iMark™ Microplate Absorbance Reader Instruction Manual
Warranty Statement This warranty may vary outside of the continental United States. Contact your local Bio-Rad office for the exact terms of your warranty. Bio-Rad Laboratories warrants to the customer that the iMark Microplate Absorbance Reader will be free from defects in material and workmanship, and will meet all performance specifications for a period of one year from the date of shipment. This warranty covers all parts and labor.
Regulatory Notices Electro Magnetic Compatibility: This instrument is designed to meet the Class-A emissions and immunity levels of the EN 61326 product family standard for the CE mark. This rating requires that it only be used in a laboratory environment. NOTE: These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment.
Table of Contents Introduction .................................................................................................. 1 Description .........................................................................................................1 USB Interface .....................................................................................................1 Built-in Printer ....................................................................................................1 External Features........
Screen by Screen Procedures ......................................................................... 17 Initial Startup ....................................................................................................17 Configuring the System......................................................................................18 Printing Reports and Protocol information............................................................20 Memory Recall Operation .................................................
iMark Microplate Absorbance Reader Instruction Manual Introduction Description The iMark™ Microplate Absorbance Reader (catalog #168-1130) is an eight-channel, vertical pathlength photometer that measures the absorbance of the contents in the wells of a 96-well microtitration plates. It can perform single or dual wavelength measurements and can report absorbance values to three decimal places.
iMark Microplate Absorbance Reader Instruction Manual Catalog # 168-1130 168-1135 168-6940 Description iMark Microplate Absorbance Reader with built-in printer iMark Microplate Absorbance Reader with built-in printer, including Microplate Manager 6 software Checkmark Absorbance Reader Performance Validation Kit Accessories Catalog # 168-1011 168-1013 168-1020 168-1028 168-1038 168-1040 168-1044 168-1049 168-1054 168-1056 168-1061 168-1080 Description 405 nm filter 415 nm filter 450 nm filter 490 nm filt
iMark Microplate Absorbance Reader Instruction Manual External Features Release latch for rear cover Power button Rear cover Printer slot Liquid crystal display (LCD) Keypad Reading chamber door Cooling vents and fan USB 2.
iMark Microplate Absorbance Reader Instruction Manual Keypad Guide Main Start/Stop Paper Feed Print Edit Memory Recall Open/Close Up Arrow Left Arrow Down Arrow Right Arrow Enter Dot/Function Ten Keys Returns to MAIN SCREEN. Initiates plate reading using current active protocol. Stops plate reading and printing. Advances paper strip in internal printer. Prints out the plate data and protocol information. Enters the Edit Menu, and sets up the instrument. Reads out protocol and plate data.
iMark Microplate Absorbance Reader Instruction Manual Instrument Setup Unpacking the Instrument The shipping carton contains the following items: • iMark™ Microplate Reader, with 415 nm, 450 nm, 490 nm, 595 nm, 655 nm, and 750 nm interference filters installed on the filter wheel • Power cord • USB cable • Dust cover • Instruction manual • Warranty card • One roll of thermal printer paper Inspect the exterior of the instrument for any signs of shipping damage.
iMark Microplate Absorbance Reader Instruction Manual 4. Install the printer paper. The thermal printer paper is printable on one side only and must be properly installed for the printer to function. The outside of the roll is the printable side. a. Open the rear cover of the instrument. b. Tear off a small piece at the beginning of a new roll at an angle to form a point. c. Place the roll of paper in the small pan-like holder positioned below the printer.
iMark Microplate Absorbance Reader Instruction Manual Software Overview Capabilities The iMark Microplate Reader has on-board software that allows the user to set the plate reading and data analysis conditions, to save these settings as a test protocol, to read a microplate under this protocol, and to print reports from the built-in printer. The software communicates through the 4-line, 20-character LCD and is controlled through the instrument's membrane keypad.
iMark Microplate Absorbance Reader Instruction Manual Instrument Functions Calculations The Microplate Reader uses Beer's Law to calculate the absorbance value of each well. Beer's Law states that absorbance is equal to the log10 of the ratio of the baseline measurement intensity (Io) to the sample measurement intensity (I). Beer's Law: Absorbance = Log10 (Io/I) Before measuring the plate, the reader takes a reading for all eight photodiode channels.
iMark Microplate Absorbance Reader Instruction Manual The first time the instrument is turned on, or after a battery failure, the following default information is held in the memory. 1. Both Administrator and Common user security passwords are set to "00000". 2. Laboratory name is "Bio-Rad Laboratories". 3. All wavelength values of the filters are set to "---" nm. 4. The date and time of the calendar chip are set to 1 day, 1 month, 00 year, 0 hour and 0 minute. 5.
