Processor Plus Operating Instructions

Table of Contents

Table of Contents 1

Introduction ... 5 1.1 1.2 1.3

2

Safety instructions... 15 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4

3

Processor Plus control panel ... 25 Starting the instrument ... 26 Navigating the control software ... 27 Setting up for blot processing ... 29 Performing blot processing ... 35 Procedures after blot processing ... 39 Setup parameters for blot processing ... 40 Setting up for gel staining ... 42 Performing gel staining ... 47 Procedures after gel staining ... 50 Setup parameters for gel staining ... 51

Maintenance ... 53 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 5.7

6

Site requirements ... 23 Unpacking ... 23 Transport ... 23 Assembly ... 24 Connections ... 24 Spare parts and accessories ... 24

Operation ... 25 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 4.8 4.9 4.10 4.11

5

Safety precautions ... 15 Labels ... 20 Emergency procedures ... 21 Recycling information ... 21

Installation ... 23 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6

4

Important user information ... 6 Regulatory information ... 7 Instrument ... 9

Running the cleaning protocol ... 53 Staining trays ... 54 Chemical resistance ... 54 Cleaning the splash guard ... 55 Replacing the tray gasket on the staining tray ... 55 Pump care and maintenance ... 56 Changing the peristaltic pump tubing ... 57

Troubleshooting ... 63 6.1

Pumping irregularities ... 63

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Table of Contents

6.2

7

Power Outage ... 63

Reference information... 71 7.1 7.2 7.3

Specifications ... 71 Literature ... 71 Ordering information ... 71

Appendix A Electrical and communication connections ... 73 A.1 A.2

Electrical connections ... 73 Connecting a serial printer ... 74

Appendix B Pre-programmed blot processing protocols ... 75 B.1

Protocol 2 ... 76

Appendix C Pre-programmed staining protocols... 77 C.1 C.2

4

Protocol 2 ... 78 Protocol 5 ... 79

Processor Plus Operating Instructions 28-9663-49 AA

Introduction 1

1 Introduction Purpose of the Operating Instructions The Operating Instructions provide you with the instructions needed to handle Processor Plus system in a safe way.

Prerequisites In order to operate Processor Plus system safely and according to the intended purpose the following prerequisites must be met: •

You should have a general understanding of the use of a personal computer running Microsoft™ Windows™ in the version provided with your product.

•

You should be acquainted with the use of general laboratory equipment and with handling of biological materials.

•

You should understand the concepts of electrophoresis.

•

You must read the Safety Instructions in Chapter 2 of these Operating Instructions.

•

The system should be installed according to the instructions in Chapter 3 of these Operating Instructions.

In this chapter This chapter contains important user information and a general description of Processor Plus system and its intended use.

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1

Introduction

1.1

Important user information

1.1 Important user information Read this before using Processor Plus

All users must read the Safety Instructions in Chapter 2 of these Operating Instructions before installing, using or maintaining the system. Do not operate Processor Plus in any other way than described in the user documentation. If you do, you may be exposed to hazards that can lead to personal injury and you may cause damage to the equipment.

Intended use Processor Plus automates fluid delivery and timing steps for both western blot membrane processing and polyacrylamide gel staining. The Processor Plus system is intended for research use only, and shall not be used in any clinical procedures, or for diagnostic purposes.

Safety notices These Operating Instructions contain WARNINGS, CAUTIONS and NOTICES concerning the use of the product, with meanings as defined below. WARNING WARNING indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury. It is important not to proceed until all stated conditions are met and clearly understood. CAUTION CAUTION indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury. It is important not to proceed until all stated conditions are met and clearly understood. NOTICE NOTICE indicates instructions that must be followed to avoid damage to the product or other equipment.

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Processor Plus Operating Instructions 28-9663-49 AA

Introduction 1 Regulatory information 1.2

Notes and tips Note: A Note is used to indicate information that is important for trouble-free and optimal use of the product. Tip:

A tip contains useful information that can improve or optimize your procedures.

Typographical conventions Software texts and commands are identified by bold italic text. A colon is used to separate menu levels (e.g. File:Open refers to the Open option in the File menu).

