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Care and maintenance - 15.1 - Cleaning
Preventing condensation in the ODTC
If you have used the ODTC to cool a plate below ambient temperature as part of your PCR protocol, it is likely that there will be condensation in the unit. To rectify this, use the Manual Controls to open the pre-installed drying protocol. Run the protocol using manual controls; you may need to run it twice to dry the ODTC completely.
Cleaning
Regular scheduled cleaning of firefly surfaces and components helps to sustain consistent instrument performance. The frequency of regular (maintenance) cleaning can vary depending on several factors, including your specific laboratory protocols, the types of liquids and samples being handled, existing cleaning requirements of your facility, and the overall usage of your firefly instrument.
You should inspect your instrument regularly for stains, dust or debris accumulation and adjust your regular cleaning interval based on your workflow requirements, usage of the instrument and existing cleaning procedures in your facility.
15.1.1 Cleaning materials
Low-lint paper tissue or cloths are recommended for cleaning the firefly instrument and accessories. Avoid using abrasive materials.
The preferred cleaning solutions for the firefly instrument and accessories are 70% alcohol (e.g., ethanol or isopropanol) and distilled water.
Corrosive cleaning solutions, such as bleach or acid-based solutions (e.g., LookOut DNA Erase), may lead to corrosion of instrument components. Such solutions should be avoided and only used with care if crucial for the workflow. If the use of such solutions is deemed essential, spray the cleaning solution onto a tissue or cloth first and then wipe the surfaces as needed. This operation must always be followed by wiping the surfaces with a tissue soaked in 70% alcohol solution.
Disinfectants and detergents (e.g., Chemgene HDL4L, RNase Zap) should be used sparingly and only if crucial for the workflow. If the use of such solutions is deemed essential, spray the cleaning solution onto a tissue or cloth first and then wipe the surfaces as needed. This operation must always be followed by wiping the surfaces with a tissue soaked in 70% alcohol solution.
It is recommended that cleaning solutions with less than 1% of sodium hydroxide are used.
15.1.2 Routine cleaning
For general cleaning of a clean, dry instrument:
- Switch off firefly
- Gently wipe the instrument with a clean lint-free cloth or cleanser wipe. You can use dilute (70% v/v) ethanol to moisten the cloth, or as a spray. If necessary the exterior surfaces of the firefly instrument can be cleaned with tissue soaked in disinfectant or detergent, followed by tissue soaked in 70% alcohol.
- Clean the decks, inner surfaces of the instrument panels and the pipetting and dispense head covers with tissue soaked in disinfectant or detergent, followed by tissue soaked in 70% alcohol.
TIP: Avoid spraying cleaning solutions directly into the firefly instrument. It is preferable to spray the cleaning solutions onto a low-lint paper tissue or cloth first and then wipe the surfaces inside the instrument.
WARNING: Avoid cleaning the tablet with solvent or cleanser that may damage the screen surface.
Turn it off and gently wipe it, using a soft, dry, lint-free cloth.
15.1.2.i Cleaning the vertical laminar flow module
Follow the cleaning instructions in the CAS vertical laminar flow module manual.
15.1.2.ii Cleaning firefly+
Clean the shelves and interior and exterior surfaces
15.1.2.iii Cleaning the ODTC
Follow the instructions in the Inheco On Deck Thermocycler manual.
15.1.2.iv Cleaning assets
To clean tip stands, reservoirs or reservoir plates, select cleaning agents compatible with your reagents which will not damage the asset material.
| Asset | Material |
| Tip stand | Acetal copolymer (Polyoxymethylene) |
| Reservoirs and lids | Polypropylene |
| Reservoir plate for use without thermal module | Ertalyte (Polyethylene terephthalate) |
| Reservoir plate for use with thermal module |
Clear anodized aluminum
|
| Reservoir plate and inserts for use with HV reservoirs |
Clear anodized aluminum
|
15.1.3 Clearing up spillages (firefly and firefly+)
Clean up all spillages inside the instrument as soon as possible.
If you have a spillage e.g., from very full reservoirs:
- Stop firefly before you do anything else
- Switch off
If the spillage is small and easily contained:
- Mop up the liquid, using appropriate PPE for the reagents in use on firefly.
- Select cleaning agents which are compatible with the spilled material and will not react with it. Minor spills can be cleaned with a low-lint paper tissue or cloth soaked in 70% alcohol. If cleaning with a disinfectant or detergent is deemed necessary due to the nature of the spilled liquid or workflow, wipe the spill with tissue soaked in desired cleaning solution, followed by tissue soaked in 70% alcohol.
- Using appropriate PPE for both the reagents and the cleaning agent, clean where the spillage occurred.
Spill trays are located at the bottom of the interior of the firefly instrument and will contain spills and prevent damage to the electrical components underneath. If the spillage is a larger volume and you suspect that it may have contaminated the instrument basement, mop up the liquid you can easily reach and contact reliance for assistance.