Version 1.

June 2008

QIAcube User Manual

Sample & Assay Technologies

Trademarks: QIAGEN, QIAamp, QIAcube, QIAprep, QIAquick, DNeasy, EpiTect, MinElute, RNeasy (QIAGEN Group); DNA-ExitusPlus
(AppliChem); Gigasept, Lysetol, Mikrozid (Schlke & Mayr GmbH); DECON-QUAT (Veltek Associates, Inc.); RNaseZap (Ambion, Inc.).
20072008 QIAGEN, all rights reserved.

Contents

Contents
1

Safety Information

1-1

1.1

Proper use

1-1

1.2

Electrical safety

1-2

1.3

Environment

1-3

1.4

Biological safety

1-4

1.5

Chemicals

1-6

1.6

Waste disposal

1-7

1.7

Mechanical hazards

1-7

1.8

Heat hazard

1-8

1.9

Translations of warnings and cautions

1-8

1.10

Symbols on the QIAcube

Introduction

1-26
2-1

2.1

About this user manual

2-1

2.2
2.2.1
2.2.2
2.2.3

General information
Technical assistance
Policy statement
Version management

2-2
2-2
2-2
2-2

2.3
2.3.1

Intended use of the QIAcube

Requirements for QIAcube users

2-3
2-3

General Description

3-1

3.1

QIAcube principle

3-2

3.2

External features of the QIAcube

3-4

3.3

Internal features of the QIAcube

3-7

QIAcube User Manual 06/2008

Contents-1

Contents
4

Installation Procedures

4-1

4.1

Requirements

4-1

4.2

AC power connection

4-2

4.3

Unpacking the QIAcube

4-2

4.4

Installing the QIAcube

4-4

4.5

Packing the QIAcube

4-7

Operating Procedures

5-1

5.1

QIAcube software

5-2

5.2
5.2.1
5.2.2
5.2.3

Running a QIAGEN protocol

Starting a protocol
End of the protocol run
Stopping a protocol

5-2
5-3
5-9
5-9

5.3
5.3.1
5.3.2
5.3.3
5.3.4
5.3.5

Setting up the worktable

Loading the reagent bottle rack
Loading the tip racks
Loading the rotor adapters
Loading the samples
Loading accessory buffers

5-9
5-9
5-11
5-12
5-16
5-18

5.4

Installing and deleting protocols

5-20

5.5

Saving data files

5-23

5.6

General information

5-26

5.7

Operating the shaker

5-29

5.8

Operating the centrifuge

5-32

Maintenance Procedures

6-1

6.1

Regular maintenance procedure

6-4

6.2

Daily maintenance procedure

6-4

6.3

Monthly maintenance procedure

6-5

6.4

Periodic maintenance procedure

6-6

Contents-2

QIAcube User Manual 06/2008

Contents
6.4.1
6.4.2
6.4.3

Cleaning the centrifuge

Cleaning the instrument
Tightness test

6-6
6-10
6-10

6.5

Decontaminating the QIAcube

6-11

6.6
6.6.1
6.6.2
6.6.3
6.6.4
6.6.5
6.6.6
6.6.7

Cleaning the QIAcube centrifuge after a plastic crash 6-12

Opening the centrifuge lid
6-12
Cleaning the rotor and buckets
6-12
Cleaning the centrifuge
6-13
Cleaning the worktable
6-15
Cleaning the gripper unit
6-16
Installing the centrifuge rotor and buckets
6-17
Operating the centrifuge after cleaning
6-18

Troubleshooting

7.1

General information

7.2
7.2.1
7.2.2
7.2.3
7.2.4
7.2.5
7.2.6
7.2.7
7.2.8
7.2.9
7.2.10
7.2.11

Resolving error messages and warnings

Load check errors
Protocol errors
File system errors
General instrument errors
General troubleshooting
Protocol interruption
Centrifuge
Shaker
Touchscreen
USB stick
Reagent volume detection

QIAcube User Manual 06/2008

7-1
7-1
7-1
7-2
7-4
7-7
7-8
7-14
7-14
7-15
7-20
7-20
7-20
7-21

Contents-3

Contents
8

Glossary

8-1

Appendix A

A-1

Technical data

A-1

Environmental conditions

A-1

Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)

A-3

FCC declaration

A-4

EC declaration of conformity

A-6

Appendix B

B-1

Loading the centrifuge and shaker

B-1

Appendix C

C-1

QIAcube accessories

C-1

Appendix D

D-1

Liability clause

D-1

Index

Contents-4

Index-1

QIAcube User Manual 06/2008

Safety Information

Safety Information
Before using the QIAcube, it is essential that you read this
user manual carefully and pay particular attention to the
safety information. The instructions and safety information in
the user manual must be followed to ensure safe operation
of the instrument and to maintain the instrument in a safe
condition.
The following types of safety information appear throughout
this manual.

WARNING

The term WARNING is used to inform you about situations

that could result in personal injury to you or other
persons.
Details about these circumstances are given in a box like
this one.

CAUTION

The term CAUTION is used to inform you about situations

that could result in damage to the instrument or other
equipment.
Details about these circumstances are given in a box like
this one.
The advice given in this manual is intended to supplement,
not supersede, the normal safety requirements prevailing in
the users country.

1.1
WARNING

Proper use
Risk of personal injury and material damage
[W1]
Improper use of the QIAcube may cause personal injuries
or damage to the instrument.
The QIAcube must only be operated by qualified personnel
who have been appropriately trained.
Servicing of the QIAcube must only be performed by
QIAGEN Field Service Specialists.
Perform the maintenance as described in Section 6. QIAGEN
charges for repairs that are required due to incorrect
maintenance.

QIAcube User Manual 06/2008

1-1

Safety Information
WARNING

Risk of personal injury and material damage

[W2]
The QIAcube is too heavy to be lifted by one person. To
avoid personal injury or damage to the instrument, do not
lift the instrument alone.

WARNING

Risk of personal injury and material damage

Do not attempt to move the QIAcube during operation.

[W3]

CAUTION

Damage to the instrument

Avoid spilling water or chemicals onto the QIAcube.
Damage caused by water or chemical spillage will void
your warranty.

[C1]

In case of emergency, switch off the QIAcube at the power

switch at the front of the instrument and unplug the power
cord from the power outlet.
CAUTION

1.2

Damage to the instrument

[C2]

Only use QIAGEN spin columns and QIAGEN Spin Kits

with the QIAcube. Damage caused by use of other types of
spin column or chemistries will void your warranty.

Electrical safety
Disconnect the line power cord from the power outlet before
servicing.

1-2

QIAcube User Manual 06/2008

Safety Information
WARNING

Electrical hazard
[W4]
Any interruption of the protective conductor (earth/ground
lead) inside or outside the instrument or disconnection of
the protective conductor terminal is likely to make the
instrument dangerous.
Intentional interruption is prohibited.
Lethal voltages inside the instrument
When the instrument is connected to line power, terminals
may be live, and opening covers or removing parts is likely
to expose live parts.
To ensure satisfactory and safe operation of the QIAcube,
follow the advice below:
The line power cord must be connected to a line power
outlet that has a protective conductor (earth/ground).
Do not adjust or replace internal parts of the instrument.
Do not operate the instrument with any covers or parts
removed.
If liquid has spilled inside the instrument, switch off the
instrument, disconnect it from the power outlet, and
contact QIAGEN Technical Services.
If the instrument becomes electrically unsafe, prevent other
personnel from operating it, and contact QIAGEN Technical
Services; the instrument may be electrically unsafe when:
It or the line power cord appears to be damaged.
It has been stored under unfavorable conditions for a
prolonged period.
It has been subjected to severe transport stresses.

1.3

Environment
Operating conditions

WARNING

Explosive atmosphere
The QIAcube is not designed for use in an explosive
atmosphere.

QIAcube User Manual 06/2008

[W5]

1-3

Safety Information
WARNING

Risk of explosion
The QIAcube is intended for use with reagents and
substances supplied with QIAGEN kits. Use of other
reagents and substances may lead to fire or explosion.

[W6]

CAUTION

Damage to the instrument

Direct sunlight may bleach parts of the instrument and
cause damage to plastic parts.
The QIAcube must be located out of direct sunlight.

[C3]

1.4

Biological safety
Specimens and reagents containing materials from humans
should be treated as potentially infectious. Use safe
laboratory procedures as outlined in publications such as
Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories,
HHS ( www.cdc.gov/od/ohs/biosfty/biosfty.htm ).

Samples
Samples may contain infectious agents. You should be aware
of the health hazard presented by such agents and should
use, store, and dispose of such samples according to the
required safety regulations.

1-4

QIAcube User Manual 06/2008

Safety Information
WARNING

Samples containing infectious agents

[W7]
Some samples used with this instrument may contain
infectious agents. Handle such samples with the greatest of
care and in accordance with the required safety
regulations.
Always wear safety glasses, 2 pairs of gloves, and a lab
coat.
The responsible body (e.g., laboratory manager) must take
the necessary precautions to ensure that the surrounding
workplace is safe, and that the instrument operators are
suitably trained and not exposed to hazardous levels of
infectious agents as defined in the applicable Material
Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) or OSHA,* ACGIH, or
COSHH documents.
Venting for fumes and disposal of wastes must be in
accordance with all national, state, and local health and
safety regulations and laws.

* OSHA: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (United States of America).

ACGIH: American Conference of Government Industrial Hygienists (United States of America).

COSHH: Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (United Kingdom).

QIAcube User Manual 06/2008

1-5

Safety Information

1.5
WARNING

Chemicals
Hazardous chemicals
[W8]
Some chemicals used with this instrument may be
hazardous or may become hazardous after completion of
the protocol run.
Always wear safety glasses, gloves, and a lab coat.
The responsible body (e.g., laboratory manager) must take
the necessary precautions to ensure that the surrounding
workplace is safe and that the instrument operators are not
exposed to hazardous levels of toxic substances (chemical
or biological) as defined in the applicable Material Safety
Data Sheets (MSDSs) or OSHA,* ACGIH, or COSHH
documents.
Venting for fumes and disposal of wastes must be in
accordance with all national, state, and local health and
safety regulations and laws.

* OSHA: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (United States of America).

ACGIH: American Conference of Government Industrial Hygienists (United States of America).

COSHH: Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (United Kingdom).

WARNING

Risk of fire
[W9]
When cleaning the QIAcube with alcohol-based
disinfectant, leave the QIAcube door open to allow
flammable vapors to disperse.
Only clean the QIAcube when worktable components have
cooled down.

Toxic fumes
If working with volatile solvents or toxic substances, you must
provide an efficient laboratory ventilation system to remove
vapors that may be produced.
WARNING

1-6

Toxic fumes
[W10]
Do not use bleach to disinfect used labware. Bleach in
contact with salts from the buffers used can produce toxic
fumes.

QIAcube User Manual 06/2008

Safety Information

1.6

Waste disposal
Used labware, such as sample tubes, QIAGEN spin columns,
filter-tips, or rotor adapters, may contain hazardous
chemicals or infectious agents from the purification process.
Such wastes must be collected and disposed of properly
according to local safety regulations.
For information about how to dispose of the QIAcube, see
Appendix A.

1.7

Mechanical hazards
The door of the QIAcube must remain closed during
operation of the instrument. Only open the door when
instructed to do so by the software.

WARNING

Moving parts
[W11]
To avoid contact with moving parts during operation of the
QIAcube, the instrument must be operated with the door
closed.
If the door sensor is not functioning correctly, contact
QIAGEN Technical Services.

Centrifuge
Make sure that the rotor and buckets are installed correctly.
All buckets must be mounted before starting a protocol run,
even if processing fewer than 12 samples. If the rotor or
buckets show signs of mechanical damage or corrosion, do
not use the QIAcube; contact QIAGEN Technical Services.
CAUTION

Damage to the instrument

[C4]
The QIAcube must not be used if the centrifuge lid is
broken or if the lid lock is damaged.
Make sure that the rotor is installed correctly and that all
buckets are properly mounted, even if processing fewer
than 12 samples. Load the rotor symmetrically.
Only use rotors, buckets, and consumables designed for
use with the QIAcube. Damage caused by use of other
consumables will void your warranty.

QIAcube User Manual 06/2008

1-7

Safety Information
In case of breakdown, caused by power failure, the
centrifuge lid can be manually opened to remove the
samples (see Section 7.2.7, page 7-15).
WARNING

Moving parts
[W12]
In case of breakdown caused by power failure, remove the
power cord and wait 10 minutes before attempting to
manually open the centrifuge lid.

WARNING

Risk of personal injury and material damage

[W13]
Raise the centrifuge lid carefully. The lid is heavy and may
cause injury if it falls down.

WARNING

Risk of overheating
[W14]
To ensure proper ventilation, maintain a minimum
clearance of 10 cm at the sides and rear of the QIAcube.
Slits and openings that ensure the ventilation of the
QIAcube must not be covered.

1.8

Heat hazard
The QIAcube worktable contains a heated shaker.

WARNING

1.9

Hot surface
[W15]
The shaker can reach temperatures of up to 70C (158F).
Avoid touching it when it is hot.

Translations of warnings and cautions

This subsection contains translations of the warnings and
cautions used in this user manual. Each warning or caution
has a reference number in square brackets at the top right of
its box.

WARNING

1-8

The term WARNING is used to inform you about situations

that could result in personal injury to you or other
persons.
Details about these circumstances are given in a box like
this one.

