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Defective parts and materials will be replaced or, at the discretion of DYNEX Technologies, repaired at no charge for a period of one year and labor required for such replacement or repair will be provided at no...
Table of Contents About this Manual Chapter 1 Introduction Description Programming Wash Head Wash Head Positions Wash Fluid Waste Features Specifications Warning Labels Chapter 2 Installation Unpacking Materials Provided Hardware Components Positioning the Instrument Installing the Wash Head Installing the Wash Container Installing the Waste Container Turning on the System Chapter 3 Configuration...
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Table of Contents Cleaning and Decontamination Cleaning the Containers Replacing the Tubing Pump Calibration Chapter 7 Troubleshooting Operational Problems Chapter 8 Service Service Procedures Spare Parts Returning a Washer for Service Contact DYNEX Technologies Index Opsys MW™ User’s Guide...
About this Manual This manual has been written for laboratory technicians and provides detailed instructions for using the Opsys MW™ system. This manual gives you the information needed to: • Review safety precautions. • Install the Opsys MW™ system. • Understand the Opsys MW™...
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Description Chapter 1 Introduction The Opsys MW™ is a microprocessor-controlled microplate washing system that performs wash protocols that are defined by the user. It is designed to wash all of the wells in one column or one row of a 96-well plate at once. The washing protocol can be programmed so that all of the columns (or rows) are washed in the same manner, or different wash cycles can be applied to specified columns (or rows) on the plate.
Description Programming All wash protocols on the Opsys MW™ Microplate Washer are user-defined. Up to 40 wash protocols can be contained on the system. Note: Memory limitations may restrict the size and complexity of an individual wash protocol. In addition, the system can be configured with up to ten different plate types so that the wash head positions for each plate type can be specified.
Wash Head The wash head on the Opsys MW™ Microplate Washer contains multiple sets of dual wash pins. Each set of dual wash pins consists of a dispense pin and an aspirate pin that are closely spaced so that fluid can be aspirated from and dispensed into a well simultaneously.
Description Wash Head Positions The vertical positions that the wash head can assume are described below. Each wash head position can be specified by the user to within 0.1 mm. Note: Procedures for specifying wash head positions for various plate types are described on page 30.
Description Wash Fluid A single wash fluid is used on the Opsys MW™ Microplate Washer. The wash fluid is contained in the Wash Container and is dispensed into the wells whenever a Dispense or Fill operation is specified in the wash protocol.
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Features The Opsys MW™ system has a number of performance and convenience features. These are summarised below: • Small footprint • Up to 40 wash protocols can be programmed • Up to ten plate types can be programmed • Two wash head configurations (1 x 8 and 1 x 12) •...
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Specifications Dimensions and Weight Length 49 cm (19.3 in) Width 38 cm (15.0 in) Height 19 cm (7.5 in) Weight 9.1 kg (20 lbs) Operation Dispense Range Dispense Precision Residual Aspirate Volumes Washing Time Power Display Keypad Output Environmental Operating Range 15°...
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Specifications Input Ranges Assay Programming Assay Name Up to 10 characters Password Up to 8 characters Move: Start Strip 1 - 8 for 1 x 8 heads and 1 - 12 for 1 x 12 heads (Increment: 1) Move: End Strip 1 - 8 for 1 x 8 heads and 1 - 12 for 1 x 12 heads (Increment: 1) Move: #Cycles 1 - 9 (Increment: 1)
Warning Labels The Opsys MW™ or its components may contain certain labels that that either warn the user of a hazard or note an electrical connection. The labels that may be used on the Opsys MW™ system are described below. Label Description Alternating current is present.
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Chapter 2 Installation Unpacking Materials Provided The main carton contains the instrument. The contents of this carton are listed below: Article Opsys MW™ System Instrument Power Cable Cleaning Wire, Aspirate Cleaning Wire, Dispense Instrument Configuration Report User’s Guide Declaration of Conformity Wash Head, 1 x 8 or 1 x12 Plate Holder A sub-carton contains the wash container and waste container assemblies.
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Unpacking To unpack the components: 1. Place the Opsys MW™ instrument in the position where it will be located for use. 2. Place the Wash Container, Waste Container and Foam/Aerosol Trap at the rear of the instrument. 3. Examine the packaging to be sure that the power cord and other materials have been removed.
