GS-900™ Calibrated Densitometer

with Image Lab™ Software

Instrument Guide
Version 6.0
GS-900™ Calibrated Densitometer
with Image Lab™ Software

Instrument Guide

Version 6.0
Bio-Rad Technical Support Department
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Credits
1. Image Lab software is based in part on the work of the Qwt project
([Link]
2. Image Lab software is based in part on the work of the CImg project
([Link] See license for details at
[Link]
3. Image Lab software is based in part on the work of the Independent JPEG Group
([Link]
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Copyright ©2017 Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.
Table of Contents

Safety and Regulatory Compliance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Important Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
General Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Regulatory Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Alert Icons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Cautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Instrument Safety Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Notice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Chapter 1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Main Features of the GS-900 Calibrated Densitometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Measurement of Optical Density. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Technical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Chapter 2 Setting Up the Imager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Calibrating the GS-900 Densitometer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Chapter 3 Acquiring Images . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Creating a Protocol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Accessing Protocol Setup Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Choosing an Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Configuring Analysis Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Instrument Guide | iii

Table of Contents

Configuring Output Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Positioning the Sample . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Previewing the Gel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Running the Default Protocol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Running Any Other Protocol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Setting Up a Custom Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Editing a Protocol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Appendix A Maintaining the GS-900 Densitometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Cleaning the Imaging Surfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Recalibrating the GS-900 Densitometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Next Steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Recertifying the Calibration Standard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Appendix B Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Appendix C Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Ordering Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

iv | GS-900 Calibrated Densitometer with Image Lab Software

Safety and Regulatory Compliance

Important Safety Information

Please read these instructions before attempting to operate the GS-900™
calibrated densitometer.

This instrument is suitable for research use only. It must be used, therefore, only by
specialized personnel who know the health risks associated with the reagents that
are normally used with this instrument.

Warranty
The GS-900™ calibrated densitometer is warranted against defects in materials and
workmanship for one year. If any defect occurs in the instrument during this
warranty period, Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. will repair or replace the defective parts
at its discretion without charge. The following defects, however, are specifically
excluded:

 Defects caused by improper operation

 Repair or modification done by anyone other than Bio-Rad Laboratories,

Inc. or the company’s authorized agent

 Use of spare parts supplied by anyone other than Bio-Rad Laboratories,

Inc.

 Damage caused by accident or misuse

 Damage caused by disaster

 Corrosion caused by improper solvents or samples

Instrument Guide | 5
Safety and Regulatory Compliance

General Precautions
 Read the user guide carefully.

 The instrument must be used only for the intended purpose of gel
documentation in research laboratories.

 The instrument must be connected to a grounded power source line and

protected by a circuit breaker.

 Do not pour liquids directly on or inside the instrument.

 Switch off all lights on the instrument immediately after use.

 Clean the transilluminator sample area after use.

Regulatory Notices
The GS-900 densitometer is designed and certified to meet EN 61010-1, the
internationally accepted electrical safety standard, EMC regulations, and TUV
requirements. Certified products are safe to use when operated in accordance with
this user guide. Do not modify or alter this instrument in any way. Modification or
alteration of this instrument will

 Void the manufacturer’s warranty

 Void the regulatory certifications

 Create a potential safety hazard

6 | GS-900 Calibrated Densitometer with Image Lab Touch Software

 Alert Icons

Alert Icons
Alert icons call attention to caution and warning paragraphs in this guide. The icon
indicates the type of hazard addressed.

Table 1. How alert icons are used in this guide

Icon Explanation
General
Indicates a potential hazard requiring special attention. This icon appears
when the hazard or condition is of a general nature.

Electrical hazard
Indicates a potential hazard requiring special attention when you are working
with electricity or electrical equipment.

Extreme heat and flammable materials

Indicates a potential hazard requiring special attention when you are working
with extreme heat and flammable materials.
Radiation hazard
Indicates a potential hazard requiring special attention when you are working
with UV radiation.

