90-0330 Affymetrix Module

The Affymetrix 450 GeneChip Fluidics Station retains many important operational aspects with which current GeneChip array users are familiar and comfortable. These include the use of fluidic scripts, handling of buffer solutions, and interfacing and operation under the Affymetrix® Microarray Suite software. New features simplify the handling of staining and antibody reagents to reduce direct hands-on activities and interruptions to the user.

The Fluidics Station 450’s new sampling approach eliminates the need for the operator to wait nearby or periodically return to the system to provide the next vial required by the fluidic script. Once a fluidic script is initiated, users simply load the GeneChip cartridge and vials and move on to other activities. The system runs unattended until completion, freeing the operator to attend to other responsibilities, thereby helping to improve the workflow and operation of the laboratory. Scripts often run to completion faster than on the previous generation systems, since script completion is no longer dependent upon operator input or attentiveness during the run.

The Fluidics Station 450 prompts the user to load from one to three vials, depending upon the selected fluidic script. Simply by engaging the vial lever, the presence of each expected vial is verified and the script automatically runs to completion with no additional requirements on the user. Real-time detection ensures that fluidic operations on GeneChip arrays are completed according to the selected fluidic script. Additionally, it can help identify problems caused by missing or improperly loaded vials or buffer solutions. Conductivity is measured across the fluid probes that contact the GeneChip cartridge, verifying the presence of the appropriate buffer or stain in the cartridge. With each new GeneChip cartridge, the conductivity path is renewed. Fluid probes are wiped clean by the cartridge septa upon removal from the Fluidics Station 450.