Bio-Rad Personal Molecular Imager Instruction Manual

Hard ware Instruction Man ual

for Catalog Number

170-9400

For Technical Service, Call Your Local Bio-Rad Office or, in the US, Call 1-800-4BIORAD (1-800-424-6723)

P er sonal Molecular

Imager

™

System

Copyright 2005 Bio-Rad Laboratories Inc.

Welcome

Dear Customer,
On behalf of Bio-Rad Laboratories, we would like to thank you for investing in the Personal

Molecular Imager (PMI) system and we are sure that it will provide you with many years of
high quality imaging.

One of the best ways to familiarize yourself with the capabilities of your new PMI system is
to read this manual. In it you will learn how to set up the system and operate all hardware
components. It is also recommended that you read the accompanying software manual, to
familiarize yourself with general acquisition functions and data analysis. After reading this
manual, please keep it close to your PMI system so that it can be conveniently referred to.

Your PMI system is protected by a comprehensive instrument warranty agreement. Please
read this manual thoroughly, so that you fully understand the coverage it provides and you
are aware of your rights and responsibilities. One of the responsibilities of system ownership
is regular maintenance. Following the maintenance instructions provided with this manual
will help to keep your system and peripherals functioning optimally and will protect your
investment. Please also keep in mind that Bio-Rad offers a range of comprehensive service
agreements that can be tailored to meet your specific needs.

Bio-Rad Laboratories is dedicated to your total satisfaction and would be pleased to
answer any questions or concerns that you may have.

How to Contact Bio-Rad Laboratories

In the United States you can reach Bio-Rad Laboratories at the following numbers:
For general information
Toll free: 1-800-4BIORAD

1-800-424-6723
Fax: [phone]
e-mail: [e-mail]

For service or technical assistance
Toll free: 1-800-424-6723
Fax: [phone]

Outside the United States, contact your local Bio-Rad Laboratories office.
For information concerning Bio-Rad Laboratories and its products, visit our web site at

www.bio-rad.com.

Table of Contents

Section 1 General Information......................................................................1

1.1 About this Manual......................................................................................1

1.2 Safe t y I nf o r m at i o n......................................................................................1

1.2.1 General Cautions...........................................................................1

1.2.2 General Warnings..........................................................................2

1.2.3 Power Safety Information...............................................................2

1.2.4 Laser Safety Information ................................................................2

1.2.5 Screen Eraser Safety Information...................................................3

Section 2 Introduction...................................................................................3

2.1 System Capabilities ...................................................................................3

2.2 System Description....................................................................................3

2.3 Theo r y o f O p e r at i o n...................................................................................7

2.3.1 Storage Phosphor Detection Mechanism .......................................7

2.3.2 Data Processing and Analysis........................................................7

2.4 Overview of the Imaging Process...............................................................8

2.4.1 Steps in Storage Phosphor Imaging...............................................8

Section 3 System Installation .......................................................................9

3.1 Operating Requirements............................................................................9

3.1.1 System Location.............................................................................9

3.1.2 AC Power Requirements..............................................................10

3.1.3 Host Computer Recommendations...............................................10

3.2 Setting Up Your PMI System ...................................................................11

3.2.1 Shipping Check............................................................................11

3.2.2 Unpacking....................................................................................11

3.2.3 Electrical and Communication Connections..................................13

3.2.4 Quantity One Software Installation ...............................................13

Section 4 System Operation ......................................................................13

4.1 Starting the Scanner................................................................................13

4.2 Detailed Operating Procedures................................................................14

4.2.1 How to Prepare Imaging Screens.................................................14

4.2.2 How to Erase Imaging Screens....................................................15

4.2.3 How to Prepare Samples .............................................................15

4.2.4 How to Use the Exposure Cassette..............................................18

4.2.5 How to Scan the Imaging Screen.................................................18

4.3 Scanning Unit Precautions.......................................................................20

Section 5 Care and Maintenance................................................................20

5.1 Scanner Maintenance..............................................................................20

5.2 Care for PMI Accessories ........................................................................21

5.2.1 General Care of Imaging Screens................................................21

5.2.2 Radioactive Contamination Check................................................21

5.2.3 Cleaning Imaging Screens ...........................................................21

5.2.4 Storage of the Imaging Screens...................................................21

5.3 Exposure Cassette Maintenance .............................................................21

5.4 Screen Eraser Maintenance.....................................................................21

5.4.1 Changing Bulbs............................................................................21

Section 6 Troubleshooting..........................................................................24

6.1 Factors Affecting Image Quality...............................................................24

6.2 Problem Solving Guide............................................................................24

Appendix 1System Specifications ................................................................25

Appendix 2Warranty Information..................................................................26

Appendix 3Purchasing Information..............................................................27

Section 1
General Information

1.1 About this Manual

This manual provides instructions for installing, operating and maintaining the Personal
Molecular Imager (PMI) system. This manual uses certain conventions to facilitate
understanding of the text material and to assist operators in using the PMI system.

