Bio-Rad Personal Molecular Imager™ (PMI™) System - Manual (Page 3)

Table of Contents
Section 1 General Information ......................................................................1
1.1 About this Manual ......................................................................................1
1.2 Safety Information......................................................................................1
1.2.1
General Cautions ...........................................................................1
1.2.2 General Warnings ..........................................................................2
1.2.3 Power Safety Information ...............................................................2
1.2.4 Laser Safety Information ................................................................2
1.2.5 Screen Eraser Safety Information...................................................3
Section 2 Introduction ...................................................................................3
2.1 System Capabilities ...................................................................................3
2.2 System Description....................................................................................3
2.3 Theory of Operation ...................................................................................7
2.3.1
Storage Phosphor Detection Mechanism .......................................7
2.3.2 Data Processing and Analysis........................................................7
2.4 Overview of the Imaging Process...............................................................8
2.4.1
Steps in Storage Phosphor Imaging ...............................................8
Section 3 System Installation .......................................................................9
3.1 Operating Requirements............................................................................9
3.1.1
System Location.............................................................................9
3.1.2 AC Power Requirements..............................................................10
3.1.3 Host Computer Recommendations...............................................10
3.2 Setting Up Your PMI System ...................................................................11
3.2.1
Shipping Check ............................................................................11
3.2.2 Unpacking ....................................................................................11
3.2.3 Electrical and Communication Connections..................................13
3.2.4 Quantity One Software Installation ...............................................13
Section 4 System Operation ......................................................................13
4.1 Starting the Scanner ................................................................................13
4.2 Detailed Operating Procedures ................................................................14
4.2.1
How to Prepare Imaging Screens.................................................14
4.2.2 How to Erase Imaging Screens ....................................................15
4.2.3 How to Prepare Samples .............................................................15
4.2.4 How to Use the Exposure Cassette ..............................................18
4.2.5 How to Scan the Imaging Screen .................................................18
4.3 Scanning Unit Precautions.......................................................................20
Section 5 Care and Maintenance ................................................................20
5.1 Scanner Maintenance ..............................................................................20
5.2 Care for PMI Accessories ........................................................................21
5.2.1
General Care of Imaging Screens ................................................21
5.2.2 Radioactive Contamination Check................................................21
5.2.3 Cleaning Imaging Screens ...........................................................21
5.2.4 Storage of the Imaging Screens ...................................................21
5.3 Exposure Cassette Maintenance .............................................................21
5.4 Screen Eraser Maintenance.....................................................................21
5.4.1
Changing Bulbs............................................................................21
Section 6 Troubleshooting ..........................................................................24
6.1 Factors Affecting Image Quality ...............................................................24
6.2 Problem Solving Guide ............................................................................24