HTS problem

After my enthusiastic postings about the BD HTS here is something you need 
to be aware of:  if the HTS is not being used frequently the metal probe that goes into
the wells can get stuck in the sample injection port. This is probably caused by drying
out and adhered to the wall. The way 
the probe is inserted into its holder is rather flimsy. You can pull it 
out with your hand. When the arm moves up the probe gets pulled out of the 
socket. I could not figure out how to reinsert it in a firm way. I heard 
from users that even BD acknowledged the problem but not solution or 
advice came. My suggestion is to lift the arm when not in use + wet the 
sample port with water before turning it on so that the very tight opening 
has some "lubrication" and hopefully won't pull out the small metal tube.

If you call BD instrument support be prepared to leave a message. My 
impression is that they sold a large number of instruments recently but 
did not hire any more competent technical support people. 

Any suggestions are welcome.

Akos


________________________________________________

Akos Szilvasi

Flow Cytometry and Confocal Microscopy Core Facilities
Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Inc. (NIBRI)
100 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA 02139
akos.szilvasi@novartis.com
tel 617 871 7177
fax 617 871 7051