QIAcube User Manual 06/2008

Safety Information
DE

WARNING (WARNUNG)
WARNUNG weist auf Situationen und Umstnde hin, die
zu einer Verletzung des Benutzers oder anderer Personen
fhren knnen.
Nhere Angaben zu der Art der Gefhrdung und der
Vermeidung solcher Situationen werden in einem Textfeld
wie diesem neben der Warnung gemacht.

FR

WARNING (DANGER)
La formule WARNING (DANGER) est utilise pour avertir
des situations pouvant occasionner des dommages
corporels lutilisateur ou dautres personnes.
Les dtails sur ces circonstances sont donnes dans un
encadr semblable celui-ci.

WARNING

Risk of personal injury and material damage

[W1]
Improper use of the QIAcube may cause personal injuries
or damage to the instrument.
The QIAcube must only be operated by qualified personnel
who have been appropriately trained.
Servicing of the QIAcube must only be performed by
QIAGEN Field Service Specialists.

DE

Verletzungsgefahr und Beschdigung des Gertes

Die unsachgeme Bedienung des QIAcube kann zu einer
Verletzung des Benutzers oder zur Beschdigung des
Gertes fhren.
Die Bedienung des QIAcube darf nur durch qualifiziertes
Personal, das entsprechend geschult wurde, erfolgen.
Die Wartung des QIAcube darf nur durch Mitarbeiter des
QIAGEN Kundendienstes durchgefhrt werden.

FR

Risque de dommages corporels et matriels

Lutilisation non convenable du QIAcube peut causer des
blessures ou des dtriorations de linstrument.
Le QIAcube ne doit tre utilis que par du personnel
qualifi qui a t form de faon approprie.
Seul un ingnieur du service aprs-vente QIAGEN est
autoris effectuer des travaux dentretien sur le QIAcube.

QIAcube User Manual 06/2008

1-9

Safety Information
WARNING

Risk of personal injury and material damage

[W2]
The QIAcube is too heavy to be lifted by one person. To
avoid personal injury or damage to the instrument, do not
lift the instrument alone.

DE

Verletzungsgefahr und Beschdigung des Gertes

Der QIAcube ist zu schwer um von einer Person gehoben
zu werden. Um Verletzungen des Benutzers oder eine
Beschdigung des Gertes zu vermeiden ist davon
abzusehen, das Gert alleine zu heben.

FR

Risque de dommages corporels et matriels

Le QIAcube est trop lourd pour tre soulev par une
personne. Pour viter des dommages corporels ou
matriels, ne pas soulever linstrument tout seul.

WARNING

Risk of personal injury and material damage

Do not attempt to move the QIAcube during operation.

DE

Verletzungsgefahr und Beschdigung des Gertes

Den QIAcube whrend eines Laufes nicht bewegen.

FR

Risque de dommages corporels et matriels

Ne pas essayer de bouger le QIAcube pendant son
fonctionnement.

WARNING

1-10

[W3]

Electrical hazard
[W4]
Any interruption of the protective conductor (earth/ground
lead) inside or outside the instrument or disconnection of
the protective conductor terminal is likely to make the
instrument dangerous.
Intentional interruption is prohibited.
Lethal voltages inside the instrument
When the instrument is connected to line power, terminals
may be live, and opening covers or removing parts is likely
to expose live parts.

QIAcube User Manual 06/2008

Safety Information
DE

Gefhrdung durch Elektrizitt

Das Gert muss zum Betrieb immer geerdet sein.
Es ist verboten, die Schutzleiter im Gert oder in der
Netzzuleitung zu trennen oder zu entfernen.
Gefhrliche Spannung im Gert
Auch in ausgeschaltetem Zustand kann an einigen Stellen
im Gert Netzspannung anliegen, wenn das Gert am
Stromnetz angeschlossen ist. Das ffnen oder Entfernen
von Gehuseteilen kann diese stromfhrenden Teile
freilegen.

FR

Risque dlectrocution
Toute interruption du conducteur de protection lintrieur
ou lextrieur de linstrument, ou dconnexion du
raccord du conducteur de protection (terre) peut rendre
linstrument dangereux. Il est interdit dinterrompre
volontairement ce conducteur.
Prsence de tensions mortelles dans linstrument
Lorsque linstrument est reli au secteur, les raccords
peuvent tre sous tension, et des parties sous tension
peuvent tre dcouvertes en ouvrant des capots ou en
retirant des pices ( lexception de celles auxquelles il est
possible daccder manuellement).

WARNING

Explosive atmosphere
The QIAcube is not designed for use in an explosive
atmosphere.

[W5]

DE

Explosionsfhige Atmosphren
Der QIAcube darf nicht in explosionsfhigen Atmosphren
betrieben werden.

FR

Atmosphre explosive
Le QIAcube nest pas conu pour fonctionner dans une
atmosphre explosive.

WARNING

Risk of explosion
The QIAcube is intended for use with reagents and
substances supplied with QIAGEN kits. Use of other
reagents and substances may lead to fire or explosion.

QIAcube User Manual 06/2008

[W6]

1-11

Safety Information
DE

Explosionsgefahr
Der QIAcube ist ausschlielich mit Reagenzien und
Substanzen aus den QIAGEN Kits zu benutzen. Die
Benutzung von anderen Reagenzien oder Substanzen kann
Feuer oder eine Explosion auslsen.

FR

Risque dexplosion
Le QIAcube a t conu pour lutilisation des ractifs et
substances fournis par les kits QIAGEN. Lutilisation de
ractifs et de substances autres que celles indiques peut
entrainer un risque dincendie ou dexplosion.

WARNING

1-12

Samples containing infectious agents

[W7]
Some samples used with this instrument may contain
infectious agents. Handle such samples with the greatest of
care and in accordance with the required safety
regulations.
Always wear safety glasses, 2 pairs of gloves, and a lab
coat.
The responsible body (e.g., laboratory manager) must take
the necessary precautions to ensure that the surrounding
workplace is safe, and that the instrument operators are
suitably trained and not exposed to hazardous levels of
infectious agents as defined in the applicable Material
Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) or OSHA, ACGIH, or COSHH
documents.
Venting for fumes and disposal of wastes must be in
accordance with all national, state, and local health and
safety regulations and laws.

QIAcube User Manual 06/2008

Safety Information
DE

Infektises Probenmaterial
Proben, die mit Hilfe dieses Gertes prozessiert werden,
knnen infektise Agenzien enthalten. Die Probenhandhabung sollte aus diesem Grund mit grter Vorsicht und
gem den anzuwendenden Sicherheitsbestimmungen
erfolgen. Es sollten immer Sicherheitsbrille, zwei Paar
Handschuhe und ein Laborkittel getragen werden.
Der Betreiber der Anlage ist fr die Gewhrleistung der
Sicherheit am Arbeitsplatz verantwortlich. Er hat
sicherzustellen, dass die Bediener des Gertes ausreichend
geschult sind und der Umgang mit infektisen Agenzien
nicht das in den Sicherheitsdatenblttern oder in anderen
zu beachtenden Dokumenten festgelegte Ausma
berschreitet.
Bei der Behandlung von Abluft und bei der
Abfallbeseitigung sind alle gesetzlichen Regelungen zur
Gesundheit und Sicherheit auf nationaler, regionaler und
lokaler Ebene zu bercksichtigen.

FR

Echantillons contenant des agents infectieux

Certains chantillons utiliss avec cet instrument peuvent
contenir des agents infectieux. Manipuler ce type
dchantillon avec le plus grand soin et en accord avec les
rgles de scurit requises.
Toujours porter des lunettes de protection, deux paires de
gants et une blouse de laboratoire.
La personne responsable (par exemple le Chef du
laboratoire) doit prendre les prcautions ncessaires pour
assurer la scurit de lenvironnement du poste de travail
et pour tre sr que les oprateurs de linstrument sont
suffisamment forms et non exposs des quantits
dangereuses dagents infectieux comme dfini dans
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) ou des documents
OSHA, ACGIH ou COSHH.
Lvacuation des vapeurs et dchets doit tre conforme
tous rglements et dispositions lgales - au plan national,
dpartemental et local - concernant la sant et la scurit.

QIAcube User Manual 06/2008

1-13

Safety Information
WARNING

Hazardous chemicals
[W8]
Some chemicals used with this instrument may be
hazardous or may become hazardous after completion of
the protocol run.
Always wear safety glasses, gloves, and a lab coat.
The responsible body (e.g., laboratory manager) must take
the necessary precautions to ensure that the surrounding
workplace is safe and that the instrument operators are not
exposed to hazardous levels of toxic substances (chemical
or biological) as defined in the applicable Material Safety
Data Sheets (MSDSs) or OSHA, ACGIH, or COSHH
documents.
Venting for fumes and disposal of wastes must be in
accordance with all national, state, and local health and
safety regulations and laws.

DE

Gefhrliche Chemikalien
Einige der in Verbindung mit diesem Gert verwendeten
Chemikalien sind gesundheitsgefhrdend oder knnen
nach Beendigung eines Protokoll-Durchlaufes gesundheitsgefhrdend werden.
Es sollten immer Sicherheitsbrille, Handschuhe und ein
Laborkittel getragen werden.
Der Betreiber der Anlage ist fr die Gewhrleistung der
Sicherheit am Arbeitsplatz verantwortlich. Er hat
sicherzustellen, dass die Bediener des Gertes ausreichend
geschult sind und nicht gesundheitsgefhrdenden
Konzentrationen toxischer Substanzen (chemischer oder
biologischer) ausgesetzt sind, so wie dies in den
Sicherheitsdatenblttern oder in anderen zu beachtenden
Dokumenten festgelegt ist.
Bei der Behandlung von Abluft und bei der
Abfallbeseitigung sind alle gesetzlichen Regelungen zur
Gesundheit und Sicherheit auf nationaler, regionaler und
lokaler Ebene zu bercksichtigen.

1-14

QIAcube User Manual 06/2008

Safety Information
FR

Substances chimiques dangereuses

Certaines substances chimiques utilises avec cet
instrument peuvent tre dangereuses ou peuvent le devenir
aprs que le protocole ait t effectu.
Toujours porter des lunettes de protection, paire de gants
et une blouse de laboratoire.
La personne responsable (par exemple le Chef du
laboratoire) doit prendre les prcautions ncessaires pour
assurer la scurit de lenvironnement du poste de travail
et pour tre sr que les oprateurs de linstrument sont
suffisamment forms et non exposs des quantits
dangereuses de substances toxiques (chimique ou
biologique) comme dfini dans Material Safety Data
Sheets (MSDS) ou des documents OSHA, ACGIH ou
COSHH.
Lvacuation des vapeurs et dchets doit tre conforme
tous rglements et dispositions lgales - au plan national,
dpartemental et local - concernant la sant et la scurit.

WARNING

Risk of fire
[W9]
When cleaning the QIAcube with alcohol-based
disinfectant, leave the QIAcube door open to allow
flammable vapors to disperse.
Only clean the QIAcube when worktable components have
cooled down.

DE

Feuergefahr
Beim Reinigen des QIAcube mit einem auf Alkohol
basierenden Desinfektionsmittel muss die Tr des
QIAcubes offen gelassen werden, damit die brennbaren
Dmpfe entweichen knnen.
Den QIAcube nur reinigen, sobald die entsprechenden
Module auf der Arbeitsflche abgekhlt sind.

FR

Risque de feu
Lors du nettoyage du QIAcube avec un dsinfectant base
dalcool, laisser la porte du QIAcube ouverte pour
permettre aux vapeurs inflammables de svaporer.
Nettoyer le QIAcube uniquement quand les composants de
la table de travail ont refroidi.

QIAcube User Manual 06/2008

1-15

Safety Information
WARNING

Toxic fumes
[W10]
Do not use bleach to disinfect used labware. Bleach in
contact with salts from the buffers used can produce toxic
fumes.

DE

Giftige Dmpfe/Gase
Fr die Reinigung oder Desinfektion des Gertes drfen
keine Bleichmittel verwendet werden. Durch den Kontakt
von Bleichmitteln mit den Salzen der verwendeten
Pufferlsungen kann es zur Bildung giftiger Gase oder
Dmpfe kommen.

FR

Vapeurs toxiques
Ne pas utiliser de leau de javel pour nettoyer ou
dsinfecter linstrument. Leau de javel en contact avec des
tampons salins peut produire des fumes toxiques.

WARNING

Moving parts
[W11]
To avoid contact with moving parts during operation of the
QIAcube, the instrument must be operated with the door
closed.
If the sensor is not functioning correctly, contact QIAGEN
Technical Services.

DE

Bewegliche Gerteteile
Whrend des Gertelaufs ist jeglicher Kontakt mit den
beweglichen Gerteteilen zu vermeiden; das Gert darf
ausschlielich bei geschlossener Tr in Betrieb genommen
werden. Sollte der Sensor nicht ordnungsgem
funktionieren, kontaktieren Sie bitten den Technischen
Service von QIAGEN.

FR

Elments mobiles
Lorsque le QIAcube est en marche, toujours fermer la
porte de linstrument afin dviter tout contact avec les
lments mobiles de lappareil.
Si le dtecteur ne fonctionne pas correctement, contacter le
Support Technique QIAGEN.

1-16

QIAcube User Manual 06/2008

Safety Information
WARNING

Moving parts
[W12]
In case of breakdown caused by power failure, remove the
power cord and wait 10 minutes before attempting to
manually open the centrifuge lid.

