CLARIOstar ®

Operating Manual
Revision B
CLARIOstar Operating Manual BMG LABTECH

CLARIOstar®
The CLARIOstar is a multifunctional microplate reader capable of performing a wide array of applications for
®
fluorescence intensity, fluorescence polarization, time-resolved fluorescence, TR-FRET (e.g. HTRF ),
®
luminescence, AlphaScreen , and full spectrum absorbance. Using BMG LABTECH’s proprietary
technology, the CLARIOstar delivers superior results in all plate formats and in all detection modes.

CLARIOstar

Manufacturer: BMG LABTECH GmbH

Allmendgrün 8
77799 Ortenberg
Germany

www.bmglabtech.com
tech.service@bmglabtech.com
+49-781-969680

Copyright  2013 BMG LABTECH. All rights reserved. All BMG LABTECH brand and product names are trademarks of BMG
LABTECH. Other brand and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

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This manual was designed to guide CLARIOstar users through the basic hardware features of the microplate
reader.
Although these instructions were carefully written and checked, BMG LABTECH cannot accept responsibility
for problems encountered when using this manual. Suggestions for improvement will be gratefully accepted.
BMG LABTECH reserves the right to change or update this manual at any time. The revision number is
stated at the bottom of every page.

For contact information please visit our website at www.bmglabtech.com or send an email to
germany@bmglabtech.com.

Disclaimer note:

The information contained in this documentation is subject to change without notice. BMG LABTECH GmbH
shall not be liable, to any extent whatsoever, for any damages resulting from or arising out of the use or
performance of this system and related documentation or the procedures specified in this manual, regardless
of foreseeability or the form of action, whether in contract, tort (including negligence), breach of warranty,
strict liability or otherwise, and including but not limited to damages resulting from loss of data, loss of
anticipated profits, or any special, indirect, incidental or consequential damages. BMG LABTECH GmbH is
not responsible for any damage to this equipment or personal injury that may result from the use of this
equipment or of an accessory not manufactured by BMG LABTECH GmbH. The user assumes full
responsibility for the results obtained from the use of this system and related documentation and for
application of such results.

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Table of Contents

1 Technical Specifications 5

2_ Safety Information 7
2.1 Description of Warnings 7
2.2 General Information 7
2.3 Environmental Safety Standards 8
2.4 Electrical Safety 8
2.5 Photobiological Safety 8
2.6 Light and Laser Safety 9
2.7 Chemical and Biological Safety 9
2.8 Instrument Disinfection 10
2.9 Disposal and Instrument Takeback / Recycling Program 12
2.9.1 DISPOSAL OF TRANSPORT PACKING 12
2.9.2 WEEE COMPLIANCE 12

3 Overview 13
3.1 Front and Inside of CLARIOstar 13
3.2 Back of CLARIOstar 14

4 Installation 15
4.1 Transport Locks—Plate Carrier and Needle Holder 16
4.1.1 UNLOCKING THE PLATE CARRIER 16
4.1.2 UNLOCKING THE NEEDLE HOLDER 16
4.2.1 LOCKING THE PLATE CARRIER 17
4.2.2 LOCKING THE NEEDLE HOLDER 17

5 Description of Components and Peripherals 18

5.1 CLARIOstar Operating Light 18
5.2 Plate Carrier In/Out Button 18
5.3 Installing and Changing Filters 19
5.4 Descriptions of LVF Monochromators™ and Filters 21
5.4.1 LVF MONOCHROMATOR™ 21
5.4.2 FILTERS 21
5.5 Reagent Injection System 22
5.5.1 REAGENT INJECTORS 22
5.5.2 ACCESSING REAGENTS 23
5.5.3 NEEDLE HOLDER 23
5.5.4 APERTURE SPOON 24
5.5.5 HOLDER FOR REAGENT COMPOUND VESSELS 25
5.5.6 PUMP PRIMING 25
5.6 Automatic Height Sensor 26
5.7 CLARIOstar - Stacker Connection 27

6 Troubleshooting 28
6.1 Cleaning the Dust Filters 28
6.2 Locking the Plate Carrier Manually 28

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1 Technical Specifications

Detection Modes - Fluorescence Intensity - including FRET

- Luminescence (flash and glow) - including BRET
- UV/Vis Absorbance
- Fluorescence Polarization / Anisotropy
- Time-Resolved Fluorescence - including TR-FRET
- AlphaScreen® / AlphaLISA®

Measurement Modes - Top and Bottom reading

- Endpoint and Kinetic measurements
- Spectral Scanning (Fluorescence, Luminescence and Absorbance)
- Well Scanning
Microplate Format - 6- to 1536-well plates, LVis Plate with 16 microspots (2 µL)

