Perform a Volume Test

An obstruction in the fluidics lines can cause poor reagent delivery and affect sequencing results. If an obstruction in the fluidics lines is suspected, perform a volume test.

A volume test checks the health of the fluidics system by estimating the volume between bubbles as they pass by the sensors. To perform a volume test, the wash tray and wash bottle must be loaded with laboratory-grade water and a used flow cell must be in place. Follow the onscreen prompts to perform the test.

1.

Make sure that a used flow cell is loaded on the instrument.

2.

From the Main Menu, select System Check.

3.

Select Conduct Volume Test, and then select Next.

4.

Fill each reservoir of the wash tray with 6 ml laboratory-grade water.

5.

Fill the 500 ml wash bottle with 350 ml laboratory-grade water.

6.

Load the wash tray and wash bottle onto the instrument.

a.

Open the reagent compartment door and reagent chiller door, and slide the wash tray into the reagent chiller until it stops. Close the reagent chiller door.

b.

Remove the waste bottle and discard the contents appropriately. Return the waste bottle to the reagent compartment.

c.

Slowly lower the sipper handle, making sure that the sippers lower into the wash bottle and waste bottle.

7.

Select Next.

When the volume test is complete, the results appear on the screen.

If the test did not pass, perform a maintenance wash. Refer to Perform a Maintenance Wash.

8.

When the maintenance wash is complete, repeat the volume test.