Luminex xPONENT 3.1 - Manual (Page 109)

97
Using the Software
System Initialization
xPONENT
®
Software contains a pre-defined startup routine to prepare the analyzer for
data acquisition.This section describes warmup, calibration, and performance verification
of the system.
Warm up the lasers to prepare the optics prior to sample acquisition. The system
automatically begins warming up when you turn power on; however, you will need to use
the Warmup command if the system is idle for four hours or longer. Failure to properly
warm up the lasers will affect assay results and system performance.
• On the System Status bar, click the Laser: button if it is yellow.
or
• Open the Maintenance page, and then the Cmds & Routines tab. Click Warmup in
the Commands section at the left of the screen, and then click the Run button at the
bottom right to begin the procedure. The warmup process takes 30 minutes to
complete.
Calibrator xMAP beads are used to normalize the settings for the reporter channel, both
classification channels, and the doublet discriminator channel. Verification xMAP beads
are used to verify calibration and optical integrity of the system.
NOTE: When you run MagPlex microspheres, it is essential to use both
regular calibration reagents (CAL1 and CAL2) and magnetic
calibration reagents (MagCAL1) every time the system is
calibrated. Both must pass for the system to be fully calibrated
and ready for running magnetic beads.
Once calibrated, the values remain until you recalibrate. You can track system calibration
and verification results through the Calibration report. Target value information for
calibration and verification beads is available on the Luminex website at http://
www.luminexcorp.com/support/calibration/index.html.
Calibrate your system at least once a week using the Calibration/Verification button on
the Auto Maint tab of the Maintenance page. In addition, recalibrate the system if the
delta cal temperature exceeds +/-3ºC. Verify the system daily using the Performance
Verification button on the Auto Maint tab of the Maintenance page. Refer to your assay
kit instructions for additional calibration frequency requirements.
Alternatively, you can set up the system initialization routine to include calibration and or
verification under the Admin page, System Setup tab, Maintenance Options section.
Ensure that the Luminex analyzer lasers are warmed up and the probe height is set
correctly before calibrating the system. Do not move the system waste line while
calibrating.
Run System Initialization
1. On the Home page, click System Initialization. The Auto Maint page opens.
2. Select the performance verification kit from the Performance Verification kit list at the
right of the tab.
3. Select the calibration kit from the Calibration Kit list.