Qiagen EZ1 XL User manual

May 2009

EZ1® Advanced XL User Manual

Sample & Assay Technologies

Trademarks: QIAGEN®, EZ1® (QIAGEN Group); DECON-QUAT® (Veltek Associates, Inc.); Gigasept®, Lysetol®, Mikrozid® (Schülke & Mayr GmbH);

®

(International Business Machines Corporation); Microsoft®, Windows® (Microsoft Corporation).

IBM

© 2009 QIAGEN, all rights reserved.

Contents

Contents

1 Safety Information 1-1

1.1 Proper use 1-2

1.2 Electrical safety 1-3

1.3 Environment 1-4

1.4 Biological safety 1-4

1.5 Chemicals 1-6

1.6 Waste disposal 1-6

1.7 Mechanical hazards 1-7

1.8 Heat hazard 1-7

1.9 UV radiation 1-7

1.10 Symbols on the EZ1 Advanced XL 1-8

1.11 Additional symbols in this user manual 1-9

2 Introduction 2-1

2.1 About this user manual 2-1

2.2 General information 2-1

2.2.1 Technical assistance 2-1

2.2.2 Policy statement 2-2

2.2.3 Version management 2-2

2.3 Intended use of the EZ1 Advanced XL 2-2

2.3.1 Requirements for EZ1 Advanced XL users 2-3

3 General Description 3-1

3.1 External features of the EZ1 Advanced XL 3-2

3.1.1 EZ1 Advanced XL door 3-2

3.1.2 Control panel 3-2

3.1.3 EZ1 Advanced XL Card slot 3-4

3.1.4 Status LEDs 3-5

EZ1 Advanced XL User Manual 05/2009 Contents-1

Contents

3.1.5 Connector panel 3-5

3.2 Internal features of the EZ1 Advanced XL 3-6

3.2.1 Worktable 3-6

3.2.2 Pipettor head 3-11

3.2.3 UV lamp 3-12

4 Installation Procedures 4-1

4.1 Requirements 4-1

4.2 AC power connection 4-1

4.3 Hardware installation 4-3

4.3.1 Unpacking the EZ1 Advanced XL 4-4

4.3.2 Installing the EZ1 Advanced XL 4-8

4.3.3 Configuring and setting up the EZ1 Advanced XL 4-9

4.3.4 Installing the printer (optional) 4-10

4.3.5 Installing the bar code reader 4-10

4.4 Installing the PC software 4-11

4.4.1 System requirements 4-12

4.4.2 Installing the driver of the USB-RS232 converter4-12

4.4.3 Installing the EZ1 Advanced Communicator
software 4-16

4.5 Installing multiple EZ1 Advanced XL instruments 4-16

4.6 Transportation and removal of the EZ1 Advanced XL 4-20

5 General Operation 5-1

5.1 Overview 5-1

5.2 Inserting and removing the EZ1 Advanced XL Card 5-2

5.2.1 Inserting the EZ1 Advanced XL Card 5-2

5.2.2 Removing the EZ1 Advanced XL Card 5-4

5.3 Switching the EZ1 Advanced XL on and off 5-5

5.3.1 Switching on the EZ1 Advanced XL 5-5

5.3.2 Switching off the EZ1 Advanced XL 5-6

5.4 Opening and closing the EZ1 Advanced XL door 5-7

Contents-2 EZ1 Advanced XL User Manual 05/2009

Contents

5.4.1 Opening the EZ1 Advanced XL door 5-7

5.4.2 Closing the EZ1 Advanced XL door 5-7

5.5 Starting and stopping a protocol run 5-8

5.5.1 Starting and finishing a protocol run 5-8

5.5.2 Stopping a protocol run 5-9

5.6 Setting up the worktable 5-10

5.6.1 Removing and replacing the tray 5-11

5.6.2 Loading the reagent cartridges 5-11

5.6.3 Loading the elution tubes, filter-tips, and
sample tubes 5-13

5.7 Using the UV lamp 5-15

5.7.1 Switching on the UV lamp 5-16

5.7.2 Switching off the UV lamps 5-17

5.7.3 Lifetime reminder of the UV lamps 5-18

5.7.4 UV lamps ignition error 5-18

5.8 Manual operation 5-19

5.8.1 Manual operation “home axis” 5-19

5.8.2 Manual operation “return tip” 5-20

5.8.3 Manual operation “clean” 5-20

5.8.4 Manual operation “resend” 5-21

5.9 Test 5-22

5.9.1 Test axis 5-23

5.9.2 Test heating block 5-24

5.9.3 Test serial port 5-25

5.9.4 Test version 5-28

5.10 System setup 5-28

5.10.1 Setting the date 5-28

5.10.2 Setting the time 5-29

5.10.3 Setting the serial port 5-30

