User manual

Section 7- Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
Calibration Check
It is recommended that a pedestal calibration check be performed every six months to verify that the instrument is
performing within specifications.
A vial of Thermo Scientific CF-1 calibration fluid is required to run the calibration check procedure. CF-1 is an
aqueous potassium dichromate (K
2
Cr
2
O
7
) solution used to confirm the pathlength accuracy of NanoDrop
2000/2000c spectrophotometers. It is roughly ten times more concentrated than other commercially available
K
2
Cr
2
O
7
solutions used to confirm the calibration of standard spectrophotometers and is available through Thermo
Fisher Scientific or your local distributor. Refer to the included material data safety sheet provided with the vial and
take the appropriate laboratory precautions.
Pedestal Calibration Check Procedure
1. Ensure the measurement pedestals are clean and that a 1 µL water sample “beads” up on the lower
pedestal.
2. Open the NanoDrop 2000/2000c software, and using the Diagnostics task bar, and choose Calibration
Check.
3. Enter the actual Target Absorbance stated on the CF-1 vial in the appropriate field as shown in the image
below.
4. Add 1 µL of dH
2
O to the pedestal, lower the arm and click Blank.
5.
Wipe the upper and lower pedestals using a dry laboratory wipe.
6. Vigorously shake the CF-1 vial to thoroughly mix the solution. Ensure that all of the solution has collected in
the bottom portion of the ampoule before carefully breaking open the vial.
Note: The CF-1 calibration fluid is supplied in a single use vial. CF-1 must be used within one hour of
opening the vial. Exposure to the environment or transferring of the fluid to another container may
result in a significant change in concentration.
7-2