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

Chapter 7Maintaining the InstrumentReplacing the Sample BlockWhen to PerformSample BlockInstallationWorkflowIMPORTANT! Before changing the sample block, perform all required upgrades tothe SDS software and instrument firmware. Failure to update the software can makethe instrument inoperable or result in damage to instrument components.You need to remove the 7900HT instrument sample block when you:• Decontaminate the wells of the sample block (see page 7-14)• Change sample block formatsIMPORTANT! Always run a background plate after installing the sample block.Unless instructed to do otherwise, adhere to the following guidelines whenexchanging sample block modules of different formats.To install a sample block module:1. Perform all required software and firmware upgrades to the Applied Biosystems7900HT Fast Real-Time PCR System (see page 7-55).2. Remove the existing sample block (see page 7-7).3. Install the new sample block (see page 7-10).4. Change the plate adapter (see page 7-12).5. Run a background plate to check the sample block for contamination(see page 7-16).If you are changing block formats or installing a new block, also do the following:IMPORTANT! Perform pure dye and background runs after replacing the sampleblock, even if you are replacing a sample block module with another block of thesame format.6. Run a pure dye plate or microfluidic pure dye card to create the pure spectracalibration values for the new format (see page 7-20).7. Run the appropriate TaqMan ® RNase P Instrument Verification Plate or aTaqMan ® Low Density 7900HT Installation Array (TGF-β card) to confirm theproper operation of the sample block (see page 7-30).If you are using an Automation Accessory, also do the following:8. If changing consumable formats (for example, when replacing a Standard384-Well Block with a Standard 96-Well Block, a Fast 96-Well Block, or a7900HT System TaqMan ® Low Density Array Upgrade), adjust the plate sensorswitch on the Plate Handler arm for the new plates (see page 7-37).9. Align the Zymark ® Twister Microplate Handler fixed-position bar code readerfor the new plate format (see page 7-41).IMPORTANT! You must align the Plate Handler to only the Instrument position(Zymark position 2) as explained on pages 7-41 to 7-44.10. Align the fixed-position bar code reader for the new plate format(see page 7-49).7-6 Applied Biosystems 7900HT Fast Real-Time PCR System and SDS Enterprise Database User GuideDRAFTSeptember 1, 2004 11:39 am, CH_Maintenance.fm