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Support Center   NanoVue Plus
FAQs - Assay and Performance
  • My readings are variable. What can be causing this ?

    Are readings within concentration range for instrument ?

    DNA 5ug/ml – 6mg/ml Protein 0.1 mg/ml – 100 mg/ml 0-2.5A (0-125A 10mm equivalent).

     

    Is the same sample being measured multiple times ?

    Auto pathlength cannot be used for measuring the same drop more than once as change of pathlength can move the drop from the sample position.

     

    Is the drop size appropriate for the pathlength being used ?

    Use 2µl or greater for 0.5mm Use 0.5µl or greater for 0.2mm

     

    Is the sample concentration too low ?

    If Abs < 0.1A for 0.5mm pathlength and Abs < 0.25 for 0.2mm pathlength in life science modes, then readings are in the noise level of the instrument.

     

    Is there a dip in the plot ?

    Check wavelength scan for the calibration fluid in DNA mode. Any dips may indicate saturation.

    See Why am I seeing a dip in the wavescan at around 260nm ? (below).

  • Why am I seeing a dip in the wavescan at around 260nm ?

    This may indicate saturation of the detector. Please follow the instructions below for downloading and use of the CalBurst Changer application. If the problem persists after this, please contact Biochrom Technical Support.

     

    The link below will download a zip file containing the software and installation instructions (1.87Mb).

    Download CalBurst Changer application

     

  • Are there any solvent restrictions ?

    Most common laboratory solvents, including dilute acids, may be used but they should be immediately wiped off the sample plate after measuring. The NanoVue Plus sample plate has been tested with methanol, isopropanol (2-propanol), and acetone. However, these solvents may affect the accuracy of the measurement due to their volatility & are therefore not recommended.

  • Do nucleic acids require purification before being measured ?

    Yes. Absorbance measurements are not specific for a particular nucleic acid and will be affected by the presence of other molecules which absorb at 260 nm.

  • My droplet is spreading out and I get inconsistent readings. Why ?

    Either the plates have picked up some contamination or they may need to be changed. See Section 3 in the user manual.

  • How should the sample plate be cleaned ?

    Sample plates are easy to clean – the hydrophobic surface of the plates are resistant to sample adherence, ensuring dry tissue is effective. Simply wipe with a lint free tissue or cloth. If a difficult or sticky sample or dye was used, the plates can be wiped with a dilute (2%) detergent solution followed by water or isopropanol. See User manual section 3.1 Step 3 for details.

  • What volume of sample can I use with the NanoVue Plus ?

    On the 0.2 mm pathlength, volumes as low as 0.5µl can be used. For Auto or 0.5 mm pathlength use 2µl Do not use volumes greater than 5µl as this may spread too far over the plates.

  • Why does the reference (blank) require 2 samples ?

    To set the reference, the software will ask for 2 separate samples to ensure the quality of the reference baseline.

  • What sort of reproducibility should be produced with NanoVue Plus ?

    Typically ± 0.005 A at low concentrations and for higher concentrations, standard deviations are typically < 2%.

  • How do I check the accuracy of NanoVue Plus ?

    Perform a calibration following the instructions in section 7.7 in the User Manual.

  • How often should NanoVue Plus be calibrated ?

    It is recommended that the pathlength is calibrated either at a frequency determined by the standard operating procedure of the user’s laboratory, if the instrument is moved to another location, or if the sample plates are changed. In line with general good laboratory practice, it is recommended that a calibration check is performed every so often to provide continued confidence that the instrument is within calibration, for example, once every 6 months.

  • How reproducible is the Absorbance data ?

    Absorbance Precision

    Between 0 & 1A; < 0.005 A or 1% of measurement (whichever is greater)

    1 to 2 A - 2% of reading; Above 2 A - 5% of reading

     

    Absorbance Accuracy

    ± 1% at 257 nm, Potassium Dichromate solution, 0.7–0.8 A.

Product Codes
  • Spectrophotometers

    Product Name Code No.
    NanoVue Plus Spectrophotometer 28-9560-57
    NanoVue Plus Spectrophotometer with SD Card 28-9432-12
    NanoVue Plus Spectrophotometer Wireless 28-9560-20
FAQs - Hardware
  • What kind of light source does the NanoVue Plus use ?

    A pulsed xenon flash lamp.

  • Does NanoVue produce results for a continuous spectrum ?

    Depending on the function selected nanovue can produce results for a continuous spectrum from 200–1100 nm or selected wavelengths.

  • How accurate is NanoVue Plus ?

    Typically within 2%.

  • What is the Pathlength of NanoVue Plus ?

    0.2 mm or 0.5 mm. The default on Life Science applications is for the Pathlength to be determined automatically dependent on the Absorbance of the sample. For sample volumes < 2µl then 0.2mm pathlength should be used, to ensure good contact by the sample between the upper and lower plates.

  • Is it possible to connect a USB memory stick to the USB port ?

    No, but a SD card accessory that allows both data & method storage is available. A NanoVue Plus can be also be ordered pre-fitted with the SD card accessory. In addition, export of data via a USB lead or via a Bluetooth wireless link is supported.

  • How often will I need to replace the sample plates ?

    The gold plate has been abrasion tested >260,000 times, with no damage observed. As a guideline this represents many years regular use. They are solvent resistant, however, volatile solvents should not be used as they may give inaccurate readings.

  • How often will the lamp require changing ?

    The lamp should last for several years of use & comes with a 3 year warranty. If it does need changing, this should be done by a service engineer from your supplier.

  • Is the flash lamp on continuously, or only when performing a measurement ?

    The lamp is only on when taking measurements.

  • Can I get data exported in Excel format ?

    Using the PVC software application, data may be stored either manually or automatically in a variety of data formats which include: as an Excel spreadsheet (Excel must be installed on the PC) , Extensible Meta Format (an EMF) graphics file, a comma delimited (csv) data file, a tab delimited (txt) file, Rich Text Format (RTF) or in native PVC format.

  • Does NanoVue Plus require a computer to operate ?

    No, NanoVue Plus operates as a stand alone instrument. It can be connected to a PC through the USB port to enable PC control from the optional Datrys software or data export using PVC software.

  • Is it possible to buy replacement sample plates ?

    The sample plates can be easily & quickly replaced should this ever become necessary. Sample plates can be clipped in & out by the user. Pathlength calibration must be performed following a change of plate. Sample plate replacement kit 28-9569-58.

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