QIAgility User Manual Feb 2011

February 2011

Trademarks QIAGEN®, QIAgility® (QIAGEN Group); Core™, Pentium® (Intel Corporation); Excel®, Microsoft®, Vista®, Windows® (Microsoft Corporation); Rotor-Disc™, Rotor-Gene® (Corbett Research); Roche® (Hoffman-La Roche, Inc.). © 2011 QIAGEN, all rights reserved.

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QIAgility® User Manual

www.qiagen.com

QIAgility® User Manual

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02/2011

Sample & Assay Technologies

Sample & Assay Technologies

Contents

Contents 1

Safety Information

1-1

1.1

Proper Use

1-1

1.2

Electrical safety

1-3

1.3

Waste disposal

1-4

1.4

Chemicals

1-4

1.5

Mechanical Hazards

1-5

1.6

Maintenance safety

1-6

1.7

Symbols on the QIAgility

1-7

2

Introduction

2-1

2.1

About this user manual

2-1

2.2 General information 2.2.1 Technical assistance 2.2.2 Policy statement 2.2.3 Version management

2-2 2-2 2-3 2-3

2.3 Intended use of the QIAgility 2.3.1 Requirements for QIAgility users

2-3 2-4

3

General Description

3-1

3.1

QIAgility principle

3-1

3.2 The QIAgility 3.2.1 Instrument hood 3.2.2 UV lamp 3.2.3 HEPA filter 3.2.4 Pipetting head and robotic arm 3.2.5 Worktable 3.2.6 Tip chute 3.2.7 Tip disposal box 3.2.8 Feet QIAgility User Manual 02/2011

3-2 3-3 3-3 3-4 3-5 3-5 3-5 3-6 3-6 Contents-1

Contents 3.2.9 3.2.10

Accessory panel Internal features of the QIAgility

3-7 3-8

3.3

Liquid-level tracking

3-13

3.4

Computer

3-14

4

Installation Procedures

4-1

4.1

Instrument delivery and installation

4-1

4.2

Requirements

4-1

4.3

AC power connection

4-2

4.4

Unpacking the QIAgility

4-3

4.5 Installing the QIAgility 4.5.1 UV lamp 4.5.2 HEPA filter system 4.5.3 Instrument calibration 4.5.4 Computer setup, installation of the QIAgility software

4-4 4-6 4-6 4-6 4-7

4.6 Software installation 4.6.1 Uninstalling QIAgility software

4-7 4-13

4.7 Folders 4.7.1 “QProtocols” folder 4.7.2 Connecting the computer to the QIAgility 4.7.3 COM port configuration 4.7.4 Installation of AC power cord

4-14 4-15 4-16 4-16 4-17

4.8

Hardware Wizard

4-17

4.9

Setting up the QIAgility

4-19

5

QIAgility Software

5-1

5.1

Starting the software

5-1

5.2

Virtual Mode

5-2

5.3 Main software window 5.3.1 Menu bar 5.3.2 Toolbar Contents-2

5-3 5-3 5-13 QIAgility User Manual 02/2011

Contents 5.3.3 5.3.4

Mode indicator Software workspace

5-15 5-16

5.4 Managing users 5.4.1 Enable access control 5.4.2 Create user groups 5.4.3 Change current user

5-20 5-22 5-22 5-23

5.5 Manage calibration data 5.5.1 Save calibrations on setup disk 5.5.2 Load calibrations from setup disk 5.5.3 Delete multiple calibrations

5-24 5-24 5-25 5-26

5.6 Configure run settings 5.6.1 Configure tip air intake 5.6.2 Configure pipet speed 5.6.3 Set master mix extra volume 5.6.4 Set standard extra volume 5.6.5 Set concentration unit 5.6.6 Allow use of multiple reagent volumes 5.6.7 Set default file location 5.6.8 Configure system color 5.6.9 Adjust liquid level-tracking options 5.6.10 Set liquid-level tracking error level 5.6.11 Set tip usage options 5.6.12 Configure multi-eject options

