QIAcube User Manual Ver 1.1 June 2008

Trademarks: QIAGEN®, QIAamp®, QIAcube®, QIAprep®, QIAquick®, DNeasy®, EpiTect™, MinElute®, RNeasy® (QIAGEN Group); DNA-ExitusPlus™ (AppliChem); Gigasept®, Lysetol®, Mikrozid® (Schülke & Mayr GmbH); DECON-QUAT® (Veltek Associates, Inc.); RNaseZap® (Ambion, Inc.). © 2007–2008 QIAGEN, all rights reserved.

Contents

Contents 1

Safety Information

1-1

1.1

Proper use

1-1

1.2

Electrical safety

1-2

1.3

Environment

1-3

1.4

Biological safety

1-4

1.5

Chemicals

1-6

1.6

Waste disposal

1-7

1.7

Mechanical hazards

1-7

1.8

Heat hazard

1-8

1.9

Translations of warnings and cautions

1-8

1.10

Symbols on the QIAcube

1-26

2

Introduction

2-1

2.1

About this user manual

2-1

2.2 2.2.1 2.2.2 2.2.3

General information Technical assistance Policy statement Version management

2-2 2-2 2-2 2-2

2.3 2.3.1

Intended use of the QIAcube Requirements for QIAcube users

2-3 2-3

3

General Description

3-1

3.1

QIAcube principle

3-2

3.2

External features of the QIAcube

3-4

3.3

Internal features of the QIAcube

3-7

QIAcube User Manual 06/2008

Contents-1

Contents 4

Installation Procedures

4-1

4.1

Requirements

4-1

4.2

AC power connection

4-2

4.3

Unpacking the QIAcube

4-2

4.4

Installing the QIAcube

4-4

4.5

Packing the QIAcube

4-7

5

Operating Procedures

5-1

5.1

QIAcube software

5-2

5.2 5.2.1 5.2.2 5.2.3

Running a QIAGEN protocol Starting a protocol End of the protocol run Stopping a protocol

5-2 5-3 5-9 5-9

5.3 5.3.1 5.3.2 5.3.3 5.3.4 5.3.5

Setting up the worktable Loading the reagent bottle rack Loading the tip racks Loading the rotor adapters Loading the samples Loading accessory buffers

5-9 5-9 5-11 5-12 5-16 5-18

5.4

Installing and deleting protocols

5-20

5.5

Saving data files

5-23

5.6

General information

5-26

5.7

Operating the shaker

5-29

5.8

Operating the centrifuge

5-32

Maintenance Procedures

6-1

6 6.1

Regular maintenance procedure

6-4

6.2

Daily maintenance procedure

6-4

6.3

Monthly maintenance procedure

6-5

6.4

Periodic maintenance procedure

6-6

Contents-2

QIAcube User Manual 06/2008

Contents 6.4.1 6.4.2 6.4.3

Cleaning the centrifuge Cleaning the instrument Tightness test

6-6 6-10 6-10

6.5

Decontaminating the QIAcube

6-11

6.6 6.6.1 6.6.2 6.6.3 6.6.4 6.6.5 6.6.6 6.6.7

Cleaning the QIAcube centrifuge after a plastic crash 6-12 Opening the centrifuge lid 6-12 Cleaning the rotor and buckets 6-12 Cleaning the centrifuge 6-13 Cleaning the worktable 6-15 Cleaning the gripper unit 6-16 Installing the centrifuge rotor and buckets 6-17 Operating the centrifuge after cleaning 6-18

7

Troubleshooting

7-1

7.1

General information

7-1

7.2 7.2.1 7.2.2 7.2.3 7.2.4 7.2.5 7.2.6 7.2.7 7.2.8 7.2.9 7.2.10 7.2.11

Resolving error messages and warnings Load check errors Protocol errors File system errors General instrument errors General troubleshooting Protocol interruption Centrifuge Shaker Touchscreen USB stick Reagent volume detection

