Multiprobe Temperature

Verification Kit
for use with Veriti® Thermal Cycler

User Guide
For Research Use Only. Not intended for any animal or human therapeutic or diagnostic use.
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
APPLIED BIOSYSTEMS DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES WITH RESPECT TO THIS DOCUMENT, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
THOSE OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. TO THE FULLEST EXTENT ALLOWED BY LAW, IN NO EVENT SHALL APPLIED
BIOSYSTEMS BE LIABLE, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT, WARRANTY, OR UNDER ANY STATUTE OR ON ANY OTHER BASIS FOR SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL,
INDIRECT, PUNITIVE, MULTIPLE OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES IN CONNECTION WITH OR ARISING FROM THIS DOCUMENT, INCLUDING BUT NOT
LIMITED TO THE USE THEREOF, WHETHER OR NOT FORESEEABLE AND WHETHER OR NOT APPLIED BIOSYSTEMS IS ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF
SUCH DAMAGES.
TRADEMARKS
The trademarks mentioned herein are the property of Life Technologies Corporation or their respective owners.

© 2010 Life Technologies Corporation. All rights reserved.

Part Number 4460108 Rev. A

10/2010
Contents

About this Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Safety information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Chapter 1 Temperature Verification Kit Overview . . . . . . . . . . 7

Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
About the Multiprobe Temperature Verification Kits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Multiprobe Modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Digital Thermometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Chapter 2 Veriti® Thermal Cycler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Before You Run 96-Well Instrument Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
96-Well Temperature Verification Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
96-Well Temperature Non-Uniformity Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
96-Well Heated Cover Verification Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Before You Run 384-Well Instrument Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
384-Well Temperature Verification Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
384-Well Temperature Non-Uniformity Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
384-Well Heated Cover Verification Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Appendix A Maintaining the TVK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Maintain the TVK Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Complete a Certificate of Decontamination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Recalibration Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Multiprobe TVK User Guide for Veriti® Thermal Cycler 3

Contents

Appendix B Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Instrumentation safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Symbols on instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
General instrument safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Documentation and Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Related documentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Obtaining support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Support information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

4 Multiprobe TVK User Guide for Veriti® Thermal Cycler

About this Guide

Safety information
Note: For general safety information, see this Preface and
Appendix B, “Safety” on page 51. When a hazard symbol and hazard
type appear by a chemical name or instrument hazard, see the
“Safety” Appendix for the complete alert on the chemical or
instrument.

Safety alert Four safety alert words appear in Applied Biosystems user
words documentation at points in the document where you need to be aware
of relevant hazards. Each alert word—IMPORTANT, CAUTION,
WARNING, DANGER—implies a particular level of observation or
action, as defined below:

IMPORTANT! – Indicates information that is necessary for proper

instrument operation, accurate chemistry kit use, or safe use of a
chemical.

CAUTION! – Indicates a potentially hazardous situation that,

if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury. It may
also be used to alert against unsafe practices.

WARNING! – Indicates a potentially hazardous situation that,

if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.

DANGER! – Indicates an imminently hazardous situation

that, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury. This
signal word is to be limited to the most extreme situations.

Multiprobe TVK User Guide for Veriti® Thermal Cycler 5

About this Guide

Except for IMPORTANTs, each safety alert word in an

Applied Biosystems document appears with an open triangle figure
that contains a hazard symbol.

6 Multiprobe TVK User Guide for Veriti® Thermal Cycler

Temperature Verification Kit
Overview 1 1
This chapter covers:
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
About the Multiprobe Temperature Verification Kits . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Multiprobe Modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Digital Thermometer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Multiprobe TVK User Guide for Veriti® Thermal Cycler 7

Temperature Verification Kit Overview

Overview
The Multiprobe Temperature Verification Kits (TVKs) are for use
with the Veriti® Thermal Cycler, as described in the Veriti Thermal
Cycler User Guide (PN 4375799).
The Multiprobe TVKs verify the temperature accuracy and non-
uniformity of Applied Biosystems thermal cyclers. The Multiprobe
TVKs must be used only by operators trained in laboratory
techniques and procedures.
The customer is responsible for validation of assays and compliance
with regulatory requirements that pertain to their procedures and uses
of the instrument.

About this Guide This guide describes how to assemble and use the Multiprobe TVKs.

About the Multiprobe Temperature Verification Kits

Components A Multiprobe TVK consists of:
• A multiprobe module, 0.1-mL, 0.2-mL, or 0.02-mL size with
ribbon cable
• A digital thermometer, Model 4690 with 9 V battery installed,
and communication cable
• Light mineral oil
• Cotton swabs
,
Recalibration Applied Biosystems recommends that you have the digital
thermometer and multiprobe module calibrated once a year. See
Appendix A for decontamination and shipping instructions.

8 Multiprobe TVK User Guide for Veriti® Thermal Cycler

 About the Multiprobe Temperature Verification Kits

Annual Use the TVK on the sample block(s) to perform the following tests at
Temperature least once a year:
Verification Tests • Temperature Verification Test – Checks the temperature of the
sample blocks against specifications for temperature accuracy.
• Temperature Non-Uniformity Test (TNU) – Checks the
temperature uniformity of the sample blocks.
• Heated Cover Test – Checks the heated cover temperature
accuracy.