5-26 5-27 5-28 5-29 5-30 5-31 5-31 5-32 5-33 5-35 5-36 5-38 5-40

5.7 Define worktable setup 5.7.1 Plate operations 5.7.2 Setting tip availability

5-41 5-41 5-49

5.8 Managing samples 5.8.1 Managing sample banks

5-50 5-50

5.9 View and edit information using the right-hand pane 5.9.1 Tip 5.9.2 Standards 5.9.3 Reagents 5.9.4 Master Mix

5-55 5-55 5-56 5-61 5-63

QIAgility User Manual 02/2011

Contents-3

Contents 5.9.5 5.9.6 5.9.7 5.9.8

Samples 5-73 Reactions 5-77 Importing and exporting reaction and sample data 5-108 Progress report 5-123

5.10 Programming run files 5.10.1 PCR Setup Wizard 5.10.2 Optimisation Wizard 5.10.3 Using “Empty Project” 5.10.4 Example reactions 5.10.5 Checking the reaction setup 5.10.6 Required volumes for reaction setup

5-123 5-123 5-132 5-138 5-139 5-142 5-142

5.11 Selecting the COM port

5-142

5.12 Service register

5-143

6

Operating Procedures

6-1

6.1

Starting the software

6-1

6.2

Using the UV lamp

6-3

6.3

Operating the HEPA filter

6-5

6.4 Executing a run 6.4.1 Q Protocols 6.4.2 Selecting a saved run file 6.4.3 Creating a new run file 6.4.4 Preparing the worktable 6.4.5 Starting a run

6-5 6-5 6-8 6-9 6-10 6-11

6.5

Pausing/aborting a run

6-12

6.6

Exception handling

6-13

6.7 Reports/log files 6.7.1 Pre-run report 6.7.2 Post-run report 6.7.3 Log files and support packages

6-14 6-14 6-16 6-17

6.8

6-20

Contents-4

Importing and exporting reaction/sample data

QIAgility User Manual 02/2011

Contents 6.9

Shutting down the software and the instrument

6-20

7 Instrument Setup and Calibration 7.1.1 Setup tip ejector 7.1.2 Calibrate plate positions 7.1.3 Calibrate plate heights 7.1.4 Optimal height calibration 7.1.5 Calibrate tip offsets 7.1.6 Calibrate volumes

7-1 7-1 7-4 7-7 7-11 7-11 7-14

8

8-1

Maintenance Procedures

8.1 Regular maintenance 8.1.1 Cleaning the QIAgility

8-2 8-2

8.2 Periodic maintenance 8.2.1 Decontaminating the QIAgility 8.2.2 Removing and replacing the tip ejector chute 8.2.3 Replacing the HEPA filter

8-3 8-3 8-4 8-5

9

Troubleshooting

9-1

9.1

System setup

9-1

9.2

Operation

9-2

9.3 Warnings and errors 9.3.1 Warning and error messages 9.3.2 Instrument error codes

9-6 9-6 9-8

9.4 Self diagnostic tools 9.4.1 Mechanical tests 9.4.2 Electrical tests

9-10 9-11 9-12

10

10-1

Glossary

Appendix A

A-1

Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)

A-3

QIAgility User Manual 02/2011

Contents-5

Contents Appendix E

E-1

ABI 7000/7500 SDS master mix naming conventions Absolute Quantification Allelic Discrimination

E-1 E-1 E-2

Appendix F

F-1

Advanced Settings Tip pickup mode Detect tip absence Automatically skip to next if detect tip absence Compensate for liquid loss Allow volumes > tip capacity (special operations) Reactions are mixed by default Allow preserved well indices Require extra volume in intermediate wells Advance Z-axis whilst aspirating Retract Z-axis whilst dispensing Detect insufficient volume on aspirate Level sensor false trigger handling options (aspirate) Level sensor false trigger handling options (eject) Use optimal height calibration where possible Optimal plate height calibration

F-1 F-1 F-1 F-2 F-2 F-2 F-2 F-3 F-3 F-4 F-4 F-4 F-5 F-5 F-6 F-6

Appendix G

G-1

Description of the Generic XML Format

G-1

Appendix H

H-1

Packing the QIAgility

H-1

Index

QIAgility User Manual 02/2011

Index-1

Contents-7

Safety Information

1

Safety Information Before using the QIAgility, 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. Note: Translations of the Safety Information in French and German are available in Appendix C and Appendix D. 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

Proper Use

WARNING/ CAUTION

Risk of personal injury and material damage [W1] Improper use of the QIAgility may cause personal injuries or damage to the instrument. The QIAgility must only be operated by qualified personnel who have been appropriately trained. Servicing of the QIAgility must only be performed by QIAGEN Field Service Specialists.