5.10.4 Setting the preventive maintenance reminder 5-31

5.11 Using the bar code reader 5-31

5.12 Using the external printer (optional) 5-32

EZ1 Advanced XL User Manual 05/2009 Contents-3

Contents

5.13 Generating a report file 5-34

5.14 Using the EZ1 Advanced Communicator software 5-38

5.14.1 User interface 5-38

5.14.2 Report file in pdf format 5-41

5.15 Using multiple EZ1 Advanced XL instruments 5-42

5.16 Evaluating pipetting accuracy 5-42

6 Preventive Maintenance 6-1

6.1 Regular maintenance procedure 6-3

6.2 Daily maintenance procedure 6-6

6.3 Weekly maintenance procedure 6-8

6.4 Reagents for decontamination 6-9

7 Troubleshooting 7-1

7.1 Detecting an error 7-1

7.1.1 EZ1 Advanced XL door errors 7-1

7.1.2 Other errors 7-1

7.2 Error codes 7-3

8 Glossary 8-1

Appendix A A-1

Technical data A-1

Environmental conditions A-1

Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) A-6

FCC declaration A-7

EC declaration of conformity A-8

Appendix B B-1

Liability clause B-1

Contents-4 EZ1 Advanced XL User Manual 05/2009

Contents

Index Index-1

EZ1 Advanced XL User Manual 05/2009 Contents-5

Contents

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Contents-6 EZ1 Advanced XL User Manual 05/2009

1 Safety Information

This manual contains information and warnings that must be
followed by the user to ensure safe operation of the EZ1
Advanced XL and to maintain the instrument in a safe
condition.

Possible hazards that could harm the user or result in
damage to the instrument are clearly stated at the
appropriate places throughout this manual.

If the equipment is used in a manner not specified by the
manufacturer, the protection provided by the equipment may
be impaired.

The following safety conventions are used throughout this
manual.

Safety Information

WARNING

CAUTION

The term WARNING is used to inform you about
situations that could result in personal injury to you or
other persons.
Details about these circumstances are given in a box like
this one.

The term CAUTION is used to inform you about
situations that could result in damage to the
instrument or other equipment.
Details about these circumstances are given in a box like
this one.

Before using the instrument, it is essential to read this
manual carefully and to pay particular attention to any
advice it contains concerning hazards that may arise from
use of the instrument.

The advice given in this manual is intended to supplement,
not supersede, the normal safety requirements prevailing in
the user’s country.

EZ1 Advanced XL User Manual 05/2009 1-1

Safety Information

1.1 Proper use

WARNING

WARNING

Risk of personal injury and material damage [W1]

Improper use of the EZ1 Advanced XL may cause
personal injuries or damage to the instrument.
The EZ1 Advanced XL must only be operated by
qualified personnel who have been appropriately
trained.
Servicing of the EZ1 Advanced XL must only be
performed by QIAGEN Instrument Service Specialists.

Use only QIAGEN® components, otherwise your right to
make a claim under the guarantee may be invalidated.
Carry out the maintenance regularly in accordance with the
operating instructions. QIAGEN charges for repairs that
prove to be required due to incorrect maintenance.

Risk of personal injury [W2]

Two people must carry the instrument. Use the handle
attached to the box to lift the EZ1 Advanced XL. After the
EZ1 Advanced XL has been unpacked, 2 people must lift
the instrument. Lift the instrument by placing your hands
underneath the bottom of the instrument.

