HPV Serology Laboratory
Standard Operating Procedure
SOP Title: Use and Maintenance of the Thermo Fisher Sorvall Legend XTR Centrifuge in the HPV Serology
Laboratory
Document ID: HSL_EQ_003 Version 2.0
Page 1 of 10 Supersedes 1.0
1. PURPOSE
1.1. The purpose of this procedure is to describe the use and maintenance of the Thermo
Fisher Sorvall Legend XTR centrifuge.
2. SCOPE
2.1. This procedure applies to the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Serology Laboratory located
at the Advanced Technology Research Facility (ATRF), room C2007.
3. REFERENCES
3.1. Thermo Fisher Scientific Sorvall Legend XTR Instruction Manual, 50119927-4
3.2. HSL_EQ_019: Use and Maintenance of the Milli-Q Integral 3 Water System
3.3. HSL_GL_001: Waste Disposal at the Advanced Technology Research Facility
4. RESPONSIBILITIES
4.1. The Research Associate, hereafter referred as analyst, is responsible for reviewing and
following this procedure.
4.2. The Scientific Manager or designee is responsible for training personnel in this procedure
and reviewing associated documentation.
4.3. The Quality Assurance Specialist is responsible for quality oversight and approval of this
procedure.
5. DEFINTIONS
Term Definition
FME Facilities, Maintenance and Engineering
RCF Relative Centrifugal Force
RPM Revolutions per minute
SDS Safety Data Sheets
6. REAGENTS, MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT
6.1. Reagents
6.1.1. Cavicide (Warehouse, Cat # 79300360)
6.1.2. Ster-ahol (VWR, Cat # 14003-358 or equivalent)
6.1.3. Bleach, concentrated (Warehouse, Cat # 68100251)
Uncontrolled Copy for Training and Reference Purposes Only
HPV Serology Laboratory
Standard Operating Procedure
SOP Title: Use and Maintenance of the Thermo Fisher Sorvall Legend XTR Centrifuge in the HPV Serology
Laboratory
Document ID: HSL_EQ_003 Version 2.0
Page 2 of 10 Supersedes 1.0
6.1.4. Bold Grease (Thermo Fisher, Cat # 75003786)
6.2. Equipment
6.2.1. Centrifuge
6.2.2. Beam Balance (Harvard Trip Beam Balance or equivalent)
6.2.3. Rotors
6.3. Consumables
6.3.1. Wypalls Paper Towel (Warehouse, Cat # 79300335 or equivalent)
7. HEALTH AND SAFETY CONSIDERAIONS
7.1. Proper safety precautions should be taken while working in a laboratory setting. This
includes, but is not limited to, proper protective equipment such as lab coats, safety
glasses, closed-toe shoes, and non-latex gloves.
7.2. Refer to the respective SDS when working with any chemicals.
7.3. Refer to “HSL_GL_001: Waste Disposal at the Advanced Technology Research Facility”
regarding waste disposal processes at the ATRF.
8. GENERAL INFORMATION
8.1. Do not use the centrifuge in the vicinity of flammable liquids or vapors; do not run such
materials in the instrument.
8.2. Do not lean on the instrument or place items on it while it is operating. Do not move the
centrifuge while it is running.
8.3. Make sure the rotor is balanced and properly loaded before starting the run. Never
overload the rotor.
8.4. Do not use rotors that show signs of corrosion and/or cracks. Always use the rotor with
the rotor lid.
8.5. Never start the centrifuge with the lid open. Do not open the lid until the rotor has come to
a complete stop.
8.6. Do not use the centrifuge if parts of its cover panels are damaged or missing.
8.7. Do not touch the electronic or mechanical components of the centrifuge. Do not alter the
electronic or mechanical components of the centrifuge.
Uncontrolled Copy for Training and Reference Purposes Only
HPV Serology Laboratory
Standard Operating Procedure
SOP Title: Use and Maintenance of the Thermo Fisher Sorvall Legend XTR Centrifuge in the HPV Serology
Laboratory
Document ID: HSL_EQ_003 Version 2.0
Page 3 of 10 Supersedes 1.0
8.8. If a spill occurs, immediately decontaminate surfaces of the centrifuge with Cavicide;
allow a 3-minute contact time.