1.2 Regulatory information This section lists the directives and standards that are fulfilled by Processor Plus system.

Manufacturing information Requirement

Content

Name and address of manufacturer

GE Healthcare Bio-Sciences AB, Björkgatan 30, SE 751 84 Uppsala Sweden

Name and ID of notified body

INTERTEK SEMKO AB, NB 0413

Place and date of declaration

Uppsala, Sweden, Nov 2009

Identity of person authorized to sign DoC

See EC Declaration of Conformity

CE Conformity Directive

Title

2006/42/EC

Machinery Directive (MD)

2006/95/EC

Low Voltage Directive (LVD)

2004/108/EC

ElectroMagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Directive

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1

Introduction

1.2

Regulatory information

International standards Standard

Description

Notes

EN 61010-1, IEC 61010-1, CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 61010-1

Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control and laboratory use

EN 61326-1

EMC emissions and immunity requirements for electrical equipment measurement, control and laboratory use

Harmonized with 2004/108/EC

EN-ISO 12100-1, 12100-2

Safety of machinery – Basic concepts, general principles and design

Harmonized with 2006/42/EC

EN-ISO 14121-1, 14121-2

Safety of machinery – Principles of risk assessment

Harmonized with 2006/42/EC

CE marking

The CE marking and the corresponding Declaration of Conformity is valid for the instrument when it is: •

used as a stand-alone unit, or

•

connected to other CE-marked instruments, or

•

connected to other products recommended or described in the user documentation, and

•

used in the same state as it was delivered from GE Healthcare, except for alterations described in the user documentation or explicitly authorized by GE Healthcare.

Regulatory compliance of connected equipment Any equipment connected to Processor Plus should meet the safety requirements of EN 61010-1/IEC61010-1 or relevant harmonized standards. Within the European Union, connected equipment must be CE-marked.

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Processor Plus Operating Instructions 28-9663-49 AA

Introduction 1 Instrument 1.3

1.3 Instrument General description Processor Plus is a fluid delivery system that automates polyacrylamide gel staining and Western blot processing. Changing from one application to the other is achieved by a fast, simple switch of a tray. Select a preprogrammed protocol, and Processor Plus will fill and empty the tray with the correct solution at the right time. The blot-processing capabilities of Processor Plus include trays for four mini- (up to 9 × 9.5 cm) or two standard- (up to 16 × 16 cm) sized blots at one time. Five preprogrammed and five user-defined blot protocols are incorporated for flexibility and microprocessor precision ensures consistent results with low background from membrane to membrane. Processor Plus prepares blots for high sensitivity ECL™ and chromogenic detection. The automated gel staining capabilities of Processor Plus include nine preprogrammed and four user-defined protocols for proteins and nucleic acids. A choice of small- and large-format tray sizes accommodates 1-6 mini-gels or 1-2 standard size gels for silver or Coomassie™ Blue-staining.

System components The Processor Plus system comprises: •

the electronic and mechanical parts, encased in a metal chassis. The instrument control panel-an LCD and keypad-is on the front of the unit.

•

a peristaltic pump which works in conjunction with the 10-port valve to transfer fluid from reagent bottles to the tray. Both the pump and the 10-port valve are on the back of the unit.

•

memory on Processor Plus that can hold up to 24 protocols: 10 for membranes and 14 for gels. Each protocol can hold up to 30 steps.

A tray and lid sit on top the base unit to hold either the gels or membranes during staining or blot processing. The blot processing tray option includes a tray support, two Mini trays, one Standard tray and one blot processing lid that fits either tray. The gel staining tray option includes a tray support and a choice of two tray sizes-125 ml and 250 ml-each with its own lid and tray support.

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1

Introduction

1.3

Instrument

Main parts of Processor Plus

8

7

1

6

5 2

4

3

10

Part

Description

Part

Description

1

Lid manifold

5

Tray support

2

Keypad

6

Blot processing tray

3

Protocol key slot

7

Tray drain tube

4

LCD screen

8

Inlet manifold tube

Processor Plus Operating Instructions 28-9663-49 AA

Introduction 1 Instrument 1.3

Main parts of Processor Plus rear panel

6

6

5

1 4 2

3 Part

Description

Part

1

10-port valve

4

Peristaltic pump

2

Reagent lines

5

Rocker finger

3

Pump tubing

6

Pivot ball assemblies (2)

