How Well Do You Know Your Sample Probe?

Posted on by Becky Bellos

Some of the most common hardware problems that occur in the field are related to the sample probe. Is your instrument failing calibration or verification? Are you getting low bead count on your assay results? This could be due to the probe height adjustment, a clog, or a bent probe. Luckily, most of these issues can be solved through troubleshooting procedures performed by you, the customer.

A benefit to the MAGPIX and FlexMAP 3D systems is the Auto Height Adjustment function within the hardware and software. This allows you to adjust the probe height with just a click of a button and for each plate height to be saved for future runs.

Below you will find common symptoms and troubleshooting procedures for incorrect probe height and clogged/bent probes for all instruments. Be sure to check out the troubleshooting videos below!

Probe Height Troubleshooting
Incorrect Probe Height Symptoms Probe Height Troubleshooting
Sample Empty ErrorsSlow Event Rate
Air In the System		 For Luminex 100/200 Place the appropriate alignment tool in the selected well of the plate and retract:

  • Flat bottom= 2 large discs
  • Filter plate=3 large discs
  • Round bottom= 2 small discs
  • V-bottom (PCR)= 1 sphere

Loosen the screw gently on the probe holder. Push probe down until the probe comes in contact with the plate. Tighten the screw.

Adjust probe height in the software to ensure probe is hitting the plate.

For MAGPIX & FLEXMAP 3D

Place 1 large disc in the appropriate well ONLY if you are using a filter plate. For all other plates, no adjustment tool is needed.

Ensure all wells and reservoirs are empty and do not contain any fluid.

Click auto adjust in the software.

Save plate for future runs.
Clogged/Bent Probe Symptoms Clog Troubleshooting
Slow Event RateCalibration/Verification failure

Sample Empty Errors

Fluid Dripping from the Probe

Large Pocket of Air at top of Syringe

Bead Shifting		 For Luminex 100/200 & FlexMAP 3D Remove the probe and sonicate narrow end in DI water for 2-3 minutes.

Flush DI water through probe from the narrow end out through the larger end.

Replace probe and verify probe height.

Run 3 back flushes, 3 drains, 2 alcohol flushes, and 3 washes.

For MAGPIX

Remove the probe and sonicate narrow end in DI water for 2-3 minutes.

Flush DI water through probe from the narrow end out through the larger end.

Replace probe and verify probe height.

Run 1 alcohol flush, 1 wash, 1 clean with NaOH, and 1 wash.

For Bent Probe

Bypass the sample probe to ensure that this is the issue. See video below on how to bypass the sample probe.

If events are collected then replace bent probe. CN-0007-01 for LX100/200 & CN-0221-01 for FlexMAP 3D & MagPix

 

Troubleshooting Videos:

The videos below will help guide you through adjusting the probe height and processing the sample probe bypass on the Luminex 200 Instrument.

Luminex 200 Probe Height Adjustment

Luminex 200 Sample Probe Bypass