7-1 7-2 7-4 7-7 7-8 7-14 7-14 7-15 7-20 7-20 7-20 7-21

QIAcube User Manual 06/2008

Contents-3

Contents 8

Glossary

8-1

Appendix A

A-1

Technical data

A-1

Environmental conditions

A-1

Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)

A-3

FCC declaration

A-4

EC declaration of conformity

A-6

Appendix B

B-1

Loading the centrifuge and shaker

B-1

Appendix C

C-1

QIAcube accessories

C-1

Appendix D

D-1

Liability clause

D-1

Index

Contents-4

Index-1

QIAcube User Manual 06/2008

Safety Information

1

Safety Information Before using the QIAcube, it is essential that you read this user manual carefully and pay particular attention to the safety information. The instructions and safety information in the user manual must be followed to ensure safe operation of the instrument and to maintain the instrument in a safe condition. The following types of safety information appear throughout this manual.

WARNING

The term WARNING is used to inform you about situations that could result in personal injury to you or other persons. Details about these circumstances are given in a box like this one.

CAUTION

The term CAUTION is used to inform you about situations that could result in damage to the instrument or other equipment. Details about these circumstances are given in a box like this one. The advice given in this manual is intended to supplement, not supersede, the normal safety requirements prevailing in the user’s country.

1.1 WARNING

Proper use Risk of personal injury and material damage [W1] Improper use of the QIAcube may cause personal injuries or damage to the instrument. The QIAcube must only be operated by qualified personnel who have been appropriately trained. Servicing of the QIAcube must only be performed by QIAGEN Field Service Specialists. Perform the maintenance as described in Section 6. QIAGEN charges for repairs that are required due to incorrect maintenance.

QIAcube User Manual 06/2008

1-1

Safety Information WARNING

Risk of personal injury and material damage [W2] The QIAcube is too heavy to be lifted by one person. To avoid personal injury or damage to the instrument, do not lift the instrument alone.

WARNING

Risk of personal injury and material damage [W3] Do not attempt to move the QIAcube during operation.

CAUTION

Damage to the instrument [C1] Avoid spilling water or chemicals onto the QIAcube. Damage caused by water or chemical spillage will void your warranty. In case of emergency, switch off the QIAcube at the power switch at the front of the instrument and unplug the power cord from the power outlet.

CAUTION

1.2

Damage to the instrument [C2] ® Only use QIAGEN spin columns and QIAGEN Spin Kits with the QIAcube. Damage caused by use of other types of spin column or chemistries will void your warranty.

Electrical safety Disconnect the line power cord from the power outlet before servicing.

1-2

QIAcube User Manual 06/2008

Safety Information WARNING

Electrical hazard [W4] Any interruption of the protective conductor (earth/ground lead) inside or outside the instrument or disconnection of the protective conductor terminal is likely to make the instrument dangerous. Intentional interruption is prohibited. Lethal voltages inside the instrument When the instrument is connected to line power, terminals may be live, and opening covers or removing parts is likely to expose live parts. To ensure satisfactory and safe operation of the QIAcube, follow the advice below: „ The line power cord must be connected to a line power outlet that has a protective conductor (earth/ground). „ Do not adjust or replace internal parts of the instrument. „ Do not operate the instrument with any covers or parts removed. „ If liquid has spilled inside the instrument, switch off the instrument, disconnect it from the power outlet, and contact QIAGEN Technical Services. If the instrument becomes electrically unsafe, prevent other personnel from operating it, and contact QIAGEN Technical Services; the instrument may be electrically unsafe when: „ It or the line power cord appears to be damaged. „ It has been stored under unfavorable conditions for a prolonged period. „ It has been subjected to severe transport stresses.

1.3

Environment Operating conditions

WARNING

Explosive atmosphere The QIAcube is not designed for use in an explosive atmosphere.

QIAcube User Manual 06/2008

[W5]

1-3

Safety Information WARNING

Risk of explosion [W6] The QIAcube is intended for use with reagents and substances supplied with QIAGEN kits. Use of other reagents and substances may lead to fire or explosion.

CAUTION

Damage to the instrument Direct sunlight may bleach parts of the instrument and cause damage to plastic parts. The QIAcube must be located out of direct sunlight.

