or 460 System Instrument Overview Computer System Requirements The QPix 450/460 software version 2.5.79 upgrade requires the following computer specifications: Minimum Computer System Requirements Item Description Operating system Windows 10, 64-bit Windows 7, 32-bit Memory 4 GB RAM Data Connection...
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Page 23: Chapter 3: Qpix 450/460 Software Overview
Chapter 3: QPix 450/460 Software Overview The QPix 450/460 Colony Picking Software controls the QPix 450 Colony Picking System or QPix 460 Colony Picking System. To start the software, from the Windows desktop, double-click the QPix 450/460 Colony Picking icon.
Page 24: Menu Options
QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide Menu Options The available options in the menus at the top of the Navigation window change depending on the view and selections in the window. File Menu Open Process displays the Open dialog where you can select and open a saved process file.
Page 25: New Process Options
Chapter 3: QPix 450/460 Software Overview New Process Options The New Process tab of the Navigation window gives you a full set of options for creating and managing processes and system maintenance. The processes that are available depend on the licenses that you bought with your system. Gridding Processes Gridding deposits liquid samples from one or more source plates to one or more destination surfaces using either agar filled QTrays or filters.
Page 26 QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide Rearraying Processes Rearraying re-deposits liquid samples between one or more source and destination plates to consolidate selected wells into plates in an ordered fashion. See Rearraying Processes on page 199.
Page 27: Chapter 4: Starting And Setting Up The Instrument
Chapter 4: Starting and Setting Up the Instrument The QPix 450 Colony Picking System or QPix 460 Colony Picking System must be located in a well-ventilated area. The instrument is installed by approved personnel with the software pre- installed on the system computer. For more information about the installation requirements, see Technical Specifications on page 251.
Page 28 Shutting Down the System To shut down the system: 1. In the Navigation window of the QPix 450 or 460 system Colony Picking, click File > Exit. The software closes down. 2. From the computer desktop, click Start > Shut Down and wait for the computer to turn off.
Page 29: Preparing To Run Processes
Chapter 4: Starting and Setting Up the Instrument Preparing to Run Processes Molecular Devices recommends regular and thorough cleaning and maintenance of the QPix 450 or 460 system Instrument to ensure that it continues to function correctly. See Maintenance on page 227.
Page 30: Changing The Head
QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide Wash Bath 3 (closest to the front): 1% sodium hypochlorite (bleach) CAUTION! Bleach can cause corrosion if it is left in the instrument for too long. Remove the bleach from the instrument immediately after its use. In general, bleach is required only for difficult-to-sterilize organisms.
Page 31 Chapter 4: Starting and Setting Up the Instrument Removing the Head To remove the head: 1. Unscrew and remove the thumbscrew and washer on the left that secures the head to the actuator assembly. 2. Grab the handle on the right and slide the head out of the actuator. 3.
Page 32: Setting Up Stacker Cassettes
QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide Setting Up Stacker Cassettes There are two removable stacking cassettes per stacker lane, a source cassette for the stack of unprocessed source plate and lid pairs, and a destination cassette to collect the stack of processed plate and lid pairs.
Page 33 Chapter 4: Starting and Setting Up the Instrument 3. Lift the stacker cassette up and off the source cassette base, and set it on a secure surface low enough to allow you to load it with a stack of prepared plates and lid pairs. 4.
Page 34 QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide 5. Verify, and adjust as needed, the proper stack alignment in the cassette by running your fingers up the front and the back of the stack. The stack should feel smooth and appear level.
Page 35 Chapter 4: Starting and Setting Up the Instrument 9. Lock the source stacker cassette onto the base by turning clockwise the silver cassette locking knob on the source stacker base. Note: If you have more than one stacker lane, the single silver source locking knob locks all the source cassettes simultaneously.
Page 36 QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide 3. Lock the destination cassette. To lock, pull out, twist, and push in the black locking knob at the back of the lane. Destination Cassette Lock Knob in Locked Position After Installing Destination Cassette 4.
Page 37 Chapter 4: Starting and Setting Up the Instrument Loading the Source Stacker Cassette Using the X3533 Tool The X3533 Stacking and Unstacking Tool is a recommended jig to safely load plates into a stacker cassette. To load plates into a source stacker cassette using the X3533 tool: 1.
Page 38 QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide 3. Remove one of the support pins from the jig. 4. With one hand securing the top of the stack, slide the cassette up to the nearest support pin hole that lets the cassette enclose the stack without going too far over. Put the pin in the hole, and let the cassette rest on the pin.
Page 39 Chapter 4: Starting and Setting Up the Instrument 7. Using two hands, carefully lift the loaded cassette off the X3533 jig and place the cassette on a stable, level surface. Lifting the Cassette off the Jig 8. Verify, and adjust as needed, the proper stack alignment in your cassette by running your fingers on both hands up the front and the back of the stack.
Page 40: Finishing Stacker Cassette Usage
QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide Finishing Stacker Cassette Usage At the end of a process, the destination stacker cassette must be removed from the instrument and unloaded while it is off the instrument. When the instrument is not being used, keep the empty cassettes on the stacker bases rather than elsewhere off the instrument.
Page 41 Chapter 4: Starting and Setting Up the Instrument 3. Using two hands, carefully lift a short stack of plate and lid pairs out of the top of the cassette and set them carefully aside. To complete the removal, you might need to support and reorient the stack on the top of the cassette while you reposition your hands.
Page 42 QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide 3. Carefully lift the filled destination cassette off the destination cassette base and place it over the X3533 jig. Make sure that the bottom plate fits securely on the recessed platform edges, and that the cassette rests on the support pin.
Page 43 Chapter 4: Starting and Setting Up the Instrument 5. Hold the cassette and remove the support pin. Hold Cassette and Move Support Pin 6. Slide the cassette down the jig to the next hole exposing a short stack. Unload Unenclosed Plate and Lid Pairs 7.
Page 44: Setting Up Stacker Lanes For Static Holder Usage
QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide Setting Up Stacker Lanes for Static Holder Usage You can bypass using the high-throughput automatic stacker lanes for the Picking, Rearraying, Replicating, Gridding, and Plating (QPix 460only) processes by selecting the Use Static Holder check box during the Stackers, Destination Stackers, or Head/Stackers step of your routine set up.
Page 45 Chapter 4: Starting and Setting Up the Instrument Static Holder and Deep Lane Adapters Specifications Image Part Numbers Description Plate Type Use Lane Type X9150 Static Holder Any skirted Standard and plate Deep X9151 Non-Skirted PCR Plate Deep Lane Adapter Non-skirted Deep (Static Holder also required for use)
Page 46 QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide For example: When running the process specifying Use Static Holder, a prompt step displays so that you can manually load the static holder and plate at the end of the stacker lane in the routine. For...
Page 47 Chapter 4: Starting and Setting Up the Instrument Setting up a Standard Stacker Lane for Static Holder Usage To manually load the static holder at the end of the stacker lane in the routine set up: 1. Place the static holder with the locking mechanism in the back onto the stacker lane. 2.
Page 48 QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide 5. Turn the locking mechanism handle away from you to lock the holder in place at the process deck end of the lane. 6. Verify that the holder is locked in place before continuing to run the process.
Page 49: Chapter 5: Sanitizing The Instrument Interior
Chapter 5: Sanitizing the Instrument Interior Before you start a new process, Molecular Devices recommends that you manually clean the QPix 450 Colony Picking System or QPix 460 Colony Picking System interior. For information on manually cleaning the instrument, see Cleaning the Instrument on page 228.
Page 50: Running Uv Sanitise Processes
QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide Running UV Sanitise Processes The UV Sanitise process uses ultra-violet light to sanitize the instrument interior. Before running a UV Sanitise process, Molecular Devices recommends that you manually clean the instrument interior. To run the UV Sanitise process: 1.
Page 51: Creating And Editing Sanitise Profiles
Chapter 5: Sanitizing the Instrument Interior Creating and Editing Sanitise Profiles The QPix 450/460 Colony Picking comes with one default Sanitise profile. If this is the first time doing a routine, Molecular Devices recommends that you open Manage Sanitise Profiles to edit the supplied default profile to suit your specific needs.
Page 52 QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide Creating Sanitise Profiles In the Manage Sanitise Profiles window, you can create, edit, or delete a Sanitise profile. To create a new Sanitise profile: 1. From the Navigation window under Utility Processes, double-click Manage Sanitise Profiles.
Page 53 Chapter 5: Sanitizing the Instrument Interior Editing Sanitise Profiles To edit a Sanitise profile: 1. From the Navigation window under Utility Processes, double-click Manage Sanitise Profiles 2. In the Manage Sanitise Profiles window, in the Profiles table, click the profile you want to edit.
Page 54 QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide 3. From the Stages list, if needed, select the wash stage that you want to edit, and click Edit. In the Steps area, the Add and Remove button are available in Edit mode.
Page 55 Chapter 5: Sanitizing the Instrument Interior Deleting Sanitise Profiles To delete a Sanitise profile: 1. From the Navigation window under Utility Processes, double-click the Manage Sanitise Profiles icon. 2. In the Manage Sanitise Profiles window, in the Profiles table, click the profile you want to delete.
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Page 57: Chapter 6: Picking Processes