Cautions
A caution alerts you to take or avoid a specific action that could result in loss of data
or damage to the instrument. A caution can also indicate that, if the precaution
against a potential hazard is not taken, minor or moderate injury might occur.

Example
Caution: With the exception of cleaning or replacing light bulbs, refer all
servicing to qualified Bio-Rad personnel or their agents.

Instrument Guide | 7
Safety and Regulatory Compliance

Warnings
A warning precedes an action that, if not followed correctly, could cause serious
injury or death to the operator, serious or total loss of data, or serious damage to the
instrument.

Example
WARNING! This instrument must be connected to an appropriate AC voltage
outlet that is properly grounded.

Instrument Safety Warnings

Before you operate the instrument, carefully read the contents of Table 2.

Table 2. Safety cautions and warnings for the instrument

Icon Meaning
Caution: With the exception of cleaning or replacing light bulbs,
refer all servicing to qualified Bio-Rad personnel or their agents. If
you experience technical difficulties with the instrument, contact
Bio-Rad to schedule service. The instrument should not be modified
or altered in any way. Alteration voids the manufacturer’s warranty
and might create a potential safety hazard for the user.
WARNING! This instrument must be connected to an appropriate
AC voltage outlet that is properly grounded.

Note: This Bio-Rad product is designed and certified to meet

EN 61010-1 safety standards. Certified products are safe to use
when operated in accordance with the instrument guide. This
instrument should not be modified or altered in any way. Alteration
of this instrument will void the warranty, void the EN 61010-1
certification, and create a potential safety hazard. This safety
certification does not extend to other equipment or accessories not
EN61010-1 certified, even when connected to this product.

8 | GS-900 Calibrated Densitometer with Image Lab Touch Software

 Instrument Safety Warnings

Notice
The GS-900™ densitometer is intended for laboratory use only. This device is
meant for use by specialized personnel who know the health risks associated with
reagents normally used in electrophoresis. Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. is not
responsible for any injury or damage caused by use of this instrument for purposes
other than those for which it is intended, or for instrument modifications not
performed by Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. or an authorized agent.

Instrument Guide | 9
Safety and Regulatory Compliance

10 | GS-900 Calibrated Densitometer with Image Lab Touch Software

 1 Introduction

The GS-900™ calibrated densitometer acquires images of transparent and opaque

electrophoretic samples. The GS-900 calibrates to an internal National Institutes of
Standards and Technology (NIST)-traceable reference standard for optimal
accuracy and reproducibility.

With Image Lab™ software, you control the instrument, analyze the resulting image,
and produce a report in a format you choose.

Note: The GS-900 calibrated densitometer is supported with Image Lab

running on a computer using the Microsoft Windows operating system only.

Main Features of the GS-900 Calibrated Densitometer

 Transmissive and reflective scanning modes

 Wide dynamic range:

 Transmissive: 0.0–3.4 OD (specular)

 Reflective: 0.0–2.7 OD (specular)

 Calibration to internal reference standards (NIST-traceable for transmissive

scans)

 User-selectable scanning resolution from 36.3 to 127.2 m

 Image acquisition with 16-bit depth

 Scanning area of 29 x 33 cm for positioning of large or multiple samples

Instrument Guide | 11
1 | Introduction

Measurement of Optical Density

The GS-900 calibrated densitometer uses internal calibration standards to ensure
accurate optical density measurements of scanned samples. The internal
calibration standards consist of either a piece of photographic film (for transmissive
scans) or a piece of photographic paper (for reflective scans) that have been
exposed in order to generate several areas, or steps, with different optical densities.
The optical densities of these steps are accurately measured before being installed
into the instrument, and the instrument is preprogrammed with these values.

Prior to each scan of a sample, the appropriate calibration standard is scanned and
the light intensity levels for each step of the standard are used to correlate the
sample detected light intensity to a known optical density found on the calibration
standard. This allows light intensity levels measured on the sample area to be
correlated to a known optical density value and ensures accurate and reproducible
optical density measurements of scanned samples.