Testing Applied Biosystems recommends that you perform each of the three
Frequency tests at least once a year, then as frequently as necessary, depending
on the type of work your laboratory performs.
Based on customer application, the Veriti® Thermal Cycler may
require more frequent temperature testing. The customer is
responsible for determining the needed testing frequency.

TVK
Parameter Specification
Specifications
Accuracy Accuracy of well probes:
• ±0.1 °C (35 °C to 96 °C)
• ±0.2 °C (0 °C to 100 °C)
Accuracy of heated cover probes:
• ±1.0 °C (100 °C to 110 °C)
• ±1.5 °C (35 °C to 125 °C)

Resolution ±0.01 °C

Range
• Well probes, location 1 to 8 • 0.00 °C to 100 °C
• Cover probe location 9 • 35.0 °C to 115.0 °C
,

Environmental conditions
• Temperature • 18 °C to 28 °C
• Relative humidity • 0 to 75%

Storage
• Temperature • 10 to 40 °C
• Relative humidity • 0 to 70%

Reading rate 1 per 1.2 sec

Multiprobe TVK User Guide for Veriti® Thermal Cycler 9

Temperature Verification Kit Overview

Multiprobe Modules
IMPORTANT! Use only the multiprobe module that is designed for
the sample block you are testing. See pages 10 and 11 for the TVKs
and multiprobe module part numbers.
Each multiprobe module consists of 8 temperature probes that
measure the temperature of 8 sample wells. Position 9 measures the
heated cover temperature.
IMPORTANT! Applied Biosystems recommends that you use the
multiprobe module and digital thermometer to perform only the
Temperature Verification Test, Temperature Non-Uniformity Test,
and the Heated Cover Test.

Multiprobe
To test the... Use the... Kit PN
Modules for the
Veriti® 96-Well 96-Well Fast Thermal 9-Channel Temperature 4373997
Sample Blocks Cycler, with 0.1-mL sample Verification Kit for VeriFlex™ 0.1-
wells mL 96-Well Sample Blocks

0.1-mL Multiprobe Module 4375938

Upgrade Kit for 96-Well Sample
Blocks (probe module only)

96-Well Thermal Cycler with 9-Channel Temperature 4377669

0.2-mL sample wells Verification Kit for VeriFlex™ 0.2-
mL 96-Well Sample Blocks

0.2-mL Multiprobe Module 4377670

Upgrade Kit for 96-Well Sample
Blocks (probe module only)

10 Multiprobe TVK User Guide for Veriti® Thermal Cycler

 Multiprobe Modules

Position 5 temperature test

point for wells A3, A7, and
A11

Heated cover temperature

test point

Ribbon cable

Figure 1 Multiprobe module for the Veriti® 96-well sample

blocks, showing the probe locations

Multiprobe
To test the... Use the... Kit PN
Modules for
Veriti® 384-Well 384-Well Thermal Cycler with 9-Channel Temperature 4385338
Sample Blocks 0.02-mL sample wells Verification Kit for 0.02-mL
384-Well Sample Block

0.02-mL Multiprobe Module 4385339

Upgrade Kit for 384-Well
Sample Block (probe module
only)

2nd sample well

data point

Heated cover
temperature test
,

point

Ribbon cable

Figure 2 Multiprobe module for Veriti® 384-well sample blocks,

showing the probe locations

Multiprobe TVK User Guide for Veriti® Thermal Cycler 11

Temperature Verification Kit Overview

Digital Thermometer
Front View For additional information, see “TVK Specifications” on page 9.

4690 Readout display

START ON/OFF ON/OFF switch

TNU
AVG
CHAN

Figure 3 Handheld digital thermometer

IMPORTANT! Do not try to calibrate or perform any service on the

digital thermometer. The only user-serviceable component is the ,
battery.

12 Multiprobe TVK User Guide for Veriti® Thermal Cycler

 Digital Thermometer

Keypad Buttons
Button Function

START Begins continuous temperature measurements (after

being stopped by either the TNU/AVG or CHAN
button).

ON/OFF Powers on or powers off the digital thermometer.

During power on, the thermometer model number,
firmware version, low-battery condition, out-of-range
indicator, probe calibration date, and probe serial
number are displayed.

TNU/AVG Displays temperature in degrees Celsius:

• TNU = Temperature Non-Uniformity
(maxReading — minReading) for channels 1 to 8
• AVG = Average for channels 1 to 8
• Channel 9 = °C Heated cover

CHAN Displays the individual channel temperature of each

tested well (channels 1 through 8) and of the heated
cover (channel 9).

Top View The top view shows the ports for cable connections:

Adapter port (Adapter not

included)

Ribbon cable input Communication cable port

connector port
,

Operating When you use the digital thermometer to perform the tests in this
Guidelines guide:
• Ensure that the multiprobe module is connected by the ribbon
cable to the input connector at the top of the thermometer.
IMPORTANT! Use only the multiprobe module that is designed
for the sample block(s) you are testing. See pages 10 and 11 for
the TVKs and multiprobe module part numbers.