Chapter 6: Picking Processes The QPix 450 Colony Picking System or QPix 460 Colony Picking System can pick colonies from receptacles using either standard picking or regional picking. You can set up control wells for the destination plates before running a picking process.
Page 58: Creating And Editing Picking Processes
QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide Creating and Editing Picking Processes The procedures to create and edit standard or regional picking processes are very similar. The regional picking process has more options to define the regions for picking. If this is the first picking process, you must edit or create a Sanitise profile to use with the picking process.
Page 59 Chapter 6: Picking Processes Adding and Removing Picking Routines The Select Routine list contains the routines that are in the database. Only routines that match the type of routine that you are creating are included in the list. For example, a white light and fluorescent imaging routine is not included in the Select Routine list if you are creating a White Light only routine.
Page 60 QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide Using a Barcode Reader Note: You should always use barcodes for accurate data tracking. To use a barcode reader: 1. Select the Use Barcode Reader check box to scan source and destination receptacles for barcodes.
Page 61 Chapter 6: Picking Processes 2. Select the method to define the unique identifiers. To have the software generate random identifiers with the prefix Auto for the source receptacles, select the Generate Random Barcodes check box. No other parameters are required for this option. To manually define identifiers for the source receptacles, enter each identifier in the field below the Barcode list and then click Insert.
Page 62 1. In the Destination Options window, from the Select Destination Microplate list, select the plate type to be inoculated with the picked colonies. If the plate type that you need is not listed, contact Molecular Devices to add a new plate type to the list. See Obtaining Support on page 242.
Page 63 Chapter 6: Picking Processes 6. Under Destination Microplate Template, click Edit to define the wells to dip or skip. You can skip wells that you want to use as blank or control wells. The defined template is used for all the destination plates during the picking routine.
Page 64 QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide Selecting the Head and Sanitizing Options To select the head and sanitizing options: 1. In the Head and Sanitise window, from the Picking Head list, select the head to use for the picking routine.
Page 65 Chapter 6: Picking Processes 6. Select the Limit Max. Number of Features Per Position check box and then in the Max. Number of Features Per Position field, enter a value for the maximum number of colonies to pick from a single QTray or Petri dish. Note: Setting a limit for the maximum number of colonies in the Source window prevents selecting a maximum number in the Feature Selection window when running the picking routine.
Page 66 QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide 4. Install the picking head. To remove an installed head, unscrew and remove the thumbscrew and washer on the left that secures the head to the actuator assembly. Then, grab the handle on the right and slide the head out of the actuator.
Page 67: Running Picking Processes
Chapter 6: Picking Processes Running Picking Processes After a picking routine has been configured, you can run the process on the instrument. If you have not configured the picking routine you want to run, you must create a new picking routine or edit an existing routine.
Page 68 QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide To adjust the test image: 1. From the Receptacle list, select the number of the receptacle to view and then click the frame that you want view in the receptacle image below the list. The frame is in red.
Page 69 Chapter 6: Picking Processes 4. Select the Use Auto Thresholding check box to have the software automatically detect the colonies in the image. To manually detect the colonies, clear this check box and drag the slider until all the desired colonies are detected and the background is not. 5.
Page 70 QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide 9. Select the Display tab. 10. Select the method for viewing the detected colonies in the image. Click Image Only to display the detected colonies in white with yellow rings and a gray background.
Page 71 Chapter 6: Picking Processes 14. Adjust the Agar Depth. In the Agar Depth (mm) field, enter a value in millimeters for the depth that the picking head descends into the source agar. The Agar Height (mm) field is read only and displays the height, or thickness, of the detected agar within the source tray.
Page 72 QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide To adjust the test image: 1. From the Receptacle list, select the number of the receptacle to view and then click the frame to view in the receptacle image below the list. The frame is in red.
Page 73 Chapter 6: Picking Processes In the Feature Selection window, pickable objects show in yellow and unpickable object show in red outline. A colony can be considered unpickable if it is too close to the edge of the receptacle or it does not match the selection criteria. To view the details of a colony, hold the cursor over that colony to display the properties of that colony.
Page 74 QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide To change the selection of the system-chosen pickable objects that display in the image map, click the +/- user selection button to override the system-chosen and unchosen objects, and then click the objects in the image map that you want to change.
Page 75 Chapter 6: Picking Processes To undo all selections, click the Remove User Selections icon to display the Remove User Selections dialog. Click Yes. If you run a routine for white light and fluorescent imaging, two tabs are available. The White Light tab displays the image taken with white light. The other tab is labeled with the fluorescent filter pair and displays the image taken with fluorescent light.
Page 76 QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide 3. For a fluorescent image, adjust the Intensity Measure as shown in the histogram. This option is available only for instruments with a fluorescence imaging module. Mean Intensity is the average fluorescence of the detected colony (the fluorescence of all the pixels within the colony perimeter divided by the number of pixels within the colony perimeter).
Page 77 Chapter 6: Picking Processes 7. Select the Display Options tab to change the display options of the source receptacle image. Select the Display Detected Features check box to display all detected features with a yellow circle. Select the Shade Features check box to give the detected colonies some shading for clearer visualization.
Page 78 QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide 14. When the Finished Picking Current Batch dialog displays, select an option for how you want to continue, then click OK. Viewing the Picking Progress While the picking routine is running, the Picking Progress window displays a summary of the routine.
Page 79 Chapter 6: Picking Processes Continuing or Ending the Picking Routine After all the colonies have been picked from the source receptacles and delivered to the destination plates, the Finished Picking Current Batch dialog displays. If there are no more source receptacles to be picked, click Finish Picking and then click OK. To continue picking more source receptacles: 1.
Page 80 QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide Changing the Picking Head The Change Head window reminds you which picking head must be loaded, based on the Setting Summary routine you configured, and provides you an opportunity to change the head.
Page 81: Chapter 7: Blue-White Picking Processes
Chapter 7: Blue-White Picking Processes The QPix 450 Colony Picking System or QPix 460 Colony Picking System can pick colonies from receptacles using either standard picking or regional picking. You can set up control wells for the destination plates before running a picking process.
Page 82: Creating And Editing Blue-White Picking Processes
QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide Creating and Editing Blue-White Picking Processes The procedures for creating and editing picking processes are similar. The regional picking process has more options available for defining the regions for picking. Blue-White picking can be run as either a standard picking process or a regional picking process.
Page 83 Chapter 7: Blue-White Picking Processes Adding and Removing Blue-White Picking Routines The Select Routine list contains the routines that are in the database. Only routines that match the type of routine that you are creating are included in the list. For example, a white light and fluorescent imaging routine is not included in the Select Routine list if you are creating a White Light only routine.
Page 84 QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide Selecting Barcode Options When you create or edit a routine for white light only, the Barcodes window displays. Using a Barcode Reader Note: You should always use barcodes for accurate data tracking.
Page 85 Chapter 7: Blue-White Picking Processes Defining Unique Identifiers Without Barcodes To define unique identifiers without barcodes: 1. Clear the Use Barcode Reader check box to define unique identifiers for source receptacles without scanning for barcodes. 2. Select the method to define the unique identifiers. To have the software generate random identifiers with the prefix Auto for the source receptacles, select the Generate Random Barcodes check box.
Page 86 QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide Setting Destination Plate Options To set destination plate options: 1. In the Destination Options window, from the Select Destination Microplate list, select the plate type to inoculate with the picked colonies.
Page 87 Chapter 7: Blue-White Picking Processes Selecting the Destination Stackers To select the destination stackers: 1. In the Destination Stackers window, click the rectangle that represents the stacker to use for the routine. The stacker rectangle changes from yellow to red. Note: If the stacker you want to use cannot be selected, then it is not compatible with the destination plate type selected in the Destination Options window.
Page 88 QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide Setting Source Receptacle Options To set source receptacle options: 1. In the Source window, from the Holder list, select the type of holder used to hold the source receptacles on the instrument deck.
Page 89 Chapter 7: Blue-White Picking Processes Changing the Picking Head The Change Head window reminds you which picking head must be loaded, based on the Setting Summary routine you configured, and provides you an opportunity to change the head. The head is housed in a unique actuator system that permits easy exchange and set-up of the head.
Page 90: Running Blue-White Picking Processes
QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide Running Blue-White Picking Processes After a blue-white picking routine has been configured, you can run the process on the instrument. If you have not configured the blue-white picking routine you want to run, you must create a new picking routine or edit an existing routine.
Page 91 Adjust the Gain to increase the image signal without changing the light exposure. Tip: Molecular Devices recommends not changing the default Gain setting. After you adjust the Exposure or Gain settings, click Grab Image to apply the new settings to the test image.
Page 92 QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide 3. Select the Detection tab. 4. In the Threshold intensity histogram, click and drag the red slider line to the right of the large spike to view the White colonies as green spots. Click and drag the red slider to the left of the large spike to view the Blue colonies as dark black spots against the background.
Page 93 Chapter 7: Blue-White Picking Processes 5. To use Auto Select, click either Blue or White. Click the button as many times as required intensify the target colonies. Generally, two or three clicks get you the optimal value. Click Reset to restore the previous intensity settings. 6.
Page 94 QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide Selecting Blue-White Colonies for Picking After you adjust and refine test images, the system captures and processes a higher-resolution image using the test-image adjustments and then displays the Feature Selection window.
Page 95 Chapter 7: Blue-White Picking Processes To save the image in .bmp, .jpg, or .png format, click Export Image. To select a smaller region of interest (ROI) in the image, draw a polygon around the region. To draw a polygon, click the Draw Polygon icon and then click the image to define the corners of the polygon.
Page 96 QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide When clicked as an override, the yellow-marked pickable objects change to blue and become unpickable. To undo your individual selection, right-click over the image map and select Pick Item. The object changes to green and becomes pickable.
Page 97 Chapter 7: Blue-White Picking Processes To select the colonies for picking: 1. From the list in the upper-right area, select the barcode or identifier of the receptacle to view. 2. Refine the colony Selection criteria. Compactness sets the level of irregularity for picking colonies. The value is a ratio of the perimeter divided by the area of the colony, so that irregular shaped colonies are closer to 0 and colonies that are more of a perfect circle are closer to 1.
Page 98 QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide 4. Change the pickable property of individual objects. To define an object as pickable, right-click the object and select Pick Item to display the object in green. To define an object as unpickable, right-click the object and select Discard Item to display the object in blue.
Page 99 Chapter 7: Blue-White Picking Processes 11. In the Load Plates window, follow the instructions to verify that the plates are set up correctly. 12. Make sure that the instrument door is closed. 13. Click Next to start the picking process. 14.
Page 100 QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide Viewing the Picking Progress While the picking routine runs, the Picking Progress window displays a summary of the routine. Start Time shows the time that the picking of the colonies began.
Page 101 Chapter 7: Blue-White Picking Processes Viewing the Picking Summary After picking routines are complete, the Picking Summary window displays, showing the number of source colonies picked, the number of destination plates used, and missing source receptacles. To save this information in .csv format, click Export. To view details of all activities related to the source and destination receptacles, click Details.
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Page 103: Chapter 8: Zone Of Inhibition Detection Picking Processes
Chapter 8: Zone of Inhibition Detection Picking Processes The QPix 450 Colony Picking System or QPix 460 Colony Picking System can pick colonies from receptacles using either standard picking or regional picking. You can set up control wells for the destination plates before running a picking process.
Page 104: Creating And Editing Zone Of Inhibition Detection Picking Processes
QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide Creating and Editing Zone of Inhibition Detection Picking Processes The procedures for creating and editing picking processes are similar. The regional picking process has more options available for defining the regions for picking. Zone of Inhibition Detection picking is similar to the standard picking process.
Page 105 Chapter 8: Zone of Inhibition Detection Picking Processes Adding and Removing Zone of Inhibition Detection Picking Routines The Select Routine list contains the routines that are in the database. Only routines that match the type of routine that you are creating are included in the list. For example, a white light and fluorescent imaging routine is not included in the Select Routine list if you are creating a White Light only routine.
Page 106 QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide Selecting Barcode Options When you are creating or editing a White Light only routine, the Barcodes window displays. Using a Barcode Reader Note: You should always use barcodes for accurate data tracking.
Page 107 Chapter 8: Zone of Inhibition Detection Picking Processes Defining Unique Identifiers Without Barcodes To define unique identifiers without barcodes: 1. Clear the Use Barcode Reader check box to define unique identifiers for source receptacles without scanning for barcodes. 2. Select the method to define the unique identifiers. To have the software generate random identifiers with the prefix Auto for the source receptacles, select the Generate Random Barcodes check box.
Page 108 1. In the Destination Options window, from the Select Destination Microplate list, select the plate type to inoculate with the picked colonies. If the plate type that you need is not listed, contact Molecular Devices to add a new plate type to the list. See Obtaining Support on page 242.
Page 109 Chapter 8: Zone of Inhibition Detection Picking Processes 1. In the Destination Stackers window, click the rectangle that represents the stacker to use for the routine. The stacker rectangle changes from yellow to red. Note: If the stacker you want to use cannot be selected, then it is not compatible with the destination plate type selected in the Destination Options window.
Page 110 QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide Setting Source Receptacle Options To set the source receptacle options: 1. In the Source window, from the Holder list, select the type of holder used to hold the source receptacles on the instrument deck.
Page 111 Chapter 8: Zone of Inhibition Detection Picking Processes Changing the Picking Head The Change Head window reminds you which picking head must be loaded, based on the Setting Summary routine you configured, and provides you an opportunity to change the head. The head is housed in a unique actuator system that permits easy exchange and set-up of the head.
Page 112: Running Zone Of Inhibition Detection Picking Processes
QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide Running Zone of Inhibition Detection Picking Processes After you configure a Zone of Inhibition Detection picking routine, you can run the process on the instrument. If you have not configured the Zone of Inhibition Detection picking routine you want to run, you must create a new Zone of Inhibition Detection picking routine or edit a routine.
Page 113 Chapter 8: Zone of Inhibition Detection Picking Processes To adjust the test image: 1. From the Receptacle list, select the number of the receptacle to view and then click the frame to view in the receptacle image below the list. The frame is in red. 2.
Page 114 QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide Selecting Zone of Inhibition Detection Colonies for Picking After you adjust and refine test images, the system captures and processes a higher-resolution image using the test-image adjustments and then displays the Feature Selection window.
Page 115 Chapter 8: Zone of Inhibition Detection Picking Processes To display all found colonies in a gallery, click View Feature Gallery. The first time the gallery opens, a message displays while the gallery thumbnails generate. This only displays on the first opening for each run.
Page 116 QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide To undo all your user selections, click the Remove User Selections icon to display the Remove User Selections dialog. Click Yes. To select the colonies for picking: 1. From the list in the upper-right area, select the barcode or identifier of the receptacle to view.
Page 117 Chapter 8: Zone of Inhibition Detection Picking Processes 3. Change the pickable property of individual objects. To define an object as pickable, right-click the object and select Pick Item to display the object in green. To define an object as unpickable, right-click the object and select Discard Item to display the object in blue.
Page 118 QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide Viewing the Picking Progress While the picking routine is running, the Picking Progress window displays a summary of the routine. Start Time shows the time that the picking of the colonies began.
Page 119: Chapter 9: Regional Picking Processes
Chapter 9: Regional Picking Processes The QPix 450 Colony Picking System or QPix 460 Colony Picking System can pick colonies from receptacles using either standard picking or regional picking. You can set up control wells for the destination plates before running a picking process.
Page 120: Creating And Editing Regional Picking Processes
QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide Creating and Editing Regional Picking Processes The procedures to create and edit standard or regional picking processes are similar. The regional picking process has more options available for defining the regions for picking.
Page 121 Chapter 9: Regional Picking Processes Adding and Removing Regional Picking Routines The Select Routine list contains the routines that are in the database. Only routines that match the type of routine that you are creating are included in the list. For example, a white light and fluorescent imaging routine is not included in the Select Routine list if you are creating a White Light only routine.
Page 122: Selecting Barcode Options And Filter Pairs For Fluorescent Imaging
QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide Selecting Barcode Options and Filter Pairs for Fluorescent Imaging If you create or edit a routine for white light only, the Barcodes window displays. If you create or edit a routine for white light and fluorescent imaging, the Filter Pair and Barcodes window displays.
Page 123 Chapter 9: Regional Picking Processes Defining Unique Identifiers Without Barcodes To define unique identifiers without barcodes: 1. Clear the Use Barcode Reader check box to define unique identifiers for source receptacles without scanning for barcodes. 2. Select the method to define the unique identifiers. To have the software generate random identifiers with the prefix Auto for the source receptacles, select the Generate Random Barcodes check box.
