eLabNotebook > Bioassays > Cytokine ELISA 1-10 Plates Biomek® 2000

Automation of 1-10 Plates of a Beckman-Coulter-Immunotech Cytokine ELISA for IL-8 on the Biomek 2000 Workstation - Application to the Beckman-Coulter-Immunotech ELISA for IL-8

V. Rocchi, Ph. Denizot  and J. Fieschi
Immunoanalysis Department, Research & Development
Immunotech, a Beckman Coulter Company

For additional information try our Maintenance and Troubleshooting section or post a question to our Biomek User Forum.  New members can subscribe to our User Forum here.

Problem Possible Cause Solution
The bottom of the wells of the assay plate is deeply scraped.
  • The height of the needle during washing steps is too low.
  • Check the Z-axis alignment or increase the height value of the wash steps (not above 5%).
Frequent crashes happen at Tip Racks due to the used tips that do not go back properly into the rack.
  • The material of the tips is not compatible with the ELISA kit reagents.
  • Prefer Beckman-Coulter Tips (P/N 372654) that were used during the validation process.
B2K crashes when attempting to pipette samples.
  • Samples are not in the same labware as specified in the method.
  • Go to edit, open labware and check the "BCIOT sample" format. Overwrite the entry with parameters from the actual source plate.
The Wash 8 Tool purge reservoir in the tool rack overflows during a purge.
  • The vacuum pump is not turned on. 
  • Turn on the vacuum pump. 
  • Wash 8 Tool is not aspirating.
  • Possible leak in the aspirate plumbing or vacuum pinch valve of wash unit is not operating properly.
The OD background is over 0.5 Units at 450nm and/or the CVs of duplicates are abnormally high.
  • Wash 8 Tool problem.
  • Check the wash tool needles for salt depots. Check the gasket and change it when needed.
  • Improper set up of 6 port valve.
  • Check the 6 port valve set up in the method and connect the port tubing accordingly.
  • Improper aspiration of reagents.
  • Check that the vacuum pressure is about 13"Hg.
  • Improper distribution of reagents.
  • Check the liquid level in the tips visually. If a difference is visible: Check the reagent for clots or large crystals.
  • Check the correct fixing of the tips on the pipette tool.
  • Check the Worksurface and Side extensions alignment.
The Biomek 2000 crashes or Run Time Error is displayed when moving labware with Gripper.
  • Gripper fingers are worn, torn, or bent.
  • Replace worn or torn finger pads, and bent fingers as needed.
  • The Gripper, Worksurface, or Stacker Carousel is out of alignment.
  • Perform Worksurface alignment and then Stacker Carousel alignment and then Gripper alignment.

* All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Where applicable, the PCR process is covered by patents owned by Roche Molecular Systems, Inc., and F. Hoffman-LaRoche, Ltd.

eLabNotebook Sitemap

©1998 - 2006 Beckman Coulter, Inc.