QIAgility User Manual 02/2011

1-1

Safety Information WARNING/ CAUTION

Risk of overheating [W2] To ensure proper ventilation, maintain a minimum clearance of 10 cm at the sides and rear of the QIAgility. Slits and openings that ensure the ventilation of the QIAgility must not be covered.

WARNING/ CAUTION

Risk of personal injury and material damage [W3] The QIAgility 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/ CAUTION

Risk of personal injury and material damage [W4] Do not attempt to move the QIAgility during operation.

CAUTION

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

CAUTION

Damage to the instrument [C2] Avoid spilling water or chemicals onto the QIAgility. Damage caused by water or chemical spillage will void your warranty.

WARNING

Risk of personal injury [W5] The robotic arm moves during position calibration while the instrument hood is raised. Never click any buttons while parts of your body are within the instrument workspace.

[C1]

In case of emergency, switch off the QIAgility at the power switch at the rear of the instrument and unplug the power cord from the power outlet.

1-2

QIAgility User Manual 02/2011

Safety Information

1.2

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

WARNING

Electrical hazard [W6] 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.

WARNING

UV irradiation hazard [W7] An electronic interlock ensures that the instrument hood must be closed for operation of the UV lamp. Under no circumstances should this interlock be disabled. To ensure satisfactory and safe operation of the QIAgility: „ Connect the line power cord 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: „ The line power cord appears to be damaged. „ It has been stored for a prolonged period of time in conditions which are outside of the “Storage Conditions”, outlined in Appendix A. „ It has been subjected to severe transport stresses.

QIAgility User Manual 02/2011

1-3

Safety Information

1.3

Waste disposal Used plasticware and containers may contain certain hazardous chemicals, or contagious/biohazardous materials. Such wastes must be collected and disposed of properly according to local safety regulations. For information on use and disposal of the tip disposal box, please see Section 3.2.7. For information about how to dispose of the QIAgility at the end of its economic life, see Appendix A.

1.4 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).

1-4

QIAgility User Manual 02/2011

Safety Information

1.5

Mechanical Hazards

WARNING

Moving parts [W9] Avoid contact with moving parts during operation of the QIAgility. Under no circumstances should you place your hands under the pipetting arm when it is lowering. Do not attempt to move any plates or tubes whilst the instrument is operating.

CAUTION

Damage to the instrument [C3] Do not apply any manual force to the Y-arm (i.e. the pipetting head). We strongly recommend restarting the system if the Y-arm was accidentally manually moved. To ensure satisfactory and safe operation of the QIAgility: „ Always use the packaging provided with the QIAgility when moving the instrument. „ Only use recommended tips and tip racks. „ Keep the instrument hood closed whenever possible. „ Do not disable the hood interlock. „ When calibrating plates with the hood open, always stand clear of the instrument when making adjustments. The hood interlock is disabled during calibration mode. Therefore, do not click with the mouse or press any of the keys on the keyboard when looking closely at plate calibrations. Wait until the robotic arm has completed its movements before moving any plates or tubes. „ Do not place any items on the robotic arm. „ Click on the icon, located on the software toolbar, to pause the instrument before removing plates or tubes from the worktable. Wait until the robotic arm has completed the current movement. This may take up to 10 seconds.

QIAgility User Manual 02/2011

1-5

Safety Information

1.6

Maintenance safety Perform the maintenance as described in Section 8. QIAGEN charges for repairs that are required due to incorrect maintenance.

WARNING/ CAUTION

Risk of personal injury and material damage [W10] Only perform maintenance that is specifically described in this user manual.

WARNING/ CAUTION

Risk of electric shock [W11] Do not open any panels on the QIAgility. Risk of personal injury and material damage Only perform maintenance that is specifically described in this user manual.

CAUTION

Damage to the instrument [C4] Do not use solvents, or reagents containing acids, alkalis, or abrasives to clean the QIAgility.

CAUTION

Damage to the QIAgility hood [C5] Do not use alcohol, solvents, reagents containing acids, alkalis, or abrasives to clean the instrument hood.

CAUTION

Damage to the instrument hood or side panels [C6] Never clean the instrument hood or side panels with alcohol or alcohol-based solutions. Alcohol will damage the hood. To clean the hood, use distilled water only.