1.4

[C3]

Biological safety Specimens and reagents containing materials from humans should be treated as potentially infectious. Use safe laboratory procedures as outlined in publications such as Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories, HHS ( www.cdc.gov/od/ohs/biosfty/biosfty.htm ).

Samples Samples may contain infectious agents. You should be aware of the health hazard presented by such agents and should use, store, and dispose of such samples according to the required safety regulations.

1-4

QIAcube User Manual 06/2008

Safety Information WARNING

Samples containing infectious agents [W7] Some samples used with this instrument may contain infectious agents. Handle such samples with the greatest of care and in accordance with the required safety regulations. Always wear safety glasses, 2 pairs of gloves, and a lab coat. The responsible body (e.g., laboratory manager) must take the necessary precautions to ensure that the surrounding workplace is safe, and that the instrument operators are suitably trained and not exposed to hazardous levels of infectious agents as defined in the applicable Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) or OSHA,* ACGIH,† or COSHH‡ documents. Venting for fumes and disposal of wastes must be in accordance with all national, state, and local health and safety regulations and laws.

* OSHA: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (United States of America). †

ACGIH: American Conference of Government Industrial Hygienists (United States of America).

‡

COSHH: Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (United Kingdom).

QIAcube User Manual 06/2008

1-5

Safety Information

1.5 WARNING

Chemicals Hazardous chemicals [W8] Some chemicals used with this instrument may be hazardous or may become hazardous after completion of the protocol run. Always wear safety glasses, gloves, and a lab coat. The responsible body (e.g., laboratory manager) must take the necessary precautions to ensure that the surrounding workplace is safe and that the instrument operators are not exposed to hazardous levels of toxic substances (chemical or biological) as defined in the applicable Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) or OSHA,* ACGIH,† or COSHH‡ documents. Venting for fumes and disposal of wastes must be in accordance with all national, state, and local health and safety regulations and laws.

* OSHA: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (United States of America). †

ACGIH: American Conference of Government Industrial Hygienists (United States of America).

‡

COSHH: Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (United Kingdom).

WARNING

Risk of fire [W9] When cleaning the QIAcube with alcohol-based disinfectant, leave the QIAcube door open to allow flammable vapors to disperse. Only clean the QIAcube when worktable components have cooled down.

Toxic fumes If working with volatile solvents or toxic substances, you must provide an efficient laboratory ventilation system to remove vapors that may be produced. WARNING

1-6

Toxic fumes [W10] Do not use bleach to disinfect used labware. Bleach in contact with salts from the buffers used can produce toxic fumes.

QIAcube User Manual 06/2008

Safety Information

1.6

Waste disposal Used labware, such as sample tubes, QIAGEN spin columns, filter-tips, or rotor adapters, may contain hazardous chemicals or infectious agents from the purification process. Such wastes must be collected and disposed of properly according to local safety regulations. For information about how to dispose of the QIAcube, see Appendix A.

1.7

Mechanical hazards The door of the QIAcube must remain closed during operation of the instrument. Only open the door when instructed to do so by the software.

WARNING

Moving parts [W11] To avoid contact with moving parts during operation of the QIAcube, the instrument must be operated with the door closed. If the door sensor is not functioning correctly, contact QIAGEN Technical Services.

Centrifuge Make sure that the rotor and buckets are installed correctly. All buckets must be mounted before starting a protocol run, even if processing fewer than 12 samples. If the rotor or buckets show signs of mechanical damage or corrosion, do not use the QIAcube; contact QIAGEN Technical Services. CAUTION

Damage to the instrument [C4] The QIAcube must not be used if the centrifuge lid is broken or if the lid lock is damaged. Make sure that the rotor is installed correctly and that all buckets are properly mounted, even if processing fewer than 12 samples. Load the rotor symmetrically. Only use rotors, buckets, and consumables designed for use with the QIAcube. Damage caused by use of other consumables will void your warranty.

