Bio-Rad PDQuest 2-D Analysis Software - Manual (Page 24)

Note: It is important to adjust the cutting tip height to the correct position for best pick-up
efficiency, especially when using gels on a backing. When using backed gels, make sure that the
cutting tip is going down far enough to lightly score the cutting sheet, but not going too deep. If
the cutting tip is set too deep, the tip will not slide across the backing and will not be able to
dislodge the gel piece from the backing. You can see the cutting head assembly move back and
forth. If the tip is stuck in the cutting mat, it will not move and the shaft will flex back and forth. If
you see this result, raise the cutting tip height. Only the 1.0 mm cutting tip is recommended for
backed gel cutting.
2.13 Microtiter Plate (MTP) Calibration
The microtiter plate holder is to the right of the cutting surface. The system accepts any standard
microtiter plate. Polypropylene plates are recommended for protein
processing. Corning and Grainer brand plates have been tested and work well in this system. Use
"U" or "V" well bottoms for best recovery.
Note: 384 well plates and 96 well plates are oriented with the A1 in the top right position.
Fig. 17. A1 position for microtiter plates on spot cutter.
• To insert a microtiter plate (MTP) into the holder, hold the plate at a slight angle down
towards you, push the corner of the microtiter plate corresponding to position H12
against the positioning pin located at the bottom left hand corner of the MTP holder and
push the microtiter plate down into the holder.
• Click the "spot cutter settings" icon in setup area of the "Basic Excision Tool" dialog box.
• Select microtiter plate size, 96 well or 384 well. Different calibration settings are needed
for each plate type. The software will only save the last used calibration setting.
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