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  • 1 How do I clean a sample window that has dried sample residue on it?

    Try distilled water. If this is not successful, use 70% ethanol on lint free paper. Wipe the sample window gently. Dry it with fresh lint-free paper and cover it to dry. For more detail refer to the operation manual.

  • 2 Does the EzDrop 1000C require a PC to operate?

    EzDrop 1000C has a 7-inch high resolution touch panel from which operation can be easily carried out. It can also be operated and controlled from a PC.

  • 3 If the drop on the sample window does not form a liquid column and this affects measurment accuracy, what can I do?

    Please contact your local Blue-Ray Biotech distributor about the nano hydrophobic layer recoating service.

  • 4 How much volume is needed in the cuvette to make a measurement?

    The height of the beam above the bottom of the cuvette is 8.5mm. Make sure that the sample in the curvette reaches more than 8.5mm in height, the volume will depend on the size of the cuvette. For details refer the cuvette supplier's instruction guide.

  • 5 How do I choose Cuvette mode?

    The default setting is micro-volume, tap the “Path Length” column and choose which pathlength for the cuvette you are using.

  • 6 How long does the Nano hydrophobic coating on the quartz windows last?

    At least 1 year.
    EzDrop 1000C has a Maintenance kit (Cat No. T01-000182-00) to prolong the life time of the hydrophobic coating.

  • 7 Which accessory should I apply to each different volume of tube?

    The low-profile PCR vessel design reduces the overhead space above the reaction solution inside the vessel.

    During thermal cycling, water in the solutions evaporates and fills the overhead space. This causes a concentration increase in the reacting solution.

    The smaller the overhead space, the smaller the amount of evaporated water and concentration change in the solution. This is especially helpful when low volume reaction mixtures are being used.

    In general, the low-profile PCR vessels are 5 mm shorter in height than the regular PCR vessels.

    For standard PCR vessels, use the frame and set the lid heat to 105°C to balance the pressure from the lid heater.
    For low-profile PCR vessels, use the compressor mat and set the lid heat to 130°C to maintain the pressure in the vessels.

  • 8 What is the function of the lid? What is the effect of evaporation? Does the lid temperature cycle during experiments? Do the competitive units do the same? What is the temperature of the lid at the 4°C step?

    Lid heating prevents severe condensation in the PCR tubes during the reaction.

    The amount of evaporation is related to the sealing of the PCR vessels. A firm pressure on the lid will help maintain the integrity of the seal and prevent evaporation.

    The lid temperature does not cycle and the competitive units do not cycle either.

    When the heating block temperature drops below 30°C, the lid heater is turned off and the temperature of the lid decreases gradually. Competitive units also do this.

  • 9 Condensation vs. Evaporation

    The temperature difference between the tube and the cycler causes condensation inside the tube. The tube temperature might remain at 4°C for a long time at the end of a run. This happens with all cyclers. It is like a bottle of water being put into a refrigerator; water always condenses in the neck.

    The amount of water lost to the environment from a reaction vessel by evaporation depends on the integrity of the seal.

    If the seal or the vessel cannot withstand the temperature cycling during the run, there may be deformation. This deformation may be serious enough to tear off the seal. Plates and seals of poor quality may deform enough to disrupt the seal. Low quality consumables should be avoided. The plates and seals must remain undeformed for the entire run.

  • 10 When a run is started, the block holds for several minutes before it starts to heat up. Why is this?

    The lid of the cycler needs to be heated to the proper temperature before the block starts to heat.

    The delay will depend on the lid temperature setting, the room temperature, and how the compression mat has been used. Heating of the lid usually takes between 2 to 8 minutes.