QIAcube User Manual 06/2008

1-7

Safety Information In case of breakdown, caused by power failure, the centrifuge lid can be manually opened to remove the samples (see Section 7.2.7, page 7-15). WARNING

Moving parts [W12] In case of breakdown caused by power failure, remove the power cord and wait 10 minutes before attempting to manually open the centrifuge lid.

WARNING

Risk of personal injury and material damage [W13] Raise the centrifuge lid carefully. The lid is heavy and may cause injury if it falls down.

WARNING

Risk of overheating [W14] To ensure proper ventilation, maintain a minimum clearance of 10 cm at the sides and rear of the QIAcube. Slits and openings that ensure the ventilation of the QIAcube must not be covered.

1.8

Heat hazard The QIAcube worktable contains a heated shaker.

WARNING

1.9

Hot surface [W15] The shaker can reach temperatures of up to 70°C (158°F). Avoid touching it when it is hot.

Translations of warnings and cautions This subsection contains translations of the warnings and cautions used in this user manual. Each warning or caution has a reference number in square brackets at the top right of its box.

WARNING

1-8

The term WARNING is used to inform you about situations that could result in personal injury to you or other persons. Details about these circumstances are given in a box like this one.

QIAcube User Manual 06/2008

Safety Information WARNING

Risk of personal injury and material damage [W2] The QIAcube is too heavy to be lifted by one person. To avoid personal injury or damage to the instrument, do not lift the instrument alone.

DE

Verletzungsgefahr und Beschädigung des Gerätes Der QIAcube ist zu schwer um von einer Person gehoben zu werden. Um Verletzungen des Benutzers oder eine Beschädigung des Gerätes zu vermeiden ist davon abzusehen, das Gerät alleine zu heben.

FR

Risque de dommages corporels et matériels Le QIAcube est trop lourd pour être soulevé par une personne. Pour éviter des dommages corporels ou matériels, ne pas soulever l’instrument tout seul.

WARNING

DE

Verletzungsgefahr und Beschädigung des Gerätes Den QIAcube während eines Laufes nicht bewegen.

FR

Risque de dommages corporels et matériels Ne pas essayer de bouger le QIAcube pendant son fonctionnement.

WARNING

1-10

Risk of personal injury and material damage [W3] Do not attempt to move the QIAcube during operation.

Electrical hazard [W4] Any interruption of the protective conductor (earth/ground lead) inside or outside the instrument or disconnection of the protective conductor terminal is likely to make the instrument dangerous. Intentional interruption is prohibited. Lethal voltages inside the instrument When the instrument is connected to line power, terminals may be live, and opening covers or removing parts is likely to expose live parts.

QIAcube User Manual 06/2008

Safety Information DE

Explosionsgefahr Der QIAcube ist ausschließlich mit Reagenzien und Substanzen aus den QIAGEN Kits zu benutzen. Die Benutzung von anderen Reagenzien oder Substanzen kann Feuer oder eine Explosion auslösen.

FR

Risque d’explosion Le QIAcube a été conçu pour l’utilisation des réactifs et substances fournis par les kits QIAGEN. L’utilisation de réactifs et de substances autres que celles indiquées peut entrainer un risque d’incendie ou d’explosion.

WARNING

Samples containing infectious agents [W7] Some samples used with this instrument may contain infectious agents. Handle such samples with the greatest of care and in accordance with the required safety regulations. Always wear safety glasses, 2 pairs of gloves, and a lab coat. The responsible body (e.g., laboratory manager) must take the necessary precautions to ensure that the surrounding workplace is safe, and that the instrument operators are suitably trained and not exposed to hazardous levels of infectious agents as defined in the applicable Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) or OSHA, ACGIH, or COSHH documents. Venting for fumes and disposal of wastes must be in accordance with all national, state, and local health and safety regulations and laws.

1-12

QIAcube User Manual 06/2008

Safety Information FR

Risque de dommages matériels Ne pas utiliser de tubes de centrifugation d'1,5 ml sur l'agitateur. Pendant le transfert des échantillons les tubes de centrifugation peuvent bloquer les cônes à filtre. L'usage des tubes sur l'agitateur peut donc abîmer le système de pipetage et causer une panne de la centrifugeuse.