Light Sources - High-energy xenon flash lamp

® ®
- Dedicated Laser for AlphaScreen / AlphaLISA

Detectors - Low noise photomultiplier tube (PMT)

- UV/Vis Absorbance spectrometer

Dual LVF - Fluorescence Top and Bottom

Monochromator™ - Luminescence Top and Bottom
- Fluorescence Excitation / Emission Spectral Scanning
- Luminescence Emission Spectral Scanning
- Spectral Range: 320 - 850 nm (selectable increments from 0.1 to 10 nm)
- Software Selectable Bandwidths: 8 - 100 nm

Linear Variable - Spectral Range: 340 - 740 nm (selectable increments of 0.1 nm)
Dichroic Mirror

UV/Vis Absorbance - Spectral Scanning or up to 8 discrete wavelengths in less than 1 sec / well
Spectrometer - Spectral Range: 220 - 1000 nm (selectable increments from 1 to 10 nm)
- Bandwidth: 3 nm

Optical Filters - Top and Bottom for all detection modes, except absorbance
- Up to 4 excitation filters, 4 emission filters, and 3 dichroic mirrors
- Spectral Range: 230 - 900 nm

Sensitivity - FI Filters (top): 0.4 pM Fluorescein, 384sv, 20µL (< 8 amol/well)

- FI Filters (bottom): 1.0 pM Fluorescein, 384, 50µL (<50 amol/well)

- FI Monochromator (top): 0.5 pM Fluorescein, 384sv, 20µL (< 10 amol/well)

- FI Monochromator (bottom): 3.0 pM Fluorescein, 384, 50µL (< 150 amol/well)

- FP: < 0.7 mP SD at 1 nM Fluorescein, 384sv, 20µL

- TRF: < 40 fM Europium, 384sv, 20 μL (< 0.8 amol/well)

- HTRF: HTRF® certified for black and white microplates
Reader Control Kit (Eu) after 18h incubation, 384sv, 20 mL
> 880 % Delta F for High Calibrator
> 30 % Delta F for Low Calibrator
< 2.0 % CV for Standard 0

- LUM: < 0.4 pM ATP, 384sv, 20 μL (< 8 amol/well)

Dynamic Range: 7 decades
®
- AlphaScreen : < 100 amol P-Tyr-100 (384sv, 20µL)

- ABS with Accuracy: < 1% at 2 OD

Specrometer Precision: < 0.5% at 1 OD and < 0.8% at 2 OD
Dynamic Range: 0 - 4 OD

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Read Times - 1 flash: 8s (96), 15s (384), 28s (1536)

Reagent Injectors - Up to two built-in reagent injectors

- Injection into 6-well up to 384-well plates
- Individual injection volumes for each well (3 to 350 µL)
- Variable injection speed (up to 420 µL/s with a 500 µL syringe)
- Up to four injection events per well
- Reagent back flushing

Gain Control - Software selectable gain for F, TRF, FP, L, and AS.

Height adjustment - Automatic focal height adjustment (0.1 mm resolution) with curve
monitoring

Temperature Control - Incubation range from 3°C above ambient to 45°C or 65°C
- Temperature monitoring (with and without incubation)

Plate Carrier - Auto lock microplate carrier

- All microplate formats up to 1536-well in all detection modes
- Microplates should adhere to the SBS specification and non-SBS
formats should fit: (LxWxH) (mm) max: 128x86x20; min: length 124

Shaking - Double orbital, orbital and linear shaking

- Programmable shake time and speed

Computer interface - USB 3.0, USB 2.0, cable with USB 2.0 AB connectors

Power requirements - 100 or 115 or 230 V, 50/60 Hz, auto ranging

- Consumption: Normal operating conditions: 50 W
Idle State: 20W
Switched off: 0W
max. 300 VA

Fuses - T 5A/250V for main power 100 - 240 V

(use original type Wickmann only)

Dimensions and weight - Height: 40 cm, width: 45 cm, depth: 51 cm, weight: 32 kg max.

Ambient conditions - Operating temperature: 15°C to 35°C

- Storage temperature: -10°C to 50°C
- Humidity of atmosphere: 20 % to 80 %
- Non-condensing environment.

Instrument conformity - Over voltage category II; pollution degree II; protection class I;
Laser class I

Robotic capabilities - Easy to integrate into all existing robotic systems -

For medium level throughput, an optional BMG LABTECH
Stacker with magazines for 50 microplates is available

The fluorescence ratio associated with the HTRF® readout is a correction method developed by Cisbio international and covered by the
US patent 5,527,684 and its foreign equivalents, for which Cisbio international has granted a license to BMG LABTECH. Its application
is strictly limited to the use of HTRF® reagents and technology, excluding any other TR-FRET technologies.

