Defining Sample Preparation Steps (AS/AS50)

Autosampler Control
Defining Sample Preparation Steps (AS/AS50)

Sample preparation steps for the AS and AS50 Autosamplers are part of a Program and can be defined using the Program Wizard (see Control The Program Wizard).

Perform the following functions from the Sampler Options dialog box in the Program Wizard.

Defining a New Sample Preparation Step

Select a Function from the list and then select the parameter values for the function (see the table below).
Click Insert to add the step to the list.

The new step is added above the currently selected step (if any).

Changing an Existing Step

Select the step in the list.
Make the required changes; for example, select a new function and enter the function’s parameters, or change the parameters for the current function.
Click Enter.

Tip:

To delete a step, select it, and click Delete.

Function	Description	Parameters
Pipet	Move sample between vials	Source: the vial from which to pick up the sample volume Volume: the amount (µl) of sample to be pipetted Destination: the vial in which to add the sample volume

Mix	Mix the contents of a vial by repeatedly drawing and expelling a volume of the vial contents	Vial: the vial to be mixed Volume: the amount (µl) of the vial contents to draw and expel Cycles: the number of times to draw and expel the specified volume

Flush	Flush inject port during sample preparation	Volume: the amount (µl) to flush through the inject port

Delay	Pause sample preparation	Delay Time: the number of minutes to pause

Needle	Position needle above vial bottom	Height: the distance (mm) from the vial bottom

Sample Preparation Option Functions The following functions are only available if the AS or AS50 is equipped with the sample preparation option:
Dilute	Dilute sample with reagent	Concentrate Source: the vial that contains the concentrated sample Concentrate Volume: the amount of concentrated sample to be diluted Diluent Source: the reservoir that contains the diluent Diluent Volume: the amount of diluent to be used Destination: the vial into which the concentrated sample and diluent are added

Dispense	Dispense reagent to a vial	Source: the reservoir from which to dispense reagent Volume: the amount of reagent to dispense Destination: the vial into which reagent isdispensed

Concentrate and Sequential Concentrate Functions The following functions are only available when the AS or AS50 (USB) is in Concentrate or Sequential Concentrate mode.
Concentrate	Load and inject sample onto the concentrator column	Valve Position: the position of the injection valve (LoadPosition, InjectPosition, or NoChange) AspirateSpeed: the speed of the syringe used for aspirating liquid during concentration DispenseSpeed: the speed of the syringe used for dispensing liquid during concentration Note: Specify the source vial and injection volume in the sequence.

ReagentPrime	Prime the injection valve lines with reagent	Source: the reservoir from which to pick up reagent Volume: the amount of reagent used for priming Valve Position: the position of the injection valve AspirateSpeed: the speed of the syringe used for aspirating liquid during reagent priming DispenseSpeed: the speed of the syringe used for dispensing liquid during reagent priming

ReagentFlush	Flush reagent onto the concentrator column	Source: the reservoir from which to pick up reagent Volume: the amount of reagent to flush through the concentrator Valve Position: the position of the injection valve AspirateSpeed: the speed of the syringe used for aspirating liquid during reagent flushing DispenseSpeed: the speed of the syringe used for dispensing liquid during reagent flushing

Notes:

The Concentrate, ReagentPrime, and ReagentFlush commands require AS or AS50 (USB) Moduleware version 2.0.0 (or later). These commands are not available for the DX-LAN model of the AS50, regardless of which Moduleware version is installed in the autosampler.
The AspirateSpeed and DispenseSpeed parameters for the Concentrate, ReagentPrime, and ReagentFlush commands require AS Moduleware version 2.0.2 (or later). These parameters are not available for the AS50 (USB or DX-LAN model), regardless of which Moduleware version is installed in the autosampler.
When specifying aspirate and dispense speeds, select a slow speed (1 or 2) if the sample is viscous or to control the pressure at the inject port and needle seal. See Selecting the Syringe Speed for guidelines on selecting a syringe speed that will ensure the total backpressure remains below 690 kPa (100 psi).

Also, refer to:

Entering Sample Preparation Vial and Well Plate Positions

Overlapping Samples