Hardware Components Hardware components of the Opsys MW™ instrument are shown in Figure 2 and described below. Note: The Wash Container, Waste Container and Foam/Aerosol Trap are external to the instrument and are not shown in Figure 2. Wash Head Microtiter Figure 2.
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Hardware Components • Keypad. The keypad is used by the operator to select commands and enter wash parameters. • RS232 Interface. The system includes an RS232 interface so that an external computer can be connected for technical service purposes. • Wash Container.
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Connectors at the rear of the Opsys MW™ system are shown in Figure 3. Connections for the power cord, dispense pump power, waste bottle level sensor, waste bottle vacuum line and an external computer are made at the rear of the system. Important: Be sure that the vacuum exhaust is not obstructed.
Positioning the Instrument Positioning the Instrument Determine the area where the system will be located. You will need a firm and level area that is approximately 51 cm (20 inches) wide, 62 cm (24 inches) deep, and 40 cm (16 inches) high for the Opsys MW™. Opsys MW™...
Installing the Wash Head The Wash Head must be located on the Wash Head Arm. To install the Wash Head: 1. Position the Arm over the Purge Reservoir portion of the Plate Holder. 2. Place the Wash Head on the two Arm Pins, being careful to properly seat the Wash Head on the support pins.
Installing the Wash Container Installing the Wash Container The dispense tubing and dispense pump power cable must be connected. To install the Wash Container: 1. Fill the Wash Container with the wash solution that is to be used. Note: The Wash Container contains up to 4 liters.
Installing the Waste Container To install the Waste Container and Foam/Aerosol Trap: 1. Insert the Quick-Connect end of the vacuum tubing on the Foam/Aerosol Trap to the Quick-Connect vacuum connector at the rear of the instrument Figure 3). 2. Screw on the Waste Container cap. 3.
Turning on the System Turning on the System Note: Depending upon local electrical codes, an uninterruptible power system (UPS) may be required in your laboratory. A UPS is not provided with the Opsys MW™ system. 1. Connect the Opsys MW™ to the laboratory electrical supply outlet.
Chapter 3 Configuration The Keypad The keypad is used to access the menus and commands for setting up the Opsys MW™ entering new wash protocols and running the wash protocols. The keypad contains scroll keys, function keys, and alphanumeric keys. The keys on the keypad are shown in Figure 4.
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The Keypad The use of each of the keys is summarized below: Purpose Scroll keys The functionality of the scroll keys depends upon what is being displayed. During display of the main menu (page 26), pressing the up or down scroll keys will display successive wash protocol numbers and names (or dashes, if a protocol is not yet named).
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Purpose The numeral shown on the key is displayed by Alphanumeric pressing the key once. If the key is pressed two to Keys seven times rapidly, one of the letters on the key will be displayed. The letter that is displayed depends upon the number of times the key is pressed.
Menus Menus The Opsys MW™ menus are hierarchical and are organised by function. There are two main menus: Setup and Program. Menu Purpose SETUP Configure the Instrument PROGRAM Create or edit plate washing protocols * * A protocol includes general information (e.g. the type of microplate to be washed) as well as a listing of the various steps to be used in the washing process.
The SETUP Menu Press the function key under SETUP to display the SETUP menu (Figure 5). The SETUP menu contains commands to configure the instrument. 1: TESTNAME SETUP PROGRAM Select Option HEAD Select Option VERSION Figure 5. SETUP Menu The PROGRAM Menu Press the function key under PROGRAM to display the PROGRAM menu (Figure 6).
Configuring the System Configuring the System The Opsys MW™ must be configured before it is operated for the first time. The commands for doing this are contained in the SETUP menu (Figure 7). Use ARROW keys to scroll through the menus. 1: TESTNAME SETUP PROGRAM...
Specifying the Wash Head The HEAD command allows the installed wash head to be specified: 1. Select SETUP. The display will read: Select option HEAD 2. Select HEAD. The current wash head selection is displayed in the upper line: Wash head? If needed, scroll right to view the remaining selection: Wash head? 3.
Configuring the System Specifying Plate Parameters The PLATE command allows plate parameters to be specified for up to 10 plate types. When setting plate parameters, a default value is displayed for each of the wash head positions. The default values are factory-set and represent approximate starting values for each wash head position.
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To specify parameters for a plate type: 1. Obtain an empty plate of the plate type being specified and place it in the plate holder. 2. Select SETUP (if needed). The display will read: Select option HEAD 3. Select PLATE. The name of the first plate is displayed in the lower line: Select plate 1: - - - - - - - - - -...