* Limit of detection < 100 amol of biotinylated and phosphorylated polypeptide (P-Tyr-100 assay kit, PerkinElmer, #6760620C),
measured in white 384 small volume microplates (17 µL/well).

AlphaScreen, DELFIA, and LANCE are registered trademarks of Perkin Elmer, Inc.
HTRF is a registered trademark of Cisbio international.
LanthaScreen is a registered trademark of Invitrogen Corp.
Transcreener is a registered trademark of BellBrook Labs

Specifications are subject to change without notice.

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2 Safety Information
2.1 Description of Warnings

A general warning calls attention to a circumstance which is described below. User must
follow corresponding instructions strictly.

Warning for optical radiation

Warning for laser beam

2.2 General Information

This instrument must be installed and used as outlined in this Operating Manual.
Installation, service, and any operation which requires opening of the instrument must be
performed only by trained and certified personnel from BMG LABTECH. Failure to
comply with these instructions will impair or even invalidate the warranty and can lead to
unsafe operation of this equipment.

The area designated for the instrument should be free of dust, liquids, and acidic vapor.
The surface of the table should be flat and even. Avoid areas subject to vibrations and
direct sunlight.

Prior to turning on the instrument for the first time, let the instrument adapt to room
temperature for at least 3 hours to avoid condensation which can cause a short circuit.
BMG LABTECH will void the warranty if damage occurs to electrical and/or mechanical
parts in cases where the instrument was turned on before the recommended
accommodation time.

Handling and operation of the equipment must be carried out only by qualified personnel
and staff trained by an official BMG LABTECH representative.

Microplates and related accessories (e.g. LVis Plate) operated at temperatures higher
than 55°C must cool down below 55°C before being handled and removed from the
instrument.

Samples and reagents in solid, liquid, or gaseous form must be removed from the
instrument immediately after measurement to avoid corrosion and accumulation of
hazardous substances inside the instrument.

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2.3 Environmental Safety Standards

The environmental safety standards for operation under norm IEC 61010-1 are met under the following
conditions:

• Indoor use (adhere to the Occupational Exposure Limit Values for ECM, UPS, vibration, and sunlight
when setting up the instrument in the laboratory)

• Altitude (up to 2000 m)

•
o o
Temperature (+15 C to +35 C)

•
o o
Relative Humidity (Maximum 80% at 31 C non condensing then decreasing linearly to 50% at 40 C)

• Mains supply voltage fluctuation (+/- 10%)

• Overvoltage category (II) acc. to IEC 60364-4-443

• Pollution degree (2) acc. to IEC 61010-1

2.4 Electrical Safety

• Connect the unit only to a grounded supply socket. The instrument is class 1 construction and must
be grounded.

• Connect the unit only to a power supply with a designated voltage rating corresponding to the label
on the back of the instrument.

2.5 Photobiological Safety

This instrument is rated in the free group as RG 0, according to the IEC 62471-2 photobiological safety of
lamps and lamp systems. The intended and routine use of this equipment and its high power xenon flash
lamp does not pose a photobiological hazard, given that the user strictly follows these precautions:

Do not operate the instrument unless the instrument shell is mounted and all screws are in
place and tightened.

Do not open the flap door of the microplate carrier during a measurement run.

Do not open the lid during a measurement run.

A measurement run is indicated by a blinking purple LED on the instrument.

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2.6 Light and Laser Safety

This instrument is rated as a class 1 laser product, according to the IEC 60825-1 safety of laser products.
The intended and routine use of this equipment and its laser light source does not pose a health risk, given
that the user strictly follows these precautions:

Do not operate the instrument unless the instrument shell is mounted and all screws are in
place and tightened.

Do not open the flap door of the microplate carrier during a measurement run.

Do not open the lid during a measurement run.

A measurement run is indicated by a blinking purple LED on the instrument.

The following light sources are incorporated and encapsulated in the CLARIOstar microplate reader. The
Xenon flash lamp is standard, and the solid state AlphaScreen laser is optional.

Xenon high power flash lamp – emits ultraviolet light during operation at levels that could
injure the eyes or skin. Thus avoid looking at the light directly and avoid exposing any skin to
the light. During normal operation the user will not encounter any light from the xenon flash
lamp.

Solid state AlphaScreen laser – laser class 3B. Emits light pulses at λ=680 nm with <15 mW
®

that could injure the eye. Thus avoid looking at the laser light directly. The laser is embedded
inside the instrument and during normal operation the user will not encounter any light from
®
the AlphaScreen laser. The instrument is rated a class 1 laser product.

2.7 Chemical and Biological Safety

Daily routine use with this instrument may involve the handling and use of compounds that are toxic,
flammable, or biologically harmful. When working with materials and compounds as stated, make sure to
observe the following precautions:

• Handle all samples in liquid, solid, or in gaseous form according to good laboratory practice.