Multiprobe TVK User Guide for Veriti® Thermal Cycler 13

Temperature Verification Kit Overview

• Power on the thermometer by pressing the ON/OFF switch on

its front panel.
• The average temperature measured by the multiprobe module is
shown on the readout display in degrees Celsius.
• When you complete a test, press the ON/OFF switch to power
off the thermometer.

Displayed During heating and cooling transitions, the temperature displayed on

Temperatures the digital thermometer differs from the temperature displayed on the
thermal cycler. The difference occurs because the digital
thermometer measures block temperature, but the thermal cycler
reports sample temperatures. The sample temperature displayed by
the thermal cycler depends on the tube type and the reaction volume.

14 Multiprobe TVK User Guide for Veriti® Thermal Cycler

Veriti® Thermal Cycler 2
2
This chapter covers:
Before You Run 96-Well Instrument Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
96-Well Temperature Verification Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
96-Well Temperature Non-Uniformity Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
96-Well Heated Cover Verification Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Before You Run 384-Well Instrument Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
384-Well Temperature Verification Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
384-Well Temperature Non-Uniformity Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
384-Well Heated Cover Verification Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Multiprobe TVK User Guide for Veriti® Thermal Cycler 15

Veriti® Thermal Cycler

Before You Run 96-Well Instrument Tests

PHYSICAL INJURY HAZARD. Hot Surface.
Use care when working around the heated cover and sample blocks to
avoid being burned.

Connect the 1. Connect the free end of the ribbon cable (from the multiprobe
Digital module) to the input connector port on the digital thermometer.
Thermometer IMPORTANT! Use only the multiprobe module that is designed
for the sample block(s) you are testing. See pages 10 and 11 for
the TVKs and multiprobe module part numbers.
2. Connect the round 8-pin DIN receptacle end of the
communication cable to the thermometer communication port.

Ribbon cable
Communication cable

3. Connect the other end of the communication cable (9-pin) to the

communication port of the instrument.

16 Multiprobe TVK User Guide for Veriti® Thermal Cycler

 Before You Run 96-Well Instrument Tests

TVK Serial
Communications
port

Set up the 1. If the heated cover is closed, lift the lever and place the heated
Multiprobe cover in the fully opened position.
Module 2. Place the multiprobe module so that tip #1 sits in well A1.

A1
,

3. Make sure that the ribbon cable leads straight out from the
module, lies flat, and is under the thermal cycler cutout.

Multiprobe TVK User Guide for Veriti® Thermal Cycler 17

Veriti® Thermal Cycler

Ribbon cable placed under thermal cycler cutout

4. Close the heated cover, then pull down the lever.

IMPORTANT! Do not crush the multiprobe module ribbon cable
when the heated cover is closed.

18 Multiprobe TVK User Guide for Veriti® Thermal Cycler

 96-Well Temperature Verification Test

96-Well Temperature Verification Test

This test determines the temperature accuracy of a thermal cycler by
measuring sample well temperatures at two set points, 45 °C and
85 °C.
To pass the test, the six sample blocks must be within ±0.25 degrees
Celsius of the set points.

PHYSICAL INJURY HAZARD. Hot Surface.

Use care when working around the heated cover and sample blocks to
avoid being burned.

Test Pattern of The test wells (gray) are in the six sample blocks. Each sample block
96-Well Sample consists of two columns.
Blocks

A1 A3 A5 A7 A9 A11

C1 C3 C5 C7 C9 C11

E1 E3 E5 E7 E9 E11

H6 H8
,

H2 H4 H10 H12

1 2 3 4 5 6

Figure 4 Sample blocks test pattern

Multiprobe TVK User Guide for Veriti® Thermal Cycler 19

Veriti® Thermal Cycler

Run the Test 1. See “Before You Run 96-Well Instrument Tests” on page 16.
2. Power on the thermal cycler, then power on the digital
thermometer.
3. Touch Main MenuTools MenuRun Temperature
Verification.

The first screen opens.

20 Multiprobe TVK User Guide for Veriti® Thermal Cycler

 96-Well Temperature Verification Test

4. Follow the prompts in the touchscreen, making sure the

multiprobe module is aligned in the well locations shown on
page 19 and indicated below. The thermal cycler prompts you to
move the probes 3 times during the test.

Testing Zones
Well Position of Probe Tip #1
(Sample Blocks)

1 and 2 A1

3 and 4 A5

5 and 6 A9

Note: The test wizard refers to each sample block as a “zone.”

“Zone 1” refers to Sample Block 1, “Zone 2” refers to Sample
Block 2, and so on.
At the end of the test, the results are displayed.
,

Print Test Results You must have a printer connected and configured as described in the
Veriti® Thermal Cycler User Guide.
Press Print to print results.

Multiprobe TVK User Guide for Veriti® Thermal Cycler 21

Veriti® Thermal Cycler

Save Test Results 1. Connect your USB memory stick to the USB port on the front of
the thermal cycler.

