Thermo Scientific NanoDrop Lite Plus User Manual page 32

1 NanoDrop Lite Plus User Guide
Diagnostics
Diagnostics
Troubleshooting
Error Messages
Frequently Asked Questions
32 NanoDrop Lite Plus User Guide
The Diagnostics module is used to confirm the light sources and detectors are
working properly.
To perform a diagnostics check:
1. Select Diagnostics from the Home screen.
2. Lift the arm, ensure the pedestals are clean, and lower the arm.
3. Select Run.
At the completion of the diagnostics check, values for the parameters listed below
will be displayed. A green checkmark is displayed for parameters that PASS, and a
red x icon will indicate any FAIL results.
• Integration time
• Detector bias
• Wavelength shift
• Maximum single offset
Some error messages are triggered when little to no light reaches the detector
during a measurement. If these errors occur, ensure the pedestal surfaces are clean.
See "Cleaning" on page 29
Typically dH O is sufficient for removal of samples that have dried on the optical fiber
2
pedestals. There are a few cases (i.e., dried proteins) that may require a more
rigorous cleaning protocol. For these cases, we recommend that 0.5M HCl be
substituted for the 3 μL of deionized dH
any residual HCl.
Q: What are the sample size requirements for the NanoDrop Lite Plus?
A: As little as 1 μL is usually sufficient for most applications. Generally all additives
including protein, DNA, RNA, buffer salts, and detergent-like molecules reduce the
surface tension by interfering with the hydrogen bonding between water molecules.
Although 1 μL volumes are usually sufficient for most sample measurements,
increasing the sample size to 2 μL will ensure proper column formation for samples
with reduced surface tension properties. A sample size < 1 μL is not recommended.
See "Sample Volume Requirements"
O. Follow with 3-5 μL of dH
2
on page 17
O to remove
2
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