Biotek Epoch Operator's Manual

Operator’s Manual

Microplate Spectrophotometer

Epoch

™

Epoch™
Microplate Spectrophotometer

Operator's Manual

August 2009
© 2009
Part Number 7201000
Revision A
BioTek® Instruments, Inc.

ii | Preface

Notices

BioTek® Instruments, Inc.

Highland Park, P.O. Box 998

Winooski, Vermont 05404-0998 USA

All Rights Reserved

© 2009, BioTek® Instruments, Incorporated. No part of this publication may be
reproduced, transcribed, or transmitted in any form, or by any means electronic or
mechanical, including photocopying and recording, for any purpose other than the
purchaser’s use without written permission of BioTek Instruments, Inc.

Trademarks

BioTek® is a registered trademark, and Epoch™, Gen5™, and Take3™ are
trademarks of BioTek Instruments, Inc. BioCell™ is a trademark of BioTek
Instruments and is patented under U.S. patent number 5,963,318.

Microsoft
either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United
States and/or other countries.

All other trademarks are the property of their respective holders.

®

, Windows®, Windows XP, Windows 2000, and Windows Vista™ are

Restrictions and Liabilities

Information in this document is subject to change and does not represent a
commitment by BioTek Instruments, Inc. Changes made to the information in this
document will be incorporated in new editions of the publication. No
responsibility is assumed by BioTek for the use or reliability of software or
equipment that is not supplied by BioTek or its affiliated dealers.

BioTek® Instruments, Inc.

Contents | iii

Contents

Notices ................................................................................................ ii

Contents ..............................................................................................iii

Contacting BioTek Instruments, Inc.......................................................... v

Revision History ................................................................................... vi

Document Conventions..........................................................................vii

Intended Use Statement....................................................................... viii

Quality Control.................................................................................... viii

Warranty and Product Registration ......................................................... viii

Warnings............................................................................................ viii

Hazards and Precautions........................................................................ ix

CE Mark .............................................................................................. xi

Electromagnetic Interference and Susceptibility ........................................xii

User Safety ........................................................................................ xiii

Safety Symbols ................................................................................... xiv

Introduction ...................................................................1

Product Description................................................................................ 2

Package Contents .................................................................................. 2

Optional Accessories .............................................................................. 3

Product Support & Service ...................................................................... 4

Installation.....................................................................5

Product Registration............................................................................... 6

1: Unpack and Inspect the Instrument...................................................... 6

2: Remove the Carrier Shipping Hardware................................................ 7

3: Select an Appropriate Location ........................................................... 8

4: Connect the Power Supply ................................................................. 9

5: Connect the Host Computer ............................................................... 9

6: Install the Software on the Host Computer ........................................... 9

7: Turn on the Reader ........................................................................... 9

Operational/Performance Qualification .................................................... 11

Repackaging and Shipping .................................................................... 11

Controlling Epoch Using Gen5 ......................................15

Overview............................................................................................ 16

Controlling the Reader with Gen5........................................................... 16

Instrument Qualification ..............................................19

Recommendations for Achieving Optimum Performance ............................ 20

Recommended Qualification Schedule..................................................... 21

Installation and Performance Qualification Procedures............................... 22

Absorbance Plate Test .......................................................................... 25

Liquid Testing ..................................................................................... 33

Epoch Operator’s Manual

iv | Preface

Preventive Maintenance ...............................................43

Overview............................................................................................ 44

Required Materials ............................................................................... 44

Warnings & Precautions ........................................................................ 45

Routine Cleaning Procedure .................................................................. 45

Decontamination ................................................................................. 46

Specifications ...............................................................49

General Specifications .......................................................................... 50

Read Specifications .............................................................................. 50

Optical Performance............................................................................. 52

Error Codes ..................................................................55

Overview............................................................................................ 56

General Errors..................................................................................... 57

Fatal Errors......................................................................................... 65

BioTek

®

Instruments, Inc.

Contacting BioTek Instruments, Inc. | v

Contacting BioTek Instruments, Inc.

BioTek® Instruments, Inc.

