Running the protocol

Before you start

Ensure that you:

•	Prepare the reformatting setup method. See Setting up a Reformatting method.

•	Prepare the source and destination plates. Ensure that the type of labware and volumes per well match what is specified in the reformatting method.

 

To minimize evaporation, fill the labware immediately before run time or keep them covered until you run the protocol.

 

•	If necessary, run the Startup protocol to initialize the AssayMAP Bravo Platform and prime the wash lines. See the System Startup/Shutdown v2.2 utility.

About performing a mock run (optional)

If you are unfamiliar with the protocol and would like to see how it operates before running it with valuable samples and reagents, you can perform a mock run. A mock run uses empty or water-filled labware and source bottles.

You prepare for a mock run the same way you would prepare for a real protocol run, except that you use empty labware for a totally dry run or labware containing water for a wet run. You must use pipette tips for the mock run.

 

Return to top

Running the protocol

To run the protocol:

1	Locate the Reformatting banner in the Utility Library, and then click Utility.

 

The Reformatting utility opens.

 

2	Under Select and Load a Reformatting Method, click to select the method that you created in Setting up a Reformatting method.

3	Click Display Bravo Layout to display the Method Loaded and the Deck Layout information.

 

 

The probes of the Bravo 96AM Head are sharp and can scratch you if they brush across your hand. A probe scratch can expose you to any contaminants remaining on the probes. Be careful to avoid touching the probes.

 

4	Ensure that the following items are securely in place at their respective AssayMAP Bravo deck locations:

•	Bravo Plate Risers at deck locations 2 and 6

•	Empty 96AM Cartridge & Tip Seating Station at deck location 5

 

 

To prevent a potential collision, ensure that no thermal plate insert is on the Peltier Thermal Station installed at deck location 4.

 

5	Place a tip box full of fresh pipette tips at deck location 3.

Note: A full tip box is required for each run even if the run uses less than 96 pipette tips.

6	Place the filled source and destination plates at their respective AssayMAP Bravo deck locations:

•	Source plate on the Bravo Plate Riser at deck location 2

•	Destination plate on the Bravo Plate Riser at deck location 6

 

Incorrect labware selections can cause a hardware collision, resulting in equipment damage. Ensure that the type of labware you use for the source and destination plates match the labware specified in the method you are using.

 

 

Improperly seated labware can cause a hardware collision, resulting in equipment damage. Ensure that all labware are properly seated within the alignment features of their respective platepads.

 

7	Click Run Protocol to start the run.

To monitor the progress of the run, check the Status box in the upper right corner of the form.

 

Note: The run time varies depending on the method. The software updates the run time throughout the course of the run, and the completion time estimate becomes more and more accurate as the run progresses.

 

To stop a run in an emergency, use the hardware Emergency Stop button.

 

To stop or pause the run, see Emergency stops and pauses.

 

Return to top

Cleaning up

To clean up after the run:

1	Remove used labware from the deck, and clean up any spills.

2	Discard the used pipette tips from the tip box at deck location 3.

3	Transfer the unused pipette tips from the 96AM Cartridge & Tip Seating Station at deck location 5 to unused locations in the tip box.

4	Remove the Bravo Plate Risers from deck locations 2 and 6.

5	Discard any leftover solutions appropriately.

 

Make sure you discard the chemical waste and used labware according to your lab’s waste disposal procedures and in compliance with all local, state, and federal safety regulations.

 

To shut down at the end of the day:

1	Open the System Startup/Shutdown utility. See System Startup/Shutdown v2.2.

2	Remove everything from the deck except the wash station (deck location 1).

3	Place the 96AM Cartridge & Tip Seating Station at deck location 2, and then click Run Shutdown.

4	After the Shutdown protocol has completed, turn off the power at the AssayMAP Bravo Platform and the accessories.

5	Close the Protein Sample Prep Workbench software.

 

Return to top