ENGL 2311
Assignment 8
Performing a maintenance for the microplate washer ELx405
Table of Contents
Table of Contents .......................................................................1 Overview......................................................................................2
Running a program......................................................................2
Required materials.......................................................................3 List of Figures .............................................................................4
Overview
The ELx405 is a standard model used to wash 96-well microplates in all microplate-based assays. It has one manifold with 96 sets of dispense and aspirate tubes (see Figure 1) The ELx405 is capable of washing all flat, round or V-bottom plates or strips in a 96-well array. It has a 96-channel aspiration/dispense manifold type. Preventative maintenance should be performed regularly to ensure optimum washer performance. Several programs are provided for this reason. The ELx405 software contains following Maintenance programs:
DAY_RINSE
OVERNIGHT_LOOP
RINSE_AND_SOAK
DECONTAMINATION
Before Running Any Program
Fill the wash/rinse bottles with suitable fluid (See Figure 3). Use deionized or distilled water for maintenance or 70% isopropyl alcohol (or ethanol) for decontamination. Make sure the supply tube is in the liquid. The supply tube should reach to the bottom of the bottle. Empty the waste bottles. Check tubing connections for clogs. Make sure the bottles, solutions, and tubing are clean and do not contain any particles or