Processor Plus Operating Instructions 28-9663-49 AA

Description

11

1

Introduction

1.3

Instrument

Processor Plus accessories The following accessories are available for Processor Plus system: Tray support Fits onto the pivot ball assemblies on top of the metal chassis to hold the tray and its lid. Blot processing trays (two sizes) The Mini tray has four chambers, each holds a maximum of 50 ml for a 9 × 9.5 cm membrane. The Standard tray has two chambers, each holds a maximum of 125 ml for a 16 × 16 cm membrane. Both trays are disposable. Blot processing tray lid A manifold on top of the blot processing lid delivers reagents to the surface of the membranes. Valves on the manifold control delivery to chambers in the trays. Staining trays (two sizes) Made of stainless steel, the trays are inert to most staining solutions. Two sizes are available: 19 × 29 and 29 × 35 cm. Glass lid for gel staining (two sizes) Lids prevent spills and minimize exposure to staining reagents while allowing observation of the staining process. Two sizes are available: 19 × 29 and 29 × 35 cm. Coated magnets (4) When placed on gel staining tray, magnets prevent gels from sliding over one another and from coming into contact with the splash guard. Placed on the corners of gels with plastic backing, they help keep gels submerged.

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Processor Plus Operating Instructions 28-9663-49 AA

Introduction 1 Instrument 1.3

Optional printing You can connect Processor Plus to a serial printer via a 9-pin cable and adapter. See Appendix A for instructions. When a serial printer is connected to Processor Plus while a protocol is running, a paper report of each step in a protocol is generated, including: •

the volume of reagents used in each step

•

the time, in minutes, for each step

•

a validation report form, with spaces for sample ID, date, and operator

An example of a printout is shown below.

When Processor Plus is not in use, you can use the Setup menus to print all the steps in a protocol or calculate the volume of each reagent needed.

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1

Introduction

1.3

Instrument

Protocol key The protocol key is a removable device that can store one protocol. You can use the protocol key to record a protocol, then remove the protocol key and store it in a safe place. Use the key to repeatedly run the stored protocol. The protocol on the protocol key does not change unless you overwrite it.

For more information on using the protocol key, refer to Processor Plus User Manual.

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Processor Plus Operating Instructions 28-9663-49 AA

Safety instructions 2 Safety precautions 2.1

2 Safety instructions This chapter describes safety compliance, safety labels, safety precautions, emergency procedures, power failure and recycling of Processor Plus system.

2.1 Safety precautions Introduction The Processor Plus system is powered by mains voltage and handles liquids that may be hazardous. Before installing, operating or maintaining the system, you must be aware of the hazards described in this manual. Follow the instructions provided to avoid personal injury or damage to the equipment. The safety precautions in this section are grouped into the following categories: •

General precautions

•

Using flammable liquids

•

Personal protection

•

Installing and moving the instrument

•

System operation

•

Maintenance

General precautions

WARNING Do not operate Processor Plus in any other way than described in the Processor Plus User Manual. WARNING Operation and user maintenance of Processor Plus should be performed by properly trained personnel only. WARNING Do not use any accessories not supplied or recommended by GE Healthcare.

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2

Safety instructions

2.1

Safety precautions

WARNING Do not use Processor Plus if it is not working properly, nor if it have suffered any damage, for example: • damage to the power cord or its plug • damage caused by dropping the equipment • damage caused by splashing liquid onto items not supplied or recommended by GE Healthcare. WARNING Operation and user maintenance of Processor Plus should be performed by properly trained personnel only. CAUTION Make sure waste container is dimensioned for maximum possible volume when the instrument is left unattended.

Using flammable liquids When using flammable liquids with the Processor Plus system, follow these precautions to avoid any risk of fire or explosion. WARNING Fire Hazard. Before starting the system, make sure that there is no leakage. WARNING A fume hood or similar ventilation system shall be installed when flammable or noxious substances are used.

Personal protection

WARNING Always use appropriate personal protective equipment during operation and maintenance of Processor Plus.

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Processor Plus Operating Instructions 28-9663-49 AA

Safety instructions 2 Safety precautions 2.1

WARNING Hazardous substances. When using hazardous chemical and biological agents, take all suitable protective measures, such as wearing protective glasses and gloves resistant to the substances used. Follow local and/or national regulations for safe operation and maintenance of the system. WARNING Spread of biological agents. The operator has to take all necessary actions to avoid spreading hazardous biological agents in the vicinity of the instrument. The facility should comply with the national code of practice for biosafety.