During manufacture, the internal calibration standard is measured using an

instrument capable of diffuse density measurements. However, the internal
calibration standard diffuses light differently than protein bands on a Coomassie
stained gel. Additionally, the light collection angles of the optics in the GS-900 make
it unsuitable for diffuse density measurements. For these reasons, specular density
measurements are more appropriate for Coomassie stained gels that are imaged
with the densitometer, and Image Lab reports specular density values only.

12 | GS-900 Calibrated Densitometer with Image Lab Software

 Technical Specifications

Technical Specifications
Scannable Sample Types
Transparent  Polyacrylamide gels
 Film
Reflective Blotting membranes
Software Specifications
Supported file types  Import: .scn, .1sc
 Export: .tif, .jpg, .bmp, .png
Hardware Specifications
Image sensor type Tri-linear CCD with three filters (red, green, blue)
Resolution  Spot size (m): 36.3, 42.3, 63.5, 95.3, 127.0
Light source LED
Scanning area  Transparent: 29.0 x 33.0 cm
 Reflective: 29.0 x 33.0 cm
Dynamic range  Transmissive: 0.0–3.4 OD (specular)
 Reflective: 0.0–2.7 OD (specular)
Bit depth  Input: 16-bit gray scale
 Output: 16-bit gray scale
Calibration  Transmissive: To internal NIST-traceable transmissive
reference standard
 Reflective: To internal reflective reference standard
Connectivity USB 2.0
Operating voltage 100–240 V AC, 47–63 Hz
Power consumption 54.0 watts
Operating temperature 10–28°C
Operating humidity <70% noncondensing
Dimensions  Length: 63 cm
 Height: 19 cm
 Width: 38 cm
Weight 16 kg (35.4 lbs)

Instrument Guide | 13
1 | Introduction

14 | GS-900 Calibrated Densitometer with Image Lab Software

2 Setting Up the Imager

Calibrating the GS-900 Densitometer

Before you can use Image LabTM with the GS-900™ densitometer, Image Lab must
calibrate and acquire the flat images.

Note: It can take up to 30 minutes to acquire a flat image.

When you first connect the instrument to the computer running Image Lab, the
software prompts you to begin calibration.

After the densitometer has been in use for some time, it might require recalibration
for one of the following reasons:

 Scheduled recalibration according to your institution’s procedures

 Presence of visible artifacts such as a non-uniform background or streaks

To prepare the densitometer for initial calibration

1. Ensure that the following surfaces are clean and free of scratches:

 Sample area

 Calibration area (the narrow band of glass near the sample area)

 Glass on the transmission module

2. Close the densitometer lid and turn on the densitometer.

3. Connect the densitometer to the computer running Image Lab.

Instrument Guide | 15
2 | Setting Up the Imager

To calibrate the densitometer

1. Start Image Lab.

The Instrument Calibration dialog box appears. It identifies the instrument to

which your computer is connected.

2. Click Next.

The Calibrate GS-900 Standards Location screen appears.

16 | GS-900 Calibrated Densitometer with Image Lab Software

 Calibrating the GS-900 Densitometer

3. Click Calibrate GS-900 Standards Location.

A dialog box monitors the progress of the calibration. When the standards
location is calibrated, the Acquire Flat Image dialog box appears.

4. Click Acquire Flat Image.

A progress indicator monitors the acquisition. After the instrument acquires the
flat image, the Setup Summary dialog box appears.

By default, the Go to default protocol setup after instrument setup checkbox is

selected.

5. If you do not want to set up a default protocol now, clear the checkbox and
click Finish. You can set up the default protocol later. See Chapter 3, Acquiring
Images for instructions.

Instrument Guide | 17
2 | Setting Up the Imager

18 | GS-900 Calibrated Densitometer with Image Lab Software

3 Acquiring Images

Image Lab software runs configurable application-based protocols for sample

imaging. In a single acquisition, a protocol runs a combination of settings for
acquiring an image, analyzing it, and creating a customized report.