DE

Bewegliche Gerteteile
Bei einem durch Stromausfall entstandenen Ausfall des
Gertes das Stromkabel entfernen und 10 Minuten warten
bevor der Zentrifugendeckel manuell geffnet werden
kann.

FR

Elments mobiles
Dans le cas dun arrt caus par une panne de courant,
retirer le cble dalimentation et attendre 10 minutes avant
dessayer douvrir manuellement le couvercle de la
centrifugeuse.

WARNING

Risk of personal injury and material damage

[W13]
Raise the centrifuge lid carefully. The lid is heavy and may
cause injury if it falls down.

DE

Verletzungsgefahr und Beschdigung des Gertes

Den Zentrifugendeckel vorsichtig anheben. Der Deckel ist
schwer und kann Verletzungen verursachen falls er
herunterfllt.

FR

Risque de dommages corporels et matriels

Soulever le couvercle de la centrifugeuse avec prcaution.
Le couvercle est lourd et peut causer des blessures si il
tombe.

WARNING

Risk of overheating
[W14]
To ensure proper ventilation, maintain a minimum
clearance of 10 cm at the sides and rear of the QIAcube.
Slits and openings that ensure the ventilation of the
QIAcube must not be covered.

QIAcube User Manual 06/2008

1-17

Safety Information
DE

berhitzung des Gertes

Zur Sicherstellung einer ausreichenden Belftung des
QIAcube muss ein Mindestabstand von 10 cm an den
Seiten und an der Rckseite des Gertes eingehalten
werden.
Lftungsschlitze und ffnungen des Gertes nicht
abdecken.

FR

Risque de surchauffe
Laisser un espace dau moins 10 cm sur les cts et
larrire du QIAcube pour assurer une ventilation efficace.
Les grilles et prises dair assurant la ventilation du
QIAcube ne doivent pas tre couvertes.

WARNING

Hot surface
[W15]
The shaker can reach temperatures of up to 70C (158F).
Avoid touching it when it is hot.

DE

Heie Oberflche
Der Schttler kann Temperaturen bis zu 70C (158F)
erreichen. Vermeiden Sie es den Schttler zu berhren,
solange er hei ist.

FR

Surface brlante
Lagitateur peut atteindre des tempratures jusqu 70C
(158F). Eviter de le toucher quand il est chaud.

WARNING

DE

1-18

Risk of personal injury and material damage

[W16]
Do not use damaged rotor adapters. The rotor adapters
are for single use only. Do not reuse the rotor adapters as
they can be damaged by the high g forces experienced in
the centrifuge.
Verletzungsgefahr und Beschdigung des Gertes
Benutzen Sie keine beschdigten Rotoradapter.
Rotoradapter sind nur fr den Einmalgebrauch. Benutzen
Sie die Rotoradapter kein zweites Mal, da sie durch die
hohen g Krfte bei der Zentrifugation beschdigt werden
knnen.

QIAcube User Manual 06/2008

Safety Information
FR

Risque de dommages corporels et matriels

Ne pas utiliser dadaptateur rotor endommag. Les
adaptateurs rotor sont faits que pour une seule
utilisation. Ne pas les utiliser une deuxime fois car ils
peuvent tre endommags par les hautes forces g de la
centrifugation.

WARNING

Risk of personal injury and material damage

[w17]
The rotor nut must be securely tightened using the rotor
key supplied with QIAcube. If the rotor nut is not tightened
properly, it can become loose during operation of the
centrifuge.

DE

Verletzungsgefahr und Beschdigung des Gertes

Die Rotorschraube muss zur Sicherheit mit dem
Rotorschlssel angezogen werden, der zusammen mit dem
QIAcube geliefert wird. Sollte die Schraube nicht fest
genug angezogen sein, kann sie sich whrend der
Zentrifugation lsen.

FR

Risque de dommages corporels et matriels

La vis du rotor doit tre proprement serre laide de la
cl du rotor fournie avec le QIAcube. Si la vis nest pas
assez serre, elle peut se desserrer lorsque la centrifugeuse
est en marche.

WARNING

Risk of personal injury and material damage

[W18]
Make sure that lids from spin columns and 1.5 ml
microcentrifuge tubes are in the correct position and
pushed all the way down to the bottom of the slots on the
sides of the of the rotor adapter. Incorrectly positioned lids
can break off during centrifugation.

DE

Verletzungsgefahr und Beschdigung des Gertes

Stellen Sie sicher, dass die Deckel von den Spin-Sulen
und den 1,5 ml Mikrozentrifugationsrhrchen in der
korrekten Position angebracht sind und bis zum Boden des
Deckelschachts an den Seiten des Rotor-Adapters
durchgedrckt sind. Falsch positionierte Deckel knnen
whrend der Zentrifugation abgerissen werden.

QIAcube User Manual 06/2008

1-19

Safety Information
FR

Risque de dommages corporels et matriels

Assurez-vous de positionner correctement les couvercles
des colonnes de centrifugation et des tubes de 1,5 ml et de
les enfoncer jusquau bout de lemplacement sur les bords
de ladaptateur rotor. Les couvercles placs
incorrectement peuvent se casser lors de la centrifugation.

WARNING

Risk of personal injury and material damage

[W19]
Be sure the lid is completely removed from the spin
column. Spin columns with partially removed lids may not
be removed properly from the rotor, causing the protocol
run to crash.

DE

Verletzungsgefahr und Beschdigung des Gertes

Stellen Sie sicher, dass der Deckel von der Spin-Sule
abgetrennt ist. Spin-Sulen mit unvollstndig entfernten
Deckeln lassen sich nicht korrekt aus dem Rotor
entnehmen, was einen Protokollabbruch zur Folge htte.

FR

Risque de dommages corporels et matriels

Assurez-vous denlever les couvercles des colonnes de
centrifugation. Les colonnes de centrifugations avec un
couvercle partiellement enlev se dtachent difficilement
du rotor ce qui est la cause dun crash du protocole.

WARNING

Risk of material damage

[W20]
Do not use 1.5 ml microcentrifuge tubes on the shaker.
Because 1.5 ml microcentrifuge tubes can cause filter-tips
to stick during sample transfer, their use on the shaker can
damage the pipetting system and can cause a centrifuge
crash.

DE

Beschdigung des Gertes

Benutzen Sie keine Mikrozentrifugationsrhrchen (1,5 ml)
auf dem Schttler. Mikrozentrifugationsrhrchen knnen
dazu fhren, dass Filter-Tips whrend des Probentransfers
steckenbleiben. Die Benutzung dieser Rhrchen auf dem
Schttler kann daher das Pipettiersystem beschdigen und
einen Zentrifugenunfall verursachen.

1-20

QIAcube User Manual 06/2008

Safety Information
FR

Risque de dommages matriels

Ne pas utiliser de tubes de centrifugation d'1,5 ml sur
l'agitateur. Pendant le transfert des chantillons les tubes
de centrifugation peuvent bloquer les cnes filtre.
L'usage des tubes sur l'agitateur peut donc abmer le
systme de pipetage et causer une panne de la
centrifugeuse.

WARNING

Risk of electric shock

[W21]
Do not open any panels on the QIAcube.
Risk of personal injury and material damage
Only perform maintenance that is specifically described in
this user manual.

DE

Gefhrdung durch Elektrizitt

Unter keinen Umstnden darf das Gehuse des QIAcube
geffnet werden.
Verletzungsgefahr und Beschdigung des Gertes
Keine Pflege- und Wartungsarbeiten durchfhren, die nicht
in diesem Handbuch beschrieben sind.

FR

Risque dlectrocution
Ne pas ouvrir les panneaux du QIAcube.
Risque de dommages personnels et matriels
Raliser uniquement la maintenance dcrite
spcifiquement dans ce manuel.

WARNING

Hazardous chemicals and infectious agents

[W22]
The waste contains samples and reagents. This waste may
contain toxic or infectious material and must be disposed
of properly. Refer to your local safety regulations for
proper disposal procedures.

DE

Gefhrliche Chemikalien und infektise Agenzien

Der Abfall kann gesundheitsgefhrdende Reagenzien oder
infektises Probenmaterial enthalten und muss gem den
lokalen Sicherheitsvorschriften entsorgt werden.

QIAcube User Manual 06/2008

1-21

Safety Information
FR

Agents infectieux et substances chimiques

dangereuses
Les dchets contiennent des chantillons et des ractifs. Ils
peuvent contenir des agents infectieux et doivent tre
limins selon les rgles de scurit de votre laboratoire.

WARNING

Risk of personal injury

[W23]
After a plastic crash, sharp plastic particles could be inside
the centrifuge. Be careful when handling items inside the
centrifuge.

DE

Verletzungsgefahr
Sollten Plastikteile beschdigt sein, knnen sich scharfe
Plastikstcke innerhalb der Zentrifuge befinden. Bei der
Benutzung von Gegenstnden innerhalb der Zentrifuge ist
daher Vorsicht angebracht.

FR

Risque de dommages corporels

Si du plastique sest cass, des morceaux pointus peuvent
se trouver lintrieur de la centrifugeuse. Soyez attentifs
lors de la manipulation de matriel lintrieur de la
centrifugeuse.

CAUTION

The term CAUTION is used to inform you about situations

that could result in damage to the workstation or other
equipment.
Details about these circumstances are given in a box like
this one.

DE

CAUTION (ACHTUNG)
ACHTUNG weist auf Situationen und Umstnde hin, die zu
einer Beschdigung des Gertes fhren knnen. Um einen
Gerteschaden zu vermeiden, muss die genannte
Anleitung unbedingt befolgt werden.
Nhere Angaben zu der Art der Gefhrdung und der
Vermeidung solcher Situationen werden in einem Textfeld
wie diesem gemacht.

1-22

QIAcube User Manual 06/2008

Safety Information
FR

CAUTION

CAUTION (ATTENTION)
Le terme CAUTION (Attention) est utilis pour signaler les
situations susceptibles de provoquer des dtriorations
de linstrument ou dautre matriel.
Les dtails sur ces circonstances figurent dans un encadr
semblable celui-ci.
Damage to the instrument
Avoid spilling water or chemicals onto the QIAcube.
Damage caused by water or chemical spillage will void
your warranty.

[C1]

DE

Beschdigung des Gertes

Vermeiden Sie es, Wasser oder Chemikalien auf dem
QIAcube zu verschtten. Durch verschttetes Wasser oder
verschttete Chemikalien verursachte Gerteschden sind
nicht durch die Garantie abgedeckt.

FR

Dterioration de lappareil
Eviter de renverser de leau ou des substances chimiques
sur le QIAcube. Tout dommage caus par de leau ou des
produits chimiques mettra fin la garantie.

CAUTION

Damage to the instrument

[C2]
Only use QIAGEN spin columns and QIAGEN Spin Kits
with the QIAcube. Damage caused by use of other types of
spin columns or chemistries will void your warranty.

DE

Beschdigung des Gertes

Es drfen ausschlielich QIAGEN Spin-Sulen und
QIAGEN Spin-Kits auf dem QIAcube benutzt werden.
Gerteschden, die durch die Verwendung von anderen
Spin-Sulen oder Chemie-Typen verursacht werden, sind
nicht durch die Garantie abgedeckt.

FR

Dterioration de linstrument
Utiliser uniquement des colonnes de centrifugation et des
kits QIAGEN avec le QIAcube. Tout dommage caus par
l'utilisation d'un autre type de colonnes ou de chimie
mettra fin la garantie.

QIAcube User Manual 06/2008

1-23

Safety Information
CAUTION

Damage to the instrument

Direct sunlight may bleach parts of the instrument and
cause damage to plastic parts.
The QIAcube must be located out of direct sunlight.

[C3]

DE

Beschdigung des Gertes

Direktes Sonnenlicht kann Teile des Gertes bleichen und
Plastikteile schdigen. Der QIAcube darf nicht ins direkte
Sonnenlicht gestellt werden.

FR

Dtrioration de linstrument
La lumire directe du soleil peut dcolorer des parties de
linstrument et endommager des parties en plastique.
Placer le QIAcube en dehors de la lumire directe du
soleil.

CAUTION

Damage to the instrument

[C4]
The QIAcube must not be used if the centrifuge lid is
broken or if the lid lock is damaged.
Make sure that the rotor is installed correctly and that all
buckets are properly mounted, even if processing fewer
than 12 samples. Load the rotor symmetrically.
Only use rotors, buckets, and consumables designed for
use with the QIAcube.

DE

Beschdigung des Gertes

Bei Beschdigung des Zentrifugendeckels oder
Zentrifugenschlosses darf der QIAcube nicht benutzt
werden.
Stellen Sie sicher, dass der Rotor korrekt installiert ist und
dass smtliche Zentrifugenbecher ordnungsgem
montiert sind, auch bei Verarbeitung von weniger als 12
Proben. Den Rotor symmetrisch beladen.
Ausschlielich Rotoren, Zentrifugenbecher und Reagenzien
benutzen, die auf den QIAcube angepasst sind.

1-24

QIAcube User Manual 06/2008

Safety Information
FR

CAUTION

Dommage de lappareil
Ne pas utiliser le QIAcube lorsque le couvercle de la
centrifugeuse est cass ou que la fermeture du couvercle
est endommage.
Sassurer que le rotor est install correctement et que tous
les godets sont bien monts, mme si vous traitez moins
de 12 chantillons. Charger le rotor symtriquement.
Damage to the instrument
[C5]
Do not use bleach, solvents, or reagents containing acids,
alkalis, or abrasives to clean the QIAcube.

