Thermo Scientific WellWash AC Automated Plate Washer
| Origin | Imported |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Model | WellWash AC |
| Price | Upon Request |
| Plate Format | 96-well (U-, V-, or flat-bottom) |
| Wash Heads | 8-, 12-, dual 16-, or dual 24-channel |
| Orbital Shaker | 2 mm amplitude, 650–990 rpm |
| Program Memory | 99 main programs (each supporting up to 4 sub-programs) |
| Wash Volume | 50–1000 µL (50 µL increments) |
| Dispense Volume | 50–400 µL |
| Dispense Accuracy | ±5% at 300 µL |
| Dispense Precision | CV ≤3% at 300 µL |
| Aspiration Residual Volume | <3 µL (standard mode), <1 µL (sweep aspiration mode) |
| Aspiration Height | Adjustable |
| Aspiration Mode | Standard or Sweep |
| Soak & Shake Time | 1–60 min |
| Pre-wash & Rinse Volume | 5–100 mL (5 mL increments) |
| Cycle Count | 1–10 |
| Rinse Time | 100 s (dual 12-channel, 3×350 µL), 140 s (dual 8-channel, 3×350 µL) |
| User Interface | 20-key keypad with 8×12-character LCD |
| Communication Port | RS-232 |
| Power Supply | 100–240 VAC, 50/60 Hz |
Overview
The Thermo Scientific WellWash AC Automated Plate Washer is a high-performance, microplate-based liquid handling system engineered for precision washing in ELISA, cell-based assays, immunoassays, and high-throughput screening (HTS) workflows. It operates on the principle of controlled fluid dispensing, timed aspiration, orbital agitation, and programmable multi-step wash protocols—optimized to minimize residual volume while preserving assay integrity. Designed for integration into automated laboratory environments, the WellWash AC supports seamless bidirectional communication with third-party robotic platforms via RS-232, enabling unattended plate transfer, execution of preloaded wash routines, and post-wash plate retrieval. Its architecture adheres to core principles of reproducible liquid handling: consistent dispense accuracy, calibrated aspiration geometry, and dynamic height adjustment to accommodate diverse plate geometries and coating sensitivities.
Key Features
- Programmable dual-wash capability: Each main program supports up to four independent sub-programs, allowing sequential use of different wash buffers—including primary wash, secondary rinse, and final equilibration steps—without manual intervention.
- Sweep aspiration technology: A patented three-point aspiration strategy (center + two corners per well) eliminates mechanical scraping while reducing residual volume to <1 µL—critical for low-background assays and fragile immobilized antigens or antibodies.
- Orbital shaker integration: Adjustable amplitude (2 mm) and speed (650–990 rpm) enable optimized mixing during soak phases, enhancing antigen-antibody dissociation kinetics and improving signal-to-noise ratios in binding assays.
- Modular fluid management: Configurable reservoir options include standard (2 × 2 L wash bottles, 1 × 4 L waste bottle, 1 × 1 L rinse bottle) and robotic-ready (2 × 4 L wash, 1 × 2 L rinse, 1 × 10 L waste) configurations—each equipped with capacitive level sensors and audible/visual low-fluid alerts.
- Height-adjustable dispensing and aspiration: Independent Z-axis control ensures precise tip positioning above plate wells—minimizing cross-contamination risk and protecting delicate surface coatings during aspiration.
- Automated pre-rinse and standby mode: The system maintains wash heads submerged in pre-wash solution when idle, eliminating startup priming delays and ensuring immediate operational readiness.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The WellWash AC accommodates standard 96-well microplates with U-, V-, or flat-bottom configurations, including non-standard plates conforming to ANSI/SBS footprint specifications. All fluidic operations are traceable via timestamped log files generated through RS-232 output, supporting audit requirements under GLP and GMP frameworks. While the instrument itself does not carry FDA 21 CFR Part 11 certification, its deterministic protocol execution, user-accessible parameter logging, and external software integration pathways allow laboratories to implement compliant data governance policies—particularly when paired with validated LIMS or ELN systems. The system complies with IEC 61010-1 for electrical safety and meets CE marking requirements for in vitro diagnostic (IVD) ancillary equipment.
Software & Data Management
Operation is managed via an embedded 20-key interface with an 8×12-character LCD display—designed for rapid navigation without reliance on external PCs. All 99 stored protocols (including nested sub-programs) are retained in non-volatile memory. RS-232 connectivity enables remote command execution (e.g., START, STOP, STATUS QUERY), real-time parameter monitoring, and ASCII-formatted printouts of executed protocols—including dispense volumes, cycle counts, aspiration heights, and residual volume modes. For labs requiring electronic record retention, integration with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) or electronic lab notebooks (ELN) can be achieved using standard serial communication protocols and custom scripting—facilitating alignment with ALCOA+ data integrity principles.
Applications
The WellWash AC is routinely deployed in quantitative immunoassay development, where low residual volume directly correlates with reduced background interference in chemiluminescent and colorimetric ELISAs. Its sweep aspiration mode is especially valuable in cytokine multiplex assays and receptor-ligand binding studies where surface-bound capture molecules exhibit shear sensitivity. In cell-based functional assays—such as calcium flux or cAMP detection—the orbital shaker’s tunable agitation profile supports uniform buffer exchange across adherent monolayers without inducing detachment. HTS core facilities leverage its robotic compatibility to synchronize wash steps with plate readers (e.g., Thermo Scientific Varioskan LUX) and liquid handlers, achieving end-to-end automation for primary and secondary screening campaigns. Additionally, its programmable multi-buffer capability supports complex wash schemes required in histone modification profiling and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) workflow cleanups.
FAQ
Does the WellWash AC support 384-well plates?
No—the system is designed exclusively for 96-well microplates conforming to ANSI/SBS dimensional standards.
Can wash protocols be exported or backed up externally?
Protocol parameters are not exportable in editable file formats; however, RS-232 output provides full ASCII logs of executed runs for archival purposes.
Is calibration required before first use?
Factory-calibrated dispense and aspiration performance is verified per ISO 8655-6; users should perform initial verification using gravimetric methods per their internal SOPs.
What maintenance is recommended for long-term reliability?
Daily wipe-down of fluid paths, weekly inspection of wash head seals, and quarterly replacement of peristaltic pump tubing—per Thermo Scientific Maintenance Guide PN 88-0001234.
How does the system handle carryover between plates?
The integrated automatic pre-rinse cycle and dual-waste path design—combined with sweep aspiration—reduce inter-plate carryover to undetectable levels (<0.001%) in validated ELISA workflows.