8.9. Perform all centrifugation as RCF, to eliminate variations between centrifuges, based on
length of the rotor arm versus RPM.
8.10. Centrifuge must be located on a supporting structure that is stable and free of resonance,
with a minimum safety zone of 30 cm around it on all sides.
8.11. In case of electronic failure during a centrifugation procedure, material may be retrieved
by pulling the two emergency release cables at the same time in the rear of the
instrument. See Attachment 1 for diagram.
9. USE OF CENTRIFUGE
9.1. To turn power on, flip the switch on the back of the instrument. The device will perform a
self-check of the software once power is turned on.
9.2. The control panel contains all the keys and displays needed to operate the centrifuge.
See Attachment 2 for diagram.
9.3. Press the “Open” Key to open the lid of the centrifuge.
9.4. Select the rotors appropriate to the experiment being performed and place rotor over the
centrifuge spindle. The rotor should automatically lock into place and can be confirmed
by lifting slightly on the handle. If the rotor can be pulled up it is not properly secured and
must be reclamped to the spindle.
9.5. If a specific temperature is required for the run, set the temperature then hit the “Enter”
key. Confirm instrument is at proper temperature before use.
9.5.1. The display pad will show two temperatures; the top value is the current
temperature of the centrifuge, and the bottom temperature is the set
temperature.
9.5.2. When both values are the same, the centrifuge is at the correct temperature.
9.6. Place samples into the centrifuge and use a beam balance to balance the tube/bucket
when applicable. Otherwise, balance the tubes by inserting the tubes opposite each other
in pairs into the bucket holders. To ensure symmetric loading, tubes that are arranged
opposite each other must be of the same type and contain the same filling quantity.
9.7. Next, lock the rotor lid or bucket lids into place.
9.8. Close the lid of the centrifuge.
Uncontrolled Copy for Training and Reference Purposes Only
HPV Serology Laboratory
Standard Operating Procedure
SOP Title: Use and Maintenance of the Thermo Fisher Sorvall Legend XTR Centrifuge in the HPV Serology
Laboratory
Document ID: HSL_EQ_003 Version 2.0
Page 4 of 10 Supersedes 1.0
9.9. Enter desired settings on the control pad, to account for acceleration curve, braking
curve, speed and time. Preset programs can be used when applicable; see Section 10.1.
Press the “Enter” button to confirm settings.
9.10. Press the “Start” key to begin the centrifuging process.
9.11. If the load is improperly balanced, the instrument will display the message “Imbalanced
Load” and the run will terminate. Rebalance the load and re-start the run.
9.12. To stop run manually, press “Stop” key.
9.13. At end of configured run, the message “END” will appear in the display. Open the
centrifuge by pressing the “Open” key and remove samples.
10. CONFIGURING, STORING AND PROTECTING A PROGRAM
10.1. Programs can be stored and retrieved later by means of assigned number. It is the
analyst’s responsibility to confirm the program being used matches requirements set forth
in the associated procedure.
10.2. See Attachment 3 for configuration assistance.
11. MAINTENANCE
11.1. Monthly Maintenance
11.1.1. Clean instrument surfaces and rotors, by pre-wetting paper towel with
cavicide and wiping clean.
11.1.2. Clean buckets, inserts, and bioshields by submerging these items into a pan
of 10% bleach. Allow the items to soak for 30 minutes, then rinse the items
thoroughly with water. Allow the items to dry prior to use.
11.1.3. Record maintenance on “HSL_EQ_003.01: Sorvall XTR Centrifuge
Maintenance Form.”
11.2. Add grease to rotor-bucket junction on an annual basis. Record maintenance on
HSL_EQ_003.01.
11.3. Centrifuge is calibrated annually by FME or vendor.
12. TROUBLESHOOTING
12.1. Section 7-3 of the instrument manual covers Failure Messages by the instrument, and
possible causes and cures.