Page 124: Setting Destination Plate Options
1. In the Destination Plates window, from the Select Destination Microplate list, select the plate type to be inoculated with the picked colonies. If the plate type that you need is not listed, contact Molecular Devices to add a new plate type to the list. See Obtaining Support on page 242.
Page 125: Setting Regional Picking Source And Destination Options
Holder list, in which case the Receptacle option is preset and cannot be changed. If the type of source receptacle that you need is not listed, contact Molecular Devices to add a new source receptacle type to the list. See Obtaining Support on page 242.
Page 126 QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide 3. Define the Deposit Strategy. Click Fill All Microplates to fill every selected well of a destination plate before starting a new destination plate. Click New Microplate for Each Position to start a new destination plate whenever the instrument starts picking from a different source QTray or Petri dish.
Page 127: Selecting The Head And Sanitizing Options
Chapter 9: Regional Picking Processes Selecting the Head and Sanitizing Options To select the head and sanitizing options: 1. In the Head and Sanitise window, from the Picking Head list, select the head to use for the picking routine. 2. From the Pin Columns (Rows) Before Inoculation list, select the number of pins to use for picking in each column or row before transferring the picked colonies to the destination plate.
Page 128: Changing The Picking Head
QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide Changing the Picking Head The Change Head window reminds you which picking head must be loaded, based on the Setting Summary routine you configure, and provides you an opportunity to change the head.
Page 129: Running Regional Picking Processes
Chapter 9: Regional Picking Processes Running Regional Picking Processes After a regional picking routine has been configured, you can run the process on the instrument. If you have not configured the regional picking routine to run, you must create a new regional picking routine or edit a routine.
Page 130 QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide To adjust the test image: 1. From the Receptacle list, select the number of the receptacle to view and then click the region to view in the receptacle image below the list. The region is in red.
Page 131 Chapter 9: Regional Picking Processes 10. Select the method for viewing the detected colonies in the image. Click Image Only to display the detected colonies in white with yellow rings and a gray background. Click Image and Overlay to display the detected colonies in green with yellow rings and a gray background.
Page 132 QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide Adjusting the Fluorescent Test Image If you are running a routine for white light and fluorescent imaging, the Fluorescent Test Image window displays after you make adjustments for the white light test image. This option is available only for instruments with a fluorescence imaging module.
Page 133 Chapter 9: Regional Picking Processes Selecting Colonies for Regional Picking After you adjust and refine test images, the system captures and processes a higher-resolution image using the test-image adjustments and then displays the Feature Selection window. In the Feature Selection window, pickable objects display in yellow and unpickable object display in red.
Page 134 QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide To change the selection of the system-chosen pickable objects that display in the image map, click the +/- user selection button to override the system-chosen and unchosen objects, and then click the objects in the image map that you want to change.
Page 135 Chapter 9: Regional Picking Processes To undo all selections, click the Remove User Selections icon to display the Remove User Selections dialog. Click Yes. If you run a routine for white light and fluorescent imaging, two tabs are available. The White Light tab displays the image taken with white light. The other tab is labeled with the fluorescent filter pair and displays the image taken with fluorescent light.
Page 136 QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide 3. For a fluorescent image, adjust the Intensity Measure as shown in the histogram. This option is available only for instruments with a fluorescence imaging module. Mean Intensity is the average fluorescence of the detected colony (the fluorescence of all the pixels within the colony perimeter divided by the number of pixels within the colony perimeter).
Page 137 Chapter 9: Regional Picking Processes 7. Select the Display Options tab to change the display options of the source receptacle image. Select the Display Detected Features check box to display all detected features with a yellow circle. Select the Shade Features check box to give the detected colonies some shading for clearer visualization.
Page 138 QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide Calculate Remaining Time indicates remaining time in the routine. Current Action displays what the system is currently doing, such as Pick when the system is picking. To turn the light table on or off, click Light Table On or Light Table Off.
Page 139: Chapter 10: Blue-White Regional Picking Processes
Chapter 10: Blue-White Regional Picking Processes The QPix 450 Colony Picking System or QPix 460 Colony Picking System can pick colonies from receptacles using either standard picking or regional picking. You can set up control wells for the destination plates before running a picking process.
Page 140: Creating And Editing Blue-White Regional Picking Processes
QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide Creating and Editing Blue-White Regional Picking Processes The procedures to create and edit standard or regional picking processes are similar. The regional picking process has more options available for defining the regions for picking.
Page 141: Selecting Blue-White Regional Picking Routines
Chapter 10: Blue-White Regional Picking Processes Selecting Blue-White Regional Picking Routines 1. In the Routines window, select to create a new routine or to edit a routine. To create a new routine, click New Routine. To edit a routine, click Run Existing Routine and then select the name of the routine from the Select Routine list.
Page 142: Selecting Barcode Options
QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide Deleting Routines You should export the routine before you delete it. This lets you import the routine after time. To delete a routine, select the routine in the Select Routine list and then click Delete. In the Delete Routine dialog, click OK to remove the routine from the database.
Page 143 Chapter 10: Blue-White Regional Picking Processes Defining Unique Identifiers Without Barcodes To define unique identifiers without barcodes: 1. Clear the Use Barcode Reader check box to define unique identifiers for source receptacles without scanning for barcodes. 2. Select the method to define the unique identifiers. To have the software generate random identifiers with the prefix Auto for the source receptacles, select the Generate Random Barcodes check box.
Page 144: Setting Destination Plate Options
1. In the Destination Plates window, from the Select Destination Microplate list, select the plate type to be inoculated with the picked colonies. If the plate type that you need is not listed, contact Molecular Devices to add a new plate type to the list. See Obtaining Support on page 242.
Page 145: Setting Regional Picking Source And Destination Options
Holder list, in which case the Receptacle option is preset and cannot be changed. If the type of source receptacle that you need is not listed, contact Molecular Devices to add a new source receptacle type to the list. See Obtaining Support on page 242.
Page 146: Selecting The Head And Sanitizing Options
QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide 4. Select a Pick Order option. Click Standard to pick from regions in straight columns from the source receptacle, such as A1 to A8, B1 to B8, and so on.
Page 147: Viewing The Settings Summary
Chapter 10: Blue-White Regional Picking Processes Viewing the Settings Summary The Settings Summary window contains a full summary of the picking routine settings. Review the summary details to make sure that the settings and options are configured correctly for the regional picking routine. To make changes, click Back until you return to the window where the changes can be made.
Page 148: Running Blue-White Regional Picking Processes
QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide Running Blue-White Regional Picking Processes After you configure a regional picking routine, you can run the process on the instrument. If you have not configured the regional picking routine you want to run, you must create a new blue- white regional picking routine or edit an existing routine.
Page 149 Chapter 10: Blue-White Regional Picking Processes Adjusting the Blue-White Regional White Light Test Image In the Test Image window, all detected features are viewed as potential colonies to pick for inoculation of the destination plates. To make sure that only blue or white colonies are detected, adjust the test image using the Exposure and Gain settings, the Detection settings, the Display settings, and the Debris settings.
Page 150 QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide 3. Select the Detection tab. 4. In the Threshold intensity histogram, click and drag the red slider line to the right of the large spike to view the White colonies as green spots. Click and drag the red slider to the left of the large spike to view the Blue colonies as dark black spots against the background.
Page 151 Chapter 10: Blue-White Regional Picking Processes 7. Select the method to view the detected colonies in the image. Click Image Only to display the detected colonies in white with yellow rings and a gray background. Click Image and Overlay to display the detected colonies in green with yellow rings and a gray background.
Page 152 QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide Selecting Blue-White Colonies for Regional Picking After you adjust and refine test images, the system captures and processes a higher-resolution image using the test-image adjustments and then displays the Feature Selection window.
Page 153 Chapter 10: Blue-White Regional Picking Processes To change the selection of the system-chosen pickable objects that display in the image map, click the +/- user selection button to override the system-chosen and unchosen objects, and then click the objects in the image map that you want to change. When clicked as an override, the yellow-marked pickable objects change to blue and become unpickable.
Page 154 QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide To undo all selections, click the Remove User Selections icon to display the Remove User Selections dialog. Click Yes. To select the colonies for picking: 1. From the list in the upper-right area, select the barcode or identifier of the receptacle to view.
