Leak Mitigation

If a poor fluidics connection, cartridge issue, or leak is detected during a pre-run check or sequencing, the software ends the run and notifies you. After assessing the leak and cleaning the instrument, a system check confirms that normal operation can continue.

A drip tray at the base of the instrument catches fluids leaking from the cartridge. However, leaked fluids can reach other areas of the system. Under normal circumstances, the drip tray is dry.

1. Put on a new pair of powder-free gloves.

This set of reagents contains potentially hazardous chemicals. Personal injury can occur through inhalation, ingestion, skin contact, and eye contact. Ventilation should be appropriate for handling of hazardous materials in reagents. Wear protective equipment, including eye protection, gloves, and laboratory coat appropriate for risk of exposure. Handle used reagents as chemical waste and discard in accordance with applicable regional, national, and local laws and regulations. For additional environmental, health, and safety information, refer to the SDS at support.illumina.com/sds.html.

2. Follow the onscreen prompts to eject the cartridge.
3. Inspect the cartridge for visible fluid.

A small amount of fluid (< 500 µl) on the glass surface of the flow cell is acceptable.

4. If no fluid (or an acceptable amount of fluid) is visible, proceed to Clean the Instrument.

After cleaning, a system check confirms normal operation.

5. If a significant amount of fluid is visible on the flow cell, cartridge, or instrument, shutdown and disconnect as follows and contact Illumina Technical Support.
a. From the menu, select Shut Down System.
b. If the shutdown command is unresponsive, press and hold the power button on the left side of the instrument until the lights fade.
c. When the power button pulses, press the power off (Ο) side of the toggle switch on the back of the instrument.
d. Wait 30 seconds.
e. Disconnect the power cord from the wall outlet, and then from the AC power outlet on the rear panel.
f. If applicable, disconnect the Ethernet cable from the wall outlet, and then from the Ethernet port on the rear panel.
1. Turn off and disconnect the instrument as follows.
a. From the menu, select Shut Down System.
b. If the shutdown command is unresponsive, press and hold the power button on the left side of the instrument until the lights fade.
c. When the power button pulses, press the power off (Ο) side of the toggle switch on the back of the instrument.
d. Wait 30 seconds.
e. Disconnect the power cord from the wall outlet, and then from the AC power outlet on the rear panel.
f. If applicable, disconnect the Ethernet cable from the wall outlet, and then from the Ethernet port on the rear panel.
2. Dry any visible fluid on or around the instrument using paper towels.
3. Turn on and reconnect the instrument as follows.
a. If applicable, connect the Ethernet cable to an Ethernet port.
b. Connect the power cord to the AC inlet on the rear panel, and then to a wall outlet.
c. Press the power on (I) side of the toggle switch on the rear panel.
d. When the power button pulses, press it.
e. When the operating system is loaded, log on to Windows.

The control software is launched and initializes the system. The Home screen appears when initialization is complete.

4. Perform a system check to confirm that the system is functioning normally.

Passing the system check indicates that the instrument can resume normal operation. For instructions, refer to Perform a System Check.