Setting Positions in Labware for Tecan Fluent: A Detailed Guide 🧪

Hello, readers! 👋 Today, we're going to delve into the process of setting positions on labware for the Tecan Fluent. We'll explain each step in detail, why we're doing it, and the problems it solves. Let's get started!

Step 1: Picking Up a Pipette Tip 🖋️

The first step is to pick up a pipette tip. This is necessary to interact with the labware and set positions. Without a pipette tip, we can't accurately measure or set the positions on the labware.

1. Go to 'Commands' > 'FCA1' > 'Get Tips'.
2. Select the first tip and click 'Run with Sorted Entities'.

This step solves the problem of needing a tool to interact with the labware. The pipette tip acts as our hands in the machine, allowing us to accurately set positions.

Step 2: Editing the Labware 📝

Next, you'll need to edit the labware to set the positions. This is like adjusting the settings on a piece of equipment to make sure it's calibrated correctly.

1. Right-click on the labware you want to edit and click 'Edit'.
2. Adjust the XY positions if necessary.
3. Move the pipette tip to the new position and go all the way down on the Z-axis to check the position.

This step solves the problem of ensuring that the machine knows exactly where the labware is. Without accurate positions, the machine might miss the labware or hit something else.

Step 3: Setting the Positions 📍

Now it's time to set the positions. You'll need to set positions for both the first and last positions to ensure accuracy. This is like setting the boundaries on a game field. Without clear boundaries, the players wouldn't know where to go.

1. Move the pipette tip to the center of the first position and click 'Transfer'.
2. Repeat the process for the last position.

This step solves the problem of ensuring that the machine knows the boundaries of the labware. Without accurate positions, the machine might miss the labware or hit something else.

Step 4: Setting the Z Coordinates 📏

The Z coordinates determine the height of the pipette tip at different stages of the process. There are five main Z coordinates: Z Travel, Z Start, Z Dispense, Z Max, and Z Bottom. This is like setting the height of a basketball hoop. If the hoop is too high or too low, the game won't work properly.

1. Set Z Travel to a high position to avoid hitting anything when the pipette tip moves across the work table.
2. Set Z Start just past the plane of the plate.
3. Set Z Dispense just above the surface of the liquid.
4. Set Z Max to the lowest point at which you can aspirate liquid.
5. Set Z Bottom to the point where the pipette tip makes full contact with the bottom of the plate.

This step solves the problem of ensuring that the machine interacts with the labware at the correct height. If the Z coordinates are off, the machine might not be able to pick up or dispense liquid properly.

Step 5: Saving Your Settings 💾

Once all the positions and Z coordinates are set, don't forget to save your settings! This is like saving a document on your computer. If you don't save, all your hard work will be lost.

1. Click 'Save and Close' to save your settings.

This step solves the problem of preserving your settings for future use. Without saving, you'd have to redo all the settings every time you use the machine.

And that's it! You've successfully set positions on labware for the Tecan Fluent. This process ensures that your pipette tip interacts with the labware accurately, giving you confidence in your data. Happy labbing! 🥼