2 loading stage – Bio-Rad S3™ Cell Sorter User Manual
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6 | S3 and S3e Cell Sorters
Hardware Description
The sheath fluid and DI water are both filtered through a 0.2 µm filter to remove any particulates
from the fluid before circulating through the system. Fluidic levels are monitored by the software
using a weight measurement system. Below each fluidic container is a bulk fluidics tray. Each
tray contains a sensor that translates volume weight into fluidic run time and helps to keep the
system dry while swapping fluidics.
IMPORTANT! Replace filter cartridges on a regular basis. Filter replacement is part
of the annual service preventative maintenance visit. For additional information, refer
to Chapter 10, Maintenance.
2.2.2 Loading Stage
The loading stage consists of two functional stations; sample input and washing. The sample
input station is located in the front position of the loading stage and it supports a 5 ml,
12 x 75 mm tube (Figure 5).
Note: Polypopylene tubes for sample acquisition are recommended, but not required.
When a sample is loaded and ready to run, the loading stage can be moved into the run position.
To move the loading stage into the run position:
1. Push the handle on the loading stage down.
2. Push the loading stage inward.
3. Gently raise the loading stage into the run position.
The locking mechanism automatically engages when the tube is in the run position (Figure 6).
After the tube is locked, the entire sample chamber is pressurized and a short pressure boost is
applied to push the sample to the nozzle. After the boost, the sample line is pinched to prevent
sample flow until acquisition or sorting is selected in the software.
The washing station is located in the back of the loading stage and is not accessible to users.
When the sample input station is accessible, the washing station is automatically engaged.
The washing station is used during startup, shutdown, and in between samples. This will help
to reduce carryover since the sample line is cleared and the outside of the line is washed. The
loading stage is locked in position while washing and sampling.
Fig. 6. Loading stage in the run position.
Fig. 5. Loading stage in the wash position.