QIAsymphony SP - AS User Manual Operating the SP ver 4.0 April 2012

April 2012

Trademarks QIAGEN®, QIAsymphony® (QIAGEN Group); Falcon™ (Becton, Dickinson and Company); PAXgene® (PreAnalytiX GmbH). Registered names, trademarks, etc. used in this document, even when not specifically marked as such, are not to be considered unprotected by law. © 2010–2012 QIAGEN, all rights reserved.

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1069306

04/2012

Sample & Assay Technologies

QIAsymphony® SP/AS User Manual - Operating the QIAsymphony SP

www.qiagen.com

QIAsymphony® SP/AS User Manual - Operating the QIAsymphony SP

For use with software version 4.0

Sample & Assay Technologies

Contents

Contents 1

Introduction

1-1

1.1

Provided user manuals

1-1

1.2

About this user manual

1-2

1.3

General information

1-2

1.3.1

Technical assistance

1-2

1.3.2

Policy statement

1-3

1.3.3

Version management

1-3

1.4

Intended use of the QIAsymphony SP

1-3

2

Operating the QIAsymphony SP

2-1

2.1

Getting started

2-1

2.2

Starting the Wizard

2-2

2.3

Loading the ―Waste‖ drawer

2-4

2.4

Closing the ―Waste‖ drawer

2-9

2.5

Loading the ―Eluate‖ drawer

2-9

2.6

Loading the ―Reagents and Consumables‖ drawer

2-18

2.6.1

Loading reagents

2-18

2.6.2

Loading consumables

2-27

2.6.3

Inventory scan of ―Reagents and Consumables‖ drawer

2-32

2.7

Loading the ―Sample‖ drawer

2-33

2.8

Resolving errors regarding sample/ internal control tubes or sample IDs 2-41

2.8.1

Correction of duplicate bar codes

2-41

2.8.2

Generation of a virtual bar code after a bar code reading error

2-43

2.8.3

No virtual bar code generated after bar code reading error

2-44

Operating the QIAsymphony SP 04/2012

Contents-1

Contents 2.8.4

Sample tube/IC tube insert reading errors

2-45

2.8.5

Overwriting the default sample tube/IC tube type

2-47

2.9

Use of virtual bar codes if tubes are not labeled with bar codes

2-48

2.10 Configuring the sample type

2-49

2.11 Defining a batch/run (queuing)

2-49

2.11.1

Samples loaded in the tube carrier

2-49

2.11.2

Samples loaded in the plate carrier

2-57

2.12 Defining a batch/run using ―Fast Setup‖

2-66

2.13 Loading internal controls

2-74

2.14 Partial inventory scan

2-77

2.15 Starting a run

2-79

2.15.1

Information available in the ―Sample View‖ screen after loading samples

2-79

2.15.2

Batch validation

2-80

2.16 Continuous loading of samples/internal controls

2-82

2.16.1

Setting up a batch

2-83

2.16.2

Loading internal controls

2-84

2.16.3

Suspended batch

2-85

2.17 Pausing, resuming, and stopping a run

2-85

2.17.1

Pausing a run

2-85

2.17.2

Resuming a run

2-86

2.17.3

Stopping a run

2-86

2.17.4

Aborted run

2-87

2.18 End of batch processing/run

2-88

2.19 Unloading the QIAsymphony SP

2-88

2.19.1

Unloading the ―Eluate‖ drawer

2-88

2.20 Automatic transfer of an elution rack to the QIAsymphony AS

2-94

2.20.1

2-97

Contents-2

Unloading reagents and consumables

Operating the QIAsymphony SP 04/2012

Contents 2.20.2

Unloading samples

2-99

2.20.3

Unloading internal controls

2-102

2.20.4

Loading internal controls during a run

2-103

2.21 Removing a batch

2-103

2.21.1

Samples loaded in the tube carrier

2-103

2.21.2

Samples loaded in the plate carrier

2-104

2.22 End of working day

2-104

2.23 Operating individual components of the QIAsymphony SP

2-105

2.24 Cleanup

2-108

3

Sample preparation user interface

3-113

3.1

Starting the QIAsymphony software

3-114

3.2

Software features common to all screens

3-114

3.2.1

General screen elements

3-114

3.2.2

Up and down arrows

3-116

3.2.3

Messages

3-117

3.3

Status bar

3-117

3.3.1

Drawer buttons

3-118

3.3.2

Date and time

3-121

3.3.3

User logged in

3-122

3.4 3.4.1

Command bar

3-122

General buttons

3-122

3.5

Schematic plates

3-122

3.6

Screens (all menus)

