Hello,
Happy holidays forum🎄,
I would like to optimize my 384well serial dilution method by using two columns of 50ul tips place on a tips adaptor. I can probably achieve that with offset commands, but was wondering if they were others alternatives? Also, I need to add logic for using the 50ul tips for larger volume during the serial dilution.
Any suggestions?
@Starrif2263 - Using a tip offset, the 384MPH can process partial racks (column/row/quadrant/single tip) of 384 format tips via channel settings configuration for reduced channel pattern processing in the tip pickup command. You can use the selectable GUI in the step to specify a hardcoded number of columns to use, or program channel patterns for dynamic processing.
There are not alternatives with the 384 MPH, as the 1mL channels cannot pick these tips up and move them around to empty wafer positions.
Regarding your other question about handling larger volumes, could you please provide more detail on your intended application, or the specific guidance you are seeking? What aspect of larger volume transfers is providing an obstacle?
Thanks.
-Nick
@Starrif2263 - Couple of follow up disclaimers here regarding shifted tip pickups using the 384 MPH.
This functionality is only enabled with the STP version of the 384 MPH. However, the predecessor version has not been manufactured for several years. You likely have the STP style 384 MPH, unless your system is very old. This document provides clarification.
For shifted tip pickups, it is very important that the tip eject bars are disabled during tip pickup. If not these are not disabled, there can be risk of collision during pickup.
I do not currently have access to a 384MPH to test, but am seeking confirmation on how these are toggled during tip pickup. I believe they may be turned off by selecting tip mode 3 in the tip pickup step
Ill follow up when I can get confirmation, but if you wanted to test yourself in the meantime, be sure to clear your deck to prevent any possibility of collision. Test tip pickups where there is nothing and just let the command error (‘No tips picked up’) until you confirm that that the eject bars will not extend during tip pickup.
@NickHealy_Hamilton thanks for the tips. I will give that a trial.
My serial dilution volumes are dynamically calculated based on dilution factors. This means that in some case, the volume will be larger then the max tip volume. The way, i came up to handle this would be similar to how the volumes are handles with smart steps. Calculate number of loops needed for volume transfer, then transfer a
(Volume / number of loops).
@Starrif2263 - So per my understanding, there are two ways you can prevent the tip eject/support bars from engaging during a MPH 384 tip pickup. In all cases, ensure your system configuration is set for STP, otherwise reduced channel patterns will not be available:
Disable bars during shifted pickups:
Set tip pickup mode to default (1)
Any non zero reduced pattern mode (1-4 based on use) should disable bars from engaging.
Disable bars during full rack pickups:
Set tip pickup mode to (3) and leave channel settings as default. This would likely only be useful in scenarios that pickup full racks from a tip offset, or special cases like a pin tool. When picking up full racks from NTRs, the bars are recommended.
Again, I would test these cases with an empty deck to confirm behavior and prevent possibility of collisions before using with carriers and labware.
@Starrif2263 - Your approach regarding transfers that exceed tip capacity is valid, and how I would approach it in this scenario.
-Nick