In case of an emergency or malfunction, switch off the EZ1
Advanced XL at the power switch at the rear of the instrument
and unplug the power cord from the wall power outlet.
Contact the address stated on the back cover of the EZ1
Advanced XL User Manual.

WARNING

1-2 EZ1 Advanced XL User Manual 05/2009

Explosive atmosphere [W3]

The EZ1 Advanced XL is not designed for use in an
explosive atmosphere. The EZ1 Advanced XL is intended
for use with reagents and substances supplied with
QIAGEN kits. Use of other reagents and substances may
lead to fire or explosion.

Safety Information

CAUTION

CAUTION

Damage to the instrument [C1]

Avoid spilling water or chemicals onto the EZ1 Advanced
XL. Instrument damage caused by water or chemical
spillage will void your warranty.

Damage to the instrument [C2]

Ensure that the EZ1 Advanced XL is switched off before
you manually move the mechanical components of the
instrument.

1.2 Electrical safety

To ensure satisfactory and safe operation of the EZ1
Advanced XL, it is essential that the line power cord is
connected to true electrical earth (ground).

WARNING

Electrical hazard [W4]

Any interruption of the protective conductor
(earth/ground lead) inside or outside the instrument or
disconnection of the protective conductor terminal is
likely to make the instrument dangerous.
Intentional interruption is prohibited.

Lethal voltages inside the instrument

When the instrument is connected to line power,
terminals may be live, and opening covers or removing
parts is likely to expose live parts.

When working with the EZ1 Advanced XL:

 Make sure that the line power cord is connected to a line

power outlet that has a protective conductor (earth/
ground).

 Do not attempt to make any internal adjustments or

replacements.

 Do not operate the instrument with any covers or parts

removed.

 If water or reagent has spilled inside the instrument,

switch off the instrument and disconnect it from the line
power supply. Call QIAGEN Technical Services.

 Servicing should be carried out only by QIAGEN

Instrument Service Specialists.

EZ1 Advanced XL User Manual 05/2009 1-3

Safety Information

 If the instrument becomes electrically unsafe for use,

make the instrument inoperative and secure it against
unauthorized or unintentional operation. Call QIAGEN
Technical Services.

The instrument is likely to be electrically unsafe when:

 It shows visible damage
 The line power cord shows signs of damage
 It has been stored under unfavorable conditions for a

prolonged period

 It has been subjected to severe transport stresses

If water, reagent, sample, or ethanol has spilled onto or into
the instrument, switch off the instrument and disconnect it
from the line power supply. Call QIAGEN Technical Services.

WARNING

Risk of electric shock [W5]

Do not touch the EZ1 Advanced XL with wet hands.

1.3 Environment

Operating conditions

WARNING

Explosive atmosphere [W6]

The EZ1 Advanced XL is not designed for use in an
explosive atmosphere.

1.4 Biological safety

Specimens and reagents containing materials from humans
should be treated as potentially infectious. Use safe
laboratory procedures as outlined in publications such as
Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories,
HHS (www.cdc.gov/od/ohs/biosfty/biosfty.htm

).

1-4 EZ1 Advanced XL User Manual 05/2009

Safety Information

Samples

Samples may contain infectious agents. You should be aware
of the health hazard presented by such agents and should
use, store, and dispose of such samples in accordance with
the required safety regulations.

WARNING

Samples containing infectious agents [W7]

Some samples used with this instrument may contain
infectious agents. Handle such samples with the greatest
of care and in accordance with the required safety
regulations.
Always wear safety glasses, 2 pairs of gloves, and a lab
coat.
The responsible body (e.g., laboratory manager) must
take the necessary precautions to ensure that the
surrounding workplace is safe, and that the instrument
operators are suitably trained and not exposed to
hazardous levels of infectious agents as defined in the
applicable Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) or
OSHA, ACGIH, or COSHH documents.
Venting for fumes and disposal of wastes must be in
accordance with all national, state, and local health and
safety regulations and laws.

OSHA: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (United States of America).

ACGIH: American Conference of Government Industrial Hygienists (United States of America).

COSHH: Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (United Kingdom).