An image Lab protocol defines an application, its scan options, and analysis and
reporting functions. You can run a default protocol by pressing the green Run button
on the densitometer. The densitometer acquires the image using the default
protocol application and settings. You can create a default protocol for the set of
acquisition settings you use most often.

Protocols can be retrieved, revised, and reused. You can also save protocols with
different settings and run them in Image Lab software.

Note: Images you scan at high resolution result in large files. For this reason,
Bio-Rad recommends archiving images by exporting the files to a network file
server or to removable storage media.

For more detailed information about protocols, see the Image Lab Software User
Guide.

Instrument Guide | 19
3 | Acquiring Images

Creating a Protocol
Creating a protocol consists of configuring acquisition, analysis, and output
settings. Analysis and output settings are optional.

To create a protocol, you configure these settings on the Protocol Setup screens.
The title bar above the Protocol Setup screen displays the protocol name and
imager [Link] steps appear as headings in the left pane of each screen.
Numbered steps appear under these headings.

Analysis settings consist of the following:

 Detecting lanes and bands

 Analyzing molecular weight

Output settings consist of the following:

 Printing the image

 Printing the report

 Displaying the report

20 | GS-900 Calibrated Densitometer with Image Lab Software

 Creating a Protocol

To choose options for a protocol step, select the checkbox to the left of the
numbered step. To disable a numbered step, clear its checkbox.

Options for the selected step appear on the right side of the screen.

Accessing Protocol Setup Screens

To access the default Protocol Setup screen
1. Verify that the name of your imager appears on the status bar.

A green check mark next to the imager name indicates that the imager is
connected to the computer running Image Lab software and is communicating
with Image Lab.

2. Click Default Protocols on the toolbar.

3. The Default Protocol Setup dialog box [Link] Create.

The Default Protocol Setup screen appears.

To access the Protocol Setup screen for any other protocol

1. Verify that GS-900 appears on the status bar.

2. Click New Protocol on the toolbar.

Instrument Guide | 21
3 | Acquiring Images

The Protocol Setup screen appears with Gel Imaging selected. Acquisition
options appear in the right pane.

The Protocol Setup screen appears. Gel Imaging is selected in the left pane.

Gel imaging options appear on the right side of the Protocol Setup screen. The
protocol name appears in the title bar. You can change this name when you
save the protocol.

Choosing an Application
The term application refers to sample type. The sample types consist of the
following options:

 Nucleic acid gel, protein gel, or blot

 Detection reagent — dye or stain

In the Gel Imaging Protocol Setup screen, you can choose from a list of predefined
applications for common sample types. Each sample type is predefined with
optimal acquisition settings.

Note: To use a dye or stain not listed in the Application dropdown menus, you
can choose the application type Custom and create a custom application. For
more information, see Setting Up a Custom Application in this chapter.

22 | GS-900 Calibrated Densitometer with Image Lab Software

 Creating a Protocol

To configure the acquisition settings

1. Under Applications, click Select and choose an application on the menu that
appears

2. Under Resolution, click Change to set the resolution value.

Tip: Resolution is a measure of pixel size in microns. The default

resolution value of 63.5 microns usually provides sufficient resolution to
obtain a good quality image. Decreasing the resolution value increases the
number of pixels scanned, which increases the resolution. Increasing the
resolution also increases the scan time and the file size.

3. Under Scan Area, select the gel type you want to scan.

When you select a gel type, the values in the scan area automatically change to
match the size of the selected gel.

Instrument Guide | 23
3 | Acquiring Images

4. Under Display Options, you can select the following:

 Highlight saturated pixels — to display saturated pixels in red, which

indicates how much of the gel image is saturated. You can change this
option at any time by selecting View > Image Transform.

 Image color — to select a color scheme for displaying the sample image.
Viewing the image in a different color scheme can make all of its elements
more visible. See the chapter, Viewing Images, in the Image Lab Software
User Guide for more information.