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Configuring the System 7. Enter the dispense height using the keypad and press ENTER. The display will read: Well top? SHOW Note: The default value is displayed. Select SHOW to move the wash head to the default well top position so that the height can be checked.
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Remember if your protocol requires sweeping, that must first be specified in the plate definition used in the protocol. 11. Select YES to specify a sweep on all aspiration cycles. The display will read: Sweep height? SHOW Note: The default value is displayed. Select SHOW to move the wash head to the default sweep position so that the height can be checked.
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Configuring the System 15. Enter the desired value using the keypad and press ENTER. The display will read: Select option HEAD Note: If NO is selected for Bottom wash? (Step 13), the display will read as shown above. PLATE Opsys MW™ User’s Guide...
Displaying the Software Version The VERSION command displays the software version that is currently installed on the Opsys MW™ instrument: 1. Select SETUP (if needed). The display will read: Select option HEAD 2. Scroll right to display the next selection: Select option VERSION 3.
5. Press ENTER to keep the existing value. The display will read: Intercept? 6. Press ENTER to keep the existing value. The display will again read: Select option VERSION Note: Refer to page 74 for additional pump calibration instructions. PLATE CAL. DYNEX Technologies CAL. Opsys MW™ User’s Guide...
Selecting Clean The CLEAN command enables the washer to be cleaned automatically at a specified interval. 1. Scroll right to display the next section: Select option CLEAN 2. Select CLEAN. The display will read: Auto Clean? 3. Select YES if you want periodic automatic cleaning. The display will read: Interval (Hrs) 4.
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Chapter 4 Wash Protocols Wash Protocol Operations A wash protocol consists of a series of Purge, Move, Soak, Aspirate, Dispense and Fill operations. Purge, Move and Soak can be carried out in any sequence. Aspirate, Dispense and Fill can only be carried out within a Move operation, and there cannot be a Move within a Move.
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Wash Protocol Operations Operation Description Dispense Dispenses a specified amount of fluid into the wells after aspirating the contents of the wells (i.e. wherever a DISPENSE step is added to a protocol, the OPSYS MW will automatically aspirate the wells before dispensing more fluid in order to prevent a well overflow).
Creating a New Wash Protocol Specifying the Header NOTE: Pressing CANCEL while creating or editing a protocol will bring you back to the main menu without saving your changes. Select one of the 40 protocol numbers. (or use keypad) ↓ PROGRAM Select PROGRAM from the main menu.
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Creating a New Wash Protocol To create a new wash protocol header: 1. Display the main menu. 1: - - - - - - - - - - SETUP 2. Use the up or down scroll keys to display the protocol number (or use the keypad to enter the protocol number) that is to be created: 6: - - - - - - - - - -...
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7. Re-enter the password and press ENTER. The display will read: Select plate 2: DYNEX_1 Note: The plate name that is shown is an example. The actual name will be the plate name that is entered for that plate type during system configuration (see page 30).
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Creating a New Wash Protocol 10. Select YES if the total elapsed time for washing any number of strips within a plate is to be constant. The display will read: Select option MOVE The sequential steps in the wash protocol can now be specified, as outlined on page 45.
Specifying Wash Cycle Operations The final step in creating a wash protocol is to specify individual operations within the wash protocol. An example of a wash protocol is shown in 45. In this example, the dispense wash pin s are purged, and then a Dispense and Aspirate are carried out twice on each of the 12 strips (columns) of a 96-well Microtiter Finally, after all 12 strips have been washed twice, the contents of the Microtiter plate are allowed to soak (equilibrate) for another 600 seconds.
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Creating a New Wash Protocol To specify a Purge: Note: A purge must be performed outside of a Move cycle. 1. Display the header information for the selected wash protocol, as outlined on page 41. The display will read: Select option MOVE 2.
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To specify a Move cycle: 1. Display the header information for the selected wash protocol, as outlined on page 41. The display will read: Select option MOVE 2. Select MOVE. The display will read: Start strip? 3. Using the keypad, enter the strip number where the move cycle should start.
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Creating a New Wash Protocol To specify an Aspiration (within a Move): Note: An Aspirate or Dispense must be performed within a Move cycle. 1. Select ASPIRATE. The display will read: Cycles? 2. Using the keypad, enter the number of aspiration cycles that are to be to be performed within the MOVE cycle.