DE

Beschdigung des Gertes

Es drfen weder Bleiche noch sure- oder laugehaltige
Reinigungs- oder Scheuermittel benutzt werden.

FR

Dterioration de lappareil
Ne pas utiliser deau de Javel, de solvants ou de ractifs
contenant des acides, des substances alcalines ou
abrasives pour nettoyer le QIAcube.

CAUTION

Damage to the instrument

Do not use detergents, alcohol, or alcohol-based
disinfectants to clean the QIAcube door.

[C6]

DE

Beschdigung des Gertes

Zur Reinigung der QIAcube Tr keine Detergenzien oder
auf Alkohol basierenden Reinigungsmittel benutzen.

FR

Dtrioration de lappareil
Ne pas utiliser de dtergents ou de dsinfectants base
dalcool pour nettoyer la porte du QIAcube.

QIAcube User Manual 06/2008

1-25

Safety Information

1.10
Symbol

1-26

Symbols on the QIAcube

Description

Location

Language

Shaker

EN

Heat hazard the

temperature of the shaker
can reach up to 70C
(158F).

Schttler

DE

Verbrennungsgefahr die
Temperatur des Schttlers
kann bis zu 70C (158C)
hei werden.

Agitateur

FR

Risque de brlures la
temprature de lagitateur
peut atteindre jusqu 70C
(158 F).

Near the
centrifuge; near
the robotic arm

EN

Mechanical hazard avoid

contact with moving parts.

Nahe der
Zentrifuge; nahe
des Roboterarms

DE

Mechanische Gefahr
Kontakt mit beweglichen
Gerteteilen vermeiden.

Prs de la
centrifugeuse;
prs du bras
robotique

FR

Danger mcanique viter

dentrer en contact avec les
parties mobiles.

QIAcube User Manual 06/2008

Safety Information
Symbol

Location

Language

Inside the waste

drawer

EN

Biohazard the waste

drawer may be
contaminated with
biohazardous material and
must be handled with
gloves.

Innerhalb des
Abfallbehlters

DE

Biologische Gefhrdung
der Abfallbehlter kann
durch biologisch
gefhrliches Material
kontaminiert sein und muss
mit Handschuhen angefasst
werden.

A lintrieur du
compartiment
dchets

FR

Danger Biologique le
compartiment dchets
peut tre contamin par du
matriel prsentant un
risque biologique et doit tre
manipul avec des gants.

Type plate on
the back of the
instrument

EN

CE mark

Plakette auf der

Rckseite des
Gertes

DE

CE-Zeichen

Plaque l'arrire
de l'appareil

FR

Marquage CE

QIAcube User Manual 06/2008

Description

1-27

Safety Information
Symbol

1-28

Location

Language

Description

Type plate on
the back of the
instrument

EN

CSA listing mark for

Canada and the USA

Plakette auf der

Rckseite des
Gertes

DE

CSA-Zeichen fr Kanada
und die USA

Plaque l'arrire
de l'appareil

FR

Marquage CSA pour le

Canada et les Etats-Unis

Type plate on
the back of the
instrument

EN

CB mark of the IECEE

member states

Plakette auf der

Rckseite des
Gertes

DE

CB-Zeichen der IECEEMitgliedsstaaten

Plaque l'arrire
de l'appareil

FR

Marquage CB des Etats

membres de l'IECEE

Type plate on
the back of the
instrument

EN

FCC mark of the United

States Federal
Communications
Commission

Plakette auf der

Rckseite des
Gertes

DE

FCC Markierung der

Federal Communications
Kommission der USA

Plaque l'arrire
de l'appareil

FR

Marquage FCC de la
commission fdrale des
communications des Etats
Unis

QIAcube User Manual 06/2008

Safety Information
Symbol

Location

Language

Type plate on
the back of the
instrument

EN

C-Tick mark for Australia

(supplier identification
N17965)

Plakette auf der

Rckseite des
Gertes

DE

C-Tick Markierung fr
Australien (HerstellerIdentifikation N17965)

Plaque l'arrire
de l'appareil

FR

Etiquette C-Tick pour

lAustralie (Identification du
fournisseur N17965)

Type plate on
the back of the
instrument

EN

RoHS mark for China (the

restriction of the use of
certain hazardous
substances in electrical and
electronic equipment)

Plakette auf der

Rckseite des
Gertes

DE

RoHS Markierung fr China

(Beschrnkung der
Verwendung bestimmter
gefhrlicher Stoffe in
Elektro- und
Elektronikgerten)

Plaque l'arrire
de l'appareil

FR

Marquage RoHS pour la

Chine (limitation de
l'utilisation de certaines
substances dangereuses
dans les quipements
lectriques et lectroniques)

QIAcube User Manual 06/2008

Description

1-29

Safety Information
Symbol

1-30

Location

Language

Description

Type plate on
the back of the
instrument

EN

WEEE mark for Europe

Plakette auf der

Rckseite des
Gertes

DE

WEEE-Zeichen fr Europa

Plaque l'arrire
de l'appareil

FR

Marquage WEEE pour

lEurope

QIAcube User Manual 06/2008

Introduction

Introduction
Thank you for choosing the QIAcube. We are confident it will
become an integral part of your laboratory.
Before using the QIAcube, it is essential that you read this
user manual carefully and pay particular attention to the
safety information. The instructions and safety information in
the user manual must be followed to ensure safe operation
of the instrument and to maintain the instrument in a safe
condition.

2.1

About this user manual

This user manual provides information about the QIAcube in
the following sections:
1. Safety Information
2. Introduction
3. General Description
4. Installation Procedures
5. Operating Procedures
6. Maintenance Procedures
7. Troubleshooting
8. Glossary
Appendices
Index
The appendices contain the following:
Technical data
Information about loading the centrifuge and shaker
QIAcube accessories
Liability clause

QIAcube User Manual 06/2008

2-1

Introduction

2.2

General information

2.2.1

Technical assistance
At QIAGEN we pride ourselves on the quality and availability
of our technical support. Our Technical Services Departments
are staffed by experienced scientists with extensive practical
and theoretical expertise in molecular biology and the use of
QIAGEN products. If you have any questions or experience
any difficulties regarding the QIAcube or QIAGEN products
in general, do not hesitate to contact us.
QIAGEN customers are a major source of information
regarding advanced or specialized uses of our products. This
information is helpful to other scientists as well as to the
researchers at QIAGEN. We therefore encourage you to
contact us if you have any suggestions about product
performance or new applications and techniques.
For technical assistance and more information, call one of
the QIAGEN Technical Services Departments or local
distributors (see back cover).
For up-to-date information about the QIAcube, including
new protocols for download, visit
www.qiagen.com/MyQIAcube .

2.2.2

Policy statement
It is the policy of QIAGEN to improve products as new
techniques and components become available. QIAGEN
reserves the right to change specifications at any time.
In an effort to produce useful and appropriate
documentation, we appreciate your comments on this user
manual. Please contact QIAGEN Technical Services.

2.2.3

Version management
This document is the QIAcube User Manual, version 1.1.

2-2

QIAcube User Manual 06/2008

Introduction

2.3

Intended use of the QIAcube

The QIAcube is designed to perform fully automated
purification of nucleic acids and proteins in molecular
biology applications. The system is intended for use by
professional users, such as technicians and physicians
trained in molecular biological techniques and the operation
of the QIAcube.
The QIAcube is intended to be used only in combination with
QIAGEN kits indicated for use with the QIAcube for the
applications described in the kit handbooks.

2.3.1

Requirements for QIAcube users

The table on the next page covers the general level of
competence and training necessary for transportation,
installation, use, maintenance, and servicing of the QIAcube.

Task

Personnel

Training and experience

Transportation
Installation

No special requirements
Laboratory technicians or
equivalent

Routine use
(running
protocols)

Laboratory technicians or
equivalent

Maintenance
procedures

Laboratory technicians or
equivalent

No special requirements
Appropriately trained and
experienced personnel
familiar with use of
computers and automation
in general
Appropriately trained and
experienced personnel
familiar with use of
computers and automation
in general
Appropriately trained and
experienced personnel
familiar with use of
computers and automation
in general

Servicing

QIAGEN Field Service

Specialists only

QIAcube User Manual 06/2008

2-3

Introduction
Page left intentionally blank

2-4

QIAcube User Manual 06/2008

General Description

General Description
The QIAcube performs fully automated processing of up to
12 samples. The instrument controls integrated components
including a centrifuge, heated shaker, pipetting system, and
robotic gripper.
The QIAcube is preinstalled with various protocols for
processing QIAGEN spin columns for purification of RNA,
genomic DNA, plasmid DNA, viral nucleic acids, or proteins,
plus DNA and RNA cleanup. The user selects a protocol
using the touchscreen, and loads plasticware, samples, and
reagents onto the QIAcube worktable. The user then closes
the instrument door and starts the protocol, which provides
all necessary commands for sample lysis and purification
using QIAGEN spin columns. A fully automated load check
helps to ensure correct loading of the worktable.
The range of protocols available is continually expanding,
and additional QIAGEN protocols can be downloaded free
of charge at www.qiagen.com/MyQIAcube .

QIAcube User Manual 06/2008

3-1

General Description

3.1

QIAcube principle
Sample preparation using the QIAcube follows the same
steps as the manual procedure (i.e., lyse, bind, wash, and
elute). No change in purification chemistry is required as you
simply continue to use trusted QIAGEN spin-column kits.
1. Samples are lysed in the orbital shaker, which can be
heated if required by the protocol.
2. Each lysate is transferred to a spin column in a rotor
adapter. If the lysate needs to be homogenized or
cleared, it is first transferred to the middle position of the
rotor adapter.
3. Nucleic acids or proteins bind to the silica membrane or
purification resin of the QIAGEN spin column and are
washed to remove contaminants.
4. The spin column is transferred to a microcentrifuge tube
for elution of purified nucleic acids or protein.
For an example workflow using a QIAGEN spin-column kit,
see the flowchart on the next page.

3-2

QIAcube User Manual 06/2008

General Description

QIAcube User Manual 06/2008

3-3

General Description

3.2

External features of the QIAcube

2

6
5

Front view of the QIAcube.

1

Touchscreen

Door

Power switch

Waste drawer

RS232 serial port behind

protective panel (for use
by QIAGEN Field Service
Specialists only)

USB port behind protective

panel

Touchscreen
The touchscreen allows the user to select and run protocols,
install or delete protocols, save data files, and operate the
shaker and centrifuge individually. Messages displayed in the
touchscreen guide the user through worktable setup after a
protocol has been selected. During sample processing, the
touchscreen shows the protocol status and remaining time.
For convenience and ease of use, the names of the last
2 protocols performed are displayed in the main menu,
enabling rapid selection of frequently used protocols.

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General Description
Button

Description

Cleanup

Displays protocols for clean up of DNA from

amplification reactions and agarose gels or
clean up of RNA
Displays protocols for genomic or plasmid
DNA purification
Displays protocols for protein purification and
protein depletion
Displays protocols for RNA purification
Displays protocols for viral nucleic acid
purification
Displays additional functions

DNA
Protein
RNA
Virus
Tools

Door
The QIAcube door protects users from the moving robotic
arm and from potentially infectious material placed on the
worktable. The door can be manually opened to gain access
to the worktable. During operation of the QIAcube, the door
must remain closed and should only be opened when
instructed to do so by the software. If the door is opened
during a protocol run, the protocol run will immediately stop
and an error message will be displayed in the touchscreen.
The samples must then be processed manually.

RS232 serial port

The RS232 serial port, located behind the protective panel, is
for use by QIAGEN Field Service Specialists only.

USB port
The USB port, located behind the protective panel, allows
connection of the QIAcube to a USB stick (supplied with the
QIAcube). New protocols and software versions, available at
www.qiagen.com/MyQIAcube , can be downloaded to the
USB stick and transferred to the QIAcube via the USB port.
Data files, such as log files or report files can also be

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General Description
transferred via the USB port from the QIAcube to the USB
stick.
Important: The USB port is only for use with the USB stick
provided by QIAGEN. Do not connect other devices to this
port.
Important: Do not remove the USB stick while downloading
protocols or software or transferring data files or during a
protocol run.

Power switch
The power switch is located at the front right of the QIAcube.
To switch the QIAcube on, press the switch. The beeper
sounds, and the startup screen appears. The instrument then
automatically performs initialization tests.
To conserve energy, the QIAcube can be switched off when
not in use. To switch off the QIAcube, press the switch.

Waste drawer
Used disposable filter-tips are discarded through 2 slots in
the worktable and collected in the waste drawer. Used
columns (e.g., QIAshredder columns) are also discarded into
this drawer.

Power cord socket

The power cord socket is located at the rear right of the
QIAcube and allows connection of the QIAcube to a power
outlet via the supplied power cord.

Cooling air outlet

Cooling air outlets are located at the left side of the QIAcube
and allow cooling of the internal components of the
QIAcube.

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3.3

Internal features of the QIAcube

Internal view of the QIAcube.