3-124

3.6.1

―Keyboard‖ screen

3-124

3.6.2

―Sample Preparation/Define Sample Rack Type‖ screen

3-126

3.6.3

―Consumables/Cartridges/Filter-Tips‖ screen

3-129

3.6.4

―Waste‖ screen

3-132

Operating the QIAsymphony SP 04/2012

Contents-3

Contents 3.6.5

―Eluate Drawer/Elution Slot/Configure Racks‖ screen

3-132

3.6.6

―Eluate Drawer/Elution Slot/Configure Rack X‖ screen

3-133

3.7

―Tools‖ screen

3-134

3.8

―Sample Preparation‖ menu

3-137

3.8.1

―Login‖ screen

3-139

3.8.2

―Sample Preparation‖ tab - ―Sample Preparation/Overview‖ screen

3-140

3.8.3

―Sample Preparation‖ tab - ―Sample Preparation/Sample View‖ screen

3-147

3.8.4

―Sample Preparation/Define Sample Rack Type‖ screen

3-150

3.8.5

―Sample Preparation/Batch X/Define Samples‖ screen (tube carrier)

3-151

3.8.6

―Sample Preparation/Batch X/Define Samples‖ screen (plate carrier)

3-158

3.8.7

―Sample Preparation/Batch X/Select Work Lists‖ screen

3-161

3.8.8

―Sample Preparation/Batch X/Select Assay Control Sets‖ screen 3-162

3.8.9

―Sample Preparation/Elution Slot & Volume‖ screen

3-165

3.8.10

―Sample Preparation/Fast Setup/Select ACS‖ screen

3-168

3.8.11

―Sample Preparation/Define Sample Rack Area‖ screen

3-169

3.8.12

―Sample Preparation/Define Sample Rack Type‖ screen

3-172

3.8.13

‖Sample Preparation/Fast Setup Plates‖ screen

3-174

3.8.14

―Sample Preparation/Internal Controls‖ screen

3-176

3.8.15

―Eluate Drawer/Elution Slot‖ screen

3-180

3.8.16

―Eluate Drawer/Elution Slot/Change Rack X‖ screen

3-183

Contents-4

Operating the QIAsymphony SP 04/2012

Contents 3.8.17

―Eluate Drawer/Elution Slot/Configure Rack X‖ screen

3-188

3.8.18

―Eluate Drawer/Elution Slot/Scan Drawer‖ screen

3-190

3.8.19

―Wizard/ACS and Number of Samples‖ screen

3-192

3.8.20

―Wizard/Load Waste Drawer‖ screen

3-193

3.8.21

―Wizard/Elution Slot‖ screen

3-195

3.8.22

―Wizard/Elution Slot/Configure Rack X‖ screen

3-195

3.8.23

―Wizard/Elution Slot/Change Rack X‖ screen

3-195

3.8.24

―Wizard/Load Reagents‖ screen

3-195

3.8.25

―Wizard/Load Consumables‖ screen

3-196

3.8.26

―Wizard/Sample Loading Summary‖ screen

3-198

3.8.27

―Wizard/Select Sample Carrier‖ screen

3-198

3.8.28

―Wizard/Load Sample Tubes‖ screen

3-199

3.8.29

―Wizard/Load Sample Plate Carrier‖ screen

3-200

3.8.30

―Wizard/Load IC Tubes‖ screen

3-201

3.8.31

―Wizard/Batch X/Select Work Lists‖ screen

3-202

3.8.32

―Wizard/Batch X/Assay Control Sets‖ screen

3-202

3.8.33

―Wizard/Elution Slot & Volume‖ screen

3-202

3.8.34

―Wizard/Define Sample Rack Area‖ screen

3-202

3.8.35

―Wizard/Define Sample Rack Type‖ screen

3-203

3.8.36

―Wizard/Internal Controls‖ screen

3-203

3.9

―Configuration‖ menu

3-203

3.10 ―Maintenance SP‖ Menu

3-203

3.10.1

―Maintenance SP‖ screen

3-204

3.11 ―User Management‖ menu

3-204

3.11.1

―User Overview/Select user‖ screen

3-204

3.11.2

―User Overview/Enter new password‖ screen

3-207

3.11.3

―Create User‖ screen

3-208

3.11.4

―Assign Roles‖ screen

3-209

3.12 ―Service SP‖ menu

Operating the QIAsymphony SP 04/2012

3-210

Contents-5

Contents 3.12.1

―Script Execution‖ tab

3-210

3.13 ―File Transfer‖ menu

3-216

3.13.1

―In-/Output Files‖ tab

3-216

3.13.2

―Process Files‖ tab

3-219

3.13.3

―Instr. Setup‖ tab

3-222

3.14 ―Instrument Report‖ menu