USB port

2. Touch Save to save the results to the USB drive.

Note: Results are saved on the USB only. The results are saved
to the file bcalevents.txt. Test results are not stored on the
thermal cycler.
3. Connect the USB memory stick to the USB port of the computer
to transfer the test data.

Repeat the Test If the test fails:

(Optional) 1. Verify that the:
• Calibration of the TVK is up-to-date.
• Probe tips are not cracked or damaged.
2. Dispense 2 to 3 drops of mineral oil onto a cotton swab. Use the
swab to apply a thin film of oil to the cone surface of each probe
to improve heat transfer.
3. Repeat the steps in “Before You Run 96-Well Instrument Tests” ,
on page 16.
4. Verify that the:
• Probes are seated securely in the appropriate test wells.
• Cables are connected securely to the ports.
• Ribbon cable lies flat under the thermal cutout and is not
crimped.
• Heated cover is closed and locked down.

22 Multiprobe TVK User Guide for Veriti® Thermal Cycler

 96-Well Temperature Verification Test

5. Repeat the steps in “Run the Test” on page 20.

IMPORTANT! If the test fails again, contact Applied Biosystems (see
“Obtaining support” on page 53).

End the Test 1. Follow the prompts to exit the test.

2. Wait for the sample blocks to reach room temperature (~25 °C),
then remove the multiprobe module from the sample blocks.

PHYSICAL INJURY HAZARD. Hot

Surface. Use care when working around the heated cover and
sample blocks to avoid being burned.
3. Power off the digital thermometer.
4. Clean the oil off the multiprobe and sample blocks if you
retested the system with oil.
,

Multiprobe TVK User Guide for Veriti® Thermal Cycler 23

Veriti® Thermal Cycler

96-Well Temperature Non-Uniformity Test

This test determines the temperature uniformity of the thermal cycler
by measuring temperatures at 24 well locations.
To pass the test, all six sample blocks must be within ±0.5 degrees
Celsius of each set point temperature (95 °C and 60 °C) no later than
30 seconds after the set point temperature is changed.

PHYSICAL INJURY HAZARD. Hot Surface.

Use care when working around the heated cover and sample blocks to
avoid being burned.

Run the Test 1. See “Before You Run 96-Well Instrument Tests” on page 16.
2. Power on the thermal cycler, then power on the digital
thermometer.
3. Touch Tools MenuRun TNU Test.

The first screen opens.

24 Multiprobe TVK User Guide for Veriti® Thermal Cycler

 96-Well Temperature Non-Uniformity Test

4. Follow the prompts in the touchscreen, making sure the

multiprobe module is aligned in the well locations shown on
page 19, and as indicated below:

Testing Zones
Well Position of Probe Tip #1
(Sample Blocks)

1 and 2 A1

3 and 4 A5

5 and 6 A9

Note: The test wizard refers to each sample block as a “zone.”

“Zone 1” refers to Sample Block 1, “Zone 2” refers to Sample
Block 2, and so on.
At the end of the test, the results are displayed.
,

Multiprobe TVK User Guide for Veriti® Thermal Cycler 25

Veriti® Thermal Cycler

Print Test Results You must have a printer connected and configured as described in the
Veriti® Thermal Cycler User Guide.
Press Print to print results.

Save Test Results 1. Connect your USB memory stick to the USB port on the front of
the thermal cycler.

USB port

26 Multiprobe TVK User Guide for Veriti® Thermal Cycler

 96-Well Temperature Non-Uniformity Test

2. Touch Save to save the results to the USB drive.

Note: Results are saved on the USB only. The results are saved
to the file tnuEvents.txt. Test results are not stored on the
thermal cycler.
3. Connect the USB memory stick to the USB port of the computer
to transfer the test data.
Repeat the Test If the test fails:
(Optional) 1. Verify that the:
• Calibration of the TVK is up-to-date.
• Probe tips are not cracked or damaged.
2. Dispense 2 to 3 drops of mineral oil onto a cotton swab. Use the
swab to apply a thin film of oil to the cone surface of each probe
to improve heat transfer.
3. Repeat the steps in “Before You Run 96-Well Instrument Tests”
on page 16.
4. Verify that the:
• Probes are seated securely in the appropriate test wells.
• Cables are connected securely to the ports.
• Ribbon cable lies flat under the thermal cutout and is not
crimped.
• Heated cover is closed and locked down.
5. Repeat the steps in “Run the Test” on page 24.
IMPORTANT! If the test fails again, contact Applied Biosystems (see
“Obtaining support” on page 53).

End the Test 1. Follow the prompts to exit the test.

,

PHYSICAL INJURY HAZARD. Hot

Surface. Use care when working around the heated cover and
sample blocks to avoid being burned.
2. Wait for the sample blocks to reach room temperature (~25 °C),
then remove the multiprobe module from the sample blocks.
3. Power off the digital thermometer.
4. Clean the oil off the multiprobe and sample blocks if you
retested the system with oil.

Multiprobe TVK User Guide for Veriti® Thermal Cycler 27

Veriti® Thermal Cycler

96-Well Heated Cover Verification Test

This test determines if the heated cover holds temperature at
105 ±3 °C.