1

Centrifuge lid

Microcentrifuge tube slots

Centrifuge

Tip racks

Shaker

Reagent bottle rack

Tip sensor

Disposal slots for tips and

columns
Robotic arm

Shaker
The heated orbital shaker enables fully automated lysis of up
to 12 samples. Shaker adapters are available for 2 ml
microcentrifuge tubes and 2 ml screw-cap tubes. Sample
tubes are placed into a rack that fits onto the shaker adapter.
The lid of each microcentrifuge tube or shaker rack plug of
each screw-cap tube is held in a slot at the edge of the
shaker rack. This ensures that microcentrifuge tubes cannot
be displaced during sample processing and allows shaker

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General Description
loading to be checked. The positions on the shaker rack are
numbered to enable easy loading.

Sample tube lids are

held in slots at the edge
of the shaker rack

Shaker rack.

The shaker can also be operated individually via the

touchscreen.

Centrifuge
The centrifuge is equipped with 12 swing-out buckets, each
of which can hold a disposable rotor adapter. Up to 12
samples can be processed per run. For ease of use and high
process safety, a gray line marks the side of the bucket that
must face toward the center of the rotor. All centrifuge
buckets must be mounted before starting a protocol run,
even if fewer than 12 samples are to be processed. For more
information, see Appendix B or the loading chart available at
www.qiagen.com/MyQIAcube .
The centrifuge can also be operated individually via the
touchscreen.
Rotor adapter
A disposable rotor adapter holds a QIAGEN spin column
and a microcentrifuge tube in a centrifuge bucket during
sample processing. If required by the protocol, an additional
column (e.g., QIAshredder column) can be placed in the
middle position of the rotor adapter. For ease of use and
high process safety, the rotor adapters are designed so that
they fit into a centrifuge bucket only in the correct orientation.

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Spin column and microcentrifuge tube lids are held securely
in slots at the edge of the rotor adapter.
Microcentrifuge tube
position
Middle position
Wash position

Slot for spin-column

Novel rotor adapters.

lid

The wash position of the rotor adapter is open at the bottom,

enabling wash buffers to flow through and collect at the
bottom of the rotor adapter during centrifugation. The other
2 positions in the rotor adapter are closed. If processing
fewer than 12 samples, make sure to load the rotor
symmetrically with rotor adapters. For more information, see
Appendix B or the loading chart available at
www.qiagen.com/MyQIAcube .
WARNING

Risk of personal injury and material damage

[W16]
Do not use damaged rotor adapters. The rotor adapters
are for single use only. Do not reuse the rotor adapters as
they can be damaged by the high g forces experienced in
the centrifuge.

Reagent bottle rack

The reagent bottle rack holds up to six 30 ml reagent bottles
and, for ease of use and high process safety, fits onto the
QIAcube worktable only in the correct orientation. Liquid is
aspirated from the bottles by the pipetting system. An
application-specific labeling strip must be attached to the
reagent bottle rack. For increased convenience and ease of
use, the labeling strip fits only in the correct orientation on
the reagent bottle rack. The use of the labeling strip allows
easy identification of buffer positions and ensures that the

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General Description
rack is correctly positioned on the worktable for liquid-level
detection.
Note: Reagent bottles designed for use with the QIAcube
must be used otherwise errors may occur during liquid
detection.

Reagent bottle rack with labeling strips.

Tip racks
Two tip racks can be placed on the QIAcube worktable. Tips
can be purchased in prefilled tip racks holding 200 l filtertips, 1000 l filter-tips, or 1000 l wide-bore filter-tips. Two
tip racks can be placed on the QIAcube.
Note: Filter-tips designed for use with the QIAcube must be
used.

Microcentrifuge tube slots

In addition to the 12 tubes that the shaker can
accommodate, up to 3 additional microcentrifuge tubes can
be used in the microcentrifuge accessory position. These slots
can be used if, for example, proteinase K or other enzyme is
required for the purification protocol.
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Tip disposal slots

Disposable filter-tips are alternately discarded through each
of the tip disposal slots into the waste drawer. This prevents
discarded tips from piling up in the waste drawer.

Column disposal slot

Used columns (e.g., QIAshredder columns) are discarded
through this slot into the waste drawer.

Robotic arm
The robotic arm provides accurate and precise positioning of
the robotic gripper and pipetting system on the QIAcube
worktable and also includes the optical and ultrasonic
sensor.
Robotic gripper
The robotic gripper transfers spin columns during sample
preparation. During transfer of a spin column, a stabilizing
rod holds the rotor adapter in place, ensuring it remains
properly seated in the centrifuge bucket. The robotic gripper
is behind the panel covering the robotic arm.

Robotic
gripper

Stabilizing
rod

Fully automated spin-column processing.

Pipetting system
The QIAcube is equipped with a single-channel pipetting
system that moves in the X, Y, and Z directions. The dilutor,

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General Description
fitted with a tip adapter, is connected to a precision syringe
pump, which enables accurate transfer of liquids. The tip
adapter allows aspiration and dispensing of liquid through
an attached disposable tip. Disposable filter-tips (200 l,
1000 l, or 1000 l wide-bore) are used for sample
preparation to minimize the risk of cross-contamination.
Optical sensor
During the load check, the optical sensor checks that the
number of rotor adapters corresponds to the number of
samples in the shaker and that both shaker and rotor are
correctly loaded. The optical sensor also checks the type of
tips loaded on the worktable and whether there are sufficient
tips for the protocol run.
Note: The shaker and centrifuge must be symmetrically
loaded (see Appendix B or the loading chart available at
www.qiagen.com/MyQIAcube ).
Ultrasonic sensor
During the load check, the ultrasonic sensor checks that the
buffer bottles in the reagent bottle rack contain sufficient
buffer for the protocol run.

Tip sensor
During sample preparation, the tip sensor checks that the tip
adapter has picked up a tip and checks whether it is a
200 l, or a 1000 l type filter-tip.

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Installation Procedures

Installation Procedures
This section provides instructions on unpacking, packing, and
installing the QIAcube.

4.1

Requirements
Site
The QIAcube must be located out of direct sunlight, away
from heat sources, and away from sources of vibration and
electrical interference. Refer to Appendix A for the operating
conditions (temperature and humidity). The site of installation
should be free of excessive drafts, excessive moisture, and
excessive dust and should not be subject to large
temperature fluctuations.
Use a level workbench that is large enough and strong
enough to accommodate the QIAcube. Refer to Appendix A
for the weight and dimensions of the QIAcube.
Ensure that the workbench is dry, clean, and vibration-proof
and has additional space for accessories.
The QIAcube must be placed within approximately 1.5 m of
a properly grounded (earthed) AC power outlet. The power
line to the instrument should be voltage regulated and surge
protected.

WARNING

Explosive atmosphere
The QIAcube is not designed for use in an explosive
atmosphere.

WARNING

Risk of overheating
[W14]
To ensure proper ventilation, maintain a minimum
clearance of 10 cm at the sides and rear of the QIAcube.
Slits and openings that ensure the ventilation of the
QIAcube must not be covered.

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4-1

Installation Procedures

4.2

AC power connection
Power requirements
The QIAcube operates at:
100120 V AC, 50/60 Hz, 650 VA (North America and
Japan)
220240 V AC, 50/60 Hz, 650 VA (Europe)
Make sure that the voltage rating of the QIAcube is
compatible with the AC voltage available at the installation
site. Mains supply voltage fluctuations are not to exceed 10%
of nominal supply voltages.

Grounding requirements
To protect operating personnel, the National Electrical
Manufacturers Association (NEMA) recommends that the
QIAcube be correctly grounded (earthed). The instrument is
equipped with a 3-conductor AC power cord that, when
connected to an appropriate AC power outlet, grounds
(earths) the instrument. To preserve this protection feature,
do not operate the instrument from an AC power outlet that
has no ground (earth) connection.

Installation of AC power cord

Connect one end of the AC power cord to the socket located
at the rear of the QIAcube, and the other end to the AC
power outlet.

4.3
WARNING

4-2

Unpacking the QIAcube

Risk of personal injury and material damage
[W2]
The QIAcube is too heavy to be lifted by one person. To
avoid personal injury or damage to the instrument, do not
lift the instrument alone.

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Installation Procedures
Before unpacking the QIAcube, move the package to the site
of installation and check that the arrows on the package
point upward. In addition, check whether the package is
damaged. In case of damage, contact the transporter of the
package. The shockwatch/tiltwatch indicator should be white.
If it is red, broken, or missing, contact the transporter of the
package.
Open the top of the transportation box to remove the
centrifuge rotor, QIAcube User Manual, and power cord
before lifting the box. If the box is lifted before the rotor has
been removed, the rotor could fall to the ground and
become damaged.
Remove the black foam protector lid and lift up the box.
When lifting the QIAcube, slide your fingers under both sides
of the workstation and keep your back straight.
After unpacking the QIAcube, check that the following
documents are supplied:
Packing list
Warranty registration form
QIAcube User Manual
Read the packing list to check that you have received all
items. If anything is missing, contact QIAGEN Technical
Services.
Check that the QIAcube is not damaged and that there are
no loose parts. If anything is damaged, contact QIAGEN
Technical Services. Make sure that the QIAcube has
equilibrated to ambient temperature before operating it.
Retain the package in case you need to transport the
QIAcube in the future. Instructions for packing the QIAcube
are given in Section 4.5, page 4-7. Using the original
package minimizes damage during transportation of the
QIAcube.

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Installation Procedures

4.4

Installing the QIAcube

Before operating the QIAcube:
Remove the QIAcube accessories.
Carefully peel off the protective film from the QIAcube
door.
Remove the protector for the X- and Y-axes.
Connect the power cord to the back of the QIAcube.
Switch on the QIAcube.
The centrifuge rotor and buckets must be installed.

Remove QIAcube accessories

Remove the QIAcube User Manual, power cord, and the
centrifuge rotor and buckets from the foam packing material
on top of the QIAcube.
Remove the USB stick, rotor key, rotor nut, Allen key,
S2 shaker adapter, and shaker rack plugs from the waste
drawer.

Removing the protective film from the QIAcube door

Carefully peel off the protective film from the QIAcube door.

Remove the foam protector

During transportation, a foam protector prevents the
movable parts of the QIAcube from moving along the X- and
Y-axes. Before using the instrument, this protector must be
removed.

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Foam protector.

Remove the foam protector as follows:

Gently pull the foam protector towards you to remove it
(see picture above). After removing the protector for the
X- and Y-axes, make sure to close the QIAcube door.

Installation of AC power cord

1. Remove the power cord from the foam packing material
on top of the QIAcube. Ensure that the power switch is
set to the off position.
2. Check that the voltage rating on the label at the back of
the QIAcube matches the voltage available at the
installation site.
3. Plug the power cord into the power-cord socket.
4. Plug the power cord into a grounded power outlet.
Switching on the QIAcube
Check that the QIAcube operates properly:
1. Make sure that the door of the QIAcube is closed.
2. Switch on the QIAcube using the power switch. The
following events occur in the order shown:
The beeper sounds and the startup screen appears.
The instrument automatically performs initialization
tests.
The centrifuge lid opens.

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Installation Procedures
If there is an initialization error, check that the power cord is
properly connected to the QIAcube and power outlet. Retry
the initialization process. If the problem persists, contact
QIAGEN Technical Services.
Note: If you switched on the QIAcube before closing the
door, the instrument will not perform an initialization and the
centrifuge lid will not open. Switch off the QIAcube, close the
door, and then switch on the QIAcube again.

Installing the centrifuge rotor and buckets

The rotor can be mounted in only one orientation. The pin
on the rotor shaft fits into a notch on the underside of the
rotor directly underneath rotor position 1. Line up position 1
of the rotor with the pin on the rotor shaft and carefully lower
the rotor onto the shaft. Install the rotor nut on top of the
rotor and tighten using the rotor key supplied with the
QIAcube. Make sure that the rotor is securely seated. Check
that all buckets are properly suspended and can swing freely.
Note: The side of the rotor bucket that must face towards the
rotor shaft is marked with a gray line to help prevent buckets
from being loaded incorrectly.
Important: All centrifuge buckets must be mounted before
starting a protocol run, even if fewer than 12 samples are to
be processed.
WARNING

4-6

Risk of personal injury and material damage

[w17]
The rotor nut must be securely tightened using the rotor
key supplied with QIAcube. If the rotor nut is not tightened
properly, it can become loose during operation of the
centrifuge.

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Installation Procedures

Installing the shaker adapter

A shaker adapter must be installed before the shaker can be
used. Two types of shaker adapter are available:
Adapter for 2 ml microcentrifuge safe-lock tubes
(marked with 2)
Adapter for 2 ml screw-cap tubes (marked with S2).
The QIAcube is delivered with the shaker adapter for 2 ml
microcentrifuge safe-lock tubes already installed. If you need
to install the shaker adapter for 2 ml screw-cap tubes:
1. Remove the shaker rack.
2. Remove the shaker adapter for 2 ml microcentrifuge
safe-lock tubes by unscrewing the retaining screws. Use
the Allen key supplied with the QIAcube.
3. Place the shaker adapter for 2 ml screw-cap tubes onto
the shaker.
4. Tighten the 2 retaining screws using the Allen key.
Note: Make sure to use the correct adapter for the sample
tubes as this helps to ensure optimal instrument
performance. Using an incorrect shaker adapter can
adversely affect pipetting performance and protocol results.
For more information about sample tubes and the
appropriate shaker adapters, see the corresponding protocol
sheet.

