DBS USER MANUAL 10 Stern Avenue, Springfield, NJ 07081 Tel: 973-376-7400 Fax: 973-376-8265
TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION I ......................................................................................................................1 Introduction ..........................................................................................................1 SECTION II .....................................................................................................................2 Processor Overview .............................................................................................
SECTION I INTRODUCTION The Hudson Dried Blood Spot Processor (DBS) links the barcode identification of a sample (a dried blood spot or other sample impregnated on paper) to a location in a micro-titer plate. After the micro-titer plate is processed, the assay results can easily be linked eliminating the chance of sample mis-identification. The operator loads the micro-titer plate into the plate holder and the operator then instructs the processor to move to the first well.
SECTION II PROCESSOR OVERVIEW A. Hardware Part Name Part # Peripheral Equipment footswitch (1) ................................842-6091 computer cables (1) ......................83F888 AC line cord (1) ............................ELC-1009 Barcode Hand held scanner (1) ....................LS1006-I000-1900Z Punch and Die die plate (1) ...................................A1578 punch (1) .......................................A2431 punch holder (1)…………………..A2430 X-Y Stage lead screw shaft (2) .................
B. Software 1. Main Screen The Dried Blood Spot Testing System boots up to display its main screen as show below. The main screen provides the following available selections: This button begins a run using a new destination plate. See below for more information on processing plates. This button will display the calibration dialog where a user can adjust the positioning of the DBS. See below for more information on calibrating.
This button allows the user to change the start and stop wells for the run as well as the order in which wells are processed. 2. Run Screen Once the user selects to start a run, they will be prompted to scan the destination plate barcode using the hand scanner, or to enter the barcode using the keyboard. After scanning the destination plate barcode, the user is prompted to load the plate into the DBS unit.
3. Calibration Screen The calibration screen displays a plate map indicating the calibration points for a microtiter plate, and the movement tools useful in calibrating the processor. The calibration screen is password protected upon entry. For proper positioning of the micro-titer plate, it must be calibrated. To assist in calibration of the plate, the Jog Intervals, Jog Arrows, and Current Position displays are used.
The Calculate Plate button will recalculate all well positions based on the calibrated locations of wells A1, A12, H1, and H12. The Move To Point button moves to the currently selected point. The Halt Motion button stops any motion of the DBS unit. 4. Data Handling During a run data about the current plate and its samples is stored in a temporary location in the system database. This allows a plate to be completed after a power outage or other system failure.
SECTION III Machine Operation A. Start-Up 1. Cable Connections Computer - connect the computer power cable. Mouse - connect the mouse cable to the computer backpanel. Keyboard – connect the keyboard cable the the PS/2 port on the handheld scanner Computer Monitor (optional) - connect the monitor communications cable to the computer; plug monitor to wall outlet. USB to RS232 Converter (optional) – connect the USB converter to the computer using the supplied USB cable.
Step 2: Plug the 3 prong computer power cable into the AC wall outlet. Step 3: Plug the 3 prong processor power cable into the AC wall outlet. At this time all cables should be properly connected! Step 4: Power-up the processor by flipping the switch located on the front of the processor. Note, if done correctly, the green switch LED should turn on. Step 5: Power-up the computer by pushing in the power button located on the front of the computer.
1. Factory Calibration Method Step 1: Properly connect all cables and power-up the machine as described in Sections III.A.1 and III.A.2, respectively. Step 2: From the Main Screen, enter the Calibration Screen by selecting “Calibrate”. This function is password protected. Step 3: Press the Home button to home the XY stage. Step 4: The operator should prompt the XY stage to move to the load position. Step 5: Load a micro-titer plate. Step 6: The operator should prompt the XY Stage to move to well A1.
positions. To re-calibrate the remaining plate wells and save all calibration data, select Yes.
SECTION IV Troubleshooting A. Problem/Cause/Solution 1. Processor DBS rocker switch does not light when switched on. Cause: No power to the DBS. Solution: Check power cord on back of unit. Check the Main Screen shows the firmware version of the punch unit. If the firmware version is displayed, the rocker switch is defective and should be replaced. If “Offline”, check all cabling and proper connections, and check Fuse 1 on the processor back panel. If Fuse 1 is blown, replace Fuse 1.
Solution: Clean punch and around punching area. 4. Barcode Barcode reader does not work. Cause: The computer is not communicating with the barcode reader. Solution: Check the connections between the computer and the DBS. Check to be sure that the correct serial port for the BARCODE connection has been selected.