Page 155 Chapter 10: Blue-White Regional Picking Processes 3. Optionally, in the Limit Colonies field, enter the maximum number of colonies to pick from each receptacle. Note: If a limit was previously set for the maximum number of colonies in the Source window, the Limit Colonies option is not available in the Feature Selection window.
Page 156 QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide Viewing the Regional Picking Progress While the regional picking routine is running, the Regional Picking Progress window displays a summary of the routine. Start Time shows the time that the picking of the colonies began.
Page 157 Chapter 10: Blue-White Regional Picking Processes Viewing the Regional Picking Summary After all regional picking routines are complete, the Regional Picking Summary window displays, showing the number of source colonies picked, the number of destination plates used, and missing source receptacles. To save this information in .csv format, click Export.
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Page 159: Chapter 11: Control Plate Creation Processes
Chapter 11: Control Plate Creation Processes The QPix 450 Colony Picking System or QPix 460 Colony Picking System can pick colonies from receptacles using either standard picking or regional picking. You can set up control wells for the destination plates before you run a picking process.
Page 160: Creating And Editing Control Plate Creation Processes
QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide Creating and Editing Control Plate Creation Processes If this is the first control plate creation process, you must edit or create a Sanitise profile to use with the control plate creation process. See...
Page 161 Chapter 11: Control Plate Creation Processes Adding and Removing Control Plate Creation Routines The Select Routine list contains the routines that are in the database. Only routines that match the type of routine that you are creating are included in the list. For example, a white light and fluorescent imaging routine is not included in the Select Routine list if you are creating a White Light only routine.
Page 162: Selecting Barcode Options
1. In the Destination Options window, from the Select Destination Microplate list, select the plate type to be inoculated with the control colonies. If the plate type that you need is not listed, contact Molecular Devices to add a new plate type to the list. See Obtaining Support on page 242.
Page 163: Selecting The Destination Stackers
Chapter 11: Control Plate Creation Processes Selecting the Destination Stackers To select the destination stackers: 1. In the Destination Stackers window, click the rectangle that represents the stacker to use for the routine. The stacker rectangle changes from yellow to red. Note: If the stacker you want to use cannot be selected, then it is not compatible with the destination plate type selected in the Destination Options window.
Page 164: Defining The Control Wells
QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide Defining the Control Wells To define the control wells: 1. In the Control Plate window, click a source receptacle on the left. 2. In the destination plate on the right, click the well or wells where you want to place the control colonies from the receptacle.
Page 165: Changing The Picking Head
Chapter 11: Control Plate Creation Processes Changing the Picking Head The Change Head window reminds you which picking head must be loaded, based on the Setting Summary routine you configure, and provides you an opportunity to change the head. The head is housed in a unique actuator system that permits easy exchange and set-up of the head.
Page 166: Running Control Plate Creation Processes
QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide Running Control Plate Creation Processes After you configure control plate creation routine, you can run the process on the instrument. If you have not configured the control plate creation routine you want to run, you must create a new control plate creation routine or edit an existing routine.
Page 167 Chapter 11: Control Plate Creation Processes Adjusting the White Light Test Image In the Test Image window, all detected features are viewed as potential colonies to pick for inoculation of the destination plates. To make sure that only colonies are detected, adjust the test image in this window using the Exposure and Gain settings, the Threshold settings, and the Debris settings.
Page 168 QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide 4. Select the Use Auto Thresholding check box to have the software automatically detect the colonies in the image. To manually detect the colonies, clear this check box and drag the slider until all the desired colonies are detected and the background is not.
Page 169 Chapter 11: Control Plate Creation Processes 12. Adjust the Diameter and Axis Ratio to exclude objects that are smaller than the desired colonies. Each detected feature displays within a yellow ring while excluded features do not have a yellow ring. In the Diameter (mm) field, enter a value in millimeters for the minimum diameter of the required colonies.
Page 170 QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide To select the control colonies for picking: 1. From the list in the upper-right area, select the barcode or identifier of the receptacle to view. 2. Refine the colony Selection criteria.
Page 171 Chapter 11: Control Plate Creation Processes 8. In the Continue or Save New Routine dialog or the Save Changes to Routine dialog, select whether or not to save the routine before continuing with the control plate creation process. If you create a new routine, the Continue or Save New Routine dialog displays. To save the settings for the routine before continuing, click Save Routine, enter a Name and a short Description for the routine, and then click Save.
Page 172 QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide Continuing or Ending the Control Plate Creation Routine After all the colonies are picked from the source receptacles and delivered to the destination plates, the Finished Picking Current Batch dialog displays.
Page 173: Chapter 12: Manage Regional Tray Processes
Chapter 12: Manage Regional Tray Processes The QPix 450 Colony Picking System or QPix 460 Colony Picking System can pick colonies from receptacles using either standard picking or regional picking. You can set up control wells for the destination plates before running a picking process.
Page 174 QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide To create a new regional tray: 1. From the Navigation window under Picking Processes, double-click the Manage Regional Trays icon. The new plate definition screen displays along with parameter fields and a guide image.
Page 175: Modifying Regional Trays
Chapter 12: Manage Regional Tray Processes 6. In the Tray Created dialog, click OK to return to the Navigation window. The new tray is now available for use in a Regional Picking process. See Regional Picking Processes on page 119. Modifying Regional Trays Removing a regional tray is also done from the Manage Regional Trays screen.
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Page 177: Chapter 13: Plating Processes
Chapter 13: Plating Processes The QPix 460 Colony Picking System uses the plating process to aspirate liquid samples from source plates and then to dispense the liquid on the surface of agar in a 48-region divided QTray. The plating head spreads the sample from the source plate in defined patterns across the agar within each region of the destination receptacle.
Page 178 QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide Selecting Plating Routines To select a plating routine: 1. In the Routines window, select to create a new routine or to edit a routine. To create a new routine, click New Routine.
Page 179 Chapter 13: Plating Processes Selecting Barcode Options You can scan source and destination receptacles for barcodes or define unique identifiers for source receptacles without scanning for barcodes. Using a Barcode Reader Note: You should always use barcodes for accurate data tracking. To use a barcode reader: 1.
Page 180 QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide Defining Unique Identifiers Without Barcodes To define unique identifiers without barcodes: 1. Clear the Use Barcode Reader check box to define unique identifiers for source receptacles without scanning for barcodes.
Page 181 Chapter 13: Plating Processes Setting Source and Destination Options To select source and destination options: 1. In the Source and Destination Options window, in the Source Microplate Options section, in the Select Microplate field, select the plate type for the source. 2.
Page 182 QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide Selecting the Sanitise Options To select the Sanitise options: 1. In the Sanitise window, from the Sanitise Profile list, select the Sanitise profile to use for the plating routine. If the available profiles are not suitable for the plating routine, exit the plating process and create a new Sanitise profile.
Page 183: Running Plating Processes
Chapter 13: Plating Processes Running Plating Processes After you configure a plating routine, you can run the process on the instrument. If you have not configured the plating routine to run, you must create a new plating routine or edit an existing routine.
Page 184 QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide Viewing the Plating Progress While the plating routine runs, the Plating Progress window displays a summary of the routine. Start Time shows the time the plating process began. Source Plate No shows the number of the source plate from which the sample is being aspirated.
Page 185: Creating And Editing Plating Patterns
Chapter 13: Plating Processes Creating and Editing Plating Patterns During the plating process, the plating head spreads the sample from the source plate in defined patterns across the agar within each region of the destination receptacle. Each pattern contains a minimum of one path, and multiple paths can be created to spread the dispensed liquid in the region.
Page 186: Calibrating Aspirated And Dispensed Liquid Volumes
QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide 4. In the grid, define a new path or edit the path. To start a new path, click the grid to set the starting point and then continue clicking the grid to define the path.
Page 187 The source and destination plates occupy separate stacker lanes. The source and destination plates must match the configuration of the stacker lanes for the instrument. If the plate type that you need is not listed, contact Molecular Devices to add a new plate type to the list. See Obtaining Support on page 242.
Page 188 QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide Viewing and Confirming the Calibration While the picking routine runs, the Plating Progress window displays a summary of the routine. Start Time shows the time the calibration process began. Source Plate No shows the number of the source plate from which the liquid is being aspirated.