4.5
WARNING

Packing the QIAcube

Risk of personal injury and material damage
[W2]
The QIAcube is too heavy to be lifted by one person. To
avoid personal injury or damage to the instrument, do not
lift the instrument alone.
If you need to transport the QIAcube, the instrument must
first be decontaminated (see Section 6.5) and then prepared
as follows:
1. Prepare packing material. Materials required are the
cardboard carton, the pallet with foam blocks, the foam
lid, and the foam protector for the X- and Y-axes.

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Installation Procedures
The centrifuge lid must be open to allow access to the inside
of the centrifuge. If the lid is not open, perform the following
steps.
1. Close the instrument door.
2. Press Tools in the main menu.
3. Highlight Maintenance (scroll through the list by
pressing i or j), and press Select.
4. Highlight Open lid (scroll through the list by pressing
i or j), and press Select.
5. Open the instrument door.
6. Undo the rotor nut on top of the rotor using the rotor key
and carefully lift the rotor off the rotor shaft.
7. Close the door.
8. Press Tools in the main menu.
9. Select Maintenance by pressing i or j to scroll
through the list until it is highlighted, and then press
Select.
10. Select the protocol Close lid by pressing i or j to
scroll through the list until it is highlighted, and then
press Start.
11. When the centrifuge lid is closed, switch off the QIAcube
and open the door.
12. Insert the foam protector into the front of the instrument.
13. Press the foam down between the centrifuge and the
robotic arm.

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Installation Procedures

Foam protector inserted between the centrifuge and the robotic

arm.

14. Push the foam until the rear end touches the back wall of
the instrument. Ensure that the arm is held firmly in place
and cannot move.
15. Make sure that the QIAcube door can be closed
properly. The door should lightly brush against the foam.
16. Place the accessories into the drawer. The following
accessories should be packed in air cushion bags:
Rotor key
Rotor nut
USB stick
Allan key
Shaker rack plugs
Shaker adapter
17. Place the QIAcube onto the pallet and put the black
foam lid over the top of the instrument. Place the box
onto the instrument. When lifting the QIAcube, slide your
fingers under both sides of the workstation and keep
your back straight.
18. Place accessories into the black foam lid. The following
accessories should be packed in air cushion bags:
Rotor with swing-out buckets
Power cords
QIAcube User Manual

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Installation Procedures
19. Seal the outside edges of the carton with tape to protect
against moisture.
Note: Using the original package minimizes damage
during transportation of the QIAcube.

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Operating Procedures

Operating Procedures
This section describes how to operate the QIAcube.
Before proceeding, we recommend that you familiarize
yourself with the features of the instrument by referring to
Section 3.
Important: The QIAcube is designed for use with QIAGEN
spin columns only. Geometry of spin columns manufactured
by other suppliers may not be compatible with the QIAcube.
CAUTION

Damage to the instrument

[C2]
Only use QIAGEN spin columns and QIAGEN Spin Kits
with the QIAcube. Damage caused by use of other types of
spin column or chemistries will void your warranty.
The door of the QIAcube must remain closed during
operation of the instrument. Only open the door when
instructed to do so by the software.

WARNING

Risk of personal injury and material damage

Do not attempt to move the QIAcube during operation.

WARNING

Moving parts
[W11]
To avoid contact with moving parts during operation of the
QIAcube, the instrument must be operated with the door
closed.
If the door sensor is not functioning correctly, contact
QIAGEN Technical Services.

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[W3]

5-1

Operating Procedures

5.1

QIAcube software
The QIAcube is operated through the touchscreen. The
functions of some of the buttons are described below.

5.2

Enables the user to scroll up through a list.

Enables the user to scroll down through a list.

Select

Enables the highlighted parameter to be

selected.

Back

Returns to the previous step.

Options

Lists the available options for the protocol

(e.g., Remove).

Cancel

Cancels the previous command or returns to

the previous step without saving any changes.

Edit

Enables the user to enter values for certain

parameters (e.g., elution volume).

Increases the displayed value.

Decreases the displayed value.

Default

Enables the default value of the highlighted

parameter to be used.

Save

Enables changes to be saved to the protocol.

Start

Starts a protocol run.

Running a QIAGEN protocol

The most popular QIAGEN standard protocols are already
installed on the QIAcube. All available QIAGEN protocols,
including the corresponding protocol sheets, can be
downloaded from the QIAcube web portal
(www.qiagen.com/MyQIAcube ). Refer to the handbook
supplied with the QIAGEN kit you are using and the relevant

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Operating Procedures
protocol sheet to find out which protocol to load and to
obtain further details about the protocol.

5.2.1

Starting a protocol
1. Carefully read the handbook supplied with the QIAGEN
kit and the relevant protocol sheet (available at
www.qiagen.com/MyQIAcube ) before starting.
2. Prepare the samples and reagents to be used in the
protocol. Refer to the handbook supplied with the kit and
to the relevant protocol sheet for instructions.
3. Close the instrument door.
4. Switch on the QIAcube at the power switch.
The beeper sounds, and the startup screen appears.
The instrument automatically performs initialization
tests.
5. Select the appropriate application from the main menu
by pressing Cleanup, DNA, Protein, RNA, or
Virus.

6. Select the correct kit name by pressing i or j to

scroll through the list until the correct kit name is
highlighted, and then press Select.

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Operating Procedures

7. Select the sample material (this step may not be required

for all protocols) by pressing i or j to scroll
through the list until the required sample material is
highlighted, and then press Select.

8. Depending on the protocol, further options may be

available (e.g., standard protocol, homogenization using
a QIAshredder column, on-column DNase digest, etc.).
Select the protocol by pressing i or j to scroll
through the list until the required protocol is highlighted,
then press Select.

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Operating Procedures

9. To start the protocol run, press Start and proceed to

step 12. To enter user-defined values for certain
parameters such as elution volume, press Edit.
Note: Not all protocols allow user-defined values to be
entered.

10. Press i or j to highlight the parameter to be edited,

for example, Elution volume, and then press Select.

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Operating Procedures

11. Change the elution volume by pressing + or . The

default value is displayed in the Default button. Press
Save to save the changes. The parameter that has
been changed will then be displayed in red. Press Back
to exit edit mode.

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Operating Procedures

12. The Edit button now indicates that the protocol has
been modified. If run reports should be automatically
saved to the USB stick, insert the USB stick into the USB
port (see Section 5.5). Press Start to start the protocol
run.

13. Open the worktable door.

14. Follow the instructions in the protocol sheet and
displayed in the touchscreen for loading the worktable
with samples, reagents, and labware (see Section 5.3 for
more information about worktable setup). You will be
instructed to:
Empty the waste drawer.
Place prefilled tip racks onto the worktable.

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Operating Procedures
Fill the reagent bottles and place the reagent bottle
rack onto the worktable. Be sure to remove the lids
from the reagent bottles before placing on the
worktable.
Load opened accessory-buffer tubes required by the
protocol in positions A, B, or C.
Place the loaded rotor adapters into the centrifuge
buckets.
Load the shaker rack with samples, and place onto
the shaker. Be sure to use the correct sample tubes
and the correct shaker adapter, as described in the
protocol sheet (see page 5-16).
15. Close the QIAcube door.
16. After you have set up the worktable, the QIAcube
performs a load check, which consists of the following
tasks:
The instrument is initialized.
The shaker is checked to make sure it is correctly
loaded.
The number of rotor adapters in the centrifuge is
checked to make sure that it corresponds to the
number of samples in the shaker and that the rotor is
correctly loaded.
The reagent bottle rack is checked to make sure that
it is correctly loaded and there is sufficient buffer in
the reagent bottles.
Note: The volume of accessory buffers in positions
A, B, or C on the worktable is not checked. Be sure
to fill the microcentrifuge tubes with the exact volume
of buffer required.
The filter-tips are checked to make sure that the
correct type has been loaded and that there are
sufficient filter-tips for the protocol run.
17. If the load check is unsuccessful, an error message will
be displayed in the touchscreen. Resolve the error so that
the protocol run can continue (see Section 7.2.1).
Note: When resolving a load check error, only move or
change the affected samples or consumables.

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5.2.2

End of the protocol run

When the protocol run has finished, a message is displayed
in the touchscreen confirming that the samples have been
processed. Follow the instructions in the touchscreen for
worktable cleanup.
1. Remove the microcentrifuge tubes containing purified
nucleic acids or proteins from the rotor adapters.
2. Discard sample tubes, used rotor adapters, and reagents
according to your local safety regulations.
3. Replace the lids of the reagent bottles and close tightly.
Store the bottles according to the instructions in the
relevant kit handbook.
4. Empty the waste drawer.
5. Run another protocol, or switch off the QIAcube.

5.2.3

Stopping a protocol
You can stop a QIAGEN protocol if there is an emergency by
pressing Cancel. To confirm that you want to stop the
protocol run, press OK. To cancel the stop protocol
command, press Cancel.
Note: If a protocol run is stopped, the run cannot be
restarted; the samples must be processed manually (see
Sections 7.2.6 and 7.2.7).

5.3

Setting up the worktable

5.3.1

Loading the reagent bottle rack

Attaching labeling strips to the reagent bottle rack
Two rack labeling strips must be attached to the reagent
bottle rack. These strips are kit-specific and identify the
positions into which the QIAGEN buffers required for the
protocol should be placed. In addition, the strips ensure that
the reagent bottle rack is positioned correctly on the
worktable for liquid detection during the load check.

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Operating Procedures
Attach each rack labeling strip by sliding it onto the flange at
each side of the rack. The labeling strips fit onto the rack
only in the correct orientation.
Note: The reagent bottle rack must only be used with the
labeling strips attached.

Attaching labeling strips.

Carefully fill each bottle with buffer, and place into the
appropriate position in the reagent bottle rack indicated by
the rack labeling strip. Pour carefully to ensure that the buffer
does not foam or contain large air bubbles. Reagent volumes
are checked at during the load check at the start of the
protocol run.
Important: Be sure to remove lids from the bottles before
placing onto the worktable.
When instructed to do so, place the reagent bottle rack
containing buffer bottles onto the worktable. The rack fits
onto the worktable only in the correct orientation.
Important: Be sure to place the reagent bottle rack correctly
into the designated slot of the worktable. Leaning positioned
bottle racks could lead to errors during liquid detection.

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Operating Procedures

Loading the reagent bottle rack.

5.3.2

Loading the tip racks

The QIAcube is provided with 3 tip racks: a rack for 200 l
filter-tips (blue-colored), a rack for 1000 l filter-tips (lightgray colored), and a rack for 1000 l wide-bore filter-tips
(dark-gray colored). Each tip rack has a specially positioned
notch that the optical sensor uses to identify the tip rack
during the load check. The rack for 200 l filter-tips has a
notch at the left forward side, the rack for 1000 l filter-tips
has a notch at the left rear side, and the rack for 1000 l
wide-bore filter-tips has 2 notches. During the load check,
the QIAcube checks that the correct tip racks have been
placed on the worktable and that there are sufficient tips for
the protocol run. When refilling tip racks, make sure to load
the racks with the correct size of filter-tip. Only use filter-tips
designed for use with the QIAcube.

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Operating Procedures

Tip rack for

1000 l filtertips has 1 notch
at the left rear
side

Tip rack for

1000 l widebore filter-tips
has 2 notches

QIAcube tip racks.

Important: Do not use damaged filter-tips. Do not load

damaged tip racks onto the worktable.

5.3.3

Loading the rotor adapters

Rotor adapters can be placed into the rotor adapter holder
enabling convenient and easy loading. Place 1.5 ml
microcentrifuge tubes (supplied with the rotor adapters) and
QIAGEN spin columns into the appropriate positions in each
rotor adapter as described in the corresponding protocol
sheet. Ensure the 1.5 ml microcentrifuge tubes and spin
columns have been pushed firmly into the appropriate
position.

WARNING

5-12

Risk of personal injury and material damage

[W18]
Make sure that lids from spin columns and 1.5 ml
microcentrifuge tubes are in the correct position and
pushed all the way down to the bottom of the slots on the
sides of the of the rotor adapter. Incorrectly positioned lids
can break off during centrifugation.

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Operating Procedures
A

1.5 ml
microcentrifuge
tube lid is in
correct

Correctly loaded rotor adapter. A Rotor adapter is correctly loaded

and the 1.5 ml microcentrifuge tube lid is in the correct position; B
Correctly loaded rotor adapter seen from the side.

Microcentrifuge
tube lid not
pushed down into
slot

Incorrectly loaded rotor adapter. A Rotor adapter is incorrectly

loaded with a 1.5 ml microcentrifuge tube. The lid of the tube is not
pushed all the way down to the bottom of the slot of the rotor adapter
and could break off during centrifugation, causing the protocol run to
crash (compare with part A of the previous figure); B Incorrectly loaded
rotor adapter seen from the side (compare with part B of the previous
figure).

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Operating Procedures

1.5 ml
microcentrifuge
tube lid is in the
wrong slot of
the rotor
adapter

Rotor adapter is incorrectly loaded with a 1.5 ml microcentrifuge

tube. The lid of the tube is positioned in the wrong slot of the rotor
adapter. During column transfer the lid of the spin column could crash
onto the lid of the 1.5 ml microcentrifuge tube, causing the protocol
run to crash.

