| Q. | Can the same beads for the Bio-Plex 3D system be used for the Bio-Plex 100/200 systems? |
| A. | Bio-Plex 3D system bead regions 1–100 can be used on the Bio-Plex 100/200 systems. Regions 101–500 cannot be used on Bio-Plex 100/200 systems. |
| Q. | What software version is compatible with Bio-Plex 3D system? |
| A. | The Bio-Plex 3D system must use xPONENT version 4.0 software to acquire data because this version has the three-dimensional bead map required for running the instrument. Bio-Plex Manager™ software can be used for data analysis. After acquisition of data with xPONENT software, export the file in CSV format and convert it to an RBX file using Bio-Rad’s RBX generator. The RBX file can be used for data analysis by Bio-Plex Manager software. |
| Q. | Are the calibration and verification beads for Bio-Plex 100/200 systems and Bio-Plex 3D system the same? |
| A. | No, the Bio-Plex 3D system utilizes its own set of calibration and verification beads, which are different from those used for Bio-Plex 100/200 systems. |
| Q. | How often must I perform calibration with the Bio-Plex 3D system? |
| A. | Calibration is recommended once a week. Performance verification is recommended every day. You can choose both options when System Initialization is selected. |
| Q. | Must I remeasure the probe height prior to each plate reading if the same type of plate is used? |
| A. | No, once the probe height is adjusted for a particular plate, the adjustment can be saved. If a new plate type is used, it must be readjusted (use the metal disk provided by Luminex Corporation) to acquire its probe height. It is recommended to readjust probe height whenever the probe is replaced for cleaning. |
| Q. | What are reasons for calibration or verification failure of Bio-Plex 3D instruments? |
| A. | • Beads are not fully suspended
• Wrong lot number or wrong target values were entered
• Calibration or verification beads are in the wrong well
• <5 drops calibration or verification beads were used
• Lots are expired
• The sample probe height is incorrect or the probe is clogged
• There is a clog or partial clog in the instrument
• The waste line was moved during operation (the waste line must be stabilized during operation) |
| Q. | How do I add new kit lots/values? |
| A. | A CD is included with each kit that contains all kit information. This CD is unique to each lot and is included with both calibration and verification kits. This information can also be downloaded from the Luminex website: www.luminexcorp.com/support/calibration/calibration_verification_fm3d.html
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| Q. | Do I have to input the DD gates once I select the correct bead type? |
| A. | Once the MagPlex or MicroPlex bead type is selected, the instrument automatically determines the correct DD gates to use. This range will not be displayed. The user may adjust the DD gates manually if required. |
| Q. | Do I need to create a protocol before I create the batch? |
| A. | You may create either the batch or the protocol first. In Batch setup, protocols and batches can be created simultaneously and can be saved separately to preserve experimental setup for later use.
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| Q. | What are the expected read times for a 96-well and 384-well plate on the Bio-Plex 3D system? |
| A. | For a 96-well plate, the read time is approximately 20 min and for 384-well plate it is 1 hr and 15 min.
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| Q. | Can Bio-Plex assays be run on the Bio-Plex 3D system? |
| A. | Bio-Plex assays that use MicroPlex or MagPlex beads can be run on the Bio-Plex 3D system. Refer to the assay instruction manual for correct bead regions and bead type. Bio-Plex assays that use Bio-Rad 8.0 µm magnetic beads cannot be run on the Bio-Plex 3D system. These assays include the Bio-Plex® Precision Pro™ human cytokine 10-plex and the Bio-Plex Pro disease research assays. Check the Compatibility Chart found on the Bio-Plex 3D webpage by going to www.bio-rad.com/Bioplex3D
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| Q. | Is there a hardware protection key included with the Bio-Plex 3D system? |
| A. | No, the license is input into the software manually.
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| Q. | What is the difference between enhanced PMT and standard PMT and what determines which one should be selected? |
| A. | Generally, you should always use enhanced PMT as it offers benefits over standard PMT in the dynamic range of many assays. Standard PMT is offered as an option for customers who have historically run their Bio-Plex 100/200 systems at the lower setting and desire to continue doing so.
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| Q. | Most of my samples are very dirty. Can I setup a more thorough maintenance routine to clean the system? |
| A. | Yes, you can setup custom maintenance routines. Go to the Maintenance tab, select the button for Cmds & Routines, enter the desired steps, and save the routine. These routines will then be available in the Cmds & Routines window.
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| Q. | Can I set up the system to automatically export data to Bio-Plex Manager software for analysis? |
| A. | Yes, the system can be set up to automatically create a Bio-Plex Manager RBX file and then automatically open the data in Bio-Plex Manager software for ease of analysis. |