WARNING

Risk of electric shock [W21] Do not open any panels on the QIAcube. Risk of personal injury and material damage Only perform maintenance that is specifically described in this user manual.

DE

Gefährdung durch Elektrizität Unter keinen Umständen darf das Gehäuse des QIAcube geöffnet werden. Verletzungsgefahr und Beschädigung des Gerätes Keine Pflege- und Wartungsarbeiten durchführen, die nicht in diesem Handbuch beschrieben sind.

FR

Risque d’électrocution Ne pas ouvrir les panneaux du QIAcube. Risque de dommages personnels et matériels Réaliser uniquement la maintenance décrite spécifiquement dans ce manuel.

WARNING

Hazardous chemicals and infectious agents [W22] The waste contains samples and reagents. This waste may contain toxic or infectious material and must be disposed of properly. Refer to your local safety regulations for proper disposal procedures.

DE

Gefährliche Chemikalien und infektiöse Agenzien Der Abfall kann gesundheitsgefährdende Reagenzien oder infektiöses Probenmaterial enthalten und muss gemäß den lokalen Sicherheitsvorschriften entsorgt werden.

QIAcube User Manual 06/2008

1-21

Safety Information CAUTION

Damage to the instrument Direct sunlight may bleach parts of the instrument and cause damage to plastic parts. The QIAcube must be located out of direct sunlight.

[C3]

DE

Beschädigung des Gerätes Direktes Sonnenlicht kann Teile des Gerätes bleichen und Plastikteile schädigen. Der QIAcube darf nicht ins direkte Sonnenlicht gestellt werden.

FR

Détérioration de l’instrument La lumière directe du soleil peut décolorer des parties de l’instrument et endommager des parties en plastique. Placer le QIAcube en dehors de la lumière directe du soleil.

CAUTION

Damage to the instrument [C4] The QIAcube must not be used if the centrifuge lid is broken or if the lid lock is damaged. Make sure that the rotor is installed correctly and that all buckets are properly mounted, even if processing fewer than 12 samples. Load the rotor symmetrically. Only use rotors, buckets, and consumables designed for use with the QIAcube.

DE

Beschädigung des Gerätes Bei Beschädigung des Zentrifugendeckels oder Zentrifugenschlosses darf der QIAcube nicht benutzt werden. Stellen Sie sicher, dass der Rotor korrekt installiert ist und dass sämtliche Zentrifugenbecher ordnungsgemäß montiert sind, auch bei Verarbeitung von weniger als 12 Proben. Den Rotor symmetrisch beladen. Ausschließlich Rotoren, Zentrifugenbecher und Reagenzien benutzen, die auf den QIAcube angepasst sind.

1-24

QIAcube User Manual 06/2008

Safety Information Symbol

Location

Language

Type plate on the back of the instrument

EN

C-Tick mark for Australia (supplier identification N17965)

Plakette auf der Rückseite des Gerätes

DE

C-Tick Markierung für Australien (HerstellerIdentifikation N17965)

Plaque à l'arrière de l'appareil

FR

Etiquette C-Tick pour l’Australie (Identification du fournisseur N17965)

Type plate on the back of the instrument

EN

RoHS mark for China (the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment)

Plakette auf der Rückseite des Gerätes

DE

RoHS Markierung für China (Beschränkung der Verwendung bestimmter gefährlicher Stoffe in Elektro- und Elektronikgeräten)

Plaque à l'arrière de l'appareil

FR

Marquage RoHS pour la Chine (limitation de l'utilisation de certaines substances dangereuses dans les équipements électriques et électroniques)

QIAcube User Manual 06/2008

Description

1-29

Safety Information Symbol

1-30

Location

Language

Description

Type plate on the back of the instrument

EN

WEEE mark for Europe

Plakette auf der Rückseite des Gerätes

DE

WEEE-Zeichen für Europa

Plaque à l'arrière de l'appareil

FR

Marquage WEEE pour l’Europe

QIAcube User Manual 06/2008