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To specify a Dispense (within a Move): Note: A Dispense or Aspirate must be performed within a Move cycle. 1. Select DISPENSE. The display will read: Fluid volume? 2. Use the keypad to enter the volume of fluid to be dispensed. Note: A volume ranging from 50 to 999 microliters can be entered.
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Creating a New Wash Protocol 6. Press ENTER. The display will read: Cycles? 7. Use the keypad to enter the number of bottom wash cycles to be performed and press ENTER. The display will read: Select option ASPIRATE DISPENSE Opsys MW™ User’s Guide...
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To specify a Soak (within a Move): Note: A Soak can be performed either within or outside of a Move cycle. The procedure below describes the procedure for specifying a soak within a Move cycle. The procedure for specifying a Soak outside of a Move cycle is described on page 50.
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Creating a New Wash Protocol To specify a Fill (within a Move): Note: A Fill must be performed within a Move cycle. 1. Scroll right to display the next selection. The display will read: Select option SOAK 2. Select FILL. The display will read: Fluid volume? 3.
Ending a MOVE Cycle 1. Scroll right to display the next selection. The display will read: Select option SOAK 2. Scroll right to display the next selection. The display will read: Select option END LOOP 3. Select END LOOP. The display will read: Select option MOVE Opsys MW™...
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Creating a New Wash Protocol To specify a Soak (outside of a Move): Note: A Soak can be performed either within or outside of a Move cycle. The procedure below describes the procedure for specifying a soak outside of a Move cycle. The procedure for specifying a Soak within a Move cycle is described on page 47.
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To specify the End of the wash protocol: 1. Scroll right to display the next selection. The display will read: Select option SOAK 2. Select END. The display will read: 1: NAME_01 SETUP Opsys MW™ User’s Guide Creating a New Wash Protocol PROGRAM...
Modifying a Wash Protocol Modifying a Wash Protocol An existing wash protocol can be modified by using many of the same commands that are used to create a wash protocol. To modify a wash protocol: 1. Display the main menu: 1: NAME_01 SETUP 2.
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6. The cursor is positioned under the first character of the name. If the name is to be changed, enter the name using the keypad and press ENTER. The first step of the wash protocol will be displayed: MOVE 1-12 DELETE Note: The example above shows the MOVE operation as the first step in the protocol.
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Modifying a Wash Protocol To modify a wash operation: 1. Select EDIT while the operation is displayed. The first step in the operation is displayed: Start strip? Note: The actual step that is displayed depends upon the operation being modified. 2.
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Modifying a Wash Protocol To delete a wash operation: 1. Select DELETE while the operation is displayed. The operation is removed from the wash protocol. Note: If a MOVE operation is deleted, all operations within the MOVE (i.e., Aspirate, Dispense, Soak and Fill) are also removed. Opsys MW™...
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Modifying a Wash Protocol To insert a wash operation: 1. Scroll right while the operation that the new operation is to precede is displayed: MOVE 1-10 INSERT Note: The inserted operation will take place immediately before the operation that is displayed.
Copying a Wash Protocol An existing wash protocol can be copied to another program number. If a wash protocol is already in that location, it will be overwritten. To copy a wash protocol: 1. Display the main menu: 1: NAME_01 SETUP 2.
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Copying a Wash Protocol 7. Using the keypad, enter the number of the wash protocol that the commands are to be copied to. If a wash protocol already exists at that location the display will read: Overwrite test? 8. Select YES. The display will read: 7: NAME_04 SETUP PROGRAM...
Chapter 5 Washing a Plate Once the parameters for at least one plate type and one wash protocol have been set, the system can be used to wash a plate. Preparation The only preparation that is required is to check the fluid levels in the Wash Container and the Waste Container.
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Preparation To refill the wash container: 1. Separate the dispense line quick-connector in the cap of the Wash Container. 2. Unscrew the cap of the Wash Container and lay it and the Pick- Up Filter on a clean paper towel. 3.
Washing a Plate A plate is washed by positioning it on the carrier block, selecting the wash protocol to be run, and pressing the START key. To wash a plate: 1. (If needed) Turn on the instrument. The display will read: 1: TESTNAME SETUP 2.