iMark Microplate Absorbance Reader Instruction Manual Report Types Two types of reports can be generated; End-point protocol, and Kinetic protocol. Each of these and their subtypes are described below. After these descriptions, there are flow diagrams that show how to access specific choices. End-point Protocol Reports Nine types of End-Point Protocol reports can be generated: raw data, absorbance, limit, matrix, cutoff, curve fit, concentration, difference, and TeSeE screening reports. 1.
iMark Microplate Absorbance Reader Instruction Manual 5. Cutoff report The Cutoff report provides a qualitative report of the relative magnitude of the absorbance values or converted concentrations on the plate. Four types of cutoff reports are supported; ranged constant, single constant, formula and ratio. These and their subtypes are listed below. a. Ranged Constant The user inputs Positive and Negative values to be used as the cutoff.
iMark Microplate Absorbance Reader Instruction Manual The result absorbance value of the formula calculation and the gray zone value that is entered by the user are used for the cutoff. The upper and lower cutoff values are: Upper cutoff absorbance = Result of a Formula + ((Gray zone/100) * Result of a Formula) Lower cutoff absorbance = Result of a Formula - ((Gray zone/100) * Result of a Formula) The absorbance range of the upper and lower cutoff is divided into 10 equal partitions, numbered 0 through 9.
iMark Microplate Absorbance Reader Instruction Manual 9. TeSeE Screening Report Analysis of the TeSeE screening assay results can be done with two pre-programmed protocols: “TeSeE” protocol is stored in Endpoint Protocol position #5 and “TeSeE eq” is stored in Endpoint Protocol position #6 as factory default setting. Both protocols are locked. TeSeE screening report is generated only if these protocols are selected as current active protocol.
iMark Microplate Absorbance Reader Instruction Manual End-point Analysis Protocol Edit Cutoff Not Used Constant Ranged Cutoff Single Cutoff Cutoff Values setting Gray zone setting when single cutoff Control Ranged Cutoff Single Cutoff Cutoff Control setting Gray zone setting when single cutoff Formula 12 choices of cutoff formula Coefficient setting of selected formula Ratio Concentration 0 - 9999 17 choices of unit Unit Ranged Cutoff Single Cutoff Cutoff value Protocol Cutoff Values setti
iMark Microplate Absorbance Reader Instruction Manual Kinetic Protocol Reports Four types of Kinetic protocol reports can be generated: absorbance, kinetic plots, linear regression, and GALT reports. 1. Absorbance Report The Kinetic Absorbance report is the series of absorbance data in the kinetic sequence. 2. Kinetic Plots Report The Kinetic plots are the absorbance plots of each well in the plate.
iMark Microplate Absorbance Reader Instruction Manual Kinetic Analysis Protocol Edit Reading Inter Shaking Ph.mode Speed Mode Number of reads (2-30), start delay time (0-999) Reading interval time Shake (First/Every/disable), Speed (High, Low, Mid), Time Single / Dual wavelength Read Speed (Fast/Step) CC Limit (correlation coefficient limit) Calc.
iMark Microplate Absorbance Reader Instruction Manual Screen by Screen Procedures Initial Startup Self-diagnosis iMark Microplate Reader 13:05 18/09/01 Self-Diagnosis This screen will appear upon power-up and during self-diagnosis. Date and time are also indicated on this screen. Initialization Initializing reader After self-diagnosis, the system initializes all the hardware.
iMark Microplate Absorbance Reader Instruction Manual Configuring the System NOTE: To return to the previous screen, use the back/left arrow key. Edit Menu »■Protocol ·Security ·Filters ·Date set ·Lab.name ·SaveSTDC ·Language ·LCD adj Edit Menu This menu can be accessed by pressing the Edit key in the MAIN SCREEN. Security Menu Security function »■Change Password •Change user •Lock/Unlock Prtl Security Setting Select “Security” in the Edit Menu screen, and press Enter.
iMark Microplate Absorbance Reader Instruction Manual Filter Filter Setting 1:400nm 2:450nm 3:475nm 4:650nm Move the cursor to the desired position by using the Up, Down, and Right arrow keys. Enter the filter wavelength on the selected position using the number keys. If the selected position of the filter disk is empty, enter three “...”. Press Enter to complete the field entry. The system will return to the previous Edit Menu screen. 5:650nm 6:...nm 7:...nm 8:...