PHYSICAL INJURY HAZARD. Hot Surface.

Use care when working around the heated cover and sample blocks to
avoid being burned.

Run the Test 1. See “Before You Run 96-Well Instrument Tests” on page 16.
2. Power on the thermal cycler, then power on the digital
thermometer.
3. Touch Tools MenuHeated Cover Verification.

The first screen opens.

,

28 Multiprobe TVK User Guide for Veriti® Thermal Cycler

 96-Well Heated Cover Verification Test

4. Verify that the:

• Probes are seated securely in the appropriate test wells in
zones 3 and 4.
• Cables are connected securely to the ports.
• Ribbon cable lies flat under the thermal cutout and is not
crimped.
• Heated cover is closed and locked down.
5. Follow the prompts in the touchscreen. When the test is finished,
PASS or FAIL is displayed.
,

Multiprobe TVK User Guide for Veriti® Thermal Cycler 29

Veriti® Thermal Cycler

Print Test Results You must have a printer connected and configured as described in the
Veriti® Thermal Cycler User Guide.
Press Print to print results.

Save Test Results 1. Connect your USB memory stick to the USB port on the front of
the thermal cycler.

USB port

2. Touch Save to save the results to the USB drive.

Note: Results are saved on the USB only. The results are saved
to the file heatedCover.txt. Test results are not stored on the
thermal cycler.
3. Connect the USB memory stick to the USB port of the computer
to transfer the test data.

Repeat the Test If the test fails: ,

(Optional) 1. Verify that the:
• Calibration of the TVK is up-to-date.
• Probe tips are not cracked or damaged.
• Multiprobe module is seated securely in zones 3 and 4.
• Cables are connected securely to the ports.
• Ribbon cable lies flat under the thermal cutout and is not
crimped.
• Heated cover is closed and locked down.

30 Multiprobe TVK User Guide for Veriti® Thermal Cycler

 96-Well Heated Cover Verification Test

2. Repeat the steps in “Run the Test” on page 28.

IMPORTANT! If the test fails again, contact Applied Biosystems (see
“Obtaining support” on page 53).

End the Test 1. Power off the digital thermometer.

2. Wait for the sample blocks to reach room temperature (~25 °C),
then remove the multiprobe module from the sample blocks.

PHYSICAL INJURY HAZARD. Hot

Surface. Use care when working around the heated cover and
sample blocks to avoid being burned.
,

Multiprobe TVK User Guide for Veriti® Thermal Cycler 31

Veriti® Thermal Cycler

Before You Run 384-Well Instrument Tests

PHYSICAL INJURY HAZARD. Hot Surface.
Use care when working around the heated cover and sample blocks to
avoid being burned.

Set the Idle 1. Power on the instrument.

Temperature 2. Touch Main MenuSettings MenuSet Idle Temperatures.

3. Enter 25.0 in the Block Idle Temperature field.

32 Multiprobe TVK User Guide for Veriti® Thermal Cycler

 Before You Run 384-Well Instrument Tests

Set Up the 1. Connect the multiprobe module to the digital thermometer. See
Multiprobe page 16 for instructions.
Module 2. If the heated cover is closed, lift the lever and place the heated
cover in the fully opened position.
3. Place the multiprobe module so that tip #7 sits in well P1.

Tip #7
P1 Well

4. Ensure that the ribbon cable leads straight out, lies flat, and is
under the thermal cycler cutout.
5. Slide the heated cover forward, then pull down the lever.
IMPORTANT! Do not crush the multiprobe module ribbon cable
when the heated cover is closed.
,

Multiprobe TVK User Guide for Veriti® Thermal Cycler 33

Veriti® Thermal Cycler

384-Well Temperature Verification Test

This test determines the temperature accuracy of a thermal cycler by
measuring sample well temperatures at two set points, 45 °C and
85 °C.
To pass the test, the left and right zones of the sample block must
stabilize within ±0.25 degrees Celsius of the set points.

PHYSICAL INJURY HAZARD. Hot Surface.

Use care when working around the heated cover and sample block to
avoid being burned.

Run the Test 1. Power on the thermal cycler, then power on the digital
thermometer.
2. Touch Main Menu Tools Menu  Run Temperature
Verification.

,
The first screen opens.

34 Multiprobe TVK User Guide for Veriti® Thermal Cycler

 384-Well Temperature Verification Test

3. Follow the prompts in the touchscreen.

At the end of the test, the results are displayed.
,

Print Test Results You must have a printer connected and configured as described in the
Veriti® Thermal Cycler User Guide.
Press Print to print results.

Multiprobe TVK User Guide for Veriti® Thermal Cycler 35

Veriti® Thermal Cycler

Save Test Results 1. Connect your USB memory stick to the USB port on the front of
the thermal cycler.

USB port

2. Touch Save to save the results to the USB drive.

Note: Results are saved on the USB only. The results are saved
to the file bcalevents.txt. Test results are not stored on the
thermal cycler.
3. Connect the USB memory stick to the USB port of the computer
to transfer the test data.