Highland Park, P.O. Box 998

Winooski, Vermont 05404-0998 USA

Customer Service and Sales

Internet: www.biotek.com

Phone: [phone] (toll free in the U.S.)

802-655-4740 (outside the U.S.)

Fax: [phone]

E-Mail: [e-mail]

Service/TAC

Phone: [phone] (toll free in the U.S.)

802-655-4740 (outside the U.S.)

Fax: [phone]

E-Mail: [e-mail]

European Coordination Center/Authorized European Representative

BioTek® Instruments GmbH

Kocherwaldstrasse 34

D-74177 Bad Friedrichshall

Germany

Internet: www.biotek.de

Phone: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

E-Mail: [e-mail]

Epoch Operator’s Manual

vi | Preface

Revision History

Revision Date Changes

A 8/2009 Initial release to Production

BioTek® Instruments, Inc.

Document Conventions

This manual uses the following typographic conventions:

Example Description

Document Conventions | vii

This icon calls attention to important

Warning!

Caution

Note



A Warning indicates the potential for bodily harm and tells you
how to avoid the problem.

A Caution indicates potential damage to the instrument and tells
you how to avoid the problem.

text is primarily used for emphasis.

Bold

This icon calls attention to important information.

safety notes.

Epoch Operator’s Manual

viii | Preface

Intended Use Statement

• The Epoch is a single-channel, automated, benchtop, general-purpose microplate
monochromator that performs optical density measurements of samples in a
microplate format. The user must evaluate this instrument with PC-based
software in conjunction with the specific assay. This evaluation must include the
confirmation that performance characteristics for the specific assay are met.

• This system is designed for use with PC-based software only. BioTek Gen5
software will provide the user with instrument control and data reduction.

• The intended use of this instrument is dependent on the instrument’s labeling. If
there is an IVD label, then the instrument may be used for clinical, research and
development, or other nonclinical purposes. If there is no such label, then the
instrument may only be used for research and development, or for other
nonclinical purposes.

Quality Control

It is considered good laboratory practice to run laboratory samples according to
instructions and specific recommendations included in the package insert or standard
laboratory protocol for the test to be conducted. Failure to conduct Quality Control
checks could result in erroneous test data.

Warranty and Product Registration

Please take a moment to review the warranty information that shipped with your product.
Please also register your product with BioTek to ensure that you receive important
information and updates about the product(s) you have purchased.

You can register online through the Customer Resource Center (CRC) at www.biotek.com
or by calling 888/451-5171 or 802/655-4740.

Warnings

Operate the instrument on a level surface away from excessive humidity.

Bright sunlight or strong incandescent light can reduce the linear
performance range of the instrument.

Measurement values may be affected by extraneous particles (such as
dust) in the microplate wells. A clean work area is necessary to ensure
accurate readings.

When operated in a safe environment according to the instructions in

BioTek® Instruments, Inc.

this document, there are no known hazards associated with the
instrument. However, the operator should be aware of certain situations
that could result in serious injury; these may vary depending on the
instrument type. See Hazards and Precautions.

Hazards and Precautions

Hazards

The following hazards are provided to help avoid injury:

Hazards and Precautions | ix

Warning! Power Rating.

The instrument’s power supply must be
connected to a power receptacle that provides voltage and current within the
specified rating for the system. Use of an incompatible power receptacle may
produce electrical shock and fire hazards.

Warning! Electrical Grounding.

Never use a two-prong plug adapter to
connect primary power to the external power supply. Use of a two-prong
adapter disconnects the utility ground, creating a severe shock hazard.
Always connect the power supply directly to an appropriate receptacle with a
functional ground.

Warning! Internal Voltage.

the power supply before cleaning the outer surface of the instrument.

Warning! Potential Biohazards.

Always turn off the power switch and unplug

Some assays or specimens may pose a

biohazard. Adequate safety precautions should be taken as outlined in the
assay’s package insert. Always wear safety glasses and appropriate protective
equipment, such as chemically resistant rubber gloves and apron.

