In order to ensure that the Opentrons Flex Nucleic Acid Extraction Workstation, an advanced equipment, can continue to operate accurately, regular calibration work is particularly important. This article aims to delve into the calibration process of the Opentrons Flex Nucleic Acid Extraction Workstation, detailing the entire process from full preparation before calibration, to every detail of performing specific calibration steps, to the final generation of calibration records and reports.
Opentrons Flex Nucleic Acid Extraction Workstation
1. Preparation before calibration 1. Ensure environmental conditions: Calibration should be carried out under the specified ambient temperature (10~30℃) and relative humidity (≤80%), while ensuring that there is no obvious mechanical vibration and electromagnetic interference in the environment. 2. Prepare calibration tools: (1) Ultra-trace spectrophotometer: used to measure nucleic acid concentration to verify extraction efficiency. (2) Vibration measuring instrument: used to measure and calibrate the vibration frequency of the workstation. (3) Temperature and humidity detector: used to monitor and record ambient temperature and humidity. (4) Electronic balance: used to measure the accuracy of the liquid volume.
2. Calibration steps 1. Temperature calibration: (1) Use a temperature measurement device to fix the temperature sensor on the heating module of the extraction instrument to ensure that the temperature sensor and the heating module fit closely. (2) According to the number of holes of the extraction instrument, select temperature measurement points evenly. For example, if the number of holes is 48 or 96, 7 temperature measurement points will be selected, if the number of holes is 8 or 48, 5 temperature measurement points will be selected, and if the number of holes is 8 or less, 3 temperature measurement points will be selected. (3) Set the calibration temperature of the extractor to be calibrated and stabilize it for 10 minutes or more. After the temperature stabilizes, read the temperature value of the temperature measurement point. (4) Calculate the indication error, uniformity and stability of temperature. 2. Vibration frequency calibration: (1) Select the vibration frequency calibration point, usually 20% (low), 50% (medium), 80% (high) of the maximum value of the extraction instrument frequency setting, or other vibrations with actual needs frequency. (2) Use a vibration frequency measuring device to measure. After the extraction instrument has stabilized for 5 minutes, set the frequency value to be measured and measure the indication values of the low, medium and high vibration frequencies of the extraction instrument respectively. (3) Measure each frequency three times to calculate the indication error and stability of the vibration frequency. 3. Calibration of liquid volume: (1) Set the liquid volume of the extraction instrument to 50 μL, 100 μL, 200 μL, or other actual required liquid volumes as calibration points. (2) The indication error, repeatability and consistency of measuring the liquid volume. (3) During the repeatability test, select a channel and repeat the liquid extraction 7 times. Use an electronic balance to weigh the mass of the liquid taken, and then calculate the relative standard deviation after converting it into volume. (4) During the consistency test, use the multi-channel liquid dispenser of the extraction instrument to draw the liquid once, weigh the mass of the liquid drawn from each channel, and calculate the consistency of the liquid amount after converting it into volume. 4. Nucleic acid extraction recovery rate calibration: (1) Select a certified nucleic acid standard material, measure its concentration with a microspectrophotometer, and take the average of three measurements as the initial concentration before nucleic acid extraction. (2) Use an extraction instrument to extract nucleic acids from certified nucleic acid reference materials. (3) Select measurement points evenly for consistency inspection, and measure the concentration of the extracted nucleic acid sample solution from each well using a micro-volume spectrophotometer. (4) Compare the nucleic acid concentration before and after extraction, and calculate the extraction recovery rate and its consistency and repeatability.
3. Calibration records and reports 1. Record calibration data: Record the data and results of each step of calibration in detail, including measured values, calculated values and errors of temperature, vibration frequency, liquid volume and nucleic acid extraction recovery rate. 2. Generate calibration report: Based on the recorded calibration data, generate a calibration report, including information such as calibration date, calibration personnel, calibration equipment model and number, calibration results and conclusions. 3. Evaluate the calibration results: Based on the calibration report, evaluate whether the performance of the extraction instrument meets the usage requirements. If it is not satisfied, necessary adjustments or repairs must be made.
The calibration of the Opentrons Flex nucleic acid extraction workstation is a systematic and meticulous process, which covers many aspects from the preparation before calibration to the execution of specific steps, to the generation of calibration records and reports. Through a strict calibration process, we can ensure the accuracy and reliability of the workstation, providing a solid foundation for subsequent nucleic acid extraction experiments. At the same time, regular calibration is also an important means to maintain stable equipment performance and extend service life.
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