Page 189: Chapter 14: Replication Processes
Chapter 14: Replication Processes The QPix 450 Colony Picking System or QPix 460 Colony Picking System is capable of replicating colonies between plates. The following options are available in the Navigation window under Replication Processes: Library Replication replicates between plates that have the same number of wells.
Page 190 QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide Opening the Replication Window To open the Replication window: 1. From the Navigation window under Replication Processes, double-click the icon for the type of replication process. Library Replication replicates between plates that have the same number of wells.
Page 191 Chapter 14: Replication Processes Importing a Routine Before you can import a routine, you must export the routine from the other computer in .xml format and then save the export file on the system computer. To import the .xml file, click Import and then locate and select the file. Click Import to add the routine to the database.
Page 192 QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide Selecting Barcode Options You can scan source and destination plates for barcodes or define unique identifiers for source plates without scanning for barcodes. Using a Barcode Reader Note: You should always use barcodes for accurate data tracking.
Page 193 Chapter 14: Replication Processes Defining Unique Identifiers Without Barcodes To define unique identifiers without barcodes: 1. Clear the Use Barcode Reader check box to define unique identifiers for source receptacles without scanning for barcodes. 2. Select the method to define the unique identifiers. To have the software generate random identifiers with the prefix Auto for the source receptacles, select the Generate Random Barcodes check box.
Page 194 1. In the Microplates and Sanitise window, from the Source Microplate list, select the source plate type to hold the colonies to be replicated. If the plate type that you need is not listed, contact Molecular Devices to add a new plate type to the list. See Obtaining Support on page 242.
Page 195 Chapter 14: Replication Processes Selecting the Head and Stacker Options To select the head and stacker options: 1. In the Head and Stackers window, from the Select Head list, select the head for the replication routine 2. Under Stackers, click the rectangles that represent the stacker to use for the Source and Destination plates.
Page 196 QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide Changing the Picking Head The Change Head window reminds you which picking head must be loaded, based on the Setting Summary routine you configure, and provides you an opportunity to change the head.
Page 197: Running Replication Processes
Chapter 14: Replication Processes Running Replication Processes After a replication routine has been configured, you can run the process on the instrument. If you have not configured the replication routine to run, you must create a new replication routine or edit an existing routine. Note: Before you running a picking process, it is important that you do the cleaning and set up procedures in Preparing to Run Processes on page...
Page 198 QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide Viewing the Replication Progress While the replication routine runs, the Library Replication Progress, Library Compression Progress, or Library Expansion Progress window displays a summary of the routine. Start Time shows the time the replication process began.
Page 199: Chapter 15: Rearraying Processes
Chapter 15: Rearraying Processes The QPix 450 Colony Picking System or QPix 460 Colony Picking System is capable of rearraying, or redepositing, colonies between one or more source and destination plates. Use the rearraying process to organize, or cherry-pick, your picked source colonies into destination subsets of a more specific and orderly layout.
Page 200 QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide Selecting Rearraying Routines To select a Rearraying routine: 1. In the Routines window, select to create a new routine or to edit a routine. To create a new routine, click New Routine.
Page 201 1. In the Source window, from the Source Microplate list, select the source plate type to hold the colonies to be rearrayed. If the plate type is not listed, contact Molecular Devices to add a new plate type to the list. See Obtaining Support on page 242.
Page 202 1. In the Destination window, from the Select Destination Microplate list, select the plate type to receive the colonies picked from the source plates. If the plate type that you need is not listed, contact Molecular Devices to add a new plate type to the list. See Obtaining Support on page 242.
Page 203 Chapter 15: Rearraying Processes Selecting the Head and Stacker Options To select the head and stacker options: 1. In the Head and Stackers window, from the Select Head list, select the head to use for the rearraying routine 2. Under Stackers, click the rectangles that represent the stacker to use for the Source and Destination plates.
Page 204 QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide Changing the Picking Head The Change Head window reminds you which picking head must be loaded, based on the Setting Summary routine you configured, and provides you an opportunity to change the head if needed.
Page 205: Running Rearraying Processes
Chapter 15: Rearraying Processes Running Rearraying Processes After a rearraying routine has been configured, you can run the process on the instrument. If you have not configured the rearraying routine to run, you must create a new rearraying routine or edit an existing routine. Note: Before you run a rearraying process, it is important that you do the cleaning and set up procedures in Preparing to Run Processes on page...
Page 206 QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide Viewing the Rearraying Progress While the rearraying routine is running, the Rearraying Progress window displays a summary of the routine. Start Time shows the time the rearraying process began. Source Plate No shows the number of the source plate that is being rearrayed.
Page 207: Chapter 16: Gridding Processes
Chapter 16: Gridding Processes The QPix 450 Colony Picking System or QPix 460 Colony Picking System uses the gridding process to collect liquid samples from one or more source plates and then to deposit the liquid on the surface of one or more filters or on the surface of the agar in one or more QTrays. The gridding head stamps the sample in a defined grid pattern on the filter or agar.
Page 208 QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide Selecting Gridding Routines To select a Gridding routine: 1. In the Routines window, select to create a new routine or to edit a routine. To create a new routine, click New Routine.
Page 209 Chapter 16: Gridding Processes 3. Use the Validation Barcode list to define the barcodes for source receptacles. If the scanned barcode on a source receptacle cannot be found in the list, a message displays. To manually enter valid barcodes, enter each barcode in the field below the list and then click Insert.
Page 210 1. In the Microplates and Filters window, from the Select Microplate list, select the plate type for the source. If the plate type that you need is not listed, contact Molecular Devices to add a new plate type to the list. See Obtaining Support on page 242.
Page 211 Chapter 16: Gridding Processes Creating Filter Design Layouts In the Filter Design window, you define the Spot Pattern to be stamped on your destination surface in the defined Field Pattern. The Spot Pattern determines the pattern and the number of times that a pin is stamped on the destination surface.
Page 212 QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide Defining the Filter Design Layout To define the filter design layout: 1. In the Filter Design window, from the Reuse list, select a filter design layout. If there are no filter designs in the Reuse list, or if the existing designs do not meet your needs, skip to step 4.
Page 213 Chapter 16: Gridding Processes 10. Edit the Spot Pattern. To change the assigned number for a spot, select the existing number in the spot and then enter a new number. The spot pattern must have a logical numerical sequence to it, such as 1,2,3,4 or 1,2,2,4. If you create an illogical sequence, such as 1,3,4,3 or 1,4,1,2, the message Can’t Calculate displays in red text, the No Sequence button displays in red, and the Spot Pattern Status message appears describing the error.
Page 214 QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide Selecting Stamping and Inking Options To select the stamping and inking options: 1. In the Substrate window, in the Stamps Per Spot field, enter a number from 1 to 5 for the number of times to stamp the pins in each spot.
Page 215 Chapter 16: Gridding Processes Changing the Picking Head The Change Head window reminds you which picking head to load, based on the Setting Summary routine you configure, and provides you an opportunity to change the head. The head is housed in a unique actuator system that permits easy exchange and set-up of the head.
Page 216: Running Gridding Processes
QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide Running Gridding Processes After a gridding routine has been configured, you can run the process on the instrument. If you have not configured the gridding routine you want to run, you must create a new gridding routine or edit an existing routine.
Page 217 Chapter 16: Gridding Processes Viewing the Gridding Progress While the gridding routine is running, the Gridding Progress window displays a summary of the routine. Start Time shows the time the gridding process began. Source Plate No shows the number of the source plate from which the sample is being taken.
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Page 219: Chapter 17: Data Viewer Processes
Chapter 17: Data Viewer Processes The database stores information about the routines run on the QPix 450 Colony Picking System or QPix 460 Colony Picking System. You can view the data details and manage the database with Data Viewer processes.
Page 220: Displaying The Settings For Routines
QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide Click a process to display a list of all the routines that were run by that process. Click a routine in the list to display a list of the receptacles used and annotations for the routine.
Page 221: Working With Tags
Chapter 17: Data Viewer Processes Working With Tags A tag is a user-created identifier for a routine, receptacle, or location. Use tags to easily identify data of interest. You can create, add, or remove tags in the Data Viewer window. You must create one or more tags before you can add the tags to routines, receptacles, or locations.
Page 222: Adding Annotations To Routines, Receptacles, And Locations
QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide Adding Annotations to Routines, Receptacles, and Locations To add annotations to routines, receptacles, and locations: 1. Find and select the routine, receptacle, or location to which you want to add an annotation.
Page 223: Exporting Data And Settings
