QIAxcel User Manual Jan 2008

Contents 4.2

Unpacking the QIAxcel

4-2

4.3

Installing the QIAxcel

4-3

4.4

Packing the QIAxcel

4-7

5

Operating Procedures

5-1

5.1

Unpacking a QIAxcel Kit

5.2 5.2.1 5.2.2 5.2.3

Setting up the QIAxcel 5-4 Preparing the buffer tray 5-4 Loading the buffer tray 5-5 Installing a QIAxcel Gel Cartridge and smart key5-6

5.3

Operating the QIAxcel

5-6

5.4

Performing cartridge intensity calibration

5-17

5.5

Method selection

5-18

5.6

Running a method

5-20

5.7

Data acquisition

5-23

6

BioCalculator Software

6-1

6.1

Menu bar commands

6-1

6.2 6.2.1

Printing Page setup

6-5 6-5

6.3

Folder setup

6-10

6.4

Folder alignment and scaling

6-11

6.5

Table properties

6-13

6.6

Graph properties

6-15

6.7 6.7.1 6.7.2

Data analysis Parameter setup Creating reports

6-18 6-18 6-24

7

Maintenance Procedures

7-1

7.1

Cleaning of the QIAxcel

7-2

Contents-2

5-2

QIAxcel User Manual 01/2008

Contents 7.2 7.2.1 7.2.2 7.2.3 7.2.4

Minor corrective maintenance Fuse replacement and cleaning N2 cylinder replacement Alternate N2 supply Blocked air filter

7-2 7-2 7-3 7-4 7-5

8

Troubleshooting

8-1

8.1

System setup

8-1

8.2

Operation

8-2

8.3

DNA applications

8-3

8.4

RNA applications

8-6

9

Glossary

9-1

Appendix A

A-1

Technical data

A-1

Environmental conditions

A-1

Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)

A-3

Declaration of conformity

A-4

Appendix B

B-1

Cartridge tracking

B-1

Appendix C

C-1

QIAxcel methods

C-1

Appendix D

D-1

Additional information

D-1

Appendix E

E-1

QIAxcel accessories

E-1

QIAxcel User Manual 01/2008

Contents-3

Contents Appendix F

F-1

Warranty statement

F-1

Liability clause

F-2

Index

Contents-4

Index-1

QIAxcel User Manual 01/2008

Safety Information

1

Safety Information Before using the QIAxcel, 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 QIAxcel may cause personal injuries or damage to the instrument. The QIAxcel must only be operated by qualified personnel who have been appropriately trained. Servicing of the QIAxcel must only be performed by QIAGEN Field Service Specialists.

QIAxcel User Manual 01/2008

1-1

Safety Information Perform the maintenance as described in Section 7. QIAGEN charges for repairs that are required due to incorrect maintenance. WARNING

Risk of personal injury and material damage [W2] The QIAxcel 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 Do not attempt to move the QIAxcel during operation.

CAUTION

Damage to the instrument [C1] Avoid spilling water or chemicals onto the QIAxcel. Damage caused by water or chemical spillage will void your warranty.

[W3]

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

1.2

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

WARNING

1-2

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.

QIAxcel User Manual 01/2008

Safety Information To ensure satisfactory and safe operation of the QIAxcel, 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: „ 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 QIAxcel is not designed for use in an explosive atmosphere.

WARNING

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

CAUTION

Damage to the instrument [C2] Direct sunlight may bleach parts of the instrument and cause damage to plastic parts. The QIAxcel must be located out of direct sunlight.

QIAxcel User Manual 01/2008

[W5]

1-3

Safety Information

CAUTION

1.4 WARNING

Damage to the cartridge [C3] When in use, the gel cartridge should not be left out of the park (“WP”) position of the solution tray for more than 15 minutes. Failure to comply will cause the capillary tips to dry out, affecting correct function of the cartridge. Dry tips will void the warranty. The capillary tips are made of glass and are very fragile. Take care not to knock the tips on any hard surfaces. Failure to comply will cause the capillary tips to break, affecting correct function of the cartridge. Broken tips will void the warranty.