3-226

3.14.1

―Overview‖ tab

3-226

3.14.2

―Configuration‖ tab

3-227

3.14.3

―Errors‖ tab

3-228

3.14.4

―Protocols‖ tab

3-229

3.14.5

―Inventory‖ tab

3-231

3.14.6

―Labware‖ tab

3-232

3.14.7

―Hardware‖ tab

3-232

3.14.8

―Counters‖ tab

3-234

3.15 ―Rack Browser‖ menu

3-235

3.15.1

―Sample Racks‖ tab

3-235

3.15.2

―Eluate Racks‖ tab

3-237

3.16 ―Labware Browser‖ menu

3-239

3.16.1

―Tube Carrier‖ screen

3-239

3.16.2

―Racks‖ screen

3-243

Contents-6

Operating the QIAsymphony SP 04/2012

Introduction

1

Introduction Thank you for choosing the QIAsymphony SP instrument. We are confident it will become an integral part of your laboratory. Before using the QIAsymphony SP, it is essential that you read the user manuals carefully and pay particular attention to the safety information described in the General Description. The instructions and safety information in the user manuals must be followed to ensure safe operation of the instrument and to maintain the instrument in a safe condition.

WARNING/ CAUTION

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

1.1

Provided user manuals The QIAsymphony SP is provided with 3 user manuals, as outlined in the following table. QIAsymphony SP/AS User Manual - General Description

Provides a description of the instruments, and describes functions (e.g., handling files) that are the same for both instruments. Information about maintenance procedures and troubleshooting is also provided in this manual.

QIAsymphony SP/AS User Manual - Operating the QIAsymphony SP

Provides details about how to operate the QIAsymphony SP instrument and a description of the QIAsymphony software required for operating the QIAsymphony SP.

Operating the QIAsymphony SP 04/2012

1-1

Introduction QIAsymphony Management Console User Manual

Provides details about how to use the QIAsymphony Management Console. This includes how to use the ―File Transfer‖, ―Checksum Validation‖, ―Process Definition‖ editor tool, ―CSV Conversion‖, and ―Automatic File Transfer‖ tools.

If you have a QIAsymphony AS, the following user manual will also be provided: QIAsymphony SP/AS User Manual - Operating the QIAsymphony AS

1.2

Provides details about how to operate the QIAsymphony AS instrument and a description of the QIAsymphony software required for operating the QIAsymphony AS.

About this user manual This user manual describes how to operate the QIAsymphony SP and provides information in the following sections: 1. Introduction 2. Operating the QIAsymphony SP 3. Sample preparation user interface

1.3

General information

1.3.1

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 molecular biology and the use of QIAGEN products. If you have any questions or experience any difficulties regarding the QIAsymphony SP or QIAGEN products in general, do not hesitate to contact us.

1-2

Operating the QIAsymphony SP 04/2012

Introduction 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 call one of the QIAGEN Technical Services Departments (for contact information, see back cover or visit www.qiagen.com).

1.3.2

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.

1.3.3

Version management This document is the QIAsymphony SP/AS User Manual - Operating the QIAsymphony SP, version 3.0 (for use with software version 4.0).