If the protocol requires the use of a column in the middle

position (e.g., QIAshredder spin column), cut off the lid
before loading the column.
WARNING

5-14

Risk of personal injury and material damage

[W19]
Be sure the lid is completely removed from the spin
column. Spin columns with partially removed lids may not
be removed properly from the rotor, causing the protocol
run to crash.

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Operating Procedures

Column lid removed

correctly

Column lid removed

incorrectly; part of lid is
remaining

Loading a column into the middle position.

If the protocol requires use of spin columns with screw caps

(e.g., Qproteome Albumin/IgG Depletion Spin Columns),
remove the screw-cap from the spin column, and screw a
spin column adapter ring (not supplied with the QIAcube;
cat. no. 990399) onto the column.

Mounting a spin column adapter ring.

Break off the bottom closure of the spin column, and place
the spin column into the appropriate position of the rotor
adapter.
The spin column adapter ring enables the robotic gripper to
transfer the column during the purification procedure.
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Operating Procedures
Place the loaded rotor adapters into the centrifuge buckets
when instructed to do so by the software. For ease of use and
high process safety, the rotor adapters only fit into the
centrifuge buckets in one orientation.
Note: If processing fewer than 12 samples, make sure to
load the centrifuge rotor symmetrically. For more
information, see Appendix B or the loading chart available at
www.qiagen.com/MyQIAcube . All centrifuge buckets must
be mounted before starting a protocol run, even if fewer than
12 samples are to be processed.
WARNING

Risk of personal injury and material damage

[W16]
Do not use damaged rotor adapters. The rotor adapters
are for single use only. Do not reuse the rotor adapters as
they can be damaged by the high g forces experienced in
the centrifuge.

Loading the centrifuge.

5.3.4

Loading the samples

Make sure that the correct shaker adapter is installed (see
Section 4, page 4-6). Two types of shaker adapter are
available:
Adapter for 2 ml safe-lock microcentrifuge tubes
(marked with 2)
Adapter for 2 ml screw-cap tubes (marked with S2)

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Operating Procedures
For more information about the required sample tube types
(e.g., Sample Tubes RB (2 ml) cat. 990381, Sample Tubes
CB (2 ml) cat 990382), see the relevant protocol sheet. Load
opened sample tubes into the shaker rack. The sample
positions are numbered for ease of loading. Place the
loaded shaker rack onto the shaker when instructed to do so
by the software.
Lids of sample
tubes must be
securely placed
into slots at the
edge of the
shaker rack

Loading the shaker rack with samples tubes that have attached
lids.

If using 2 ml safe-lock microcentrifuge tubes, place the lids

of the tubes into the slots at the edge of the shaker rack.
Important: Make sure that the lids are securely seated in the
slots.

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Operating Procedures

Shaker rack
plugs must be
placed into
slots at the
edge of the
shaker rack

Loading the shaker rack with samples tubes that have screw
caps.

If using 2 ml screw-cap tubes, place the shaker rack plugs

into the slots at the edge of the shaker rack. This enables
detection of samples during the load check.
Note: If processing fewer than 12 samples, make sure that
the shaker is correctly loaded. For more information, see
Appendix B or the loading chart available at
www.qiagen.com/MyQIAcube .
WARNING

5.3.5

Risk of material damage

[W20]
Do not use 1.5 ml microcentrifuge tubes on the shaker.
Because 1.5 ml microcentrifuge tubes can cause filter-tips
to stick during sample transfer, their use on the shaker can
damage the pipetting system and can cause a centrifuge
crash.

Loading accessory buffers

Up to three 1.5 ml or 2 ml microcentrifuge tubes containing
accessory buffers can be placed onto the QIAcube
worktable. The exact volume of buffer required for the
protocol depends on the number of samples. Buffer volume,
tube type, and the position into which the tube should be
placed are described in the relevant protocol sheet (available
at www.qiagen.com/MyQIAcube ).

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Operating Procedures
Important: Because the QIAcube cannot perform a load
check on these positions, it is absolutely necessary to use the
correct tube type filled with exactly the volume of buffer
described in the protocol sheet. Incorrect buffer volumes can
lead to pipetting errors during the protocol run. Make sure to
open the tubes before placing them onto the worktable. Lids
of microcentrifuge tubes should be securely placed into the
slots at positions A and C. If 3 tubes are to be placed onto
the QIAcube worktable, the lid of 1 tube must be cut off.

Lids of 2 of the microcentrifuge

tubes must be securely placed
in slots at positions A and C.

The lid of the third tube must

be cut off.

Correct loading of accessory buffers.

The lid of the

third tube
has not been
cut off, which
may lead to
a collision
with the tip
adapter.

Incorrect loading of accessory buffers.

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Operating Procedures

5.4

Installing and deleting protocols

At delivery the most common standard QIAGEN protocols are
already installed on your QIAcube. The range of protocols
available is continually expanding, and additional standard
QIAGEN protocols can be downloaded free of charge at
www.qiagen.com/MyQIAcube . In addition, our highly
qualified Application Specialists can customize QIAGEN
protocols or develop new protocols tailored to your needs.
Protocols that are no longer required can be easily removed
from the QIAcube.

Installing new protocols (standard QIAGEN

protocols)
New protocols for the QIAcube can be downloaded at
www.qiagen.com/MyQIAcube . To transfer new protocols to
the QIAcube, first save them to the USB stick.
1. Create a folder named New_Protocols on the USB
stick.
2. Go to www.qiagen.com/MyQIAcube and search for the
required protocol.
3. Select the protocol to be downloaded and save it to the
New_Protocols folder on the USB stick.
4. Make sure that the QIAcube is switched on.
5. To install the protocol, connect the USB stick to the
QIAcube via the USB port, which is located at the front
right of the instrument.
6. In the main menu, press Tools.
7. Select Data Exchange by pressing i or j to scroll
through the list until it is highlighted, and then press
Select.
8. To transfer protocols to the QIAcube, select Protocols
and either the Load individually from USB or the Load
all from USB option.
Load individually from USB: Select the required protocol
by pressing i or j to scroll through the list until it is
highlighted, and then press Select. Start the download
procedure by pressing OK. A message will confirm that
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Operating Procedures
the protocols have been successfully transferred to the
QIAcube.
Load all from USB: Select Load all protocols and
confirm with OK. All files of the .qpf format will be
transferred from the USB stick to the QIAcube. A
message will confirm how many protocols have been
successfully transferred to the QIAcube.
Note: Protocols already installed on the QIAcube that
have the same name as downloaded protocols will be
overwritten.
Note: A maximum of 48 protocols can be transferred to
the QIAcube.
When the protocols have been successfully transferred to
the QIAcube, press OK.

Installing new protocols (customized QIAGEN

protocols or customer-specific protocols)
Customized QIAGEN protocols or new protocols developed
to meet your specific requirements can be purchased from
QIAGEN.
1. Go to www.qiagen.com/MyQIAcube and enter the
required information. If our Application Specialists
require additional information, they will contact you
directly.
2. You will be informed by e-mail when your customized
protocol is ready for download.
3. Click the link in the e-mail to go to the download page.
4. To install the protocol on your QIAcube, follow steps 38
in Installing new protocols (standard QIAGEN
protocols), page 5-20.

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Operating Procedures

Deleting protocols
Protocols can individually be removed from the QIAcube by
deleting the protocol type or they can be removed in
packages by deleting the kit name or starting material.
To remove a single protocol:
1. Select the required application from the main menu.
2. Select the correct kit name by pressing i or j to
scroll through the list until the correct kit name is
highlighted, then press Select.
3. Select the starting material (this step may not be required
for all protocols) by pressing i or j to scroll
through the list until the correct starting material is
highlighted, and then press Select.
4. Select the protocol type by pressing i or j to scroll
through the list until the correct protocol is highlighted,
and then press Options.
5. To remove the protocol, select Remove, and then press
Select.

RNA

RNeasy Mini:Animal cells

Select item

Select
1. Remove

Back

6. Press OK to remove the protocol.

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Operating Procedures

To remove a protocol package:

1. Select the required application from the main menu.
2. Select the correct kit name by pressing i or j to
scroll through the list until the correct kit name is
highlighted, then press Options.
3. To remove all protocols of the selected kit, select
Remove, and then press Select.
4. Press OK to remove the protocol.

5.5

Saving data files

Data files, such as run reports, log files, error logs, or
statistics, can be saved to the USB stick.
Note: The QIAcube can store up to 9 log files and run
reports. After the tenth protocol run, the oldest log file and
run report will be overwritten.
1. Make sure that the QIAcube is switched on.
2. Connect the USB stick to the QIAcube via the USB port,
which is located at the front right of the instrument.
3. In the main menu, press Tools.
4. Select Data exchange by pressing i or j to scroll
through the list until it is highlighted, and then press
Select.

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Operating Procedures

5. Select the appropriate type of data file (e.g., Save run

reports, Save log files, Save error logs, Save
statistics, or Save calibration) by pressing i or j
to scroll through the list until the correct data file is
highlighted, and then press Select. To save all files,
select Save all files.

Tools

Data exchange
Select function
1. Protocols
2. Save all files

Select

3. Save run reports

4. Save log files
5. Save error l..

Back

6. Press OK to save the data file to the USB stick.

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Operating Procedures

Press OK
to save error files to USB

Cancel

OK

7. A message will appear to confirm that the data file has

been successfully saved to the USB stick.
8. When the data file has been successfully saved to the
USB stick, press OK.
9. For run reports only, an additional option is available for
automatically saving the run report to the USB stick at the
end of each protocol run. Select USB autosave by
pressing i or j to scroll through the list until it is
highlighted, and then press Select.

Tools

Data exchange:Save run reports

Select function

1. Save to USB

Select

2. USB autosave

Back

10. Select Off or On by pressing i or j to scroll

through the list until the appropriate option is
highlighted. The default value is displayed in the
Default button. Press Save to save the changes.

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Operating Procedures

Tools

Default

..Save run reports:USB autosave

Off

Select

Off

Save

On

Cancel

5.6

General information
System information
System information, such as the instrument serial number,
the number of installed protocols, as well as the system's
memory capacity (maximum and currently available), can be
easily displayed.
1. In the main menu, press Tools.
2. Select Service by pressing i or j to scroll through
the list until it is highlighted, and then press Select.
3. Select System info by pressing i or j to scroll
through the list until it is highlighted, and then press
Select.

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Operating Procedures

Identification of software versions

The software versions that are installed on your QIAcube can
be easily identified.
1. In the main menu, press Tools.
2. Select Service by pressing i or j to scroll through
the list until it is highlighted, and then press Select.
3. Select Software versions by pressing i or j to
scroll through the list until it is highlighted, and then
press Select.

4. Compare the installed software versions with the newest

available on the QIAcube Web Portal (available at
www.qiagen.com/MyQIAcube ). We recommend always

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Operating Procedures
installing the latest software version to ensure the best
performance of your instrument. The software versions
can be distinguished by the alphabetic index at the end
of the identifier of the software versions.

Software update
For detailed information on how to upgrade the software
versions of your QIAcube refer to the software update
documentation on the QIAcube Web Portal (available at
www.qiagen.com/MyQIAcube ).

Display brightness
The brightness of the QIAcube touchscreen can be adjusted.
1. In the main menu, press Tools.
2. Select Settings by pressing i or j to scroll through
the list until it is highlighted, and then press Select.
3. Select Brightness by pressing i or j to scroll
through the list until it is highlighted, and then press
Select.
4. The brightness of the touchscreen can be adjusted by
pressing + or .
5. To save the change, press Save. To exit without saving
the change, press Cancel.

Beeper volume
1. In the main menu, press Tools.
2. Select Settings by pressing i or j to scroll through
the list until it is highlighted, and then press Select.
3. Select Beeper volume by pressing i or j to scroll
through the list until it is highlighted, and then press
Select.
4. The volume of the beeper can be adjusted by pressing
+ or .
5. To save the change, press Save. To exit without saving
the change, press Cancel.

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Operating Procedures

Maintenance
To reinitialize the QIAcube, to open or close the centrifuge
lid, to perform a tightness test, or to gain access to the
robotic arm for cleaning, follow the instructions below.
1. In the main menu, press Tools.
2. Select Maintenance by pressing i or j to scroll
through the list until it is highlighted, and then press
Select.
3. Select Initialize, Open lid, Close lid, Cleaning
position, or Tightness test.

5.7

Operating the shaker

The shaker can be operated individually if the QIAcube is not
performing a protocol run. The shaker can be used to heat
and shake samples simultaneously, shake samples without
heating, or heat samples without shaking.

WARNING

Risk of personal injury and material damage

Do not attempt to move the QIAcube during operation.

[W3]

1. Switch on the QIAcube at the power switch.

The beeper sounds and the startup screen appears.
The instrument automatically performs initialization
tests.
2. Open the QIAcube door.
3. In the main menu, press Tools.
4. Select Shaker by pressing i or j to scroll through
the list until it is highlighted, and then press Select.

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Operating Procedures

Tools
Select item

1. Centrifuge

Select

2. Shaker
3. Data excha..
4. Settings

Back

5. To select the time, speed, and temperature, press Edit

and the appropriate parameter.

Tools

Shaker

Edit

Press Start

Time: 60 sec

Start

Temperature: 20C
Frequency: 1000 rpm

5-30

Back

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Operating Procedures

Tools
Shaker

Select item

Select
1. Time
2. Temperature
3. Frequency

Back

6. The values for each parameter can be changed by

pressing + or , and can be set within the ranges
given below. The default value is displayed in the
Default button. Press Save to save the changes.
Time: 101800 seconds, in increments of
10 seconds
Temperature: ambient temperature to 70C, in
increments of 1C
Frequency: 02000 rpm, in increments of 100 rpm

If you have changed a parameter, it will be highlighted

in red color.
7. Press Back to exit edit mode.