Chemicals Hazardous chemicals [W7] 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

1-4

Risk of fire When cleaning the QIAxcel with alcohol-based disinfectant, leave the QIAxcel doors open to allow flammable vapors to disperse.

[W8]

QIAxcel User Manual 01/2008

Safety Information

1.5

Waste disposal Used labware and containers may contain hazardous chemicals. Such wastes must be collected and disposed of properly according to local safety regulations. For information about how to dispose of the QIAxcel, see Appendix A.

1.6

Mechanical hazards The cartridge door and sample door of the QIAxcel must remain closed during operation of the instrument.

WARNING

1.7

Moving parts [W9] To avoid contact with moving parts during operation of the QIAxcel, the instrument must be operated with the cartridge door and sample door closed. If the door sensors are not functioning correctly, contact QIAGEN Technical Services.

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

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.

DE

WARNING (WARNUNG) WARNUNG weist auf Situationen und Umstände hin, die zu einer Verletzung des Benutzers oder anderer Personen führen können. Nähere Angaben zu der Art der Gefährdung und der Vermeidung solcher Situationen werden in einem Textfeld wie diesem neben der Warnung gemacht.

QIAxcel User Manual 01/2008

1-5

Safety Information

WARNING

Risk of personal injury and material damage [W2] The QIAxcel 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 QIAxcel 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 QIAxcel est trop lourd pour être soulevé par une personne. Pour éviter des dommages corporels ou matériels, ne pas soulever l’instrument tout seul.

WARNING

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

DE

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

FR

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

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.

QIAxcel User Manual 01/2008

1-7

Safety Information WARNING

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

DE

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

FR

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

WARNING

Hazardous chemicals [W7] 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.

QIAxcel User Manual 01/2008

1-9

Safety Information CAUTION

Damage to the instrument [C2] Direct sunlight may bleach parts of the instrument and cause damage to plastic parts. The QIAxcel must be located out of direct sunlight.

DE

Beschädigung des Gerätes Direktes Sonnenlicht kann Teile des Gerätes bleichen und Plastikteile schädigen. Der QIAxcel 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 QIAxcel en dehors de la lumière directe du soleil.

CAUTION

Damage to the cartridge [C3] When in use, the gel cartridge should not be left out of the park (“WP”) position of the solution tray for more than 15 minutes. Failure to comply will cause the capillary tips to dry out, affecting correct function of the cartridge. Dry tips will void the warranty. The capillary tips are made of glass and are very fragile. Take care not to knock the tips on any hard surfaces. Failure to comply will cause the capillary tips to break, affecting correct function of the cartridge. Broken tips will void the warranty.

DE

Beschädigung der Kartousche Die Gel Cartridge sollte nicht länger als 15 Minuten außerhalb der Parkposition (“WP”) des Solution Trays aufbewahrt werden. Wird dieser Zeitrahmen überschritten, trocknen die Spitzen der Kapillaren aus. Ausgetrocknete Kapillarspitzen sind nicht durch die Garantie abgedeckt. Die Kapillarspitzen sind aus Glas und sehr zerbrechlich. Achten Sie darauf, die Spitzen nicht auf harte Oberflächen aufzusetzen. Dadurch können die Kapillaren brechen und damit die Funktion der Cartridge beeinträchtigen. Zerbrochene Kapillarspitzen sind nicht durch die Garantie abgedeckt.

