How can I calibrate the heating block for the KingFisher Flex instrument if it is off by 1 degree Celsius or more?
The accuracy of the KingFisher Flex heating block is ± 1°C for up to 80°C, and ± 2°C for up to 115°C (see page 72 of the manual). If there is an issue with the accuracy of the heating block, you can contact to schedule a service call. Calibration of the heating block can only be performed by one of our engineers.
Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Automated Nucleic Acid Purification Support Center.
Are the magnets on the KingFisher Flex Purification System magnetic head strong enough to disturb nearby laboratory equipment?
We do not recommend placing the KingFisher Flex Purification System in close proximity to magnetic tapes, computer discs or other magnetic storage systems, such as credit cards, as these can be damaged by the strong magnetic field of the KingFisher Flex magnetic heads. Do not hold the KingFisher Flex magnetic heads close to a PC display, since this may cause damage to the display. Do not use metal tools when handling KingFisher Flex magnetic heads. People wearing a pacemaker or metallic prostheses should also not use this product as these items could be affected or damaged by close contact with a strong magnetic field.
How does the KingFisher Flex Purification heating block work?
The KingFisher Flex Purification System heating block is located inside the instrument and can be used automatically during the protocol. All KingFisher Flex plates can be heated using specially designed, interchangeable heating blocks. Any number of heating steps can be added to a protocol. When a protocol enters a heating step, the plate is automatically moved to the dedicated heating position for heating. Afterwards, the protocol continues automatically to the next step.
Can I use magnetic beads for protein isolation with the KingFisher Flex Purification System? If so, do you recommend any specific magnetic beads and are KingFisher Flex script protocol (.bdz) files available for these applications?
Any kind of protein purification can be done on the KingFisher Flex or Duo Prime as long as it is based on magnetic beads. Some template protocols for different magnetic beads are available for the KingFisher Flex and Duo Prime at this website: https://www.thermofisher.com/us/en/home/life-science/dna-rna-purification-analysis/automated-purification-extraction/automated-protocols-software.html?open=protein.
Please know that these templates are only a starting point and each protein and application is unique so optimization will be required. This optimization and protocol modification is the responsibility of the end user.