Chapter 17: Data Viewer Processes Exporting Data and Settings To export data and settings: 1. Find and select the routine from which you want to export the data or the settings. 2. From the list on the left, select the type of export. Click Export Data to export the data from the routine in .csv format.
Page 224: Viewing Receptacle Location Maps
QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide Viewing Receptacle Location Maps To view a map of receptacle locations: 1. Find and select the plate well of which you want to view the location map. 2. From the list on the left, click Show Locations Map.
Page 225 Chapter 17: Data Viewer Processes Creating and Editing Sample Trails To create and edit sample trails: 1. Find and select the plate to which to add a sample trail. See Finding Data in the Database on page 219. 2. From the Sample Trail list in the lower-right area of the Data Viewer window, click Add/Remove.
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Page 227: Chapter 18: Maintenance
Chapter 18: Maintenance Perform only the maintenance tasks described in this guide. Contact a Molecular Devices service engineer to inspect and perform a preventive maintenance service on the instrument each year. See Obtaining Support on page 242. Before operating the instrument or performing maintenance operations, make sure you are familiar with the safety information in this guide.
Page 228: Cleaning The Instrument
For efficient decontamination of pathogenic micro-organisms, wipe all non-removable parts within the instrument with a cloth using 70% ethanol. CAUTION! Molecular Devices recommends that you spray ethanol on a cloth for cleaning the instrument. Autoclaving is not compatible with anodized parts. Do not use the ethanol on acrylic parts.
Page 229 For further decontamination, soak the head in 100% ethanol. Before reassembly, make sure that all parts are thoroughly dry. CAUTION! Molecular Devices recommends that you spray ethanol on a cloth for cleaning the instrument. Autoclaving is not compatible with anodized parts. Do not use the ethanol on acrylic parts.
Page 230 QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide Sonicating the Pins and Springs You should sonicate the pins weekly. Before you sonicate the pins, remove the pins from the head and sonicate the pins and springs only. Removing the Pins From the Head To remove the pins from the head: 1.
Page 231 Chapter 18: Maintenance 4. Remove the picking head retaining plate to expose the pins. 5. Carefully pull the pins and springs up to remove them from their head mounting holes. Note: A gridding head does not contain springs. 6. Separate the springs from the pins, as applicable. 7.
Page 232: Testing The Stackers
QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide 5. Verify that the screws are all flush with the retaining plate. 6. Install the head on the actuator. See Changing the Head on page 7. Test the fit in the actuator to be sure the fit is correct.
Page 233: Testing The Pins
Chapter 18: Maintenance Testing the Pins The Pin Fire Test checks that the pins on an installed head are obstruction-free and can move freely. To test the pins: 1. From the Navigation window under Utility Processes, double-click the Instrument Utilities icon.
Page 234 QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide 5. Click the type of test that to run. The test starts immediately after you click the button for the test. Fire Pins In Sequence test fires the pins one-by-one in column order, unless you select the X Row First check box to fire the pins in row order.
Page 235: Aligning The Camera
Chapter 18: Maintenance Aligning the Camera To ensure accurate picking, the camera must be calibrated and correctly aligned to get pin-to- spot precision, relating the image pixel coordinates with the instrument x and y coordinates. Do this process whenever the head is returned to the actuator or if the actuator is hit during a maintenance operation, as this can have a negative effect on picking precision.
Page 236 QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide 8. Click Goto Pos to enable the position screen controls and move the pin head over the source tray. 9. Under Head Position > Lateral, the red and green arrows move the pin head according to the millimeter distance increments specified in the Move Size field.
Page 237: Replacing Fuses
If these checks fail to remedy the loss of power, replace the fuses. You can obtain replacement fuses from Molecular Devices. Fuses must be replaced with the correct type and rating as specified in Technical Specifications on page 251.
Page 238: Draining The Compressor
QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide To replace a fuse: WARNING! HIGH VOLTAGE Power off the instrument and disconnect the power cord before you do maintenance procedures that require removal of a panel or cover or disassembly of an interior instrument component.
Page 239: Moving The Instrument
Chapter 18: Maintenance 3. Slowly open the valve by turning the lever on the Drain Valve to the right about a quarter of the way open until you hear the sound of high pressure blowing air. 4. When the sound of air stops and fluid appears in the fluid collection bottle, close the valve by turning the lever all the way back to the left.
Page 240: Adding A New User To The Sql Server Database
QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide Adding a New User to the SQL Server Database If a new user cannot log on to the QPix 450/460 Colony Picking, add the user to the SQL database. Note: This procedure requires a user with administrator privileges.
Page 241 Note: Make sure that you use the Computer Name, not the Full Computer Name if it is different. To edit the path statement in the software: 1. Close all open windows, and then start the QPix 450/460 Colony Picking. 2. In the Navigation window, click Tools > Configuration. 3. In the Edit Configuration dialog, double-click Verbs.
Page 242: Obtaining Support
Our Support website—www.moleculardevices.com/service-support—describes the support options offered by Molecular Devices, including service plans and professional services. It also has a link to the Molecular Devices Knowledge Base, which contains documentation, technical notes, software upgrades, safety data sheets, and other resources.
Page 243: Chapter 19: Troubleshooting
Chapter 19: Troubleshooting This section describes some common problems that can occur and possible solutions. Generally, crash recovery involves some form of the following procedure: 1. An error is identified in the software or the instrument stops. 2. If the error condition is caused by a receptacle or other item, then remove the item from the instrument.
Page 244 QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide Poor picking results Run the camera alignment process. See Aligning the Camera on page 235. Run the Pin Fire Test to make sure the pins are firing correctly. See Testing the Pins on page 233.
Page 245: Troubleshooting Barcodes
If you use barcodes and the instrument does not detect them correctly, try the following: Rotate the plate 180 degrees. The instrument scans from either the front or the back, but only one sensor is active. Contact Molecular Devices Technical Support if you need to change the scan direction on your instrument.
Page 246: Fluorescence Problems And Possible Solutions
QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide Depending on the failure, after the stacker lane resets, before you continue, you might have to remove: Unprocessed plates and lids from the source and destination cassettes. Broken plates and lids from the source cassette.
Page 247: Appendix A: Replacement Parts And Optional Extras
For an up-to-date list of replacement parts and optional extras, see the following web pages: Pins and Heads Ordering Options Accessories and Consumables Culture Media and Reagents QPix 450 or 460 system Colony Picking System Replacement Parts and Optional Extras Part Number Description SL9400-A06 QPix™...
Page 248 QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide QPix 450 or 460 system Colony Picking System Replacement Parts and Optional Extras (continued) Part Number Description Gridding Heads X4225 Gridding head for bacteria and phage, 96-pin for 96-well and 384-well plates, tip diameter 0.4 mm...
Page 249 Appendix A: Replacement Parts and Optional Extras QPix 450 or 460 system Colony Picking System Replacement Parts and Optional Extras (continued) Part Number Description X4243 Gridding pins for yeast and streptomyces, tip diameter 1 mm Re-Arraying Pins X4311 Re-arraying pin, high-capacity, standard transfer (E coli/high viability samples), tip diameter 0.55 mm X4315 Re-arraying pin, high-capacity, standard transfer (E coli/high viability samples), tip...
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Page 251: Appendix B: Technical Specifications
Appendix B: Technical Specifications The following tables list the technical specifications of the QPix 450 or 460 Colony Picking System. If you are using the optional air compressor, see the documentation that comes with the compressor for more details. Technical Specifications...
Page 252 QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide Technical Specifications (continued) Item Description Compressor air requirements Click for more details Clean, oil-free with sub-micron filtration Minimum operating pressure 6 bar (~90psi) Minimum operating volume 80 L/min Optional air compressor...
Page 253: Appendix C: System Diagrams And Dimensions
Appendix C: System Diagrams and Dimensions In the following drawings, the dimensions are show in centimeters and inches. Front View of the QPix 450 Colony Picking System or QPix 460 Colony Picking System with Dimensions Item Description 1 Height of instrument with stacker cassettes: 120 cm (47 in.) ...
Page 254 QPix 450 or QPix 460 Colony Picking System User Guide Side View of the QPix 450 Colony Picking System or QPix 460 Colony Picking System with Dimensions Item Description 1 Height of instrument with stacker cassettes: 120 cm (47 in.) 2 Height of instrument without stacker cassettes: 75 cm (30 in.) ...
Page 255: Appendix D: Electromagnetic Compatibility
Appendix D: Electromagnetic Compatibility Regulatory for Canada (ICES/NMB-001:2020) This ISM device complies with Canadian ICES-001. Cet appareil ISM est confomre à la norme NMB-001 du Canada. ISM Equipment Classification (Group 1, Class A) This equipment is designated as scientific equipment for laboratory use that intentionally generate and/or use conductively coupled radio-frequency energy for internal functioning, and are suitable for use in all establishments, other than domestic and those directly connected to a low voltage power supply network which supply buildings used for domestic purposes.
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Page 257 The trademarks used herein are the property of Molecular Devices, LLC or their respective owners. ©2022 Molecular Devices, LLC. Specifications subject to change without notice. Patents: www.moleculardevices.com/patents All rights reserved. FOR RESEARCH USE ONLY. NOT FOR USE IN DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES...