1-14

QIAxcel User Manual 01/2008

Safety Information

1.8

Symbols on the QIAxcel

Symbol

Location

Language

Description

Type plate on the back of the instrument

EN

CE mark

Plakette auf der Rückseite des Gerätes

DE

CE-Zeichen

Plaque à l'arrière de l'appareil

FR

Marquage CE

Type plate on the back of the instrument

EN

CSA listing mark for Canada and the USA

Plakette auf der Rückseite des Gerätes

DE

CSA-Zeichen für Kanada und die USA

Plaque à l'arrière de l'appareil

FR

Marquage CSA pour le Canada et les Etats-Unis

Type plate on the back of the instrument

EN

Manufacturer

Plakette auf der Rückseite des Gerätes

DE

Hersteller

Plaque à l'arrière de l'appareil

FR

Fabricant

QIAxcel User Manual 01/2008

1-17

Safety Information Symbol

1-18

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

QIAxcel User Manual 01/2008

Introduction

2

Introduction Thank you for choosing the QIAxcel. We are confident it will become an integral part of your laboratory. Before using the QIAxcel, 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 QIAxcel in the following sections: Safety Information 1. Safety Information 2. Introduction 3. General Description 4. Installation Procedures 5. Operating Procedures 6. BioCalculator Software 7. Maintenance Procedures 8. Troubleshooting 9. Glossary Appendices The appendices include the following: „ Technical data „ QIAxcel methods and accessories „ Warranty terms

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

QIAxcel User Manual 01/2008

2-1

Introduction 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 QIAxcel 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 ).

2.2.2

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 QIAxcel User Manual, version 1.0.

2.3

Intended use of the QIAxcel The QIAxcel is a multicapillary electrophoresis instrument, designed to perform fast and fully automated DNA fragment analysis or qualitative and quantitative RNA analysis. The QIAxcel instrument is intended to be used only in combination with QIAxcel Kits for applications described in the respective QIAxcel Kit handbooks

2-2

QIAxcel User Manual 01/2008

Introduction The QIAxcel instrument is intended for use by professional users, such as technicians and physicians trained in molecular biological techniques and the operation of the QIAxcel instrument.

2.3.1

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

Task

Personnel

Transportation

No special requirements No special requirements

Installation

Laboratory technicians or Appropriately trained and equivalent experienced personnel familiar with use of computers and automation in general

Routine use (running methods)

Laboratory technicians or Appropriately trained and equivalent experienced personnel familiar with use of computers and automation in general

Servicing

QIAGEN Field Service Specialists only

QIAxcel User Manual 01/2008

Training and experience

2-3

Introduction This page intentionally left blank

2-4

QIAxcel User Manual 01/2008

General Description

3

General Description The QIAxcel system performs fully automated separation of DNA and RNA fragments according to their molecular weight and can process up to 96 samples per run. The QIAxcel system consists of the QIAxcel instrument, a QIAxcel Kit (containing a QIAxcel Gel Cartridge and reagents), a computer, and BioCalculator™ software, which have been optimized to work together across a wide variety of applications and provide unmatched resolution, speed, and throughput for DNA and RNA analysis. The BioCalculator software supplied with the QIAxcel provides both electropherograms and gel images of the nucleic acid separation and can be used to perform the following types of analysis: „ Determination of the size and concentration of DNA fragments „ Determination of the ratio, concentration, and quality of total RNA, and the quality of cRNA/cDNA and fragmented RNA/DNA

3.1

QIAxcel principle The QIAxcel uses capillary electrophoresis (CE) to enable high resolution and sensitive separation of DNA and RNA samples. This 12-channel capillary electrophoresis instrument uses disposable, multiple-use cartridges for costeffective analysis of up to 96 samples in as little as 40 minutes. 1. The QIAxcel is set up with a gel cartridge, running buffer, and wash buffer, and calibrated using intensity markers. 2. The samples for analysis (in a 96-well plate or 12-tube strips) are placed on to the sample plate holder. 3. Desired data collection settings are selected and the samples are run through the QIAxcel Gel Cartridge. 4. Data is analyzed using the powerful BioCalculator software.

QIAxcel User Manual 01/2008

3-1

General Description

3.2

External features of the QIAxcel

2

1

4 5

3

6 7 8

Figure 1. Front view of the QIAxcel. 1

Sample door

Allows access to the sample plate holder and buffer tray holder

2

Cartridge door

Provides access to the QIAxcel Gel Cartridge

3

N2 door

Allows insertion and removal of the N2 cylinder

4

Power on LED (green) Indicates instrument is ON

5

High-voltage LED (amber)

6

N2 regulator/cylinder Provides N2 pressure

7

Buffer tray

8

3-2

Indicates instrument’s high-voltage is ON Holds QX Separation and Wash Buffers

Sample plate holder Holds up to 8 strips of 12 samples or a 96-well sample plate

QIAxcel User Manual 01/2008