1.4

Intended use of the QIAsymphony SP The QIAsymphony SP instrument is designed to perform automated purification of nucleic acids and proteins. It is intended to be used only in combination with QIAsymphony Kits indicated for use with the QIAsymphony SP for the applications described in the kit handbooks. The QIAsymphony SP is intended for use by professional users, such as technicians and physicians trained in molecular biological techniques and the operation of the QIAsymphony SP instrument.

Operating the QIAsymphony SP 04/2012

1-3

Introduction Page left intentionally blank

1-4

Operating the QIAsymphony SP 04/2012

Operating the QIAsymphony SP

2

Operating the QIAsymphony SP This section describes how to operate the QIAsymphony SP instrument, including how to load and unload the worktable. Before proceeding, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the features of the instrument by referring to Section 3 of the General Description. The QIAsymphony Operating Software is described in detail in Section 3 of this user manual. The hood of the QIAsymphony SP must remain closed during operation of the instrument. Only open the hood when instructed to do so by the software or when carrying out maintenance procedures (see Section 9 of the General Description).

WARNING

2.1

Moving parts [W2] To avoid contact with moving parts during operation of the QIAsymphony SP, the instrument must be operated with the hood closed. If the hood sensor is not functioning correctly, contact QIAGEN Technical Services.

Getting started See Section 5 of the General Description for details about switching on the QIAsymphony SP/AS instruments, getting started, logging in, and managing users. The QIAsymphony SP Operating Software has a Wizard to guide you step-by-step through setting up a run. The Wizard takes you through:  Loading the ―Waste‖ drawer  Loading the ―Eluate‖ drawer  Loading the ―Sample‖ drawer  Defining a batch/run with or without work lists  Loading internal controls

Operating the QIAsymphony SP 04/2012

2-1

Operating the QIAsymphony SP It is possible to set up a run on the QIAsymphony SP with or without the Wizard. For more information about how to do this, please refer to the individual QIAsymphony Kit handbooks. Note: If a QIAsymphony AS has been installed, the wizard can only be used for sample preparation runs and not for integrated runs. Note: The loading steps, described below in detail for the Wizard, can also be used for the integrated run.

2.2

Starting the Wizard 1. Press ―Wizard‖ in the ―Sample Preparation‖ screen.

―Sample Preparation‖ screen. 2. The ―Wizard/ACS and Number of Samples‖ screen appears. Note: When this screen is open, all drawers are locked. Note: An error message will appear when ―Wizard‖ is pressed in the following situations:

2-2

Operating the QIAsymphony SP 04/2012

Operating the QIAsymphony SP  





If a plate carrier is already loaded in the ―Sample‖ drawer. If a plate carrier has not been loaded, but there are batches that are already defined to be loaded using the plate carrier. If a tube carrier is already loaded in the ―Sample‖ drawer, but no batch has been defined to be loaded using the tube carrier. 4 batches have already been queued.

―Wizard/ACS and Number of Samples‖ screen. 3. Press on Assay Control Sets in the left hand panel and then press on the right arrow to select them. Once selected the Assay Control Sets will move across to the right panel. 4. Use the ―+‖ and ―–― buttons to adjust the number of samples that will be processed with each Assay Control Set. Alternatively, press directly on the number and adjust the number using the virtual keyboard.

Operating the QIAsymphony SP 04/2012

2-3

Operating the QIAsymphony SP If there are no batches currently being processed, a maximum of 4 batches (i.e., a total of 96 samples) can be defined. If some batches have already been queued, the maximum number of samples/batches that can be defined are reduced by the number that have already been queued. For instance, if 20 samples have already been queued, it is not possible to define more than 72 samples and 3 batches. 5. Press ―Next‖ to continue. The ―Wizard/Load Waste Drawer‖ screen appears (Section 2.3).

2.3

Loading the ―Waste‖ drawer The ―Wizard/Load Waste Drawer‖ screen summarizes the items that need to be loaded into the ―Waste‖ drawer in the diagrams. The table indicates the required unit boxes, the number of missing unit boxes, and the total number of recommended unit boxes. Note: When the ―Wizard/Load Waste Drawer‖ screen is open, it is only possible to open the ―Waste‖ drawer. All other drawers are locked.

