Mastering ExionLC AE & Shimadzu LC 40 Plate Calibration

Date: 06/18/2024
Categories: Academia Omics , ProteinPilot Software , Pharma CRO

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Discover how to calibrate autosampler plates by watching this step-by-step video guide. Proper needle alignment is critical for EXION AE and Shimadzu LC-40 autosamplers that are commonly used with SCIEX LC-MS systems to prevent a needle from striking the vial cap or missing the vial completely, causing a bent needle. Plate calibration – or plate teaching – is also essential when using a new sample plate for the first time with your autosampler or as part of routine LC maintenance.

Symptoms: Misalignment of the needle with the plate can cause unnecessary downtime and affect data analysis, impacting overall workflow efficiency. Plate calibration can correct this by adjusting the relative plate and needle position and may be required if these symptoms are observed:

  • System faults due to damaged needles
  • Off-centered needle punctures of vial covers
  • Processing failures from inconsistent injection volumes
  • Spiking signals due to air injection
  • Addition of new plate types
Additionally, needle adjustment may be indicated after replacing a needle on a system during routine maintenance or when troubleshooting a clogged needle.

Possible causes: Plate calibration can adjust the x and y position of the plate and properly align the needle with the center of each well; however, it does not set the needle depth, which is controlled by the needle stroke setting procedure. Before starting the plate, verify that there are no other potential issues with your LC system, such as: If your system has any of these issues listed above, then plate calibration may not be required. Follow the links provided above and troubleshoot those issues accordingly. A more comprehensive list of troubleshooting steps for ExionLC AE and Shimadzu LC-40 systems can be found here.

Solutions: If you observe unpunctured vials, bent needles, or suspect your sample is not getting aspirated, then a plate calibration should be completed by following the steps outlined in this video. A written procedure is available within the autosampler user guide and can be obtained by contacting Sciex technical support.

Plate calibration is a multi-step procedure and involves disassembling the sample tray and removing the front cover of the autosampler. To prepare for the calibration process, familiarize yourself with the video beforehand and then gather the following items:
  • Three identical plates
  • Telescoping inspection mirror
  • Flashlight
  • Screwdriver

Use of a magnetic tray will ensure that any screws removed during the procedure remain easily accessible during re-assembly of the drawer and the front panel. Taking photographs as each part is disassembled may also help restore your system to its original state more smoothly.

This YouTube video embedded here explores all aspects of plate calibration and is divided into five separate sections. Captions and text have been added to the video to improve accessibility, and the procedure can easily be completed in a short period. Click on the links below to advance to the desired section, but it is highly recommended to watch the video in its entirety for a comprehensive understanding of the procedure.
1) Ensure free access and visibility to sample tray (1:28)
2) Configure the system (2:28)
3) Calibrate plates (3:20)
4) Put system back into operation (5:08)
5) Test plate calibration (6:33)

Once the plate teaching process is finished, a performance check using mock injections should be completed to ensure that the needle is centered over each plate well correctly. The video describes how to evaluate the position of the needle puncture on three aluminum-foil covered plates to confirm if samples are being aspirated from the center position of the correct well. If adjustments are still needed, then plate calibration can be repeated. At completion, your system will return to normal functioning and the symptoms above should disappear, but if your LC performance is still not running as expected, a service call may be necessary.

For more "how to" videos on this system, login to the 𝗦𝗖𝗜𝗘𝗫 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗛𝘂𝗯 online here 👉  https://training.sciex.com/#/online-courses/345487cc-a120-4485-a48e-1c78be34b970

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