Tips for Maintaining Your Instrument Between Service Visits
Lab automation systems like liquid handlers work hard behind the scenes to keep experiments moving efficiently. But even the most reliable instruments need a little day-to-day attention to stay in top shape between professional service visits. Neglecting basic care can lead to performance issues, delays, and even costly repairs.
Here are three quick and easy tips you can implement today to keep your instruments running smoothly.
1. Clean Up Spills Immediately
Liquid spills are inevitable, especially in high-throughput environments. But when left unaddressed, even small spills can damage sensitive components, interfere with deck movement, or cause contamination.
Be sure to wipe up any liquid spills as soon as they occur using a clean lab towel or wipe. Follow up by cleaning the surface with 70% to 90% isopropyl alcohol to remove residue and maintain a sterile working area. This small habit can prevent buildup and extend the life of your system.
2. Check the Deck Before Each Run
Before you start any method, take a moment to visually inspect the deck of your liquid handler. Look for stray tips, leftover labware, or other debris that could interfere with the instrument's movement.
Obstructions on the deck are one of the most common (and preventable) causes of crashes and misaligned runs. A quick glance before hitting “Start” can save hours of frustration later.
3. Home the Instrument Daily
It’s good practice to home the instrument once a day, especially if your lab uses it across multiple shifts or protocols. Homing resets the instrument’s position, ensuring that every axis is aligned and ready to run accurately.
Daily homing helps prevent cumulative errors, positioning issues, and unexpected calibration problems — all of which can lead to failed runs and downtime.
Stay Ahead of Problems With Routine Care
Preventive maintenance from your service provider is important, but small daily habits like these go a long way in keeping your lab automation equipment healthy and reliable.