• Adhere to the maximum workplace concentration (MAC) and to laboratory safety regulations (e.g.
BGI 850-0, formerly BGR120 in Germany).

• Wear safety goggles since spilling of liquids may occur.

• Contact your safety officer to dispose of hazardous waste solutions and when working with
flammable liquids.

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The CLARIOstar must not be exposed for any length of time to chlorinated hydrocarbons at high
concentration (i.e., chloroform, aromatic hydrocarbons, such as toluene or benzene, etc.) or to acetone. All
warranties are void if the instrument comes in contact with organic solvents.

If using any of these substances while performing a measurement, be sure to remove the sample
immediately after measurement is completed. If evaporation of any of these substances occurs inside the
instrument, it is important to vent the instrument for a sufficient amount of time by opening the lid and placing
the microplate carrier in the plate out position with the flap door open.

Use only mild detergent or 70% ethanol for cleaning the instrument. Make sure the instrument
is always in the OFF position for cleaning and servicing.

2.8 Instrument Disinfection

Please follow all instructions carefully for a successful disinfection of this instrument.
All parts of the instrument, which have the possibility of contacting patient sera or positive samples, have to
be handled as if they are hazardous. For this reason, it is recommended that gloves be worn while
maintaining or working with the instrument.
It is very important that the instrument is thoroughly disinfected before maintenance or before removing the
instrument from the laboratory. Be sure that the instrument is disinfected before you send it to your distributor
or to the manufacturer. For safety reasons, you have to fill out the Disinfection Certificate, or the instrument
may not be accepted by the service center or by customs authorities.
Use suitable disinfectants, e.g. alcohol (70%).
Authorized personnel wearing disposable gloves and protective clothing should only perform the disinfection
procedure. The location should be well ventilated.

Disinfection Steps
1. Disconnect the instrument from the main power supply.
2. Remove the USB cable from the connector.
3. Clean all outside surfaces of the instrument carefully with cotton wool, which has been soaked in
disinfecting solution.
4. Place the instrument in a large plastic bag along with the cotton wool that has been soaked in
disinfecting solution. Ensure that the wool does not touch the instrument.
5. Close and seal the bag.
6. Keep the instrument in the plastic bag for at least 24 hours.
7. After the disinfection time has lapsed, remove the instrument from the plastic bag and clean all outside
surfaces of the instrument with cotton wool that has been soaked in alcohol solution.
8. Repeat the procedure for disinfection on any accessories, which will be returned with the instrument.
9. Complete the Disinfection Certificate.

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Disinfection Certification

This instrument and its inventory have never been in contact with
any dangerous biological material, or if so, the instrument and its
inventory have been disinfected according to the instructions
given in the Operating Manual.

Name: ________________________________________________

Firm:
________________________________________________

________________________________________________

________________________________________________

________________________________________________

Date, Signature: ________________________

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2.9 Disposal and Instrument Takeback / Recycling Program

We strongly recommend keeping the instrument shipping box in case you need to send the instrument back
for upgrade or repair. When disposing of the unit, please adhere to the following guidelines:

2.9.1 Disposal of Transport Packing

Straps to fix the packing on pallet, edge protection, air cushion styrofoam, and plastic foil must be disposed
of and recycled according to your local “plastic recycling” policy.

Transport cardboard box must be disposed of and recycled according to your local “paper recycling” policy.

2.9.2 WEEE Compliance

The European Union Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE) is a Producer
Responsibility Directive aimed at reducing the waste from electrical equipment, increasing recovery and
recycling rates of WEEE and improving environmental performance of all operators involved in the life cycle
of electrical and electronic equipment.

The directive specifies that, as of August 13, 2005, manufacturers of specified electronic equipment will be
obliged to take back these products at the end of their useful life.

BMG LABTECH will comply with the WEEE take back requirements for BMG LABTECH branded product
sold in the EU after August 13, 2005.

BMG LABTECH customers based in Europe can take advantage of the BMG LABTECH Takeback and
Recycle Program. Please check BMG LABTECH’s website for country-specific availability.

This Takeback and Recycle Program ensures that you can ship the product back to BMG LABTCH for proper
handling at the end of its useful life. Disposal will be carried out in an environmentally safe manner using
processes that comply with all current eWaste regulations where applicable.

Upon completion of the recycling process BMG LABTECH will provide, on request, a Certificate of
Destruction (COD). This will release your business from any further liability for the equipment.