5. Save the protocol and run it or go to the analysis or output settings.

To specify the scan area for custom size gels

1. Under Scan Coordinates, change the coordinate settings to increase or
decrease the size of the scan area.

2. Save each coordinate setting when you change it.

The Protocol screen displays the scan area with the coordinate values you
select.

For more information about resetting scan coordinates, see Previewing the Gel
in this chapter.

24 | GS-900 Calibrated Densitometer with Image Lab Software

 Creating a Protocol

Configuring Analysis Settings

To analyze a gel or blot automatically, configure analysis settings in the following
protocol setup tasks:

 Detect Lanes and Bands

 Analyze Molecular Weight

For information about these settings, see the chapter, Protocols, in the Image Lab
Software User Guide.

Configuring Output Settings

When you display a report, a scrollable report screen appears in which you can view
the image, acquisition settings, and analysis data. You can view or print a single
image or report.

Note: You cannot print a report on a thermal printer.

To specify protocol output

1. Select Specify Output in the left pane of the Protocol Setup screen.

Output options appear in the right pane.

Instrument Guide | 25
3 | Acquiring Images

2. Choose one of the following:

 Automatically print the image

 Automatically print a report

 Display the report

Image Lab prints to the default printer unless you select another printer.

See the chapter, Generating Reports, in the Image Lab Software User Guide for
information about customizing reports.

For more information about running a protocol, see the chapter, Protocols, in
the Image Lab Software User Guide.

Positioning the Sample

To position a sample
1. Ensure that the sample area is clean and free of dust and other contaminants.
Contamination can degrade the results.

2. Place the sample on the sample area.

3. Lower the lid.

For more information, see Cleaning the Imaging Surfaces on page 35.

Previewing the Gel

Preview the gel to ensure that the scan coordinates are set correctly.

To preview a gel
1. Open the protocol.

2. In the left pane, click Preview Gel.

26 | GS-900 Calibrated Densitometer with Image Lab Software

 Creating a Protocol

The densitometer scans the sample. As the scan progresses, Image Lab
displays the scan in a scan area box outlined in red.

3. If the scan area box does not include the sample or bands of interest, do one of
the following:

 Click Cancel Run and reset the scan coordinates.

 Place the pointer in the scan box and drag the corners of the box to
include the area that contains the sample or bands of interest.

Instrument Guide | 27
3 | Acquiring Images

4. Click Rescan Preview and then examine the rescanned sample.

5. When the preview is acceptable, click Run Protocol in the left pane.

All changes to preview scans are listed in the document log.

Running the Default Protocol

Save the default protocol and close the Profile Setup screen before you start the
next procedure.

To run a default protocol for one sample

1. Open the densitometer lid.

2. Place a sample on the sample area.

3. Close the lid.

4. Press the green Run button on the front of the densitometer.

28 | GS-900 Calibrated Densitometer with Image Lab Software

 Running the Default Protocol

The Default Protocol screen opens and the default protocol runs
[Link] acquired image appears with the Protocol Setup screen open
behind it.

To run a default protocol for several samples

1. Open the densitometer lid.

2. Place a sample on the sample area.

3. Close the lid.

4. Press the green Run button on the front of the GS-900 densitometer.

The Default Protocol screen opens and the default protocol runs automatically.

5. Save the image that appears.

6. Open the lid.

Instrument Guide | 29
3 | Acquiring Images

7. Remove the sample and insert another sample.

8. Close the lid.

9. On the Protocol Summary screen, click the Run button.

10. Save the image.

11. Repeat steps 6–10 to run each remaining sample.

Running Any Other Protocol

Only the default protocol can be run by pressing the Run button on the
densitometer. All other protocols are run from Image Lab Software, as described in
the next procedure.

To run a protocol
1. Position the sample on the sample area of the densitometer.

2. Close the lid.

30 | GS-900 Calibrated Densitometer with Image Lab Software

 Setting Up a Custom Application

3. On the toolbar, click Open.

4. Browse to the protocol, select it, and click Open.

The Protocol Setup screen appears.