Uncontrolled Copy for Training and Reference Purposes Only
HPV Serology Laboratory
Standard Operating Procedure
SOP Title: Use and Maintenance of the Thermo Fisher Sorvall Legend XTR Centrifuge in the HPV Serology
Laboratory
Document ID: HSL_EQ_003 Version 2.0
Page 5 of 10 Supersedes 1.0
12.2. Section A-1 of the instrument manual contains a Chemical Compatibility Chart.
Reference this as needed.
12.3. Contact customer service when needed. Order number and Serial number of the
instrument will be required when making this call. The information is found on the back of
the instrument near the inlet for the power supply cable.
13. ATTACHMENTS
13.1. Attachment 1: Mechanical Emergency Door Release
13.2. Attachment 2: Control Panel and Keys Diagram
13.3. Attachment 3: Setting Up a Program
13.4. Attachment 4: HSL_EQ_003.01: Sorvall Legend XTR Centrifuge Maintenance Form
Uncontrolled Copy for Training and Reference Purposes Only
HPV Serology Laboratory
Standard Operating Procedure
SOP Title: Use and Maintenance of the Thermo Fisher Sorvall Legend XTR Centrifuge in the HPV Serology
Laboratory
Document ID: HSL_EQ_003 Version 2.0
Page 6 of 10 Supersedes 1.0
Attachment 1: Mechanical Emergency Door Release
1. Make sure the rotor has stopped (view port in the lid).
2. Pull out the power supply plug.
3. On the back of the housing are two black plastic plugs which can be pried out of the back plate
with a screwdriver or knife. Pull the release cord attached to it at the same time to trigger the
mechanical lid release. The lid will open and the samples can be removed.
4. Put the cord back into the centrifuge and mount the plug.
5. Reconnect the centrifuge once the power has been restored. Switch on the centrifuge and press
the Open key to have door locks operative again.
Uncontrolled Copy for Training and Reference Purposes Only
HPV Serology Laboratory
Standard Operating Procedure
SOP Title: Use and Maintenance of the Thermo Fisher Sorvall Legend XTR Centrifuge in the HPV Serology
Laboratory
Document ID: HSL_EQ_003 Version 2.0
Page 7 of 10 Supersedes 1.0
Attachment 2: Control Panel and Keys Diagram
Uncontrolled Copy for Training and Reference Purposes Only
HPV Serology Laboratory
Standard Operating Procedure
SOP Title: Use and Maintenance of the Thermo Fisher Sorvall Legend XTR Centrifuge in the HPV Serology
Laboratory
Document ID: HSL_EQ_003 Version 2.0
Page 8 of 10 Supersedes 1.0
Attachment 3: Setting Up a Program
1. In order to load memory programs 1-5, press any of the five numbers on the key pad on the left-hand
side of the centrifuge.
2. Enter the program parameters. Enter braking, acceleration, RCF, running time, temperature, bucket
code and bucket radius.
3. Hold down the number associated with the new program until it says “Program X Saved.”
4. To save programs 6-99, hit the directory folder button on the key pad on the left-hand side of the
centrifuge.
5. It will ask you to recall a program number. Type in the desired number of the program to be designed.
Press “Enter”.
6. Enter the program parameters. Enter braking, acceleration, RCF, running time, temperature, bucket
code and bucket radius.
7. Hold down the directory button until it asks you to save the program.
8. Re-type in the number you want the program to be named. Press “Enter”. Program has been saved.
Uncontrolled Copy for Training and Reference Purposes Only
HPV Serology Laboratory
Standard Operating Procedure
SOP Title: Use and Maintenance of the Thermo Fisher Sorvall Legend XTR Centrifuge in the HPV Serology
Laboratory
Document ID: HSL_EQ_003 Version 2.0
Page 9 of 10 Supersedes 1.0
Attachment 4: HSL_EQ_003.01: Sorvall Legend XTR Centrifuge Maintenance Form
Uncontrolled Copy for Training and Reference Purposes Only
HPV Serology Laboratory
Standard Operating Procedure
SOP Title: Use and Maintenance of the Thermo Fisher Sorvall Legend XTR Centrifuge in the HPV Serology
Laboratory
Document ID: HSL_EQ_003 Version 2.0
Page 10 of 10 Supersedes 1.0
Uncontrolled Copy for Training and Reference Purposes Only