EZ1 Advanced XL User Manual 05/2009 1-5

Safety Information

1.5 Chemicals

WARNING

Hazardous chemicals [W8]

Some chemicals used with this instrument may be
hazardous or may become hazardous after completion
of the protocol run.
Always wear safety glasses, gloves, and a lab coat.
The responsible body (e.g., laboratory manager) must
take the necessary precautions to ensure that the
surrounding workplace is safe and that the instrument
operators are not exposed to hazardous levels of toxic
substances (chemical or biological) as defined in the
applicable Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) or
OSHA, ACGIH, or COSHH documents.
Venting for fumes and disposal of wastes must be in
accordance with all national, state, and local health and
safety regulations and laws.

OSHA: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (United States of America).

ACGIH: American Conference of Government Industrial Hygienists (United States of America).

COSHH: Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (United Kingdom).

Toxic fumes

If you work with volatile solvents, toxic substances, etc., you
must provide an efficient laboratory ventilation system to
remove vapors that may be produced.

1.6 Waste disposal

Used labware, such as reagent cartridges and filter-tips, may
contain hazardous chemicals or infectious agents from the
purification process. Such wastes must be collected and
disposed of properly in accordance with the local safety
regulations.

For disposal of waste electrical and electronic equipment
(WEEE), see page A-6.

1-6 EZ1 Advanced XL User Manual 05/2009

1.7 Mechanical hazards

The worktable of the EZ1 Advanced XL moves during
operation of the instrument.

Safety Information

WARNING

WARNING

Moving parts [W9]

Never open the EZ1 Advanced XL door while the EZ1
Advanced XL is operating.

Risk of overheating [W10]

To ensure proper ventilation, maintain a minimum
clearance of 15 cm and 30 cm at the rear and sides of
the EZ1 Advanced XL, respectively.
Slits and openings that ensure the ventilation of the EZ1
Advanced XL must not be covered.

1.8 Heat hazard

The EZ1 Advanced XL worktable contains a heating system.

WARNING

Hot surface [W11]

The heating system can reach high temperatures. Avoid
touching it when it is hot.

1.9 UV radiation

WARNING

EZ1 Advanced XL User Manual 05/2009 1-7

The EZ1 Advanced XL contains 2 UV lamps [W12]

Avoid looking directly into UV light. Do not expose your
skin to UV light.

The wavelength of the UV light produced by the UV lamp is

253.7 nm. This wavelength corresponds to ultraviolet light
type C, which can be used for decontamination procedures.

Safety Information

WARNING

UV lamp [W13]

The UV lamp consists of a robust glass cylinder. It is
safely located inside the door of the EZ1 Advanced XL. In
case of accidental breakage of the lamp, contact
QIAGEN Technical Services or your local distributor to
arrange proper disposal of the lamp.

1.10 Symbols on the EZ1 Advanced XL

Symbol Location Description

Heating

system

Near the

tip rack

Heat hazard — the temperature of the
heating system can reach up to 95ºC

Biohazard — the tip rack may be
contaminated with biohazardous material
and must be handled with gloves

On the

back of the

instrument

Near the

pipettor

head

Near the

tip rack

UV radiation hazard. UV light could burn
your skin and cause damage to your eye

Crush hazard — the nozzle unit may crush
your fingers or hand

UV lamp heat hazard — the UV lamp is hot.
Do not touch the UV lamp

1-8 EZ1 Advanced XL User Manual 05/2009

Symbol Location Description

Safety Information

Type plate

back of the

instrument

Type plate

back of the

instrument

Type plate

back of the

instrument

Type plate

back of the

instrument

on the

on the

on the

on the

CE mark for Europe

UL listing mark for Canada and the USA

RoHS mark for China (the restriction of the
use of certain hazardous substances in
electrical and electronic equipment)

WEEE mark for Europe

SN

Type plate

on the

back of the

instrument

Type plate

on the

back of the

instrument

Serial number

Legal manufacturer

1.11 Additional symbols in this user manual

Symbol Location Description

Front
cover

Catalog number

EZ1 Advanced XL User Manual 05/2009 1-9

Safety Information

Symbol Location Description

Front

cover

Handbook

Symbol on the heating system.

Symbol near the tip rack.

