Locate the task in the fluid path first
Arrows indicate task relationships, not that every component is connected in series in one tube. Check valve positions, pump wetted boundaries and operating states for each branch.
Calculate total cycle volume from plate format, well count, dose per well and available time, then select sequential or parallel supply. For washing, identify whether cells, beads or another solid phase must remain, and set aspiration height accordingly.
Common product roles and application guides
| Product category | Role in this instrument |
|---|---|
| Syringe pump | Discrete dispensing by well or well group |
| Diaphragm pump | Wash liquid and shared supply for microplate stations; suitable air-containing aspiration and waste removal from microplates |
| Solenoid valve | On/off control of wash and dispensing branches |
| Wash probe | Well-washing interfaces and aspiration height |
| Bubble and pressure detection | Signals for controller monitoring of liquid supply and drainage |
| Tubing and fittings | Connections between reservoirs, manifolds and waste paths |
- Syringe pumps in microplate dispensing and washing
- Diaphragm pumps in microplate dispensing and washing
- Solenoid Valves for Microplate Dispensing and Washing
- Wash probes in microplate dispensing and washing
- Bubble and Pressure Monitoring for Microplate Dispensing and Washing
- Tubing and fittings in microplate dispensing and washing
Operating requirements differ by step
| Stage | Task category | Operating conditions to define |
|---|---|---|
| Well dispensing: measure spatial variation across the plate | Dispensing operating conditions | Plate format, well positions, independent channels, branch resistance and concurrent flow |
| Microplate washing: balance residual liquid and solid-phase retention | Solid-phase retention, washing and recovery | Solid-phase location and retention target, wash cycles, aspiration height, residue, destination and downstream assay requirements |
| Manifold connections: identify the source of channel differences | Connection requirements | Tubing ID/OD, length, interface geometry, pressure, materials and maintenance method |
Well dispensing: measure spatial variation across the plate
Include first, last and edge wells and concurrent operations. Record branch lengths and receiving heights. The port count of a multiport selector valve does not equal the number of simultaneous supply channels.
Microplate washing: balance residual liquid and solid-phase retention
Observe residual liquid, foam and solid-phase loss during each cycle. Insufficient supply, a misaligned wash head and delayed waste removal can cause similar symptoms and must be checked separately.
Manifold connections: identify the source of channel differences
After assembly, check blocked ports, leaks and path volume, and measure each well. Calibrating total volume alone can conceal local dispensing errors.
Explore configurations through product application guides
- Syringe pumps in microplate dispensing and washing
- Diaphragm pumps in microplate dispensing and washing
- Solenoid Valves for Microplate Dispensing and Washing
- Wash probes in microplate dispensing and washing
- Bubble and Pressure Monitoring for Microplate Dispensing and Washing
- Tubing and fittings in microplate dispensing and washing
Validate the complete cycle through application results
Assess differences in delivered volume between wells, residual liquid after washing and the complete plate cycle. Preserve well identities.
| Step to validate | Measurements or observations | Priority troubleshooting checks |
|---|---|---|
| Well dispensing: measure spatial variation across the plate | Measure first and last wells, channel differences and the complete plate cycle; preserve well identities and verify actual delivery and residual liquid. | Empty sources, bubbles, nozzle droplets and backpressure changes affect first or last doses |
| Microplate washing: balance residual liquid and solid-phase retention | Evaluate solid-phase loss, post-wash residue and downstream assay background or nucleic-acid recovery together | Insufficient capture, incorrect aspiration height, uneven coverage or pooling may impair washing and recovery |
| Manifold connections: identify the source of channel differences | Check leaks, tube disconnection and material changes at actual pressure and temperature; evaluate residue, recovery and the first post-maintenance cycle through the complete path | Misconnections, gaps, tube deformation or leaks may alter volume and pressure |
Multiport selection does not provide independent simultaneous channels. Validate washing through both liquid handling and retention of the required solid phase.
Common selection and recovery questions
Why are some wells underfilled when total supply volume passes?
Check blocked ports, leaks, resistance and receiving height by well or branch, including first/last wells, edge wells and concurrent actions. Total-volume calibration can hide local variation.
What else should be monitored when reducing residual volume after washing?
Check the solid phase that the method requires retaining, foam and plate-wide background. Confirm aspiration height and peak waste flow.