Bio-Rad iMark Microplate Absorbance Reader - Manual (Page 13)

iMark Microplate Absorbance Reader Instruction Manual
7
Software Overview
Capabilities
The iMark Microplate Reader has on-board software that allows the user to set the plate reading and data analysis
conditions, to save these settings as a test protocol, to read a microplate under this protocol, and to print reports
from the built-in printer. The software communicates through the 4-line, 20-character LCD and is controlled
through the instrument's membrane keypad.
The software has three different protocol types: End-point analysis, Kinetic analysis, and Checkmark validation.
The Checkmark validation function is used only by the administrator to verify quality control.
The display shows the current mode. The user can choose between these protocol types, or can press the Memory
Recall key to use the current protocol type.
Quick Guide to Reading a Plate
1. Turn on the instrument. Allow about 30 seconds for self-diagnosis. The instrument needs to warm up for
about three minutes prior to reading a plate.
2. Upon power up, the login screen will appear. Enter the login password (initial password: 00000), press
Enter.
3. Program a protocol for your assay. See page 22 for information on Editing a Kinetic protocol, or page 25
for Editing an End Point Protocol. Make sure filters installed correlate with information entered in reader
firmware.
4. Select the protocol of choice, if programmed. See the Memory Recall section on page 21 for detailed
operation.
5. Review or print parameters set in the protocol. See the Editing End Point Protocol section on page 25 for
details.
6. Verify settings on Cutoff, Report, Limit, STDs, Mode, Mapping, and kit name parameters are as desired.
7. Protocol setting can be printed; see the Printing Reports and Protocols section on page 20 for
information.
8. All reports other than the raw data report require plate mapping. Set the plate map with instructions from
the Plate Map Setting Procedure section on page 33.
9. The Matrix and Limit reports require assignment of upper and lower limits. Set the upper and lower
limits in the Editing End Point Protocol Limit setting window.
10. The Cutoff report requires definition of the cutoff setting. Refer to the Cutoff Setting Procedure section
on page 26.
11. The Curve fit and Concentration reports require that standard concentration and locations must be
defined. Refer to page 29 for details on how to define the standards and the curve fit parameters.
12. Set the general reading mode (single or dual wavelength reading, plate shaking, read mode) following the
instructions in the Mode Setting Procedure section on page 32.
After warm-up is complete:
13. Press the “Main” key. The main screen appears on the LCD.
14. Carefully place the microplate in the reading chamber. Press the “Start/Stop” key to read.