1-10 EZ1 Advanced XL User Manual 05/2009

Symbol on back of the EZ1 Advanced XL.

Safety Information

EZ1 Advanced XL User Manual 05/2009 1-11

Safety Information

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1-12 EZ1 Advanced XL User Manual 05/2009

2 Introduction

Thank you for choosing the QIAGEN EZ1 Advanced XL. We
are confident it will become an integral part of your
laboratory.

Before using the instrument, it is essential to read this
manual carefully and to pay particular attention to any
advice it contains concerning hazards that may arise from
use of this instrument.

2.1 About this user manual

This manual provides information about the EZ1 Advanced
XL. It guides you systematically through the following
sections:

1. Safety Information

Introduction

2. Introduction

3. General Description

4. Installation Procedures

5. General Operation

6. Preventive Maintenance

7. Troubleshooting

8. Glossary
Appendices
The Appendices contain the following:

 Technical data
 Liability clause

2.2 General information

2.2.1 Technical assistance

At QIAGEN we pride ourselves on the quality and availability
of our technical support. Our Technical Service Departments
are staffed by experienced scientists with extensive practical
and theoretical expertise in molecular biology and the use of
QIAGEN products. If you have any questions regarding the

EZ1 Advanced XL User Manual 05/2009 2-1

Introduction

EZ1 Advanced XL or QIAGEN products in general, please do
not hesitate to contact us.

QIAGEN customers are a major source of information
regarding advanced or specialized uses of our products. This
information is helpful to other scientists as well as to the
researchers at QIAGEN. We therefore encourage you to
contact us if you have any suggestions about product
performance or new applications and techniques.

For technical assistance and more information, please see
our Technical Support Center at www.qiagen.com/Support
or call one of the QIAGEN Technical Service Departments or
local distributors (see back cover or visit www.qiagen.com

2.2.2 Policy statement

It is the policy of QIAGEN to improve products as new
techniques and components become available. QIAGEN
reserves the right to change specifications at any time.

).

In an effort to produce useful and appropriate
documentation, we appreciate your comments on this
publication. Please contact QIAGEN Technical Services.

2.2.3 Version management

This document is the EZ1 Advanced XL User Manual, revision
R1.

2.3 Intended use of the EZ1 Advanced XL

The EZ1 Advanced XL is designed to perform automated
isolation and purification of nucleic acids.

It is intended to be used only in combination with QIAGEN
kits indicated for use with the EZ1 Advanced XL instrument
for the applications described in the kit handbooks.

The system is intended for use by professional users, such as
technicians and physicians trained in molecular biological
techniques and the operation of the EZ1 Advanced XL.

2-2 EZ1 Advanced XL User Manual 05/2009

Introduction

2.3.1 Requirements for EZ1 Advanced XL users

This table covers the general level of competence and
training necessary for transportation, installation, use,
maintenance, and servicing of the EZ1 Advanced XL.

Type of task Personnel Training and experience

Transportation No special

requirements

Installation Laboratory

technicians or
equivalent

Routine use
(running
protocols)

Regular, daily,
and weekly
maintenance

Servicing and
annual preventive
maintenance

Laboratory
technicians or
equivalent

Laboratory
technicians or
equivalent

QIAGEN
Instrument
Service
Specialists only

No special requirements

Appropriately trained and
experienced personnel
familiar with use of computers
and automation in general

Appropriately trained and
experienced personnel
familiar with use of computers
and automation in general

Appropriately trained and
experienced personnel
familiar with use of computers
and automation in general

EZ1 Advanced XL User Manual 05/2009 2-3

Introduction

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2-4 EZ1 Advanced XL User Manual 05/2009

3 General Description

The EZ1 Advanced XL performs fully automated nucleic acid
purification from up to 14 samples using magnetic particles.
The automated steps include:

 Reading reagent and sample information with a

handheld bar code scanner connected to the EZ1
Advanced XL

 Lysis of samples
 Binding of nucleic acids to magnetic particles
 Washing and elution of nucleic acids
 Generating a report file that either will be transmitted to

a PC or printed on an external printer after the protocol
run is finished

 Using UV radiation for decontamination

The user inserts an EZ1 Advanced XL Card containing
protocol(s) into the EZ1 Advanced XL. After starting worktable
setup using the control panel and bar code reader, the user
loads samples, reagent cartridges, filter-tips in tip holders,
and elution tubes onto the EZ1 Advanced XL worktable.