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Chapter 6 Routine Maintenance Routine Maintenance Procedures The Opsys MW™ Microplate Washer is constructed from materials that resist chemical attack. If a spill occurs, it should be cleaned up as soon as possible using a cloth moistened with a mild laboratory detergent (If needed, dilute the laboratory detergent according to the manufacturer’s directions).
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Wash Head or other components of the system. As required maintenance: • Pump Calibration (page 74) for information on DYNEX Technologies Opsys MW™ User’s Guide...
Cleaning and Decontamination The Opsys MW™ is constructed from materials that resist chemical attack. Spills should be cleaned as soon as possible. If you need to decontaminate the Opsys MW™ instrument (for example, before servicing the instrument), clean the system and then decontaminate it as described below. CAUTION: Always disconnect the power cable before cleaning the instrument.
Cleaning the Containers Cleaning the Containers Procedures for emptying, cleaning and refilling the Wash Container and the Waste Container are described below. To empty and clean the waste container: 1. Unscrew the cap of the Waste Container. Lay the cap and level sensor assembly on a paper towel.
Replacing the Tubing To replace the dispense tubing: 1. Separate the dispense line quick-connector in the cap of the Wash Container. Unscrew the cap, lay it and the Pick-Up Filter on a clean paper towel. 2. Discard the contents of the Wash Container. Thoroughly rinse the container with deionized water and let it dry.
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Replacing the Tubing To replace the vacuum tubing: Note: This procedure describes replacement of the vacuum tubing connecting the Waste Container to the Foam/Aerosol Trap. The vacuum tubing connecting the Foam/Aerosol Trap to the rear of the instrument should not require changing.
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To replace the waste tubing: 1. Unscrew the Cap of the Waste Container and lay it with the level sensor assembly on a clean paper towel. 2. Discard the contents of the Waste Container in accordance with local regulations. Thoroughly rinse the container with deionized water and let it dry.
Each Opsys MW™ washer manifold, or head, (e.g., 1 x 8, 1 x 12) has three calibration values stored in memory. These values are calculated and stored during manufacture at DYNEX Technologies. When the Opsys MW configuration is changed from one manifold to another, the corresponding calibration settings will be recalled by correctly setting the head size using the SETUP/HEAD feature (refer to page 28 for Specifying the Wash Head).
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8. If the dispensed volume is too high, decrease the pump speed using the SETUP/CAL function (refer to page 36). • A pump speed change of -10 units roughly corresponds to a well volume change of -10µl. 9. If the dispensed volume is too low, increase the pump speed using the SETUP/CAL function (refer to page 36).
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Chapter 7 Troubleshooting Operational Problems Problems that may occur during normal operation of the Opsys MW™ are described below. For each problem, the symptom, probable cause and the means for resolving the problem are shown. Symptom Probable Cause The instrument The cord is not fails to power up.
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Operational Problems Symptom Probable Cause Liquid is not The wash dispensed from the protocol is dispense pins incorrectly (continued). defined. The dispense tubing or the dispense pump power supply is not connected. The dispense tubing is sealed shut at the dispense valve.
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Symptom Probable Cause Dispense volumes The dispense are incorrect. pins are leaking. The dispense pressure is low. The dispense pins are clogged. Incorrect Calibration Aspiration is not The aspiration complete. pins are clogged. The aspiration pin height is set too high.
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Operational Problems Symptom Probable Cause Aspiration is not Hydrophobic filter complete. may be (continued) obstructed. High Waste Level The Waste Container is full. is displayed. The waste level sensor cable is not plugged in. The waste level sensor connector is defective. The waste level sensor detector is reversed.
Chapter 8 Service Service Procedures The only user service procedures that can be carried out for the Opsys MW™ are listed below: • Removal and replacement of the wash head assembly • Cleaning of the wash head assembly To remove the wash head assembly: 1.
4. Pack the Washer and the Equipment in Transit form for shipment. 5. After you receive a return authorization, ship the Washer to the nearest DYNEX Technologies Opsys MW™ User’s Guide Returning a Washer for Service technical service facility DYNEX Technologies...
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Signed: Title: Date: ________________ (DYNEX Technologies reserves the right to refuse improperly cleaned equipment) Shipping Address: DYNEX Technologies, Inc. Attn.: (Above return number) 14340 Sullyfield Circle Chantilly, VA 20151-1683 *Suggested decontamination methods: Readers- Wash all surfaces with a 10% Hypochlorite solution, Follow that with a mild detergent solution.