As a core equipment in the field of molecular diagnostics, Hangzhou Baiheng PCR has become a reliable assistant in the laboratory due to its high appearance, high precision, and high stability performance. Standardized maintenance and upkeep are crucial to ensure the long-term efficient operation of the instrument and maintain the accuracy of experimental results. Reasonable maintenance can help you extend the lifespan of the instrument and safeguard the quality of experiments.

OneExternal cleaning of the instrument

1.Use a clean towelOr paper towelswipeThe whole machineShell, move the instrument to its original position, clean the desktop under the instrumentDust and small debrisTo prevent accumulation on the desktopExcessive pollution leads to frequent occurrences.

2.Check if the inlet and outlet of the instrument areThere is obstruction or accumulation of dustTo prevent the ventilation opening from being blocked by dust, fibers, and other debris, which may cause poor heat dissipation and affect the temperature rise and fall speed and temperature control accuracy of the instrument，Causing unsatisfactory experimental results.

3. A space of 20-30 centimeters should be left around the instrument to ensure good ventilation and heat dissipation. Specific requirements can be found in the instrument manual.

IISample tank cleaning

1.Check if the sample slot of the PCR instrument is cleanIf there is pollutionYou can use a cotton swab dipped in 75% to wipe the sample hole, and then run it at 25 ℃2-5min， Steam dry the alcohol solution in the tank. Regularly clean the sample tank, recommended once every six months.

If the sample well is contaminated with a sample solution containing fluorescent dye in a quantitative PCR instrument, it will affect the detection results of the actual sample. Therefore, it is even more important to ensure the cleanliness of the sample tank. It is recommended to do so every 2-3 months.

IIIHot lid cleaning

1.Check if the hot cover isShake left and right, hot coverBe able to securely fasten it to ensure that there is no evaporation of the sample during program operation.

2.The marking pen on the PCR tube cap is prone to leaving stains on the hot cap. It can be regularly wiped with a soft and clean cloth dipped in 75% alcohol, and the hot cap can be heated to 99 ℃ and kept warm for 3 days-5min， To remove alcohol residue.

4temperature measurement

1.The uniformity and accuracy of sample tank temperature are related to the quality of experimental results. It is recommended toContact the manufacturer or after-sales serviceRegularly reviewed by professional after-sales engineersinstrumentPerform temperature measurementAnd calibrationTo ensure the normal temperature control performance of the instrument (especially for instruments that have been used for more than 3 years).

2. Precautions for using fluorescence quantitative PCR instrument

Avoid contact of corrosive liquids with the sample tank to prevent surface corrosion and uneven heating of the sample.

3.Avoid sharing the same power interface with high-power instruments such as refrigerators, as fluctuations in the current of high-power instruments can cause unstable operation and even restart of the PCR instrument. If it is a quantitative PCR instrument, it will affect the collected fluorescence signal intensity and cause fluctuations in the amplification curve.

4.During the operation of the instrument, it is forbidden to forcibly cut off the power to end the program (except in case of sudden power outage or other accidents), because after the power is cut off, the fan is forced to stop, which leads to poor heat dissipation of the internal components of the instrument and affects the service life of the components.

5.If the cooling rate of the instrument is significantly slower than normal, the instrument heats up, or the temperature drops below the set temperature, please check whether there are foreign objects blocking the air inlet and outlet.

6.If a PCR single tube is used for the experiment and the sample size is relatively small, it is recommended to place four empty tubes of the same type at the four corners of the sample slot to ensure that the hot cap is flat and pressed onto all sample tubes.

7.PCR reaction at the endcryopreservationPlease set it to 16 ℃, (Avoid 4 ℃)Long term storageTo avoidinstrumentExcessive wear and tear.

*Preheat before use

instrumentPreheating is necessary before use, which is not only beneficial for instrument maintenance but also saves experimental time. The instrument heats up quickly, but it is still recommended to preheat it for 2 minutes before conducting the experiment, which can effectively extend the service life of the instrument.

*Regular operation and maintenance

When the frequency of use of PCR instruments is low, it is necessary to cover the instrument with a soft cloth or plastic paper after 1 hour of shutdown to prevent dust from entering. If the instrument is not used for a long time, it needs to undergo a power on self-test at least every half month and run for about 20 minutes.