Where sample preparation fits in the instrument
This task uses disposable-tip air displacement to transfer nucleic acid samples and extraction reagents between wells. Confirm the source, well position, tip seal and actual liquid type, then associate aspiration and delivery programs with sample identity. For fixed-path reagent dispensing, see the syringe-pump application for this instrument.
Assign container identities and destinations to each step, and establish programs for the actual lysis and binding formulations. After an interruption, confirm whether the product has already been transferred before deciding whether to complete the step or stop.
Product responsibilities in this operation
The air-displacement pump drives liquid inside the tip; the platform manages tips, wells and movement. Associate liquid destinations and consumable states with every operation.
For this nucleic acid processing task, confirm individual dose, total cycle volume, replenishment/bottle-change interval, backpressure and receiving geometry.
Organize the sequence by actual architecture
- This task uses disposable-tip air displacement. Confirm the nucleic-acid processing step, source and receiving wells, sample identity and current reagent. For fixed-path dispensing, see the syringe-pump application.
- After picking up a tip, check its seal. Set immersion, aspiration and dispensing for the actual viscosity, particles, working volume and minimum remaining volume.
- Deliver sample or reagent to the designated vessel and perform the mixing required by the step. Record actual received volume and the product's next destination.
- Change and discard tips according to experimental contamination requirements, and check subsequent recovery and blanks. After an interruption, establish the transferred volume and sample position before resuming.
Define operating conditions for this task
| To define | Details |
|---|---|
| Actual operating conditions | Disposable-tip seal and liquid class; source and receiving wells; sample identity; reagent formulation; remaining source volume; aspiration depth; working volume and mixing step |
| Acceptance target | Measure delivery into the identified well after tip pickup using the actual sample or extraction reagent. Cover low source volume, the intended immersion depth and tip-change sequence, then verify the required mixing step. |
| Fault localization | Tip leakage, incorrect immersion, retained droplets or a missed tip change can change delivery and contamination status. A completed motion does not establish that the intended sample or reagent reached the correct well. |
Compare product configurations by the roles on this page
| Product | Configuration option | Conditions to verify |
|---|---|---|
| SMTP air-displacement pipetting pump | Air displacement with disposable tips | Validate tip sealing, liquid type and motion together |
Validate operation results at the receiver
Measure delivery into the identified well after tip pickup using the actual sample or extraction reagent. Cover low source volume, the intended immersion depth and tip-change sequence, then verify the required mixing step.
Check product recovery, downstream results and sample-to-sample blanks separately from liquid volume. Keep the source well, receiving well and completed reagent additions associated with each sample.
Locate abnormalities and restore the next operation
Tip leakage, incorrect immersion, retained droplets or a missed tip change can change delivery and contamination status. A completed motion does not establish that the intended sample or reagent reached the correct well.
Pause the affected wells and establish the volume already transferred and the tip state. Handle the interrupted sample and consumable according to the experiment, then verify source, destination and readiness before the next aspiration.
Extraction and library-preparation liquid handling differ in contamination and outcome requirements. Confirm research workflows and clinical diagnostic methods separately.