Notes, Cautions and Warnings

Notes, cautions and warnings are used to highlight certain operating procedures and
recommendations.

A note indicates a special procedure, an exception to normal operation or something else
of specific interest to the reader. Notes are preceded by the word “Note” in italics.

A caution precedes an operational step that could damage the instrument or destroy data
unless the operator takes certain precautions. Cautions are located in the main text, are
preceded by a Caution: statement and are accompanied by a caution symbol in the left
margin.

A warning precedes an operating procedure that could cause injury to the operator if not
followed correctly. Warnings are located in the main text, are preceded by a Warning:
statement and are accompanied by a warning symbol in the left margin.

1.2 Safety Information

Your safety and the safety of others is very important to us. To help you make informed
decisions about safety, we have provided comprehensive operating procedures and safety
information in this manual and on labels affixed to instrumentation. This information will
alert you to any potential hazards.

1.2.1 General Cautions
Caution: Always install the scan head locking screw before moving the PMI and avoid

subjecting the PMI system to vibration (see section 3.2.2).
Caution: After transport, always remove the scan head locking screw before supplying

power to the PMI scanner (see section 3.2.2).
Caution: Other than emission filter wheel access port, do not remove instrument covers.

There are no user-serviceable parts inside. Refer all servicing to qualified Bio-Rad personnel
or their agents. If you experience technical difficulties with the instrument, contact Bio-Rad
to schedule a service appointment.

Caution: The instrument should not be modified or altered in any way other than moving
or changing emission filters. Alteration of this instrument voids the manufacturer's warranty
and may create a potential safety hazard for the user.

Caution: Bio-Rad is not responsible for any injury or damage caused by the use of this
instrument for purposes other than that for which it is intended or by the modification of this
instrument when not performed by qualified Bio-Rad personnel or an authorized agent.

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1.2.2 General Warnings
Warning: There are hazardous voltages inside the PMI scanner. Do not attempt to defeat

the door interlock or remove the instrument's cover. These are designed to prevent user
injury.

1.2.3 Power Safety Information

The PMI system is designed and certified to meet both IEC 61010 safety standards and
Center for Devices, Radiological Health (CDRH) laser safety standards. Certified products
are safe to use when operated in accordance with the instruction manual. This safety
certification does not extend to uncertified equipment or accessories, even when connected
to the PMI system.

This instrument and its accessories should not be altered or modified in any way. Alteration
of the PMI or its accessories will void the manufacturer's warranty, void the IEC 61010 and
CDRH certification, and create a potential safety hazard for the user.

Bio-Rad Laboratories is not responsible for any injury or damage caused by the use of this
instrument for purposes other than for which it is intended or by modifications of the
instrument not performed by Bio-Rad or an authorized agent.

Figure 1.1 shows two serial number certification labels. These are found at the rear of the
PMI system and the rear of the External Laser. This label provides manufacturing data
about the instrument, its voltage settings and CDRH compliance information.
.

Note: For easy customer access, serial number information for the PMI scanner is also
located on the right hand side of the overlay located behind the scanner door.

Fig. 1.1a. Instrument serial number information on the rear of the PMI scanner.

1.2.4 Laser Safety Information

This instrument and its accessories are certified according to 21 CFR 1040 of the CDRH,
as a Class I laser device and IEC/EN 60825-1+A1+A2 as a Class 1 Laser Device
(Figure 1.1a).

The laser contained within the PMI and PharosFX™ Plus scanning unit is configured with a
laser that generates energy up to 10 MW at 635 nm. The cover of the scanner has redundant
interlocks and is designed to protect the user.

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Warning: Do not remove the cover for any reason or defeat the interlock. Attempting to

operate the unit with the cover removed may damage the instrument and expose the
operator to energy from the laser.

Warning: Use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other than those
specified herein may result in hazardous laser energy exposure.

Caution: The top cover should only be removed by trained service personnel. Do not
attempt to operate the product with the cover removed. The PMI system should be serviced
only by Bio-Rad or its trained representatives.

Laser warning labels (Figure 1.2) are located externally on the top cover and rear of the
instrument and internally on the top surface of the mounting plate, at the rear right-hand
corner and the top of the laser module.

