Agilent 2100 Bioanalyzer Error: Run Aborted on Port x, Unusual High or Low Voltage

Answer

This Information Applies To: 2100 Bioanalyzer, 2100 Expert software

Issue

The Agilent 2100 Bioanalyzer system run ends prematurely and the following error appears in the logbook: Run aborted on port x. Instrument error occurred on port x, Unusual high or low voltage or current was detected during the start phase of the on-chip analysis. The marked wells will indicate the wells on the chip that caused the problem. An example of the error is shown in Figure 1.

The error is most often associated with insufficient volume in one or more of the chip wells, problems during the priming, presence of bubbles in the gel matrix, dirty electrodes, or moisture on the electrodes. 

 Figure 1. Run aborted on port x error

Resolution

To prevent the unnecessary consumption of multiple chips during troubleshooting, please read this article in full and perform all recommended maintenance before running another chip.

To exclude a problem with the liquid in the wells

• Check that there wasn't a pipetting error during the chip preparation. All chip wells must contain the volume of liquid specified in the assay quick start guide. For RNA and DNA assays, 6 μl of marker should be pipetted into samples wells not being used for analysis. 
• Make sure that the reagents are warmed up for 30 minutes to between 20-25^oC before preparing the chip. Store chips at room temperature.
• Check the surface of the chip for any liquid spills after the vortexing. If liquid has been spilled, prepare a new chip and reduce the vortexing speed to 2000 rpm. Check if there are any detergents in your sample buffer, which could reduce the surface tension of the liquid in the well. If detergents are present, vortex the 5 μl of buffer and 1 μl of sample in a vial, spin the vial down and then load this 6 μl onto the chip.

To exclude a problem with the chip priming

• Check the priming station base plate and syringe clip settings for your assay, especially if the instrument is also used to run other assays.
• Perform the maintenance of the priming station, following the instructions in chapter 9 of the Maintenance and Troubleshooting guide and in the Bioanalyzer how to video: priming station maintenance (Figure 2). Check that the syringe adaptor is not clogged with dried gel or damaged. Exchange the silicone adapter gasket if it hasn't been changed for a few months or if it shows any signs of damage or clogging. If you do not have any gaskets left, you can order a new gasket kit from Agilent, the part number is G2938-68716. The syringe should be changed quarterly or whenever it is clogged, and its part number is G2938-68706. A new syringe is provided with each purchased Bioanalyzer assay kit. The required frequency of the priming station maintenance procedures is described in this article.
• Visually inspect the syringe adapter of the priming station for any indication of contamination / blockage. This narrow channel can get blocked when gel material is accidentally pulled inside after priming of the chip. If there is only a small amount of material, it could be causing a temporary blockage and intermittent problems.
• After priming, check the underside of the chip for any bubbles in the channels. The presence of bubbles would indicate a priming problem.

Figure 2. Bioanalyzer how to video: priming station maintenance

To exclude a dirty electrode cartridge

• Perform the full maintenance of the electrode cartridge as outlined in chapter 8 of the Maintenance and Troubleshooting guide and in the Bioanalyzer how to video: electrode cartridge maintenance (Figure 3). Make sure that the pins are completely dry after cleaning (dry them with compressed air or leave in a desiccator overnight). Clean the pin set thoroughly every month if the instrument is used regularly and after any prolonged period during which the instrument was not in use.

Caution: Damp pin set: Make sure that the pin set is fully dry before placing it back into the electrode base. Even small amounts of liquid on the pin set can damage the high-voltage power supply.

Figure 3. Bioanalyzer how to video: electrode cartridge maintenance

To exclude a problem with the instrument

• Rarely, an instrument defect can cause this error. If the error persists after considering all the previous bullet points and conducting the recommended maintenance, run the complete list of hardware diagnostic tests as described in chapter 4 of the Maintenance and Troubleshooting guide. The hardware diagnostics require an in-date set of test chips, part number G2938-68300. The diagnostic files are by default stored in the following location: C:Program Files (x86)\Agilent\2100 bioanalyzer\2100 expert\diagnosis and have a .xdy extension. If any hardware tests fail, and/or if the aborted run problem persists contact your Agilent support representative with the diagnostic .xdy file.

Learn how to effectively maintain and operate your Agilent Bioanalyzer: Agilent 2100 Bioanalyzer System Maintenance and Troubleshooting Guide

For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.

PR7000-8800