iMark Microplate Absorbance Reader Instruction Manual Changing Language Language Select Language »■English •******* •******* •******* Power off >>Yes Select a desired language using the Up and Down arrow keys, and press Enter to complete the selection. The system will generate a message for an immediate power off to restart. Select “Yes” and press Enter to activate the selected new language. The newly-changed language will be applied to the LCD screen and printed reports.
iMark Microplate Absorbance Reader Instruction Manual Memory Recall Operation Memory Recall Menu This menu screen can be accessed by pressing the Memory Recall key in the MAIN screen. Memory Recall »■Protocol •Plate Data Protocol type menu Changing Current Active Protocol Select protocol type »■End Point •Kinetic •Checkmark Select “Protocol” in Memory Recall menu above, and press Enter. The Select Protocol type menu will appear on the screen. Select a protocol using the Up and Down arrow keys.
iMark Microplate Absorbance Reader Instruction Manual Editing the Kinetic Protocol Edit Menu This menu screen can be accessed by pressing the Edit key in the MAIN screen. »■Protocol ·Lab.name ·Security •SaveSTDC ·Filters •Printer ·Date set Kinetic Protocol Menu »■Mode ·Report ·Calc. ·Kit name ·Mapping ·Assay Select “Protocol” in the Edit Menu and press Enter. The Kinetic Protocol menu will appear on the screen if the current active protocol type is Kinetic. Kinetic Mode »■Reading ·Inter. ·Shaking ·Ph.
iMark Microplate Absorbance Reader Instruction Manual Kinetic Protocol Menu »■Mode •Report •Calc. •Kit name •Mapping •Assay Calculation Calculation Param. CC Limit: 0.910 Calc.range: 10 - 20 If GALT Result k = R1:1st R2:2nd Calculation Parameter Setting When the “CC Limit” field is activated, pressing the numeral key will enter the desired numbers. Press Enter to complete all field entries. If the GALT Reports is activated, pressing the numeral keys will enter the desired numbers.
iMark Microplate Absorbance Reader Instruction Manual Checkmark Value Setting (Administrator only) Edit Menu »■Protocol •Lab.name •Security •SaveSTDC •Filters •Printer •Date set This menu screen can be accessed by pressing the Edit key in the MAIN screen. Checkmark Protocol Menu »■Serial #/Report •Linearity ref. •Max.CV% •Filter Check ref. Select “Protocol” in the Edit Menu and press Enter. The Checkmark Protocol Menu will appear on the screen if the current active protocol type is Checkmark mode.
iMark Microplate Absorbance Reader Instruction Manual Editing End Point Protocol Edit Menu »■Protocol •Lab.name •Security •SaveSTDC •Filters •Printer •Date set This menu screen can be accessed by pressing the Edit key in the MAIN screen. End Point Protocol Menu »■Cutoff •Report •Limit •STDs Select “Protocol” in Edit Menu screen above, and press Enter. The End point Protocol Menu will appear on the screen, if the current active protocol type is End point mode.
iMark Microplate Absorbance Reader Instruction Manual Cutoff Setting Procedure »■Not usex [Const] •Contrl •Formula •Ratio Cutoff Setting Menu This menu is entered by choosing "Cutoff" in the End Point Protocol Menu. It is used to set the cutoff type. The cutoff type marked with “[ ]” is the current selection. The Up and Down arrow keys move the cursor to the desired item in the menu list.
iMark Microplate Absorbance Reader Instruction Manual b. Cutoff Control Selection of Single/Ranged Cutoff Control »■Ranged cutoff [Single cutoff] This menu screen selects Single or Ranged cutoff type. The cutoff type marked with “[ ]” is the current selection. The Enter key seals the selection and resumes to the next setting screen.
iMark Microplate Absorbance Reader Instruction Manual k1 * CNx + k2 * CPx Coefficient for Cutoff Formula 12 The Numerical keys and the Decimal point key are used to enter the coefficient "k1" and "k2" and gray zone values. The Up and Down arrow key moves the cursor to the desired cutoff formula. The Enter key sets the all values of the cutoff formula and returns to the previous screen. Input coefficient k1 = 0.01 (0.01-10) k2 = 10.0 (0.
iMark Microplate Absorbance Reader Instruction Manual Standard Setting Procedure Standard Curve Setting Menu Standard menu »■STD information •Curve fit •Recall STD curve This menu screen is entered by choosing "STDs" in the End Point Protocol Menu screen. It is used to set the concentration data and the curve fit type for a standard curve or to recall a memorized standard curve. The Up and Down arrow key moves the cursor to the desired item in the menu list.