The program is accessible via the web at

www.bmglabtech.com/support/countryselect.cfm?page=support.cfm

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3 Overview
3.1 Front and Inside of CLARIOstar

Lid to access internal

components (Filters, Reagent
Injection System, Transport
Lock)

Operating Light

Plate Carrier
In/Out Button

Plate Carrier Door

Figure 1: CLARIOstar, external view

Red Transport Screw for

Needle Holder

Transport Lock Lid

Reagent Injectors
Aperture Holders

Control Buttons
(for Pump Priming
and accessing Filters)

Filter Slots Holder for

Compound Vessels

Figure 2: Internal view of the CLARIOstar under Lid, showing Aperture

Holders, Filter Slots, Reagent Injection System, and Transport Lock

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Figure 3: CLARIOstar magnetized Filter Cover

3.2 Back of CLARIOstar

Fan

Air Inlets
with Dust Filter

USB connection to PC

Main Power On/Off Switch

Figure 4: Back of CLARIOstar

Miscellaneous labeling (serial

number, CE-marking, and voltage
information)

USB connection to PC

RS-232 connection to Stacker

Figure 5: Back of CLARIOstar

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4 Installation
Please follow these important steps to ensure successful installation of the CLARIOstar. No measurements
can be performed until the instrument has been successfully installed according to these instructions.

When unpacking the instrument, please make sure that all parts are included.

The shipping box should contain:

• CLARIOstar Instrument
• Manual
• Control and evaluation software (CD ROM in a cover inside the manual)
• Power cord
• USB cable
• 2 extra fuses-Wickmann original: T 5A/250V for main power 100 - 240 V

Note: Other items may be included depending on instrument configuration and specific customer order.

Call BMG LABTECH immediately if any of these items are missing

The instrument should be placed in an area free of dust, liquids, and acidic vapours and on a surface that is
flat and even. Avoid surfaces and areas subject to vibrations and direct sunlight. A minimum
10 centimeters of open space is required behind the instrument. Space above the instrument is required to
accommodate opening of the lid.

The operator of the CLARIOstar microplate reader is assumed to be trained in the correct
operation of the instrument and the safety issues.

Be careful of the CLARIOstar lid. Take care not to bump it while it is in the open position or
to catch your fingers or hands beneath it.

Upon unpacking and positioning the reader, make

sure to unlock the transport locks (see section
4.1.1 and 4.1.2) before the instrument is connected
to the power supply.

When moving the CLARIOstar, it is recommended

that two people lift the instrument together to
avoid personal injury.
Lift the instrument from the bottom and both
sides, as shown in Figure 5. Do not lift the
instrument from the top or lid as the lid could
come open.

Figure 6: Moving and Packing the CLARIOstar

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4.1 Transport Locks—Plate Carrier and Needle Holder

The transport locks for the plate carrier and the needle holder must be unlocked upon receiving the
CLARIOstar and removing it from the shipment box.

4.1.1 Unlocking the Plate Carrier

The transport pin that locks the plate carrier can be accessed inside the instrument. Open the lid of the
CLARIOstar and locate a silver screw in the middle left for locking/unlocking the plate carrier. By hand,
turn the screw counter-clockwise to unlock the pin of the plate carrier (Figure 7).

If the screw moves freely up and down, then the plate carrier is unlocked and ready to be used. Once
the CLARIOstar has been turned on, press the in/out button (Figure 11) briefly and the plate carrier
should move out.

Figure 7: Unlocking the Transport Pin

4.1.2 Unlocking the Needle Holder

The red transport screw that locks the needle holder can be accessed inside the instrument. Open the
lid of the CLARIOstar and locate the red screw on the right side of the instrument for unlocking the
needle holder. By hand, turn the screw counter-clockwise to unlock (Figure 8). Remove the red screw.
The needle holder is now able to be removed from its park position. Note that there is a holding place
for the red screw along with the silver transport pin in the transport lock area on the top left of the
instrument (see Figure 2).

Figure 8: Unlocking the Needle Holder

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4.2.1 Locking the Plate Carrier

To move the plate carrier to the locked position, close the software or push and hold the plate carrier in/out
button for more than three seconds (Figure 11). Switch off the main power. To lock the plate carrier, push the
silver screw down and turn it clockwise until tightened (Figure 9). The screw must be fixed tightly when
locked.

Figure 9: Locking the Plate Carrier

4.2.2 Locking the Needle Holder

To lock the needle holder into its magnetized park position, first switch off the main power. Next fit the needle
holder into its magnetized park position. Push the red screw in and turn it clockwise until tightened (Figure
10). The screw must be fixed tightly when locked.

Figure 10: Locking the Needle Holder

If the CLARIOstar is moved or shipped to another location, it is very important to lock

and secure plate carrier and needle holder in order to avoid damage.