Fig. 1.2. Laser warning label.

1.2.5 Screen Eraser Safety Information
Warning: The screen erasers must be plugged into a grounded electrical outlet.
Warning: The screen eraser must be unplugged and adequate time allowed for the bulbs

to cool before the unit is opened and bulbs are replaced.

Section 2
Introduction

2.1 System Capabilities

The PMI system detects a broad range of isotopes, including 32P, 33P, 35S, 14C, and 3H. The
PMI uses storage phosphor screen technology that is at least ten times more sensitive to
isotopic emission than X-ray film. The system is compatible with most available phosphor
imaging screens based on BaFBr:Eu storage phosphor chemistry.

2.2 System Description

Fig. 2.1. The PMI scanner and peripherals.

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The PMI system (170-9400) is shipped together with following components as shown on
the Fig. 2.1.

• PMI laser scanner

• Quantity One software for image acquisition and 1D analysis

• Sample tray

• Phosphor screen templates

PMI Laser Scanner

The PMI has an internal laser that emits light at a wavelength of 635 nm. The scanner can
scan at resolutions of 50, 100, 200, and 800 um and has a linear dynamic range that
extends over 4.8 orders of magnitude (1:65536). In contrast, x-ray film has a linear dynamic
range that is limited to only 1.5 orders of magnitude.

For complete phosphor imaging workflow the following accessories should be added to the
PMI system:

1. Storage phosphor imaging screens

2. Sample exposure cassettes

3. Screen eraser

4. Multi-sample tray

(1) Storage Phosphor Imaging Screens

Bio-Rad offers a range of storage phosphor screens to match different user requirements.
Table 2.1 summarizes the key features of each screen.

The screens are composed of a barium fluorobromide matrix doped with europium
(BaFBr:Eu). They can be used with traditional autoradiography cassettes without a darkroom,
are easy to handle, and are used solely for the detection of isotopic emissions. All phosphor
screens are reusable and unharmed by repeated exposure to radioactivity. Screens are
sensitive to ß particles and X-rays. All screens are flexible and easy to handle. Exposure
takes place in standard X-ray cassettes. All phosphor screens require erasure prior to
re-exposure, and their lifetime is extended when they are cared for properly.

Imaging Screen-K

This is a general-purpose screen designed for all common radioisotopic emitters, such as

32

P, 33P, 35S, and 14C. These screens are available in 35 x 43 cm and 20 x 25 cm formats.

Screens are guaranteed for 1 year.

Imaging Screen-K/Tritium

This is a special imaging screen available for imaging

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H. These screens require special
care and handling and are reusable only if cared for properly. These screens are 29 x 24 cm
and are covered by a 6-month warranty.

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Table 2.1. Imaging Screen Specifications and Recommended
Applications

(2) Sample Exposure Cassettes

The sample exposure cassettes ensures that close contact is made between the sample
and imaging screen. The cassettes contain a grid-marked exposure area, to which the
sample is mounted. This allows the sample to be firmly pressed against the imaging screen
to generate a high quality image.

Fig. 2.2. Sample exposure cassette and phosphor screen.

(3) Sample Tray

The glass sample tray that is included with the PMI system, is used as a scanning platform
for all K-type screens. The multi-sample tray can be purchased to accommodate metal
backed storage phosphor screens (170-7812 multi-sample tray).

(4) Screen Eraser

The screen eraser removes any residual signal or background from the imaging screen.
The complete erasure process “zeros” or “blanks” the screen to a basal level, which is
critical for maximizing sensitivity, linear response, quantitative accuracy, and image quality.
The screen eraser-K is used with the K-type screens and any other commercially available
phosphor screens which are based on the BaFBr:Eu chemistry (Fig. 2.3).

Screen

Name

maging

creen

maging

creen

/Tritium

Application Key Features Sizes

14

32P,33

-

-

P,

35

S

3

H

•

C,

BaFBr:Eu formulation

•

Easy-to-use format

•

Compatible with standard
X-ray cassettes

•

More durable

•

BaFBr:Eu formulation

•

Sensitive to weak
signal

•

•

Easy-to-use format
Compatible with standard
X-ray cassettes

3

H

(cm)

35 x 43

mounted

20 x 25

mounted

20 x 25 170-7845

Catalog
Number

170-7841
170-7842

170-7843
170-7844

Fig. 2.3. External Laser Module

(5) Sample Tray

The glass sample tray that is included with the PMI system, is used as a scanning platform
for all K-type screens. The multi-sample tray can be purchased to accommodate metal
backed storage phosphor screens (170-7812 multi-sample tray).

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