Repeat the Test If the test fails:

(Optional) 1. Verify that the:
• Calibration of the TVK is up-to-date.
• Probe tips are not cracked or damaged.
2. Dispense 2 to 3 drops of mineral oil onto a cotton swab. Use the ,
swab to apply a thin film of oil to the cone surface of each probe
to improve heat transfer.

36 Multiprobe TVK User Guide for Veriti® Thermal Cycler

 384-Well Temperature Verification Test

3. Repeat the steps in “Before You Run 384-Well Instrument Tests”

on page 32.
4. Verify that the:
• Probes are seated securely in the appropriate test wells.
• Cables are connected securely to the ports.
• Ribbon cable lies flat under the thermal cutout and is not
crimped.
• Heated cover is closed and locked down.
5. Repeat the steps in “Run the Test” on page 34.
IMPORTANT! If the test fails again, contact Applied Biosystems (see
“Obtaining support” on page 53).

End the Test 1. Follow the prompts to exit the test.

2. Wait for the sample block to reach room temperature (~25 °C),
,

then remove the multiprobe module from the sample blocks.

PHYSICAL INJURY HAZARD. Hot

Surface. Use care when working around the heated cover and
sample block to avoid being burned.
3. Power off the digital thermometer.
4. Clean the oil off the multiprobe and sample blocks if you
retested the system with oil.

Multiprobe TVK User Guide for Veriti® Thermal Cycler 37

Veriti® Thermal Cycler

384-Well Temperature Non-Uniformity Test

This test determines the overall temperature uniformity of the
thermal cycler.
To pass the test, the overall temperature must be within ±0.5 degrees
Celsius of each set point temperature (95 °C and 60 °C) no later than
30 seconds after the set point temperature is changed.

PHYSICAL INJURY HAZARD. Hot Surface.

Use care when working around the heated cover and sample block to
avoid being burned.

Run the Test 1. See “Before You Run 384-Well Instrument Tests” on page 32.
2. Power on the thermal cycler, then power on the digital
thermometer.
3. Touch Tools MenuRun TNU Test.

The first screen opens.

38 Multiprobe TVK User Guide for Veriti® Thermal Cycler

 384-Well Temperature Non-Uniformity Test

4. Follow the prompts in the touchscreen.

At the end of the TNU test, the results are displayed.
,

Print Test Results You must have a printer connected and configured as described in the
Veriti® Thermal Cycler User Guide.
Press Print to print results.

Multiprobe TVK User Guide for Veriti® Thermal Cycler 39

Veriti® Thermal Cycler

Save Test Results 1. Connect your USB memory stick to the USB port on the front of
the thermal cycler.

USB port

2. Touch Save to save the results to the USB drive.

Note: Results are saved on the USB only. The results are saved
to the file tnuEvents.txt. Test results are not stored on the
thermal cycler.
3. Connect the USB memory stick to the USB port of the computer
to transfer the test data.

Repeat the Test If the test fails:

(Optional) 1. Verify that the:
• Calibration of the TVK is up-to-date.
• Probe tips are not cracked or damaged.
2. Dispense 2 to 3 drops of mineral oil onto a cotton swab. Use the ,
swab to apply a thin film of oil to the cone surface of each probe
to improve heat transfer.

40 Multiprobe TVK User Guide for Veriti® Thermal Cycler

 384-Well Temperature Non-Uniformity Test

3. Repeat the steps in “Before You Run 384-Well Instrument Tests”

on page 32.
4. Verify that the:
• Probes are seated securely in the appropriate test wells.
• Cables are connected securely to the ports.
• Ribbon cable lies flat under the thermal cutout and is not
crimped.
• Heated cover is closed and locked down.
5. Repeat the steps in “Run the Test” on page 38.
IMPORTANT! If the test fails again, contact Applied Biosystems (see
“Obtaining support” on page 53).

End the Test 1. Follow the prompts to exit the test.

2. Wait for the sample block to reach room temperature (~25 °C),
,

then remove the multiprobe module from the sample block.

PHYSICAL INJURY HAZARD. Hot

Surface. Use care when working around the heated cover and
sample block to avoid being burned.
3. Power off the digital thermometer.
4. Clean the oil off the multiprobe and sample blocks if you
retested the system with oil.

Multiprobe TVK User Guide for Veriti® Thermal Cycler 41

Veriti® Thermal Cycler

384-Well Heated Cover Verification Test

This test determines if the heated cover holds temperature at
105 ±3 °C.

PHYSICAL INJURY HAZARD. Hot Surface.

Use care when working around the heated cover and sample block to
avoid being burned.

Run the Test 1. See “Before You Run 384-Well Instrument Tests” on page 32.
2. Power on the thermal cycler, then power on the digital
thermometer.
3. Touch Tools MenuRun Heated Cover Verification.

The first screen opens.

,

42 Multiprobe TVK User Guide for Veriti® Thermal Cycler

 384-Well Heated Cover Verification Test

4. Follow the prompts in the touchscreen. When the test is finished,

PASS or FAIL is displayed.
,

Print Test Results You must have a printer connected and configured as described in the
Veriti® Thermal Cycler User Guide.
Press Print to print results.