1-6

QIAgility User Manual 02/2011

Safety Information

1.7 Symbol

Symbols on the QIAgility Location

Description

On the back of the instrument

Warning symbol

Near the tip chute outlet, and on the front edge of the worktable

Biohazard symbol

On the front edge of the worktable

Squeezing symbol

Type plate on the back of the instrument

CE mark

Type plate on the back of the instrument

CSA listing mark for Canada and the USA

Type plate on the back of the instrument

Legal manufacturer

Type plate on the back of the instrument

Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)

Type plate on the back of the instrument

FCC mark of the United States Federal Communications Commission

QIAgility User Manual 02/2011

1-7

Safety Information Symbol

1-8

Location

Description

Type plate on the back of the instrument

C-Tick mark for Australia (supplier identification N17965/N15148)

Type plate on the back of the instrument

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

Back of the instrument

Consult instructions for use

QIAgility User Manual 02/2011

Introduction

2

Introduction Thank you for choosing the QIAgility. We are confident it will become an integral part of your laboratory. Before using the QIAgility, 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.

2.1

About this user manual This user manual provides information about the QIAgility in the following sections: 1. Safety Information 2. Introduction 3. General Description 4. Installation Procedures 5. QIAgility Software 6. Operating Procedures 7. Instrument Setup and Calibration 8. Preventive Maintenance 9. Troubleshooting 10. Glossary Appendices Index The appendices include the following: Technical data Warranty terms Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Declaration of conformity French (FR) translation of Safety Information German (DE) translation of Safety Information ABI 700/7500 SDS Master Mix naming convention Advanced settings

„ „ „ „ „ „ „ „

QIAgility User Manual 02/2011

2-1

Introduction „ „

Description of Generic XML Format Packing of the QIAgility

Terms used in this manual The following terms for controlling the mouse are used in this manual. Left-click

Click with the left mouse button.

Right-click

Click with the right mouse button.

Double-click

Click twice with the left mouse button.

Select “XXX/xxx”

In the toolbar, select the “xxx” submenu from the “XXX” menu. Examples are “File/Exit” and “Options/New”.

2.2

General information

2.2.1

Technical assistance At QIAGEN we pride ourselves on the quality and availability of our technical support. Our Technical Services Departments are staffed by experienced scientists with extensive practical and theoretical expertise in sample and assay technologies and the use of QIAGEN products. If you have any questions or experience any difficulties regarding the QIAgility or QIAGEN products in general, do not hesitate to contact us. QIAGEN customers are a major source of information regarding advanced or specialized uses of our products. This information is helpful to other scientists as well as to the researchers at QIAGEN. We therefore encourage you to contact us if you have any suggestions about product performance or new applications and techniques. For technical assistance and more information, please see our Technical Support Center at www.qiagen.com/goto/TechSupportCenter or call one of the QIAGEN Technical Service Departments or local distributors (see back cover or visit www.qiagen.com).

2-2

QIAgility User Manual 02/2011

Introduction

2.2.2

Policy statement It is the policy of QIAGEN to improve products as new techniques and components become available. QIAGEN reserves the right to change specifications at any time. In an effort to produce useful and appropriate documentation, we appreciate your comments on this user manual. Please contact QIAGEN Technical Services.

2.2.3

Version management This document is the QIAgility User Manual, version 2.0.

2.3

Intended use of the QIAgility The QIAgility is designed to perform automated PCR setup and liquid handling actions. The QIAgility is intended for molecular biology applications. This product is neither intended for the diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of a disease, nor has it been validated for such use either alone or in combination with other products. The system is intended for use by professional users, such as technicians and physicians trained in molecular biological techniques and the operation of the QIAgility.

QIAgility User Manual 02/2011

2-3

Introduction

2.3.1

Requirements for QIAgility users This table covers the general level of competence and training necessary for transportation, installation, use, maintenance, and servicing of the QIAgility.

Task

Personnel

Delivery

No special requirements No special requirements

Installation

Laboratory technicians or equivalent

Appropriately trained and experienced personnel familiar with use of computers and automation in general

Routine use (running methods)

Laboratory technicians or equivalent

Appropriately trained and experienced personnel familiar with use of computers and automation in general

Servicing and annual preventive maintenance

QIAGEN Field Service Specialists only

Regularly trained, certified, and authorized by QIAGEN

2-4

Training and experience

QIAgility User Manual 02/2011