Biotage Extrahera LV-200 Installation and Familiarization Checklist

Importance of the Topic

The Biotage Extrahera LV-200 is a fully automated sample preparation workstation widely used in analytical laboratories to standardize and accelerate solid-phase and liquid-phase extraction workflows. Proper installation and end-user familiarization are crucial to ensure consistent performance, sample integrity, and compliance with quality standards in environmental, food, pharmaceutical, and clinical analysis.

Objectives and Overview of the Document

This checklist document serves two primary aims:

• To verify all physical installation steps—unpacking, site preparations, power and gas connections—have been correctly performed.
• To provide a concise familiarization session for operators on system hardware, software, safety, and basic maintenance.

The full process typically requires two hours and ensures the instrument is ready for routine use while documenting completion.

Methodology and Used Instrumentation

The installation and familiarization procedure is organized into sequential phases:

• Shipping Review: Inspect packaging and contents against packing lists, report any damage to carrier.
• Site Preparations: Confirm lab space, ventilation (6 m3/min exhaust), nitrogen (6±0.2 bar), compressed air (6±0.2 bar, 5 L/min), and environmental conditions (18–32 °C, 10–90% RH).
• Electrical Setup: Connect to 120–240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 300 VA supply; verify L1 to neutral voltage.
• Unpacking & Positioning: Lift instrument (80 kg) into fume hood or benchtop, level with adjustable feet.
• System Connections: Attach touchscreen, computer interface, gas lines (N2/air), solvents, waste kit, vacuum source, and racks.
• System Start-Up: Power on, check for errors, confirm software/OS versions, set date/time and serial number, verify robot calibration.
• Functional Testing: Prime solvent lines with methanol and water, conduct pressure head, waste valve, and pipetting performance tests; record pass/fail and calibration data.
• Familiarization: Review hardware components (pumps, Z-head, door, carousel), software menus (methods, data management, maintenance), safety guidelines, and basic troubleshooting.

Instrumentation Used:

• Biotage Extrahera LV-200 automated liquid handling system
• External vacuum pump or laboratory house vacuum
• Computer with controller and application software
• Nitrogen and compressed air supply

Main Results and Discussion

Successful installation is confirmed when all mechanical and electronic interfaces function without error codes. Functional testing demonstrates:

• Uniform solvent delivery and waste collection.
• Accurate pipetting across all eight channels (%CV and accuracy within specifications).
• Reliable valve actuation and pressure head performance.

System calibration parameters (coefficients K and offsets M) are recorded to validate volumetric precision.

Benefits and Practical Applications

Thorough installation and operator familiarization offer key advantages:

• Reduced downtime through structured verification and testing.
• Enhanced method reproducibility and reduced variability.
• Improved user confidence and safety compliance.
• Streamlined routine sample preparation in regulated QA/QC and R&D environments.

Future Trends and Applications

Advances likely to shape the next generation of automated extraction systems include:

• Integration with cloud-based monitoring for real-time performance analytics and remote support.
• Artificial intelligence–driven method optimization to further reduce solvent consumption and cycle times.
• Modular add-ons for specialized chemistries (e.g., immunoaffinity, metal extraction).
• Enhanced user interfaces with guided maintenance and digital troubleshooting.

Conclusion

Systematic installation and structured familiarization are fundamental to leveraging the full capabilities of the Biotage Extrahera LV-200. Following the documented checklist ensures reliable operation, method integrity, and operator proficiency from day one.

Reference

Biotage Extrahera LV-200 Installation and Familiarization Checklist, Literature Number UI474, Biotage, 2021