Multiprobe TVK User Guide for Veriti® Thermal Cycler 43

Veriti® Thermal Cycler

Save Test Results 1. Connect your USB memory stick to the USB port on the front of
the thermal cycler.

USB port

2. Touch Save to save the results to the USB drive.

Note: Results are saved on the USB only. The results are saved
to the file heatedCover.txt. Test results are not stored on the
thermal cycler.
3. Connect the USB memory stick to the USB port of the computer
to transfer the test data.

Repeat the Test If the test fails:

(Optional) 1. Verify that the:
• Calibration of the TVK is up-to-date.
• Probe tips are not cracked or damaged.
• Cables are connected securely to the ports. ,
• Ribbon cable lies flat under the thermal cutout and is not
crimped.
• Heated cover is closed and locked down.
2. Repeat the steps in “Run the Test” on page 42.
IMPORTANT! If the test fails again, contact Applied Biosystems (see
“Obtaining support” on page 53).

44 Multiprobe TVK User Guide for Veriti® Thermal Cycler

 384-Well Heated Cover Verification Test

End the Test 1. Power off the digital thermometer.

2. Wait for the sample block to reach room temperature (~25 °C),
then remove the multiprobe module from the sample block.

PHYSICAL INJURY HAZARD. Hot

Surface. Use care when working around the heated cover and
sample block to avoid being burned.
,

Multiprobe TVK User Guide for Veriti® Thermal Cycler 45

Veriti® Thermal Cycler

46 Multiprobe TVK User Guide for Veriti® Thermal Cycler

Maintaining the TVK A
A
Applied Biosystems recommends that you have Alpha Technics
recalibrate the Model 4690 digital thermometer and multiprobe
module once a year.
The last calibration date is displayed:
• On the recalibration label on the back of the unit
• In the Report of Calibration, which came with your TVK
• In the display readout after you press ON
Before shipping the TVK for calibration, you must decontaminate the
thermometer and multiprobe module, and complete a certificate of
decontamination.
This appendix covers:
Maintain the TVK Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Complete a Certificate of Decontamination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Recalibration Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Multiprobe TVK User Guide for Veriti® Thermal Cycler 47

Maintaining the TVK

Maintain the TVK Components

Do not submerge the digital thermometer in
liquid.

Do not autoclave the thermometer or multiprobe

module.

Decontaminate To decontaminate the digital thermometer:

the Thermometer 1. Dampen a soft cloth with a diluted bleach solution (10% bleach,
90% water).
2. Wipe the outside surfaces of the thermometer. Avoid getting
liquid onto the cable connection ports.

Decontaminate 1. Gently wipe the probe tips with a cotton swab that has been
the Multiprobe moistened with bleach solution (10% bleach, 90% water).
Module IMPORTANT! Do not submerge the probe in bleach solution. Do
not disassemble the multiprobe module.
2. Complete a Decontamination Certificate (see page 49) to
prepare for recalibration.

Clean the LCD Use only a commercially available plastic-compatible lens cleaner.
Lens
Chemicals such as alcohol, acetone, and lacquer thinner damage the
lens, the case, and the rubber key pad.

Replace the Battery life is ~20 hours when not connected to an instrument and
Battery ~15 hours when connected to an instrument communication port
(RS-232 interface).
,
To replace the battery:
1. Place the thermometer front side down.
2. Remove the battery door at the bottom of the back side.

48 Multiprobe TVK User Guide for Veriti® Thermal Cycler

 Complete a Certificate of Decontamination

3. Remove the battery using your thumb or forefinger.

4. Install a new 9 V alkaline battery, such as Duracell MN1604 or
equivalent.

Complete a Certificate of Decontamination

A completed copy of the Certificate of Decontamination must be
attached to the TVK and to the outside of the packing container in
which you ship the TVK for calibration.
Note: Please complete a Certificate of Decontamination form by
contacting Applied Biosystems (see “Obtaining support” on
page 53).

Recalibration Services
TVK Support A temperature verification kit is available for use to complete a
customer-performed installation qualification protocol or annual user
maintenance activities. Applied Biosystems recommends that you
have the digital thermometer and multiprobe module calibrated once
a year.

To send the temperature verification kit equipment for

recalibration:
1. Use the address or Fax information below to request a quote
from Alpha Technics for a recalibration order:
• Mail: Alpha Technics
17151 Gillette Avenue
Irvine, CA 92614-5602
,

USA
• Fax: (949)-271-2300
2. Ensure that the probe assembly has been decontaminated (see
“Decontaminate the Multiprobe Module” on page 48).
3. Pack the digital thermometer and the probe assembly in the
black case.
4. Create a shipping package with:

Multiprobe TVK User Guide for Veriti® Thermal Cycler 49

Maintaining the TVK

• Black case containing the digital thermometer and probe

assembly
• Completed copy of the Certificate of Instrument
Decontamination
• Payment for shipping/handling in one of the following
forms:
– Purchase order
– Company letterhead with the words “verbal purchase
order”
– Visa/MasterCard credit card information
• Your address and contact information:
– Billing address
– Return shipping address
– Name and phone number of a contact (person most
familiar with the thermometer)
Note: If payment is not included with the package, Alpha
Technics may bill for calibration fee plus an administrative fee.
Please contact Alpha Technics directly for current rates.
5. Send the package freight prepaid to Alpha Technics at the
address in step 1.

