Applied Biosystems 7900HT Fast Real-Time PCR System and SDS ...

Chapter 4Operating the InstrumentAbout the SealerThe microfluidic card sealer is required to isolate the wells of the Low Density Arrayafter it is loaded with cDNA samples or controls and master mix. The sealer uses aprecision stylus assembly (carriage) to seal the main fluid distribution channels of theLow Density Array.SealerComponentsHandleUsed to move the carriage,which contains the stylusassemblyLow Density ArrayShown foil-side up, with fill reservoirs on the right(carriage moves from left to right during sealing, inthe direction of the arrows etched into the base)Insert plateHolds the Low DensityArray during sealingGR2172BaseProvides a stable platform forthe Low Density Array and atrack for the stylus assemblyFigure 4-9Sealer Components (Shown with Cover Removed)Laboratory SetupThe microfluidic card sealer is designed to be placed on a standard laboratory bench.It requires no electrical power.Loading the TaqMan Low Density ArraysEquipment andMaterials NeededGuidelines forLoading theCardsYou need the following equipment and materials to load the sample-specific PCRreaction mix into the fill reservoirs of the Low Density Arrays:• Rainin F-100 micropipette (100-µL)• Rainin Fine Point pipet tips (100-µL)• TaqMan Low Density Array(s)• Sample-specific PCR reaction mix (see the protocol accompanying your LowDensity Array chemistry for instructions on preparing the reaction mix)Follow the guidelines below to ensure proper loading of the Low Density Arrays.• Do not remove a Low Density Array from its packaging until the packaging hasreached room temperature and you are ready to load it with the sample-specificPCR reaction mix.IMPORTANT! Prolonged exposure to indoor lighting can photo-degrade thefluorescent probes contained inside the Low Density Array. Do not expose theLow Density Array to sunlight.• Do not twist or bend the fill consumable portion of the Low Density Array(Figure 4-5 on page 4-10) before loading.IMPORTANT! To successfully load the sample-specific PCR reaction mix, it iscritical that the main channels leading from the Low Density Array’s fillreservoirs to its wells are open and undamaged.4-14 Applied Biosystems 7900HT Fast Real-Time PCR System and SDS Enterprise Database User GuideDRAFTSeptember 1, 2004 11:39 am, CH_Basic.fm