MVS Frequently Asked Questions
Please review the Frequently Asked Questions below regarding our MVS Multichannel Verification System. If you do not see your question or need troubleshooting help, our Technical Support team is available to assist you from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Eastern Time at 888-406-3463 x109 or via e-mail.
Verification Plates
Can other plates be used with the MVS System?
Yes. Library plates complete with manufacturer’s defined well dimensions and product numbers are listed in the Plate Library. Other Plate types can also be added.
Can the Verification Plates be washed and reused?
No. The MVS is specifically manufactured and optimized to minimize error. Reusing a Verification Plate potentially introduces a source for error. Based on informal studies, the accuracy can change significantly (greater than 2%) with even one reuse. The accuracy cannot be guaranteed if the Verification Plates are washed and reused.
Can a Verification Plate be re-read?
Yes. Once a Verification Plate scan has completed, the filled wells in the plate can be re-read within 20 minutes provided a justification is entered. After 20 minutes, the wells that were read are locked out and cannot be re-read. Empty wells not already read can be read using a different layout in any future verification.
Can the Baseline Plates be saved or reused?
No. Reuse of the Baseline Plates is not recommended because any optical imperfections associated with an unclean Baseline Plate will result in improper baseline correction, further affecting the volume calculations.
Can a Library Plate be used for the Baseline plate read?
Yes. The Baseline reading should be performed in the same Plate Type as the plate being run for the verification. After re-calibrating the Plate Reader, the software will prompt for a Baseline at the start of the next verification.
How long is the Baseline read valid?
The Baseline readings for each of the four Plate Types are valid for 10 hours for all MVS verifications. However, if the Plate Reader setting is changed within the Preferences window, a new Calibrator Plate reading and a new Baseline reading will be required.
Can a Verification Plate be partially filled with one test volume while the rest of the plate is left empty or filled with a different test volume?
Yes. This protocol may be set up by selecting File | Plate Layout Setup where the operator may select different target volumes for each Layout Group in the plate.
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Sample Solution
Can a partial or full bottle of MVS Sample Solution be combined with another bottle of the same type of MVS Sample Solution? (For example, can a partial bottle of Range A solution be combined with a new bottle of Range A solution?)
No. Combining bottles of solution will invalidate product traceability and potentially compromise system performance.
Can leftover solutions from the reservoirs be poured back into the bottles?
No. Any contamination or increased dye concentration due to evaporation may compromise and degrade system accuracy and performance.
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Calculations
What are the requirements for the Pass/Fail Status?
If both the Relative Inaccuracy and Coefficient of Variation are enabled, then they must both be met for a Passed status. If one or both limits are exceeded, the status is reported as Failed.
Can Data Manager calculate other types of statistics?
No. However, the data can be exported and opened in a spreadsheet program for additional off-line analysis.
Does Data Manager perform instrument trending?
The current version of software does not, but the data can be exported for use by other programs for trending analysis.
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Calibrator Plates
How often should the Plate Reader be recalibrated with the MVS Calibrator Plate?
Data Manager default setting is once every 10 hours. The Calibrator Plate should also be re-read if the temperature changes by two degrees centigrade (± 2°C) or more. Select File | Plate Reader Calibration to begin this process.
What about moving from one room to another when the temperature changes?
If the temperature change is significant (± 2°C or more), then the MVS system, Sample Solutions and Calibrator Plate should be equilibrated for 30 to 60 minutes. The Calibrator Plate should be re-read before continuing to operate the MVS system.
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Data Manager
When does Data Manager prompt for a scan of the bar code on the box of Verification Plates?
At the beginning of the first verification run with the first MVS Verification Plate in a new lot. When the program scans an MVS Verification Plate bar code from a new lot, it will automatically prompt for the box bar code.
Is the Baseline Verification Plate scanned?
Yes. Data Manager prompts for the bar code on the Baseline Verification Plate at the time of testing. The purpose of reading the Baseline Verification Plate is to measure light scattering from the plate bottom and the solution. This reading provides an optical baseline or zero. The information in the Verification Plate bar code is not required.
Does Data Manager allow selecting multiple verification files to be opened simultaneously?
No. While the Open Verification File window may be sorted by Operator, Date, Plate ID and other parameters only one file may be opened at a time.
Can each operator set their own default parameters?
No. The system has one set of default parameters that are not operator-specific.
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Alternative Solutions
Is the MVS Diluent still used to fill the wells to the working volume?
Yes. Dispense the target volume of Alternative Solution and then fill to 200 µL in a 96 Well Standard Profile plate, or to 55 µL in a 384 Well Standard Profile plate, using the MVS Diluent as prompted. No modifications to the MVS Diluent solution are necessary to test Alternative Solutions.
What volumes can I use Alternative Solutions for?
Alternative Solutions can be made for Target volumes between 0.1 and 49.9 µL in a 96 Well Standard Profile plate, or between 0.03 and 9.9 µL in a 384 Well Standard Profile plate. For Alternative Solutions prepared with DMSO as the solvent, Artel recommends limiting the volume range to between 0.4 and 49.9 µL in a 96 Well Standard Profile plate and between 0.1 and 9.9 µL in a 384 Well Standard Profile plate.
Can I use other solvents besides DMSO to prepare Alternative Solutions?
Yes. Please refer to Application Notes.
How long are the Alternative Solutions stable?
The stability of the Alternative Solution is dependent on the solvent. Artel has observed at least 8 weeks of consistent performance for DMSO-based Alternative Solutions when prepared with either MVS Stock Solution 1 or MVS Stock Solution 2. These data were observed after preparing the solutions in amber glass bottles, tightly capping them, and storing in the dark, at room temperature. Artel has not evaluated the stability of non-DSMO Alternative Solutions.
Can I use the Alternative Solutions more than once?
The Alternative Solutions can be used for verifications as many times as necessary. However, Artel does not recommend returning any unused solution back to the storage bottle.
How should I store the Alternative Solutions?
ARTEL recommends storing the Alternative Solutions in amber bottles with the information about the dilution, including the date, the solvent and relative density value, the MVS Stock Solution and lot number, and the weights of each dilution. Keep the bottles tightly capped and in the dark at room temperature.
Is it possible to use MVS Stock Solution 1 to prepare an Alternative Range B Solution with DMSO?
Yes, it is possible but Artel highly recommends not practicing this process due to resulting inconsistencies in dye component ratios. Using MVS Stock Solution 1 to create an Alternative Range B Solution with DMSO is not supported by Artel.
Is it possible to use MVS Stock Solution 2 to prepare an Alternative Range D (or C) Solution with DMSO?
Yes, it is possible but Artel highly recommends not practicing this process due to resulting inconsistencies in dye component ratios. Using MVS Stock Solution 2 to create an Alternative Range D (or C) Solution with DMSO is not supported by Artel.
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