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5 Description of Components and Peripherals

5.1 CLARIOstar Operating Light
After switching on the CLARIOstar, the operating light will flash several times indicating the startup of the
instrument’s internal software. When the operating light remains constant, the instrument is in standby mode.
The operating light (see Figure 11) remains constantly purple when the instrument is turned on.
A flashing purple light (once per second) indicates the instrument is busy (e.g. performing a measurement,
plate in/out, etc.).
A quickly flashing purple light (five flashes per second) indicates that the reader has stopped for some
specific reason.

The function of the Plate Carrier In/Out button will be disabled during measurement and
during Stacker operation!

5.2 Plate Carrier In/Out Button

The plate carrier in/out button on the front left of the instrument (Figure 11) is an easy way to move the plate
carrier to the in and out positions. The plate carrier in/out button works independently from the CLARIOstar
control software.

Operating Light

Plate In/Out button

Figure 11: Plate In/Out button and Operating Light

Pressing the plate carrier in/out button for more than three seconds moves the plate carrier to the reference
position in which it can be locked, as described in section 4.1.1.

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5.3 Installing and Changing Filters

The CLARIOstar can accommodate up to four emission filters (Em), up to three dichroic filters, and up to four
excitation (Ex) filters.

In case of shipment or moving the CLARIOstar, it is important to remove the filters from
the filter slides.

Filter

Em (Emission)
Filter Slots Numbered 5 to 8

Ex (Excitation)
Filter Slots with Filter Slide out
Numbered 1 to 4

Dichroic Filter Slot

A, B, C

Figure 12: Internal View of CLARIOstar showing Filter Slots for Ex, Em, and Dichroic Filters,
and EX Filter Slide and Filter

Filters can only be installed, changed, or removed when the CLARIOstar is powered on.

The CLARIOstar has eleven positions for filters accessible via five filter slots. Once the magnetic filter cover
(see Figure 3) has been removed, filters can be installed using the filter access button (yellow button 1) to
access the filter slides and move them out of the instrument and then back in. To move filter slides back into
the instrument, press button 2 (labeled red).

To access filter slides, first remove the magnetic filter cover (Figure 3) to access the filter slots and slides and
then push filter access button (1). Each filter slide can be accessed by repeatedly pushing filter access
button (1) so that each respective filter slide emerges in succession. Place the magnetic filter into the desired
filter slide and position. Filters snap magnetically into filter slides. See Figure 13 for correct placement of
filters into slide.

There are two Ex (excitation) filter slides located at the bottom middle of the instrument. Ex filter slides can
accommodate four filters: positions 1 and 2 in the first slide, and positions 3 and 4 in the second.

There is one dichroic filter slide located to the right of the Em filter slots and on a diagonal. The dichroic filter
slide can accommodate three filters, in positions A, B, and C. (It is important to note that the dichroic filters
are larger than the EM or EX filters.)

There are two Em (emission) filter slides located above the dichroic Filter slots. Em filter slides can
accommodate four filters: positions 5 and 6 in the first slide, and positions 7 and 8 in the second slide.

When finished installing filters, replace the magnetic filter cover over the filter slots.

Please make sure that the filters are fitted correctly into the filter slides. Filter slides and filters are
magnetized, and filters snap in to filter slide as shown in Figure 13.

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Figure 13: Correct Placement of Filters

Be careful not to touch any filter surfaces while handling the filters

The various types of filters are described in more details in Chapter 5.4.

Once software has been installed, after installing filters and before taking a measurement, it is necessary to
enter the filter definitions into the filter table (Figure 14) in the control software. In the control software, the
filter table is accessible by choosing ‘Filter” under the ‘Settings’ menu. (Please see the software manual for
additional information). The settings in this table are only for the user changeable filters. The monochromator
settings are independent and are set in the protocols.

Figure 14: Filter Table in Control Software

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5.4 Descriptions of LVF Monochromators™ and Filters

5.4.1 LVF Monochromator™

Description of Technology
BMG LABTECH's advanced monochromator system consists of two Linear Variable Filter (LVF)
Monochromators and Filter Selectors, one for excitation and one for emission. In addition, a Linear Variable
Dichroic Mirror (LVDM) slide is used to separate the excitation from the emission light. The LVF
Monochromator consists of a Linear Variable Long Pass (LVLP) slide and a Linear Variable Short Pass
(LVSP) slide. The LVLP forms the rising edge while the LVSP forms the falling edge of a bandpass filter. By
moving the LVLP and the LVSP slides relative to each other, the system creates a filter with a distinct
variable peak wavelength and bandwidth. High transmission of light and the elimination of stray light give the
CLARIOstar’s monochromator system filter-like performance. In addition, the slides can hold fixed filters,
polarizers, and fixed dichroic mirrors for special applications like FP, TR-FRET or Alpha Technology.

Figure 15: Overview CLARIOstar’s LVF Monochromator™ System

Fluorescence Intensity and TRF

The monochromator in the CLARIOstar allows the user to choose individual filter settings.

