Versette system for MSIA application - FAQs

View additional product information for Versette™ Automated Liquid Handler - FAQs (650-MSIA)

34 product FAQs found

Which components for the Versette Automated Liquid Handler have serial numbers?

Serial numbers are listed on the three individual components which make up the complete instrument: base unit, six position stage, and 96/384 pipetting module. Additionally, the pipetting heads and the peristaltic pump have serial numbers for traceability.

What is the maximum volume held by each Automation Reservoir used with the Versette Automatic Liquid Handler?

The maximum volumes for the Automation Reservoirs are as follows:

- 96-channel reservoirs hold a minimum of 95 mL w/ baffle and 125 mL w/o baffle
- 96-channel DW reservoirs hold a minimum of 160 mL w/baffle and 220 mL w/o baffle
- 384-channel reservoirs hold a minimum of 65 mL w/baffle and 95 mL w/o baffle

What are the minimum (dead) volumes for the Automation Reservoirs used with the Versette Automatic Liquid Handler?

The minimum dead volumes for the Automation Reservoirs are as follows:

- 96-channel reservoirs: 5 mL
- 384-channel reservoirs: 4 mL

Does the Versette Automated Liquid Handler have liquid level detection?

No, liquid level detection is not available on the Versette Automated Liquid Handler.

What would happen if the wrong pipetting head is installed in the Versette Automated Liquid Handler?

The Versette Automated Liquid Handler incorporates RFID technology to identify which pipetting head is installed in the system. The protocol will prompt the user to check/change the head if the wrong head is installed for a specific protocol being run.

What type of applications can the Versette Automated Liquid Handler support?

The Versette Automated Liquid Handler can perform a variety of flexible applications, not limited to the following:

- Cell culture/Cell therapy
- Compound transfers
- ELISA
- Food and beverage
- Genomics
- Mass spectrometric immunoassay (MSIA)
- PCR/qPCR
- Proteomics
- Vitamin D assay
- Other general liquid handling needs

What is the warranty on the Versette Automated Liquid Handler, including components, e.g., pipetting heads, pump, and tip wash station?

The warranty is 12 months from the date of shipment.

Where can I find the Versette Automated Liquid Handler internal software version number?

The software version number for the Versette Automated Liquid Handler can be found in the following locations:

1) displayed on the onboard LCD screen System Configuration menu
2) displayed on the splash screen when opening the ControlMate Software
3) accessed in the HELP > About Menu

What should I do if the liquid foams during dispensing with the Versette Automated Liquid Handler?

When using a Versette Automated Liquid Handler, some liquids foam more easily than others. This phenomenon is common when incorporating a detergent into the sample. To reduce/eliminate foaming from occurring, there are several options to consider such as:

1) reducing the dispense speed
2) adding less sample into the plate so it won't overflow if some foaming occurs
3) using a milder detergent which produces less foaming

What liquid do you recommend using for washing pump tubing/fluid lines on the Versette Automated Liquid Handler?

Distilled/filtered laboratory grade water and/or a mild detergent solution, for example, filtered 1% Micro-90, followed by distilled and filtered laboratory-grade water is recommended to clean the pump tubing for the Versette Automated Liquid Handler.

When should I use the Versette Automated Liquid Handler vs. the Multidrop Combi Reagent Dispenser?

The Versette Automated Liquid Handler is the perfect solution for applications that require aspiration of liquid, plate transfers/reformatting, mixing, serial dilutions, and other common plate preparations performed using hand held pipettes in the lab.

The Multidrop Combi Reagent Dispenser should be used for fast bulk reagent dispensing and plate preparation.

What type of support will I be able to receive after the purchase of a Versette Automated Liquid Handler?

After the purchase of a Versette Automated Liquid Handler, the following support will be available:

- Application/protocol assistance: sequences can be emailed, remote personal assistance offered for optimization to achieve the best performance
- ControlMate Software BrainShark training modules available via web to familiarize oneself with programming capabilities
- ControlMate Software training for power users/large groups via WebEx
- Personal technical support via phone and email

Can the Versette Automated Liquid Handler be integrated with robotic platforms/plate handlers?

Although the Versette Automated Liquid Handler cannot be directly integrated with robotic platforms/plate handlers, it is used as a standalone workflow solution to aid in a specific processing of plates, e.g., serial dilutions, plate reformatting, plate replications, partial plate processing, etc.

Do I need any tools to change out the pipetting heads on the Versette Automated Liquid Handler?

No tools are required as the pipetting heads on the Versette Automated Liquid Handler can be changed through the ControlMate Software. This takes about 90 sec.

Do I have to be connected to the Versette Automated Liquid Handler to write protocols?

Protocols for the Versette Automated Liquid Handler can be created on any workstation which has the ControlMate Software installed either with or without the instrument connected. Protocols can also be copied and sent via email to other users.

Do I need a specialist dedicated to the operation and programming of the Versette Automated Liquid Handler?

The Versette Automated Liquid Handler does not require a specialist to operate and program the instrument as it uses ControlMate Software which is an easy to use, intuitive software platform with minimal training required. Additional users can be trained as needed within minutes.