Installing and moving the instrument

WARNING Supply voltage. Make sure that the supply voltage at the wall outlet corresponds to the marking on the instrument, before connecting the power cord. WARNING Protective ground. Processor Plus must always be connected to a grounded power outlet. WARNING Power cord. Only use power cords delivered or approved by GE Healthcare. WARNING Access to power switch and power cord. Do not block the rear and side panel of the instrument. The Power switch must always be easy to access. The power cord must always be easy to disconnect. WARNING Do not let the equipment or its flexible cord come into contact with surfaces, which are too hot to touch.

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2

Safety instructions

2.1

Safety precautions

WARNING Do not use the equipment where aerosol sprays are being used, nor where oxygen is being administered.

System operation

WARNING Hazardous biological agents during run. When using hazardous biological agents, flush the entire system tubing with bacteriostatic solution followed by a neutral buffer and finally distilled water, before service and maintenance. WARNING Avoid spilling liquids on the body of the instrument. If large volumes of liquid have penetrated the casing of the instrument and come into contact with the electrical components, immediately switch off the instrument and contact an authorized service technician. WARNING Never place waste containers on top of the system. If they become full and overflow, liquid may penetrate the system causing a short-circuit and risk for fire. WARNING Electrical shock hazard after spillage. If there is a risk that large volumes of spilled liquid may penetrate the casing of Processor Plus, immediately switch off the instrument, disconnect the power cord, and contact an authorized service engineer.

Maintenance

WARNING Disconnect power. Always disconnect power from the instrument before replacing any component on the instrument, unless stated otherwise in the user documentation.

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Processor Plus Operating Instructions 28-9663-49 AA

Safety instructions 2 Safety precautions 2.1

WARNING Only spare parts that are approved or supplied by GE Healthcare may be used for maintaining or servicing the system. WARNING Do not remove the main cover. There are no user serviceable components inside, and you can be exposed to high voltage. NOTICE Cleaning. Keep the instrument dry and clean. Wipe regularly with a soft damp tissue and, if necessary, a mild cleaning agent. Let the instrument dry completely before use. NOTICE Do not autoclave any component of Processor Plus.

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2

Safety instructions

2.2

Labels

2.2 Labels This section describes the safety labels and labels concerning hazardous substances that are attached to the Processor Plus system. For information about marking of the computer equipment, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Labels on the instrument The illustration below shows an example of the identification label that is attached to the Processor Plus system. XX-XXXX-XX Code No: Serial No Mfg Year:

Processor Plus xxxx

XXXXXXXX XXXXXXX 2009

Voltage: Frequency: Power max: Fuse:

N12406

Made in Sweden GE Healthcare Bio-Sciences AB 751 84 Uppsala Sweden

Symbols used in safety labels Label

Meaning Warning! Read the user documentation before using the system. Do not open any covers or replace parts unless specifically stated in the user documentation.

The system complies with the requirements for electromagnetic compliance (EMC) in Australia and New Zealand.

The system complies with applicable European directives.

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Processor Plus Operating Instructions 28-9663-49 AA

Safety instructions 2 Emergency procedures 2.3

Labels concerning hazardous substances Label

Meaning This symbol indicates that the waste of electrical and electronic equipment must not be disposed as unsorted municipal waste and must be collected separately. Please contact an authorized representative of the manufacturer for information concerning the decommissioning of equipment. This symbol indicates that the product contains hazardous materials in excess of the limits established by the Chinese standard SJ/ T11363-2006 Requirements for Concentration Limits for Certain Hazardous Substances in Electronics.

2.3 Emergency procedures This section describes how to do an emergency shutdown of the Processor Plus system. The section also describes the result in the event of power failure.

Emergency procedures In an emergency situation, do as follows to stop the run: Switch off power to the instrument by pressing the Power switch to the 0 position. If required, disconnect the mains power cord. The run is interrupted immediately.

Power failure The result of a power failure depends on which unit that is affected. Power failure to...

will result in...

Processor Plus

The run is interrupted immediately, in an undefined state

2.4 Recycling information The equipment shall be decontaminated before decommissioning and all local regulations shall be followed with regard to scrapping of the equipment.

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