Inserting and Removing AriaMx Optical Modules

Answer

This Information Applies To: Agilent AriaMx real-time PCR system, AriaMx optical modules

Issue

AriaMx users can change which AriaMx optical modules are installed to upgrade the instrument capabilities or to troubleshoot.

Items Required

Any AriaMx optical module:

• SYBR/FAM (p/n G8830-67001)
• ROX (p/n G8830-67002)
• HEX (p/n G8830-67003)
• CY3 (p/n G8830-67004)
• CY5 (p/n G8830-67005)
• Atto425 (p/n G8830-67006)

Steps to Follow

Caution: Finger prints or scratches on the glass window of the optical module (the surface opposite of the label) may impact its functionality. Avoid touching the glass window of the optical modules. Do not put the optical module down with the glass window in contact with the lab bench or other surface.

The optical module configuration can be changed either with the AriaMx switched on or off.

AriaMx is Switched On

1. Log in as an Administrator.
2. From the Home screen, press Settings>System Settings>Optical Module Settings.
3. Select Change Optical Module (Figure 1).

    
   
   Figure 1. Optical module settings screen
   
   

4. Follow the onscreen instructions. You will be prompted to open the AriaMx main door and the optical module housing (Figure 2 and Figure 3).
   

    
    
   Figure 2. Opening the optical module housing
   

   
    
   
   Figure 3. Open optical module housing
   

5. To remove an optical module, you can lift the little lever on the optical module. The lever enables you to lift out the optical module. However, it is normal for the optical module to require a bit of a wiggle to remove it.
6. To install optical modules:
   • If the optical module is stored in its original box and bag, remove the optical module from this packaging (Figure 4).
     

      
     
     Figure 4. Optical module shipping box – top piece of foam removed
     
     

   • If adding a new module, peel off the plastic film from the edge of the optical module (Figure 5).
     

      
     
     Figure 5. Removing the film from the optical module
     
     

   • Once the film is removed, do not to touch the exposed window. Put the optical module into an available slot in the optical module housing. The correct orientation for the optical module is label side up with the Agilent logo towards the front of the instrument (Figure 6).
     

      
     
     Figure 6. Installed optical modules
     

7. When prompted, run a background calibration with your usual AriaMx plasticware and 20 µL of water or 1x TE buffer in each well. To ensure that the liquid is at the bottom of the wells, spin the plasticware in a centrifuge before the background calibration.

AriaMx is Switched Off.

Caution: Only move the optical module housing carrier by hand if the AriaMx is switched off and the power cable is disconnected

1. Open the AriaMx main door.
2. Slide the optical module housing carrier to the right until it is centered in the opening of the instrument door (Figure 7). To slide the carrier, use the indentation on top of it.
   

    
   
   Figure 7. Optical module housing carrier, centered in the instrument door opening
   
   

3. Open the lid on the optical module housing carrier.
   
   • With your thumb and index finger, pinch together the two pieces of plastic in the indentation on the top of the carrier (Figure 2).
   • Lift the lid all the way back to reveal the six slots for the optical modules (Figure 3).
4. Add or remove optical modules: 
   • If the optical module is stored in its original box and bag, remove the optical module from this packaging (Figure 4).
   • If adding a new module, peel off the plastic film from the edge of the optical module (Figure 5). Once the film is removed, do not to touch the exposed glass window.
   • Put the optical module into an available slot in the optical module housing. The correct orientation for the optical module is label side up with the Agilent logo towards the front of the instrument (Figure 6)
5. Close the optical module housing lid and the AriaMx main door.
6. When you turn the AriaMx back on, it may prompt you to perform a background calibration. If not, select Settings>System Settings>Background Calibration. Run the background calibration with your usual AriaMx plasticware and 20 µL of water or 1x TE buffer in each well. To ensure that the liquid is at the bottom of the wells, spin the plasticware in a centrifuge before the background calibration.

Learn how to effectively operate your Agilent AriaMx real-time PCR system: AriaMx Real-Time PCR System Setup and User Guide on Agilent.com Aria Real-Time PCR Software User Manual on Agilent.com

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

PR7001-1661