Warning! Liquids.

internal components creates a potential for shock hazard or instrument

Avoid spilling liquids on the reader; fluid seepage into

damage. If a spill occurs while a program is running, abort the program and
turn off the instrument. Wipe up all spills immediately. Do not operate the
instrument if internal components have been exposed to fluid.

Warning! Unspecified Use.

the guidelines and safeguards specified in this manual could result in a
hazardous condition.

Warning! Software Quality Control. The operator must follow the

manufacturer’s assay package insert when modifying software parameters
and establishing reading methods.

checks could result in erroneous test data.

Warning! Reader Data Reduction Protocol. No limits are applied to the

raw absorbance data. All information exported via computer control must be
thoroughly analyzed by the operator.

Epoch Operator’s Manual

Failure to operate this equipment according to

Failure to conduct quality control

x | Preface

Precautions

The following precautions are provided to help avoid damage to the instrument:

Caution: Service.

The instrument should be serviced by BioTek authorized
service personnel. Only qualified technical personnel should perform
troubleshooting and service procedures on internal components.

Caution: Environmental Conditions.

temperature extremes. For proper operation, ambient temperatures should

Do not expose the system to

remain within the range listed in Appendix A, Specifications. Performance
may be adversely affected if temperatures fluctuate above or below this range.
Storage temperature limits are broader.

Caution: Sodium Hypochlorite.

to the recommended diluted sodium hypochlorite solution (bleach) for more

Do not expose any part of the instrument

than 20 minutes. Prolonged contact may damage the instrument surfaces. Be
certain to rinse and thoroughly wipe all surfaces.

Caution: External Power Supply.

with the instrument. Operate this power supply within the range of line
voltages listed on it.

Caution: Carrier Shipping Bracket.

bracket must be removed before operating the instrument and reinstalled

Only use the power supply shipped

The microplate carrier shipping

before repackaging the instrument for shipment.

Caution: Disposal.

wiring with lead solder. Dispose of the instrument according to Directive

This instrument contains printed circuit boards and

2002/96/EC, “on waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE)” or local
ordinances.

Caution: Warranty.

may

void the warranty. See Chapter 4, Maintenance for preventive

maintenance procedures.

Caution: Electromagnetic Environment.

responsibility to ensure that a compatible electromagnetic environment for

Failure to follow preventive maintenance protocols

Per IEC 61326-2-6 it is the user’s

this instrument is provided and maintained in order that the device will
perform as intended.

Caution: Electromagnetic Compatibility.

proximity to sources of strong electromagnetic radiation (e.g., unshielded

Do not use this device in close

intentional RF sources), because these may interfere with the proper
operation.

BioTek® Instruments, Inc.

CE Mark

Based on the testing described below and information contained herein,
this instrument bears the CE mark.

 Refer to the Declaration of Conformity for specific details.

DIRECTIVE 2003/108/EC: Electromagnetic Compatibility

Emissions—CLASS A

The system has been type-tested by an independent, accredited testing
laboratory and found to meet the requirements of EN 61326-1 and
EN 61326-2-6: Class A for Radiated Emissions and Line Conducted Emissions.

CE Mark | xi

Verification of compliance was conducted to the limits and methods of
EN 55011—CISPR 11). In a domestic environment it may cause radio
interference, in which case you may need to mitigate the interference.

Immunity

The system has been type-tested by an independent, accredited testing
laboratory and found to meet the requirements of EN 61326-1 and EN 61326-2­6 for Immunity. Verification of compliance was conducted to the limits and
methods of the following:

EN 61000-4-2, Electrostatic Discharge

EN 61000-4-3, Radiated EM Fields

EN 61000-4-4, Electrical Fast Transient/Burst

EN 61000-4-5, Surge Immunity

EN 61000-4-6, Conducted Disturbances from RFI

EN 61000-4-11, Voltage Dips, Short Interruptions and Variations

Epoch Operator’s Manual

xii | Preface

Directive 73/23/EEC Low Voltage (Safety)

The system has been type-tested by an independent testing laboratory and was
found to meet the requirements of EC Directive 73/23/EEC for Low Voltage.
Verification of compliance was conducted to the limits and methods of the
following:

EN 61010-1 (2001) 2

nd

Edition. “Safety requirement for electrical equipment for

measurement, control and laboratory use. Part 1, General requirements.”