50 Multiprobe TVK User Guide for Veriti® Thermal Cycler

Safety B
Instrumentation safety

Symbols on instruments

Environmental The following symbol applies to all Applied Biosystems electrical

symbols on and electronic products placed on the European market after
instruments August 13, 2005.

Symbol Description

Do not dispose of this product as unsorted municipal

waste. Follow local municipal waste ordinances for
proper disposal provisions to reduce the environmental
impact of waste electrical and electronic equipment
(WEEE).
European Union customers:
Call your local Applied Biosystems Customer Service
office for equipment pick-up and recycling. See
www.appliedbiosystems.com for a list of customer
service offices in the European Union.

General instrument safety

WARNING! PHYSICAL INJURY HAZARD. Using the

instrument in a manner not specified by Applied Biosystems
may result in personal injury or damage to the instrument.

Operating the Ensure that anyone who operates the instrument has:
instrument • Received instructions in both general safety practices for
laboratories and specific safety practices for the instrument.
• Read and understood all applicable Safety Data Sheets (SDSs).

Multiprobe TVK User Guide for Veriti® Thermal Cycler 51

Appendix B Safety

Cleaning or CAUTION! Before using a cleaning or decontamination

decontaminating method other than those recommended by the manufacturer,
the instrument verify with the manufacturer that the proposed method will not
damage the equipment.

52 Multiprobe TVK User Guide for Veriti® Thermal Cycler

Documentation and Support

Related documentation
Instruments that use the Multiprobe Temperature Verification Kits
covered in this guide are supported by the following documents:

Document
Instrument
Part Number

Veriti® Thermal Cycler User Guide 4375799

Obtaining support

Support information
For the latest services and support information for all locations, go to
www.appliedbiosystems.com, then click the link for Support.
At the Support page, you can:
• Access worldwide telephone and fax numbers to contact
Applied Biosystems Technical Support and Sales facilities.
• Search through frequently asked questions (FAQs)
• Submit a question directly to Technical Support
• Order Applied Biosystems user documents, SDSs (Safety Data
Sheets), certificates of analysis, and other related documents
• Download PDF documents
• Obtain information about customer training

Recalibration See “Recalibration Services” on page 49 for information on

Information recalibration of the Temperature Verification Kit.

Multiprobe TVK User Guide for Veriti® Thermal Cycler 53

Documentation and Support

54 Multiprobe TVK User Guide for Veriti® Thermal Cycler

 Index

B Heated Cover Temperature Verification Test 28,

42
battery, replacing 48
buttons 13
I
C idle temperature, setting 32
IMPORTANT, description 5
calibration, location of date 47
instrument operation, safety 51
CAUTION, description 5
certificate of decontamination 49
CHAN button 13
K
channel, display information 13 keypad buttons, thermometer 13
kit
battery, replacing 48
D PNs 10
DANGER, description 5
decontaminating M
digital thermometer 48
multiprobe module 48 maintaining TVK components 48
decontamination, form 49 MSDSs, obtaining 53
digital thermometer multiprobe module
overview 10
September 23, 2010 3:01 pm, 4460108A_IX.fm

decontaminate 48
description 12 serial number 13
setting up 16, 17, 33
display
test pattern 19
temperature differences 14
TNU/AVG 13
documentation, related 53 O
ON/OFF button 13
E
ending the test 23, 27, 31, 37, 41, 45 P
part numbers, TVK, supported 10
H preparing for tests 16, 32
hazard icons. See safety symbols, on
DRAFT

instruments 51 R
hazard symbols. See safety symbols, on recalibration
instruments frequency 8

Multiprobe TVK User Guide for Veriti® Thermal Cycler 55

S
safety
before operating the instrument 51
instrument operation 51
safety symbols, on instruments 51
start button 13

T
Temperature Non-Uniformity Test 24, 38
temperature verification kit
instructions for shipping 49
Temperature Verification Kits
components 8
testing frequency 9
Temperature Verification Test 19, 34
test results, saving 22, 26, 30, 36, 40, 44
test wells, tested 19
tests
ending 23, 27, 31, 37, 41, 45
frequency 9
pattern, 96-well plate 19
preparing 16, 32
running 20, 24, 28, 34, 38, 42
types 9
TNU/AVG button 13
training, information on 53
TVK
battery, replacing 48
maintaining 48
part numbers 10

U
upgrade kit, PNs 10

W
WARNING, description 5

56 Multiprobe TVK User Guide for Veriti® Thermal Cycler

Part Number 4460108 Rev. A 10/2010

Headquarters Technical Resources and Support

5791 Van Allen Way | Carlsbad, CA 92008 USA For the latest technical resources and
Phone 760.603.7200 support information for all locations,
www.lifetechnologies.com please refer to our Web site at
www.appliedbiosystems.com