Guide - MinION - Gsr_9203_v1_reva_19jan2024- 12/32

3.2

Flow cell check

Need help?

Navigate to the Start homepage and select Flow Cell Check.

Flow cell check

The flow cell type will be recognised by the device. Click 'Start' to begin.

Start flow cell check

The user will be automatically navigated to the System Overview page. A loading bar will be displayed under the flow cell during the checks.

The flow cell will cycle through the 2048 wells to see how many pores are active on the sensor array. It will do this in four groups of 512 at a time.

Flow cell check completion will be indicated on the System Overview page with an icon on the flow cell with the number of pores available.

Flow cell check MinION 1

help

If the Temperature History in the MinKNOW GUI is:

too low, place the MinION on an insulating surface e.g. polystyrene and divert any airflows away from the device.
too high, place the MinION on a conductive surface e.g. a metal sheet and increase the airflow around the device.
below 36 °C, the script will be delayed until the flow cell reaches the target temperature. Make sure to equilibrate the flow cell between 19°C and 22°C.
above 37 °C, restart the run. If the temperature will not change contact customer support.

You can read more about the components for temperature control here.

If at the start of the sequencing run, the system messages state that the device was not able to reach temperature withing 300 seconds, but the sequencing run still starts, then you are safe to proceed with sequencing. Keep an eye on the Temperature History in MinKNOW during the run to ensure the heatsink temperature remains in range.

Please try the following steps before repeating the Flow Cell Check:
1) Remove the flow cell from the MinION and let it cool for a few minutes
2) Unplug the MinION from the computer and let it cool for a few minutes
3) Reboot the computer
4) Insert the flow cell, ensuring you exert moderate downwards pressure so that the ASIC chip makes good contact with the MinION
5) Relaunch the software and plug the MinION into the computer
6) Repeat the Flow Cell Check
If the pore number remains below 800, please do the following as this could result from the presence of a bubble near the electrode, located in the inlet channel, preventing current flow to the pore array area.
1) Remove 15-20 μl of buffer from the priming port (with the priming port completely open and the SpotON port covered). There is enough buffer in the outlet channel so that even if you remove about 20 μl, the flow cell will still be covered with liquid at all times.
2) Repeat the Flow Cell Check to see if you obtain different results

Please note that exposure to air or freezing will irreversibly damage the pores. So please ensure the pore area is always covered with buffer during flow cell handling and the storage is within the 2-8°C range (storage instructions here).

Do not worry when you check your flow cell if it looks like there is liquid condensation inside the packaging – this is purely a cosmetic issue and does not affect flow cell performance. Our packaging contains moisture control technology that ensures the flow cells are environmentally controlled during shipping and storage.

Flow cells that fail to pass the Flow Cell Check within 12 weeks of arrival can be reported on the Contact Support page. Please report any flow cells that fail to pass the Flow Cell Check within two business days of the initial flow cell check.