iMark Microplate Absorbance Reader Instruction Manual b. Curve Fit Setting Curve Fit Curve fit setting »■Curve fit type •Graph axis Curve fit type In this screen, there are two choices to set the curve fit. The Up and Down arrow keys move the cursor to the desired item in the menu list. The Enter key seals the selection and resumes to the next setting screen. ↑ 5p »■ 4p [5p ↓ 4p Curve Fit Type 10 types of curve fit are supported as below. The curve fit type marked with “[ ]” is the current selection.
iMark Microplate Absorbance Reader Instruction Manual c. Recall STD Curve Setting Recall STD curve »■Recall setting •Select STD curve Recall Setting of Standard Curve In this screen, there are two items for setting the Recall STD curve as below. The Up and Down arrow keys move the cursor to the desired item in the menu list. 1. Recall setting (Yes/No) 2.
iMark Microplate Absorbance Reader Instruction Manual Mode Setting Procedure »■Set Photo mode •Set shaking •Set read mode Mode Setting Menu This menu screen is entered by choosing the "Mode" in the End Point Protocol Menu screen or the Kinetic Protocol Menu screen. It is used to set the plate reading conditions. The Up and Down arrow keys move the cursor to the desired item in the menu list. The Enter key seals the selection and resumes to the next setting screen. a.
iMark Microplate Absorbance Reader Instruction Manual Plate Map Setting Procedure Select Mapping Mode Menu Select Mapping mode »■Manual mapping •Automatic mapping This menu screen is entered by choosing "Mapping" in the End Point Protocol Menu screen or the Kinetic Protocol Menu screen. It is used to map the plate format. The Up and Down arrow keys move the cursor next to the desired item of menu list. The Enter key seals the selection and changes this screen to the next setting screen. a.
iMark Microplate Absorbance Reader Instruction Manual Acceptable Number Ranges for each well type: 1. 2. 3. 4. Blank and Empty wells do not use numbers. Sample and Standard wells: 00 - 99 Standard wells: 01 - 99 Control and Calibrator wells: 0-9 b. Automatic Mapping Automatic Mapping Automatic BLK= 1 CP CN = 1 CO CW = 0 QC mapping = 1 CAL= 0 = 0 SMP=93 = 0 REP= 1 Plate auto-mapping completed The user can input the number of each well type in this screen.
iMark Microplate Absorbance Reader Instruction Manual Warning and Error of Automatic Mapping: Warning: The total Of mapped wells has Exceeded 96. Press any key Warning screen: If the total number of wells mapped exceeds 96 wells, a warning message in the left figure appears on the screen. The calculation of the total number of mapping wells is as follows: (Blanks+Standards+CNs+CWs+CPs+COs+QCs+Calibrators+Sample)*Replicates The plate mapping is executed normally and the exceeded part is invalidated.
iMark Microplate Absorbance Reader Instruction Manual Instrument Maintenance Caution: Electrical shock hazard! Always disconnect the instrument from the AC power source before opening the service compartment. Caution: The lamp and the lamp cover may be very hot! Use caution and allow the lamp to cool before attempting service. Installing Interference Filters 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
iMark Microplate Absorbance Reader Instruction Manual Troubleshooting and Error Messages The iMark Microplate Reader constantly monitors several functions and displays appropriate messages on the LCD as errors are encountered. Error 1. 2. 3. LCD appears blank on power up. a. Power is not turned on. The AC outlet is non-functional. b. Unit is not plugged into AC outlet or power code is not attached to the instrument. Check power cord connections at outlet and on the rear panel of the instrument. c.
iMark Microplate Absorbance Reader Instruction Manual 8. Wells have color, but absorbance values seem low. a. Incorrect filter used for measurement and/or reference wavelength. Check wavelength used in analysis. Read plate in single wavelength mode at all wavelength to verify that the proper filter was used. The measurement wavelength should produce the highest absorbance. b. The best measurement wavelength filter for the substrate in use has not been installed in the filter wheel.
iMark Microplate Absorbance Reader Instruction Manual Instrument Specifications Computer interface USB 2.0 Plate shaking 3 speeds (low, mid, high) Data storage The most recent 10 data plates for end-point, most recent 2 data plates of 30 readings for kinetic readings, protocol data and calendar/clock function shall be kept in memory by a lithium battery even when the power is off. Average lifetime of the battery shall be 5 years.
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