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How to Prepare Automated Reagent

Automated reagents, used in laboratory procedures in order to determine quantitative analyses of biological substances, are placed into devices that dispense reagents by volume, flow rate or specified time into wells. In addition, an automated reagent device can be programmed to hold multiple reagents and dispense each one at different times or allow for continuous flow. Devices, such as a automated reagent dispensers or syringe pumps, can be operated manually or controlled by a computer software program.

Instructions

Automated Reagent Preparation
- 1
  Read both the instructions for the specific experiment and the user manual for any laboratory device before using during the experiment. Make sure that you have the correct reagents. Look at the label, read the chemical name and match it to the experiment instruction or manual.
- 2
  Check that the temperature of the reagent is at room temperature. Increase or decrease the temperature of the reagent as needed. You may need to place the reagent on a laboratory counter to bring it to room temperature for at least 12 hours if it has been in a freezer or cold refrigerator.
- 3
  Check the expiration date on the reagents. The reagents are only stable until the specified expiration date stated on the labels after being stored in a freezer or refrigerator. Do not use if the expiration date has passed.
- 4
  Prepare the reagents as specified in the protocol for the specific reagents. This usually requires combining two different reagents at specified volumes.
- 5
  Set the automated dispenser device to the correct settings as specified in the instructions. Dispense the reagent into the wells as needed. Store any unused reagent at the specified temperature. Follow all safety precautions.

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