Directive 2002/96/EC: Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment

Disposal Notice: This instrument contains printed circuit boards and wiring

with lead solder. Dispose of the instrument according to Directive
2002/96/EC, “on waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE)” or local
ordinances.

Directive 98/79/EC: In Vitro Diagnostics (if labeled for this use)

 Product registration with competent authorities.

 Traceability to the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology

(NIST):

 Optical density measurements are traceable to NIST.

Electromagnetic Interference and Susceptibility

USA FCC CLASS A

 Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the

manufacturer could void the user's authority to operate the
equipment.

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A
digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.

These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. Like
all similar equipment, this equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction
manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of
this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause interference, in which case
the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.

BioTek® Instruments, Inc.

Canadian Department of Communications Class A

This digital apparatus does not exceed Class A limits for radio emissions from
digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian
Department of Communications.

Le present appareil numerique n'met pas du bruits radioelectriques depassant les
limites applicables aux appareils numerique de la Class A prescrites dans le
Reglement sur le brouillage radioelectrique edicte par le ministere des
Communications du Canada.

User Safety

This device has been type-tested by an independent laboratory and found to meet the
requirements of the following:

North America

User Safety | xiii

• Underwriters Laboratories UL 61010-1, 2001

“Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control and
laboratory use; Part 1: general requirements”

• Canadian Standards Association CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 61010-1-04

“Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control
and Laboratory Use; Part 1: General Requirements”

 For International User Safety requirements, see CE Mark on page xi.

Epoch Operator’s Manual

xiv | Preface

Safety Symbols

Some of the following symbols may appear on the instrument:

Alternating current

Courant alternatif
Wechselstrom
Corriente alterna
Corrente alternata

Direct current

Courant continu
Gleichstrom
Corriente continua
Corrente continua

Both direct and alternating current

Courant continu et courant alternatif
Gleich - und Wechselstrom
Corriente continua y corriente alterna
Corrente continua e corrente alternata

Earth ground terminal

Borne de terre
Erde (Betriebserde)
Borne de tierra
Terra (di funzionamento)

Protective conductor terminal

Borne de terre de protection
Schutzleiteranschluss
Borne de tierra de protección
Terra di protezione

On (Supply)

Marche (alimentation)
Ein (Verbindung mit dem Netz)
Conectado
Chiuso

Off (Supply)

Arrêt (alimentation)
Aus (Trennung vom Netz)
Desconectado
Aperto (sconnessione dalla rete di alimentazione)

BioTek® Instruments, Inc.

Caution (refer to accompanying documents)

Attention (voir documents d’accompanement)
Achtung siehe Begleitpapiere
Atención (vease los documentos incluidos)
Attenzione, consultare la doc annessa

Warning, risk of electric shock

Attention, risque de choc électrique
Gefährliche elektrische Schlag
Precaución, riesgo de sacudida eléctrica
Attenzione, rischio di scossa elettrica

Warning, risk of crushing or pinching

Attention, risque d’écrasement et pincement
Warnen, Gefahr des Zerquetschens und Klemmen
Precaución, riesgo del machacamiento y sejeción
Attenzione, rischio di schiacciare ed intrappolarsi

Warning, hot surface

Attention, surface chaude
Warnen, heiße Oberfläche
Precaución, superficie caliente
Attenzione, superficie calda

Safety Symbols | xv

Consult instructions for use

Consulter la notice d’emploi
Gebrauchsanweisung beachten
Consultar las instrucciones de uso
Consultare le istruzioni per uso

In vitro diagnostic medical device

Dispositif médical de diagnostic in vitro
Medizinisches In-Vitro-Diagnostikum
Dispositivo médico de diagnóstico in vitro
Dispositivo medico diagnostico in vitro

Separate collection for electrical and electronic
equipment

Les équipements électriques et électroniques font l’objet
d’une collecte sélective
Getrennte Sammlung von Elektro- und Elektronikgeräten
Recogida selectiva de aparatos eléctricos y electrónicos
Raccolta separata delle apparecchiature elettriche ed
elettroniche

Epoch Operator’s Manual

xvi | Preface

BioTek

®

Instruments, Inc.