In fluorescence intensity (FI) and Time-Resolved Fluorescence (TRF) modes, the excitation filter wavelength
can be selected by using the software. The same is possible with the emission filter wavelength. The
software will automatically set the correct beam splitter wavelength after setting Ex and Em filters.

Luminescence
In luminescence mode it is possible to measure the full spectrum of the sample light at once (so called
standard luminescence).

In addition, a specific wavelength can be selected with the monochromator, for example, in BRET
measurements.

5.4.2 Filters
®
To achieve the best performance possible in fluorescence polarization (FP), HTRF, AlphaScreen ,
®
AlphaLISA , and other more specific applications, BMG LABTECH offers dedicated filter sets, specific for
each application.
® ®
FP, AlphaScreen and AlphaLISA filter sets consist of 1 Ex, 1 Dichroic, and 1 Em filter. Filter sets for FRET
based applications, such as HTRF or Dual Chromatics like Fura-2, will include additional Ex or Em filters as
required.

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5.5 Reagent Injection System

The CLARIOstar can be equipped with an internal onboard reagent injection system.

Magnetic Cradle for

Needle Holder

Reagent
Injectors

Tube
holder

Needle Holder in
Working Position

Priming Buttons Holders for

Compound
Vessels

Figure 16: Overview of the CLARIOstar Reagent Injection System

The reagent needles are made of stainless steel, the tubing and valve housing are made of Teflon and Kel-F,
and the syringe barrel is made of glass. All reagent injector materials are among the most chemically
resistant materials that are available.
Note: Before using a pump in a test run, it is necessary to prime the pump. This can be done using the
control software (menu command ‘Measure | Prime’). It is also possible to prime the pumps without
using the software. After opening the lid, locate the two buttons for priming. Refer to chapter 5.5.6
for a detailed description of the priming procedure.

5.5.1 Reagent Injectors

For optimal performance, it is recommended to follow these guidelines:
Do not use the syringes more than two cycles without liquid.
Flush the syringes thoroughly with distilled water after each use.
Wipe the plunger with ethanol after removing it from the syringe barrel and before replacing it.
Syringes should be cleaned weekly using one of the following procedures:
To remove cellular debris and viscous solutions from the syringe barrel:
Take off the syringe barrel and rinse it with distilled water..
Cleaning with weak detergent or 10% bleach
1. Fill the syringe with a weak detergent or 10% bleach solution.
2. Leave the solution in the syringe for 30 minutes.
3. Flush the syringe a minimum of 10 times with distilled water.

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Cleaning with acid / base (Best procedure if cells are used in the syringe)
1. Fill the syringe with 0.1M NaOH and leave it in the syringe for 10 minutes.
2. Flush the syringe a minimum of 10 times with distilled water.
3. Fill the syringe with 0.1M HCl, and leave it in the syringe for 10 minutes.
4. Flush the syringe a minimum of 10 times with distilled water.

5.5.2 Accessing Reagents

Open the CLARIOstar by lifting the finger handle on the right front corner of the instrument. The lid will
remain in the open position until it is closed. The CLARIOstar cannot start a test run if the lid is in the open
position. Always make sure to close the lid before starting a test run.

5.5.3 Needle Holder

The needle holder houses two needles connected by tubing to the respective reagent pumps (Figure 17).
The needles allow injection from reagent pumps into microplate wells.

The needle holder is removed from its magnetic cradle by gently pulling it away from the instrument. To
perform priming, either (1) snap the needle holder into the park position (see Figure 22) or (2) hold the
needle holder in hand. In either case, place a collection beaker or vessel underneath the needles for fluid
collection.

To use the injection function of the needle holder, snap it into its magnetized working position (see Figure
16). If using an aperture spoon, attach the spoon to the needle holder before placing it into working position.
(For instructions on attaching the aperture spoon, see Chapter 5.5.4)

Connection to the valves

of the syringes

Magnetic Clamp

Needle Holder

Figure 17: Needle Holder assembly

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5.5.4 Aperture Spoon

Though the CLARIOstar already possesses superior crosstalk reduction as it reads individual wells, it is
possible to reduce crosstalk even further in certain applications using aperture spoons to reduce even more
ambient light from surrounding wells.

Figure 18: Aperture Spoons

®
Note that the aperture spoons should be used only with 384 and 1536 well plates and only in AlphaScreen
and luminescence applications. The aperture spoons are magnetized and snap on to the needle holder’s
right side, as shown in Figure 19.

