A dry run uses empty labware and a mock run uses water-filled labware. A dry or mock run allows you to troubleshoot a protocol or a component of the system without wasting valuable reagents and samples. You should always perform a dry or mock run to check a new protocol.

After setting the teachpoints, be sure to perform a dry or mock run as a final check for any teachpoint errors.

You prepare for a dry or 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 mock run.

See Planning for the protocol run.