Chapter 1

Introduction

This chapter introduces the Epoch and describes its hardware and
software features, and technical specifications. Instructions on how
to contact BioTek for Product Support & Service are included on
page 4.

Product Description.............................................................. 2

Package Contents ................................................................ 2

Optional Accessories ............................................................ 3

Product Support & Service .................................................... 4

Contacting the Technical Assistance Center ........................... 4

Returning Instruments for Service/Repair.............................. 4

2 | Chapter 1: Introduction

Product Description

Powerful, versatile, and compact, the Epoch monochromator offers tunable
wavelength selection and wavelength scanning without the need for interference
filters. The single-channel reader is completely computer controlled via BioTek’s
intuitive and user-friendly Gen5 software. Its key features include the following:

• A variety of read modes including endpoint, kinetic, multiwavelength, and
spectral scanning.

• A monochromator for continuous wavelength selection from 200 to 999 nm in
1-nm increments, and a xenon flash lamp for both UV and visible light
absorbance measurements.

• Superior optical specifications, with an extended dynamic range of up to

4.000 OD.

• Ability to read standard microplates from 6- to 384-wells, Terasaki plates (with
adapter), BioTek’s patented BioCell quartz vessel for 1-cm measurements, and
the BioTek Take3 Multi-Volume Plate.

• Two reading speeds: normal and sweep.

Package Contents

 Part numbers are subject to change over time. Please contact BioTek

Customer Care with any questions.

Item Part #

Epoch Operator’s Manual 7201000

Power supply 61062

Power cord

USB cable with Virtual COM Driver Software

to country

varies

according

of use

75108

7090204

BioTek® Instruments, Inc.

Optional Accessories | 3

Optional Accessories

 Part numbers are subject to change over time. Please contact BioTek

Customer Care if you have any questions.

Item Part #

7-filter Absorbance Test Plate for absorbance measurement testing 7260522

Epoch Product Qualification (IQ-OQ-PQ) package 7200515

BioCell quartz vessel for 1-cm wavelength fixed pathlength absorbance
measurements

BioCell adapter plate for containing up to eight BioCells 7270512

Terasaki plate adapter for 60-, 72-, and 96-well Terasaki plates 7220531

Absorbance Liquid Test Solutions:

BioTek Wetting Agent Solution (PN 7773002)

BioTek QC Check Solution No. 1 (25 ml) or

BioTek QC Check Solution No. 1 (125 ml)

Take3 Multi-Volume Plate TAKE3

7272051

7773002

7120779

7120782

Epoch Operator’s Manual

4 | Chapter 1: Introduction

Product Support & Service

A superior support staff backs all of BioTek’s products. If your instrument(s) or
software ever fails to function properly, if you have questions about how to use or
maintain it, or if you need to send an instrument to BioTek for service or repair, please
contact our Technical Assistance Center (TAC).

Contacting the Technical Assistance Center

Our Technical Assistance Center is open from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM (EST), Monday
through Friday, excluding standard U.S. holidays. You can send a fax or an e-mail
any time.

Phone: [phone] (in the U.S.) or 802-655-4740 (outside the U.S.)

Fax: [phone]

E-Mail: [e-mail]

Please be prepared to provide the following information:

• Your name and company information

• A daytime phone or fax number, and/or an e-mail address

• The product name, model, and serial number

• The software part number and basecode version

• For troubleshooting assistance or instruments needing repair, the specific

steps that produce your problem, and any error codes displayed (see also
Appendix C, Error Codes).

Returning Instruments for Service/Repair

If you need to return an instrument to BioTek for service or repair, please contact
the TAC for a Return Materials Authorization (RMA) number before shipping the
instrument. Repackage the instrument properly (see Chapter 2, Installation), write
the RMA number on the shipping box, and ship to this address:

BioTek Instruments, Inc.