Needle Holder

Magnetized
Aperture Spoon

Figure 19: Needle Holder with Aperture Spoon attached

To install, choose the appropriate aperture spoon (labeled 384 or 1536) from the corresponding aperture
holder located under the lid of the CLARIOstar and to the left front of the instrument (see Figure 2). Then
snap the aperture spoon onto the right side of the needle holder. It is then possible to place the needle
holder with aperture spoons into the working position (see Figure 16). The needle holder with aperture spoon
attached fits into both park and working positions.

To remove the aperture spoon, snap it off of the needle holder and replace it to the aperture holder (Figure
20).

Figure 20: Aperture Spoon, placement in Aperture Holder

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5.5.5 Holder for Reagent Compound Vessels

BMG LABTECH equips the CLARIOstar with a compound vessel holder (Figure 21). It accommodates the
most commonly used compound storage tubes.

Figure 21: Compound Vessel Holder

5.5.6 Pump Priming

Pump priming is necessary to fill the tubing and needles of the reagent system with solution prior to
executing a test run. Priming helps to avoid bubbles, which could lead to false results. Priming is also used to
clean the tubing and to check that the solution comes straight out of the needle tips. If the fluid stream comes
out at an angle this indicates that some debris is partly clogging the needle tip. In this case, cleaning of the
tubing and the needle is required. Refer to Chapter 5.5.1 for the cleaning procedure.

Injectors 1 + 2

Priming Buttons

Magnetic Clamp

Needle Holder in
Park Position

Vessel Holder

Waste Container

Figure 22: Internal Priming Conditions

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Priming requires that the needle holder is placed in the park position (Figure 22) or held in hand and a waste
container placed below the needle holder for fluid collection.
To start priming, place the waste container under the needle holder, a compound solution into the compound
vessel, and insert the tubing into the solution. Priming is then initiated either via the control software or by a
double click of the respective color-coded priming button.

It is important to pay attention while injectors are priming to ensure no solution spills
inside the instrument. Additionally, check for a straight fluid stream during priming to
ensure that needles are not clogged.

5.6 Automatic Height Sensor

The CLARIOstar measures the focusing in steps of 0.1 mm for both top and bottom reading modes. To
perform the focus alignment (also known as Z-focus) as quickly as possible, an initial plate height monitoring
takes place upon every plate-in command. For more information on the Z-focus, see the CLARIOstar
software manual.

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5.7 CLARIOstar - Stacker Connection

There are two connectors on the back side of the CLARIostar, one for a PC and one for a Stacker.
The respective connection cables are provided with the instrument. The USB cable will connect the PC to the
CLARIOstar (‘Connection to PC‘) whereas the male-to-female RS232 cable (included with the Stacker)
connects the CLARIOstar to the Stacker (‘Connection to Stacker). Cables and connection ports are not
interchangeable.
The Stacker, when connected, will automatically be detected by the CLARIOstar, even if the Stacker is
turned off.
The CLARIOstar can be operated as a stand-alone plate reader also when connected to a Stacker, as the
plate carrier can be reached through the opening of the Stacker.
Both the CLARIOstar and the Stacker must be turned on when the reader is connected to the Stacker
(Figure 23).

To use the reader with single plates, remove the magazines and the plate carrier of the reader can be
accessed and used by pressing the plate in/out button or by using the control software.

Figure 23: CLARIOstar with Stacker

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6 Troubleshooting
6.1 Cleaning the Dust Filters

To avoid overheating of the CLARIOstar, it is necessary to clean dust filters periodically. In a normal
laboratory environment, BMG LABTECH recommends cleaning dust filters once per year.

To clean the dust filters, turn off the main power, then snap the air inlet covers off the back of the instrument
(see Figure 4) using your fingers. Remove the white foam dust filters and wash them in a mild soapy water
solution and allow them to dry completely before reinstalling them. The metal filters found inside the dust
filter inlets may also be cleaned in the same way if necessary.

6.2 Locking the Plate Carrier Manually

Check that the plate carrier is fixed by opening the plate carrier door with a fingernail and gently trying to
move the plate carrier in all directions (Figure 24). If the plate carrier cannot be moved, it is locked. If the
plate carrier can be moved, it is not locked. It is possible to lock the plate carrier manually, as described
below:
1) Start with the transport pin in its unscrewed position, open the lid and open the plate carrier door.
2) Position the plate carrier with the right hand at the same time as the transport pin is moved down with the
left hand. First push the plate carrier gently to the back left corner inside of the instrument, then move the
pin gently down. It may be necessary to move the plate carrier around slightly until the transport pin is
guided by the guide groove (Figure 25). When pin is in the groove move plate carrier to the front until pin
snaps down into the thread.
3) Turn the pin clockwise until it is fixed tightly.

Figure 24 : With a fingernail, open the Figure 25: The groove in the plate carrier
plate carrier door and see if the plate guides the transport pin
carrier is locked by gently trying to move it

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