5. (Optional) If you are not certain that the scan coordinates are set correctly, click
Preview Gel and evaluate the preview image.

6. Click Run Protocol in the left pane of the Protocol Setup screen.

After the protocol runs, the acquired image appears with the Protocol Setup screen
open behind it.

Setting Up a Custom Application

When you create a protocol, Image Lab displays a list of application types and
predefined applications for acquiring images. To use a dye or stain not listed in the
Application dropdown menus, you can choose the application type Custom and
create a custom application. Also choose Custom to do the following:

Instrument Guide | 31
3 | Acquiring Images

 Choose a previously saved custom application

 Edit or rename a custom application

Note: If you are not sure how to configure a custom application for a dye or
stain, contact Bio-Rad Technical Support.

To create a custom application

1. On the Protocol Setup screen, select Gel Imaging.

2. Under Application, click Select and choose Custom on the menu that appears.

The Manage Custom Applications dialog box appears.

3. Click New.

The Create Custom Application dialog box appears.

4. Enter a unique application name and select a filter color, scan mode, and image
color.

5. Selecting the filter color conveys information to the instrument that ensures
proper imager acquisition. Choose one of the following scan modes:

 Transmissive — light from the top of the densitometer passes through the
gel. Choose this option to scan gels or transparent objects such as X-rays
or film.

32 | GS-900 Calibrated Densitometer with Image Lab Software

 Editing a Protocol

 Reflective — light from the bottom of the densitometer reflects off the gel.
Choose this option to scan blots or opaque objects such as paper or
photographs.

6. Click OK.

Editing a Protocol
You can open a protocol, change its settings, and save it with another name. You
can also disable a step in the saved protocol. When you edit a default protocol and
save it with a new name, the default protocol is unaffected. See the chapter,
Protocols, in the Image Lab Software User Guide for more information.

Instrument Guide | 33
3 | Acquiring Images

34 | GS-900 Calibrated Densitometer with Image Lab Software

A Maintaining the GS-900
Densitometer
Regular cleaning ensures that your GS-900™ calibrated densitometer will continue
to perform optimally. This appendix explains proper care for the densitometer.

Caution: No user-serviceable parts are inside the densitometer. Refer servicing

questions to Bio-Rad service personnel.

Cleaning the Imaging Surfaces

During normal operation, residue can build up on the three glass areas:

 Sample area

 Calibration area (the narrow band of glass near the sample area)

 Transmission module on the lid

Use a nonabrasive, lint-free towelette and a 70% ethanol solution to clean the glass
in these areas. Avoid using excessive liquid around the power switch and connector
outlets located on the back side of the unit.

Note: Residual Coomassie stain on the sample and calibration areas can affect
image data. The glass sample and calibration areas should be cleaned with a
70% solution of ethanol until no remaining stain is seen on the towelette.

Instrument Guide | 35
A | Maintaining the GS-900 Densitometer

Recalibrating the GS-900 Densitometer

When you first connect the GS-900 densitometer to the computer on which
Image Lab™ is running, the instrument automatically begins initial calibration. When
the densitometer has been in use for some time, it might require recalibration for
one of the following reasons:

 Scheduled recalibration according to your institution’s procedures

 Presence of visible artifacts such as a non-uniform background or streaks

Recalibrating the densitometer consists of three tasks:

 Preparing the instrument and Image Lab.

 Recalibrating standards locations, if necessary.

 Recalibrating flat field, if necessary.

You can recalibrate the standard locations or the flat field, or both.

To prepare for recalibrating the densitometer

1. Ensure that the sample glass, the glass on the transmission module, and the
glass in the calibration area are clean and free of scratches.

2. Ensure that the lid on the densitometer is lowered.

3. Turn on the densitometer.

4. Connect the densitometer to the computer running Image Lab.

5. Start Image Lab on the computer.

6. On the Edit menu, click Instrument Setup.

36 | GS-900 Calibrated Densitometer with Image Lab Software

 Recalibrating the GS-900 Densitometer

The Instrument Setup dialog box appears.