How should I arrange my plates on the Versette Automated Liquid Handler deck to minimize the time it takes to run a protocol?

The following guidelines can help in minimizing the time required to run a protocol on the Versette Automated Liquid Handler:

1) Program the least amount of travel distance between stage positions to minimize movements when aspirating/dispensing into labware.
2) Most consumables can be programmed using the top 4 stage positions. The upper deck has a maximum clearance of 50 mm.

Can the Versette Automated Liquid Handler be used in a hood/BSC (Biosafety cabinet)?

A standard hood footprint is too small to accommodate the Versette Automated Liquid Handler. However, we do offer alternative low-cost hoods that can also be custom scaled. Please contact your local applications team/Sales Rep for more information regarding compatible hoods/BSC for the Versette Automated Liquid Handler.

Can the Versette Automated Liquid Handler process individual wells (cherry picking)?

Cherry picking (individual well processing) is not an option with the Versette Automated Liquid Handler.

Can I use the Versette Automated Liquid Handler for an assay requiring tip changing?

Yes, but tip changing is a manual process with the Versette Automated Liquid Handler.

Do I need specific plate adapters for the Versette Automated Liquid Handler?

The Versette Automated Liquid Handler incorporates a fixed plate lock on each stage to securely hold SBS* labware in position and does not require any external plate adapters. Heights can be customized per labware item through the ControlMate Software.

*SBS (Society of Biomolecular Screening) refers to the standard dimensions for plates in the market for any automated liquid handler.

What are the operating conditions for the Versette Automated Liquid Handler?

The Versette Automated Liquid Handler can be used from 4 degrees C to 40 degrees C.

When using the Versette Automated Liquid Handler ControlMate Software, can I protect protocols from being changed/modified?

Yes, the Versette Automated Liquid Handler ControlMate Software has a specific feature to place edit and run locks on protocols via password protection.

How much do software updates typically cost for the Versette Automated Liquid Handler?

When software updates are available for the Thermo Scientific Versette Automated Liquid Handler, they can be accessed free of charge by visiting the Versette ControlMate Software product page (https://www.thermofisher.com/order/catalog/product/650-09-CMSW).

Is the software included with the purchase of the Versette Automated Liquid Handler? How many licenses do I get?

ControlMate Software for the Versette Automated Liquid Handler comes free with the purchase of the instrument; ControlMate Software is open licensed software for unlimited installation on multiple computers.

What dispense volumes are allowed using the Versette Automated Liquid Handler?

The Versette Automated Liquid Handler can process volumes of 0.5-300 µL using 96-well plates and 1-100 µL using 384-well plates.

Can I use a PCR plate with the Versette Automated Liquid Handler?

Yes, fully skirted PCR plates that are SBS* footprinted can be used on the Versette Automated Liquid Handler. Unskirted PCR plates can be placed into a skirted well plate or adapter with the same format to hold it in position.

*SBS (Society of Biomolecular Screening) refers to the standard dimensions for plates in the market for any automated liquid handler.

Is the Versette Automated Liquid Handler compatible with any manufacturer's plates, including custom plates?

Yes, the Versette Automated Liquid Handler has an open platform for SBS* consumables used with automation. A Labware Library is available in the ControlMate software to select from a template list or add/modify the library with desired plates and labware customized by the user.

*SBS (Society of Biomolecular Screening) refers to the standard dimensions for plates in the market for any automated liquid handler.

Which plate formats can I use with the Versette Automated Liquid Handler?

The Versette Automated Liquid Handler can process 96-well and 384-well plates and other SBS* consumables varying in height, including storage tubes in racks.

*SBS (Society of Biomolecular Screening) refers to the standard dimensions for plates in the market for any automated liquid handler.

What certification does the Versette Automated Liquid Handler have?

The Versette Automated Liquid Handler is compliant under the following certifications: CE, cSGSus, CSA, NRTL, UL, and RoHS.

With the Versette Automated Liquid Handler, what is the lowest volume of liquid that can be transferred to a dry plate?

The lowest volume of liquid that can be transferred to a dry plate is 0.5 µL - keep in mind that optimization is required; using a wet dispense can lower the % CV (Coefficient of Variation).

Why are there two plate/stage levels in the Versette Automated Liquid Handler?

Having upper and lower stages in the Versette Automated Liquid Handler helps to minimize bench top space.

Which computer operating systems can I use with the Versette Automated Liquid Handler?

The Versette Automated Liquid Handler is compatible with the following Thermo Scientific ControlMate and Versette Software versions and corresponding operating systems:

- ControlMate v1.3.56/Versette v1.3.2 = WIN 10 (64- and 32-bit), WIN 7 (64- and 32-bit), and WIN XP (SP3)
- ControlMate v1.3.54 or v1.3.55/Versette v1.2.X = WIN 7 (64- and 32-bit) and WIN XP (SP3)

What are the dimensions/weight of the Versette Automated Liquid Handler?

Here are the specifications:

- Dimensions: 68 x 55 x 68 cm
- Weight: 71.1 kg