ATTN: RMA# xxxxx
100 Tigan Street
Highland Park
Winooski, Vermont 05404 USA

BioTek

®

Instruments, Inc.

Chapter 2

Installation

This chapter includes instructions for unpacking and setting up the
Epoch, connecting to a PC, and repackaging the instrument.

Product Registration............................................................. 6

1: Unpack and Inspect the Instrument.................................... 6

2: Remove the Carrier Shipping Hardware.............................. 7

3: Select an Appropriate Location ......................................... 8

4: Connect the Power Supply ............................................... 9

5: Connect the Host Computer ............................................. 9

6: Install the Software on the Host Computer ......................... 9

7: Turn on the Reader ......................................................... 9

Operational/Performance Qualification .................................... 11

Repackaging and Shipping .................................................... 11

Before Repackaging the Instrument...................................... 11

Attach the Carrier Shipping Hardware ................................... 11

Repackage the Instrument .................................................. 12

6 | Chapter 2 Installation

Product Registration

If you have not already done so, please register your product(s) with BioTek to ensure that
you receive important information and updates about the product(s) you have purchased.

Register online through BioTek’s Customer Resource Center (CRC) at www.biotek.com or
by contacting BioTek Customer Care.

Once registered, you can log into the Customer Resource Center and:

• Check the status and track your order

• Register your product warranty

• Manage your equipment inventory

• Access documentation on your products

• Download user manuals and software

• Check the status of your instrument’s service

1: Unpack and Inspect the Instrument

Save all packaging materials! If you need to ship the reader to

BioTek for repair or replacement, it must be carefully repackaged



Inspect the shipping box, packaging, instrument, and accessories for signs of damage.

If the reader is damaged, notify the carrier and your manufacturer’s representative.
Keep the shipping cartons and packing material for the carrier’s inspection. The
manufacturer will arrange for repair or replacement of your instrument immediately.

See Repackaging and Shipping at the end of this chapter for complete shipping
instructions.

according to the instructions, starting on page 11, using the original
packing materials. Using other forms of commericially available
packaging materials, or failuire to following the repackaging
instructions, may void your warranty. If the original packaging
materials have been damaged, replacements are available from
BioTek.

BioTek® Instruments, Inc.

2: Remove the Carrier Shipping Hardware | 7

2: Remove the Carrier Shipping Hardware

The Epoch is shipped with shipping hardware that must be



1. Using a screwdriver, remove the shipping screw (PN 19502) and o-ring (PN

2. Using your fingers, remove the rubber plug (PN 19610).

3. Install the plug in the hole where the shipping screw was originally located,

 The plug prevents light from entering the test chamber during

removed before the reader is used, and saved in case the instrument
needs to be repackaged for shipment. See Figure 1.

19608) assembly.

and insert the screw and o-ring in the hole where the plug was originally
located. See Figure 2

operation.

Shipping screw
and o-ring

Plug

Figure 1: Shipping screw, o-ring, and plug in shipping position

Epoch Operator’s Manual

8 | Chapter 2 Installation

Plug

Figure 2: Shipping screw, o-ring, and plug in usage position

3: Select an Appropriate Location

For optimal operation, install the Epoch on a clean, level surface in an area where
ambient temperatures between 18°C (64°F) and 40°C (104°F) can be maintained. The
reader is sensitive to extreme environmental conditions. Conditions to avoid are:

Shipping screw
and o-ring

•

Excessive humidity: Condensation directly on the sensitive electronic

circuits can cause the instrument to fail internal self-checks. The humidity must
be in the range of 10% to 85%, non-condensing.

Excessive ambient light: Bright sunlight or strong incandescent light can

•

reduce the linear performance range and affect the instrument’s readings.

Dust: Optical density readings may be affected by extraneous particles (such

•

as dust) in the microplate wells. A clean work area is necessary to ensure
accurate readings.

Excessive vibration: Do not place the reader on a surface that is shared with

•

machines that cause the surface to vibrate.

BioTek® Instruments, Inc.