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Qpix 460

Molecular Devices QPix 450 User Manual

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Introduction

Chapter 2: Qpix 450 or 460 System Instrument Overview

Chapter 3: Qpix 450/460 Software Overview

Chapter 4: Starting and Setting up the Instrument

Chapter 5: Sanitizing the Instrument Interior

Chapter 6: Picking Processes

Chapter 7: Blue-White Picking Processes

Chapter 8: Zone of Inhibition Detection Picking Processes

Chapter 9: Regional Picking Processes

Creating and Editing Regional Picking Processes

Chapter 10: Blue-White Regional Picking Processes

Creating and Editing Blue-White Regional Picking Processes

Chapter 11: Control Plate Creation Processes

Creating and Editing Control Plate Creation Processes

Chapter 12: Manage Regional Tray Processes

Chapter 13: Plating Processes

Chapter 14: Replication Processes

Chapter 15: Rearraying Processes

Chapter 16: Gridding Processes

Chapter 17: Data Viewer Processes

Chapter 18: Maintenance

Chapter 19: Troubleshooting

Appendix A: Replacement Parts and Optional Extras

Appendix B: Technical Specifications

Appendix C: System Diagrams and Dimensions

Appendix D: Electromagnetic Compatibility

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Chapters

Troubleshooting

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Summary of Contents for Molecular Devices QPix 450

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Table of Contents