To recalibrate standard locations

1. Under Calibration Standard Locations, click Reset.

The Calibrate GS-900 Standard Location dialog box appears.

2. Click Calibrate GS-900 Standard Locations.

Calibration begins. A progress box monitors its progress. When calibration

ends, the Setup Summary dialog box appears.

Instrument Guide | 37
A | Maintaining the GS-900 Densitometer

3. Check the Status entry to ensure that the calibration is valid.

4. Click Finish.

The Instrument Setup dialog box reappears.

To recalibrate flat field

Note: Acquiring flat images can take up to 30 minutes.

1. In the Instrument Setup dialog box, Under Flat Field click Reset.

The Acquire Flat Image dialog box appears.

2. Click Acquire Flat Image.

A progress box monitors the calibration.

3. When calibration ends, the Setup Summary dialog box appears.

4. Check the Status entry to ensure that the calibration is valid.

5. Click Finish.

6. When the Instrument Setup dialog box appears, click OK.

38 | GS-900 Calibrated Densitometer with Image Lab Software

 Recertifying the Calibration Standard

Next Steps
If the standard locations or flat field recalibration fails, clean the sample glass and
the glass on the transmission module and recalibrate again. If recalibration fails
again, contact Bio-Rad Technical Support.

Recertifying the Calibration Standard

The internal transmissive calibration standard is certified to an NIST-traceable
standard for two years. Two years after the last certification date of the internal
transmissive calibration standard, a Bio-Rad service engineer must recertify or
replace it. Two months before this date, Image Lab displays a message to this effect
similar to the following:

A second message appears on the date the certification expires. In Image Lab on
the Edit menu, click Instrument Setup to access the Instrument Setup screen and
verify the expiration date. Contact Bio-Rad technical support to replace or recertify
the calibration standard.

For more information about the internal calibration standards, see Measurement of
Optical Density on page 12.

Instrument Guide | 39
A | Maintaining the GS-900 Densitometer

40 | GS-900 Calibrated Densitometer with Image Lab Software

 B Troubleshooting

Follow these suggestions to troubleshoot your GS-900™ densitometer.

Problem Possible Cause Solution

Instrument does not Upper or lower carriage Unlock carriage locking mechanisms.
scan and makes a locking mechanisms are still
loud clicking noise locked.
during attempted
scan or during startup
initialization.
Instrument fails to Water or foreign matter is on Clean the calibration area and ensure
perform a scan and the calibration area of the that water drops are wiped up when
Image Lab reports instrument. transferring gels to the sample area.
that debris is on the For more information, see Cleaning
imaging area. the Imaging Surfaces on page 35.
Streaks or other dark Contamination or foreign Reset Flat Field calibration. For more
or light regions appear object is on calibration or information, see Recalibrating the
in the image (most sample area. GS-900 Densitometer on page 36.
apparent when the Note: Coomassie stain might build
entire sample area is up during normal use. It is
scanned and the recommended that the calibration
resulting image is and sample area be thoroughly
transformed to cleaned with 70% ethanol on a
emphasize faint regular basis.
signal.)

Instrument Guide | 41
B | Troubleshooting

42 | GS-900 Calibrated Densitometer with Image Lab Software

C Accessories

Ordering Information
Table 3 lists catalog numbers and descriptions for the GS-900TM densitometer and
Image LabTM software. For more information, see the Bio-Rad catalog.

Table 3. Ordering information

Catalog # Description
1707991 GS-900 Calibrated Densitometry System with Image Lab software
Image Lab Software
1709690 Image Lab software, Windows
1709691 Image Lab software, Security Edition, Windows

Instrument Guide | 43
C | Accessories

44 | GS-900 Calibrated Densitometer with Image Lab Software

 Bio-Rad
Laboratories, Inc.

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