Luminex 100 User Manual Version 1.7 - Manual (Page 112)

Luminex 100 User Manual Version 1.7 x MAP Technology
9 - 2 PN 89-00002-00-063 Rev. A
3. Sonicate the vial in a water bath sonicator to disperse the
microsphere pellet.
4. Vortex the vial immediately prior to dispensing.
Larger 4 mL and 16 ml vials should be placed on a rotator for a
minimum of 15 minutes for complete resuspension. Vortexing and
sonicating are not recommended for the larger vials as they are not
effective in resuspending the xMAP microspheres or preventing
aggregation.
Over time, it is normal to observe a presence of beads on the surface
of the liquid in the stock vials. You may also notice a container wall
residue and suspended macrobead aggregates. While these conditions
are typical, the severity may increase with repeated opening and
pipetting from the vials. Limiting the number of times a stock vial is
opened reduces the risk of photobleaching and possible bacterial
contamination as well. For these reasons, Luminex recommends
ordering a volume of the xMAP microsphere stock that is closest to
the amount of microspheres you will need in a single use.
Follow one of the indirect sonication methods that are effective at
separating aggregates in closed containers of xMAP microsphere
preparations.
Probe Sonicator
‹ To disperse an xMAP microsphere pellet using a probe sonicator
in 1 mL volumes:
1. Place probe tip in a small bath of water.
2. Insert the end of the xMAP microsphere tube near, but not
touching, the tip of the sonicator probe. Do not immerse tube
closure.
3. Adjust sonication for optimal disruption and pulse sonicate until
the xMAP microsphere pellet is dispersed.
Bath Sonicator
‹ To disperse an xMAP microsphere pellet using a bath sonicator
in 1 mL volumes:
1. Turn on the bath sonicator and examine the surface for an area of
maximum disruption.
2. Insert the end of the tube into the sonicator bath near the area of
maximum disruption.
3. Sonicate until the xMAP microsphere pellet is dispersed.
Note: Failure to perform this
procedure can result in decreased
amounts of xMAP microspheres
recovered in future sample
aliquots.
Note: Inserting a sonicator probe
directly into preparations is not
recommended.