Luminex MAGPIX Hardware and Installation Manual - Manual (Page 50)

This chapter describes the operation, components, subsystems, and technical specifications
of MAGPIX.
How MAGPIX Operates
MAGPIX combines a fluidics system, a mechanical system, an electronic system and an
optical system with magnetic microspheres and complex computer analysis to perform
multiplex assays.
The mechanical system begins the process. An operator places a 96-well microtiter plate on
the plate carrier, which transports the plate into the instrument. The carrier moves along the y
axis, to allow the sample probe access to each column of the microtiter plate. The sample
probe assembly moves along the x and z axes, allowing it to access each row of the
microtiter plate. Between the y-axis movement of the carrier and the x-axis movement of the
sample probe, all wells of the microtiter plate are accessible.
The fluidics system handles the acquisition and transportation of the sample. The sample
probe descends into each well, drawing a sample for testing and drawing Drive Fluid from the
Drive Fluid container. The sample moves through the fluid tubing to the optics module,
transported by the Drive Fluid.
In the optics module, a magnet holds the magnetic microspheres in place while first a red
(classification) LED and then a green (reporter) LED illuminate them. They are imaged during
each illumination. After the images are recorded, the magnet withdraws, releasing the
microspheres for transport to the waste fluid container and to clear the way for the next
sample.
xPONENT software analyzes the images, the red-illuminated images to classify the
microspheres and the green-illuminated images to determine what elements of the sample
have bonded to their surfaces. It reports the results to the operator.
Chapter 4: Technical Overview
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