Luminex 200 User Manual with IS 2.3 Software - Manual (Page 17)

PN 89-00002-00-144 Rev. B 2 - 1
The System
Theory of Operation
Luminex 200 technology is based on flow cell fluorometry with
Luminex-developed innovations. The fluidics, optics, robotics,
temperature control, software, and xMAP microspheres work
together to enable simultaneous analysis of up to 100 analytes in a
single test sample. Assay analysis requiring temperature control is
provided through the Luminex XYP instrument heater block.
There are two fluidics paths in the Luminex 200 analyzer. The first
path involves a syringe-driven mechanism that controls the sample
uptake. This mechanism permits small sample uptake volumes from
small reaction volumes. The syringe-driven system transports a
specified volume of sample from a sample container to the cuvette.
The sample is injected into the cuvette at a steady rate for analysis.
Following analysis, the sample path is automatically purged with
Luminex xMAP Sheath Fluid by the second fluidics path. This
process removes residual sample within the tubing, valves, and
probe. The second fluidics path is driven by positive air pressure and
supplies sheath fluid to the cuvette and sample path.
Luminex xMAP Sheath Fluid is the delivery medium of the sample
to the optics component. The analysis sample is acquired using a
sample probe from a 96-well microtiter plate via the Luminex XYP
instrument and injected into the base of the cuvette. The sample then
passes through with sheath fluid at a reduced rate resulting in a
narrow sample core to ensure that each microsphere is illuminated
individually. The sample injection rate is such that the xMAP
microspheres are introduced to the optics path as a series of single
events. The Luminex SD system lets you run samples continuously
without refilling sheath bottles. It automatically draws sheath from a
non pressurized bulk sheath container to constantly maintain a
reservoir of pressurized sheath fluid. A single 20 liter sheath
container provides enough fluid for 48 hours or more of normal
operation.
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