Bio-Rad ProteinChip Qualification and Calibration Kits - Manual (Page 12)

2.3 OQ Maintenance Procedures
2.3.1 Maintenance Procedure 1 –– High Voltage (HV) Conditioning
This procedure helps to decontaminate the surfaces of the ProteinChip instrument and is
essential for obtaining correct test results. Run this procedure weekly using any blank
ProteinChip array (or an array that has already been used). The procedure takes 1–2 hr to
complete. Therefore, to save time, we recommend running this protocol at the end of the day
prior to running the remaining tests. There is no need to stay with the instrument while the protocol
is running.
1. Launch ProteinChip data manager software, select the instrument, and click Start.
2. Insert a blank ProteinChip array into the instrument. If blank arrays are not available, use an
expired or used ProteinChip array.
Note: If using an Enterprise Edition instrument, place a cassette filled with used ProteinChip
arrays into the instrument. Blank arrays maybe used as long as at least one array in the
cassette has a bar code.
3. Open the Protocol Mode tab and select Instrument > Quick Run.
4. The Quick Run Protocol(s) dialog opens. Select the SoftHV protocol you saved during file
and protocol setup, step 3 and click Run.
5. After completion of the protocol, an “Acquisition Error” message appears. This is expected.
Click OK.
6. Record the operator name and date in the ProteinChip SELDI OQ form.
2.3.2 Maintenance Procedure 2 –– Detector Calibration
This procedure uses the ProteinChip detector calibration array to adjust the detector voltage.
These adjustments are based on a rolling average that stabilizes the gain, improving spectral
reproducibility over the lifetime of the detector. This procedure is essential for obtaining correct
test results and, when run on a weekly basis, is designed to improve reproducibility as the detector
ages.
Each run uses a single spot on the array, and each spot can only be used once. Store the array
in its original packaging and in a dry, dark location. Record usage data directly on the packaging.
The procedure requires 45 min to 4 hr to complete, depending on the state of the instrument.
Note: The detector calibration procedure is intended to standardize instrument performance
over time. First-time use may alter system response and is not recommended within a series of
experiments. It is, however, possible to manually set the voltage back to its original state through
the instrument’s web page.
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