―Wizard/Load Waste Drawer‖ screen. 2-4

Operating the QIAsymphony SP 04/2012

Operating the QIAsymphony SP We recommend loading items into the ―Waste‖ drawer in the following order, as outlined in the following sections: 1. Insert empty liquid waste container (be sure to remove lid before placing into the drawer) 2. Insert tip chute 3. Insert tip park station 4. Insert empty unit boxes (make sure there is an empty unit box in slot 4) 5. Install empty tip disposal bag Liquid waste container The liquid waste container is used to collect all liquid waste generated during sample preparation. The QIAsymphony SP checks that the liquid waste container is in the ―Waste‖ drawer. If the liquid waste container is not in place in the ―Waste‖ drawer, the ―Waste‖ drawer cannot be closed.

Liquid waste container

The ―Waste‖ drawer can only be closed when the liquid waste container is in place. Note: Make sure to empty the liquid waste container at the end of each run. Note: Be careful when handling the liquid waste container. It may contain infectious material.

Operating the QIAsymphony SP 04/2012

2-5

Operating the QIAsymphony SP WARNING

Hazardous chemicals and infectious agents [W3] 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. To load the liquid waste container into the ―Waste‖ drawer, follow the steps below: 1. Open the drawer. 2. Place the liquid waste container into the front section at the right. Press the container downward. Note: Make sure to remove the lid from the liquid waste container before you load the container into the drawer. Tip chute The tip chute enables collection of used disposable filter-tips from the pipetting system. Used tips are collected in a tip disposal bag. Load the tip chute into the ―Waste‖ drawer as shown in the diagram below. The tip chute will be detected during the inventory scan.

Tip park station

Tip chute

Note: Make sure to load the tip chute and install a tip disposal bag before running a sample batch.

2-6

Operating the QIAsymphony SP 04/2012

Operating the QIAsymphony SP Note: If using the QIAsymphony SP instrument with the QIAsymphony Cabinet SP, see the QIAsymphony Cabinet SP/AS User Guide for information about set up of the tip chutes. Tip park station The tip park station is on top of the liquid waste container. It channels liquid waste from the filter tips into the liquid waste container and also enables temporary storage of filter-tips that will be reused in a later protocol step. To load the tip park station into the ―Waste‖ drawer, follow the steps below. 1. Open the ―Waste‖ drawer. 2. Insert the tip park station as shown in the diagram on the previous page. 3. Ensure that the tip park station is properly inserted; otherwise an error may occur during the inventory scan. The tip park station will be automatically detected during the inventory scan. Unit boxes Used sample prep cartridges and 8-Rod Covers are collected in unit boxes. There are 4 slots for unit boxes in the ―Waste‖ drawer and, for increased ease of use and process safety, unit boxes can be loaded only in the correct orientation. Make sure to remove the lids from unit boxes before loading into the ―Waste‖ drawer. The spacer at the bottom of an empty 8 Rod Cover unit box must also be removed before the unit box is placed into the ―Waste‖ drawer otherwise an error may occur during the inventory scan. Depending on the purification procedure being run and the number of samples, the space needed for used consumables in the ―Waste‖ drawer will vary. Make sure that there is sufficient space in the unit boxes for collection of used consumables. For detailed information about consumables consumption, refer to the kit handbook.

Operating the QIAsymphony SP 04/2012

2-7

Operating the QIAsymphony SP To load the ―Waste‖ drawer with unit boxes, follow the steps below. 1. Open the ―Waste‖ drawer. 2. Remove the lid from the unit box. If the unit box contains a spacer, make sure to remove this. 3. Place the unit box into one of the unit box slots. Note: Do not empty partially filled unit boxes. Partially filled unit boxes will be detected during the inventory scan and can be used until they are full. Do not throw away the lids of open unit boxes. They can be used to cover partially filled unit boxes. Note: An empty unit box must be placed into slot 4. During initialization the handler goes down into the unit box in position 4. If it was not empty, the handler would crash.

Slot 4

Ti

Tip disposal bag Note: When using the QIAsymphony SP instrument in combination with the QIAsymphony Cabinet SP, the installation of a tip disposal bag is not required. In this case, tip disposal occurs directly into the waste containers, located in the QIAsymphony Cabinet SP.

2-8

Operating the QIAsymphony SP 04/2012