General Description

The user then closes the EZ1 Advanced XL door and starts
the protocol. The door locks automatically at the start of the
protocol. The protocol provides the necessary instructions for
the EZ1 Advanced XL to carry out automated nucleic acid
purification.

The aspiration and dispensing of samples and reagents and
the separation of magnetic particles are performed by the
14-channel pipettor head. The temperature of samples is
regulated by a heating system.

EZ1 Advanced XL User Manual 05/2009 3-1

General Description

3.1 External features of the EZ1 Advanced XL

4

2

3

1

Front view of the EZ1 Advanced XL.

1

EZ1 Advanced XL door

2

Control panel

3.1.1 EZ1 Advanced XL door

The EZ1 Advanced XL door can be manually opened by the
user in order to gain access to the worktable when no
protocol is running. A protocol cannot be started until the
EZ1 Advanced XL door is closed.

3.1.2 Control panel

The control panel is the user interface that allows the user to
operate the EZ1 Advanced XL. It consists of a keypad and a
vacuum fluorescent display (VFD).

3

EZ1 Advanced XL Card slot

4

Status LEDs

3-2 EZ1 Advanced XL User Manual 05/2009

General Description

Keypad

The following keys of the control panel are available to the
user.

Key Description

0–9 Selects a menu or specifies process

parameters (e.g., sample volume).

START Initiates an action or starts a protocol.

STOP Interrupts a protocol run.

ESC Displays the previous menu or text.

Up/Dn Up and down arrow key used, for

example, in the system setup menu.

ENT Enter key used, for example, in the system

setup menu to acknowledge data entry.

BS Backspace key used to remove incorrectly

entered values during data entry.

SHIFT +
Up/Dn

The other keys of the control panel are for service personnel
only.

Used to enter the installation date.

Vacuum fluorescent display (VFD)

The display consists of 4 lines with 20 characters per line.

EZ1 Advanced XL User Manual 05/2009 3-3

General Description

Vacuum fluorescent display (VFD).

3.1.3 EZ1 Advanced XL Card slot

The EZ1 Advanced XL Card slot accepts the EZ1 Advanced XL
Card. Each EZ1 Advanced XL Card contains one or more
protocols that allow the EZ1 Advanced XL to perform nucleic
acid isolation.

CAUTION

Damage to the instrument [C3]

Only use QIAGEN EZ1 Advanced XL Cards with the EZ1
Advanced XL. Other EZ1 Cards cannot be used with the
EZ1 Advanced XL.

Note: Do not insert the EZ1 Advanced XL Card while the EZ1
Advanced XL is switched on. EZ1 Advanced XL Cards must
not be exchanged while the EZ1 Advanced XL is switched on.
Take care not to expose the EZ1 Advanced XL Card to
electric shock, water, or dirt.

3-4 EZ1 Advanced XL User Manual 05/2009

EZ1 Advanced XL Card inserted into EZ1 Advanced XL Card slot.

3.1.4 Status LEDs

There are 2 light-emitting diodes (LEDs) at the front of the
EZ1 Advanced XL:

 Green LED — indicates that the instrument is receiving

power

 Red LED — indicates that an error has occurred

General Description

3.1.5 Connector panel

The connector panel is located at the rear of the EZ1
Advanced XL.

EZ1 Advanced XL User Manual 05/2009 3-5

General Description

Connector panel.

It contains the power switch, the socket for the power cord,
the fuse box, and two RS232 connectors. The left connector
is used to connect the bar code reader. The right connector is
used to connect the EZ1 Advanced XL to a PC or an RS232
printer (optional).

3.2 Internal features of the EZ1 Advanced XL

The interior of the EZ1 Advanced XL contains the worktable
and the pipettor head.

3.2.1 Worktable

The worktable contains various racks for holding the
labware, samples, and reagent cartridges that are required
for the protocol run. The worktable also contains a heating
system for controlling the temperature of samples.

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