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Operating Procedures

Tools
Shaker

Select item

Select
1. Time
2. Temperature
3. Frequency

Back

8. Load the shaker rack with samples and close the

QIAcube door.
9. Press Start to start the shaker.

5.8

Operating the centrifuge

The centrifuge can be operated individually if the QIAcube is
not performing a protocol run.

WARNING

Risk of personal injury and material damage

Do not attempt to move the QIAcube during operation.

[W3]

1. Switch on the QIAcube at the power switch.

The beeper sounds, and the startup screen appears.
The instrument automatically performs initialization
tests.
2. Open the QIAcube door.
3. In the main menu, press Tools.
4. Select Centrifuge by pressing i or j to scroll
through the list until it is highlighted, and then press
Select.

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5. To select the speed, time, and acceleration, press Edit

and the appropriate parameter.

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Operating Procedures

6. The values for each parameter can be changed by

pressing + or , and can be set within the ranges
given below. The default value is displayed in the
Default button. Press Save to save the changes.
Time 1: 101200 seconds, in increments of
10 seconds
Speed 1: 100012,000 x g, in increments of 100 x g
Time 2: 01200 seconds, in increments of
10 seconds
Speed 2: 100012,000 x g, in increments of 100 x g
Acceleration: 19

Tools

Centrifuge:Time 1
Change value

Default
60 sec

Max. 1200 sec

Save

60 sec
Min.

10 sec

Cancel

To run the centrifuge for a specified length of time at one

speed, enter values for Time 1 and Speed 1 and
enter 0 for Time 2.
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Operating Procedures
If required, the centrifuge can be set to run for a
specified time at a given speed (Time 1 and Speed 1)
and then can run at an increased or decreased speed for
a specified time (Time 2 and Speed 2).
The acceleration rate of the centrifuge can be set by
entering a value for Acceleration. A value of 1 gives
the slowest rate of acceleration; a value of 9 gives the
maximum rate of acceleration.
7. If you have changed a parameter, it will be highlighted
in red color. Press Back to exit the edit mode.

Tools

Centrifuge
Select item

Select
1. Time 1
2. Speed 1
3. Time 2

Back

8. If required, load opened 1.5 ml microcentrifuge tubes

and/or QIAGEN spin columns into the rotor adapters
and place the lids into the appropriate slots in the rotor
adapter. Place the rotor adapters into the centrifuge, and
close the QIAcube door. For more information about
loading the rotor adapters, see Section 5.3.3.
Note: If processing fewer than 12 samples, make sure to
load the centrifuge rotor symmetrically. For more
information, see Appendix B or the loading chart
available at www.qiagen.com/MyQIAcube . All
centrifuge buckets must be mounted, even if fewer than
12 samples are to be processed.

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Operating Procedures
WARNING

Risk of personal injury and material damage

[W16]
Do not use damaged rotor adapters. The rotor adapters
are for single use only. Do not reuse the rotor adapters as
they can be damaged by the high g forces experienced in
the centrifuge.
9. Press Start to start the centrifuge.

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Maintenance Procedures
The following maintenance procedures must be carried out
to ensure reliable operation of the QIAcube:
Regular maintenance after each protocol run
Daily maintenance after the last protocol run of the
day
Monthly maintenance every month
Periodic maintenance when necessary; at least
every 6 months
Following these procedures ensures that the QIAcube is free
of dust and liquid spills.
The cleaning agent is chosen according to the goal of the
cleaning procedure, the sample material, and the
downstream assay.

Cleaning agents
The following disinfectants and detergents are recommended
for cleaning the QIAcube.
Note: If you want to use disinfectants different from those
recommended, ensure that their compositions are similar to
those described below.
General cleaning of the QIAcube:
Mild Detergents
70% ethanol

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Maintenance Procedures
Disinfection
Ethanol-based disinfectants can be used for disinfection
of surfaces, such as the worktable or inside the
centrifuge: e.g., 25 g ethanol and 35 g 1-propanol per
100 g liquid or Mikrozid Liquid (Schlke & Mayr GmbH,
cat. no. 109160).
Disinfectants based on glyoxal and quaternary
ammonium salt can be used for submerging worktable
items, the centrifuge rotor, and the waste drawer: e.g.,
10 g glyoxal, 12 g lauryldimethylbenzylammonium
chloride, 12 g myristyldimethylbenzylammonium
chloride, and 515% nonionic detergent per 100 g
liquid, Lysetol AF (Gigasept Instru AF in Europe, cat.
no. 107410, or DECON-QUAT 100, Veltek Associates,
Inc., in the USA, cat. no. DQ100-06-167-01)
Removal of RNase contamination
RNaseZap RNase Decontamination Solution (Ambion,
Inc., cat. no AM9780) can be used for cleaning surfaces
and submerging worktable items, centrifuge rotor, and
waste drawer.
Removal of nucleic acid contamination
DNA-ExitusPlus (AppliChem, cat. no. A7089,0100) can
be used for cleaning surfaces and submerge worktable
items, centrifuge rotor, and waste drawer.
General instructions
Do not use spray bottles to spray cleaning or disinfectant
liquids onto surfaces of the QIAcube workstation. Spray
bottles should be used only for items that have been
removed from the workstation.
If solvents or saline, acidic, or alkaline solutions are spilt
on the QIAcube or if QIAGEN buffers splash the
instrument door, wipe the spilt liquid away immediately.
Follow manufacturer's safety instruction for handling
cleaning agents.
Follow manufacturer's instruction for soaking time and
concentration of the cleaning agents. Immersing for
longer than the recommended soak time can harm the
instrument.

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Maintenance Procedures
Do not use alcohol or alcohol-based disinfectants to
clean the QIAcube door. Exposing the QIAcube door to
alcohol or alcohol-based disinfectants will cause surface
cracking. Clean the QIAcube door with distilled water
only.
Do not submerge buffer bottles in 70% alcohol. The blue
ring is not ethanol resistant.
Take care that no liquid runs down the touchscreen.
Liquid may be drawn through the dust protection sealing
by capillary forces and cause malfunction of the display.
To clean the touchscreen, moisten a soft lint-free cloth
with water, ethanol, or a mild detergent and carefully
wipe the display. Wipe dry with a paper towel.
CAUTION

Damage to the instrument

[C5]
Do not use bleach, solvents, or reagents containing acids,
alkalis, or abrasives to clean the QIAcube.

WARNING

Risk of electric shock

[W21]
Do not open any panels on the QIAcube.
Risk of personal injury and material damage
Only perform maintenance that is specifically described in
this user manual.

WARNING

Hazardous chemicals and infectious agents

[W22]
The waste contains samples and reagents. This waste may
contain toxic or infectious material and must be disposed
of properly. Refer to your local safety regulations for
proper disposal procedures.

WARNING

Risk of personal injury and material damage

[W1]
Improper use of the QIAcube may cause personal injuries
or damage to the instrument.
The QIAcube must only be operated by qualified personnel
who have been appropriately trained.
Servicing of the QIAcube must only be performed by
QIAGEN Field Service Specialists.

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Maintenance Procedures
WARNING

Risk of fire
[W9]
When cleaning the QIAcube with alcohol-based
disinfectant, leave the QIAcube door open to allow
flammable vapors to disperse.
Only clean the QIAcube when worktable components have
cooled down.

Servicing
Contact your local QIAGEN Field Service Specialist or your
local distributor for more information about flexible Service
Support Agreements from QIAGEN.

6.1

Regular maintenance procedure

After running a protocol, perform the regular maintenance
procedure:
1. Empty the waste drawer.
2. Remove used disposable labware and unwanted samples
and reagents from the worktable. Discard them
according to your local safety regulations.
3. Replace the lids of the reagent bottles and close tightly.
Store the bottles according to the instructions in the
relevant kit handbook.
You can now run another protocol or switch off the
QIAcube.

6.2

Daily maintenance procedure

After running the last protocol of the day, perform the daily
maintenance procedure:
1. Remove used disposable labware and unwanted samples
and reagents from the worktable. Discard them
according to your local safety regulations.
2. Close the buffer bottles tightly and store according to the
instructions in the relevant kit handbook.
3. Empty the waste drawer and check that the liner is clean.
If necessary, clean it with cleaning agent, and then rinse
with distilled water.

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6.3

Monthly maintenance procedure

Perform the regular maintenance procedure before you
perform the monthly maintenance procedure. Select the
appropriate cleaning agent according to the sample material
and downstream assay (see Section 6).
1. Clean the optical sensor, tip adapter, gripper unit,
including the gripper, the stabilizing rod, and the spin
column lid holder, by carefully wiping these modules with
a soft lint-free cloth moistened with water. To gain access
to the modules within the robotic arm:
Press Tools in the main menu.
Select Maintenance by pressing i or j to
scroll through the list until it is highlighted, and then
press Select.
Select Cleaning position by pressing i or j to
scroll through the list until it is highlighted, and then
press Start.
Follow the instructions displayed in the touchscreen.
You will be instructed to remove the waste drawer
and the labware tray.
The robotic arm will move forward and downwards,
enabling the modules to be accessed for cleaning
through the opening for the waste drawer.
Optical sensor

Tip adapter

Griper and spin

column lid
holder
Stabilization rod

Cleaning modules.

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Maintenance Procedures
2. After cleaning the modules of the robotic arm, switch off
the QIAcube at the power switch.
3. Thoroughly wipe the worktable with a soft lint-free cloth
moistened with cleaning agent. Incubate as appropriate,
rinse with distilled water, and wipe dry with paper towels.
4. Clean the shaker rack, labware tray, heating adapter,
and reagent bottle rack with cleaning agent. Incubate as
appropriate, rinse thoroughly with distilled water, and
wipe dry with paper towels.
5. Clean the liner of the waste drawer with cleaning agent.
Incubate as appropriate, rinse with distilled water, and
wipe dry with paper towels.
6. Thoroughly wipe the inside and outside of the QIAcube
using the cleaning agents.
Important: Do not use alcohol or alcohol-based
disinfectants to decontaminate the QIAcube door.
Important: Take care that no liquid runs down the
touchscreen. Liquid may be drawn through the dust
protection sealing by capillary forces and cause
malfunction of the display. To clean the touchscreen,
moisten a soft lint-free cloth with 70% ethanol or a mild
disinfectant and carefully wipe the display. Wipe dry with
a paper towel.

6.4

Periodic maintenance procedure

Select the appropriate cleaning agent according to the
sample material and downstream assay (see Section 6).

6.4.1

Cleaning the centrifuge

The centrifuge lid must be open to allow access to the inside
of the centrifuge. The lid should be opened only after the
centrifuge has come to a complete stop. If the lid does not
open automatically, perform the following steps.
1. Press Tools in the main menu.
2. Highlight Maintenance (scroll through the list by
pressing i or j), and press Select.

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Maintenance Procedures
3. Highlight Open lid (scroll through the list by pressing
i or j), and press Select.

Cleaning the rotor and buckets

1. Switch off the QIAcube at the power switch.
2. Remove used disposable labware, sample tubes, and
reagents from the worktable. Discard according to your
local safety regulations.
3. Close the buffer bottles tightly, and store according to
the instructions in the relevant kit handbook.
4. Remove all disposable rotor adapters, including tubes
and spin columns, from the buckets.
5. Remove the buckets from the rotor. Undo the rotor nut
on top of the rotor using the rotor key, and carefully lift
the rotor off the rotor shaft.
6. Submerge the rotor, buckets, and rotor nut in cleaning
agent. Incubate as appropriate.
7. Rinse thoroughly with distilled water. Use a brush (i.e., a
toothbrush or tube brush) to clean any parts that are
difficult to access, such as the bucket mount and the
rotor head. Wipe surfaces dry with a soft lint-free cloth. If
available, dry the buckets and rotor with pressurized air.

Brushing a bucket.

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Maintenance Procedures

Brushing the rotor.

Important: Make sure the paper towels and brush used

are lint-free.
Important: Make sure that all residual salt is removed.
Important: Make sure to remove all traces of cleaning
agent from the centrifuge buckets. Residual agent can
cause the buckets to jam.
8. Apply a few drops of mineral oil (Anti-Corrosion Oil
(rotor), cat. no. 9018543) on a soft, lint-free cloth, and
wipe the bucket mount and rotor claw. A thin, invisible
oil film should cover the bucket mount and rotor claw,
but no droplets or smear should be apparent.
9. Apply oil to the rotor claw and to the bucket mount.
Important: Before applying oil to the rotor buckets on
the rotor, make sure that the rotor and all buckets are
completely dry.

Rotor head.

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Maintenance Procedures

Bucket mounts.

Cleaning the centrifuge

1. Moisten a soft lint-free cloth with cleaning agent, and
clean the inside of the centrifuge and the centrifuge
gasket. Incubate as appropriate.
2. Clean the inside of the centrifuge and the gasket with
distilled water, and wipe dry with lint-free paper towels. If
available, use a vacuum cleaner.
Important: Make sure the gaskets remain in the proper
positions.
3. Clean the centrifuge lid with a soft lint-free cloth
moistened with cleaning agent. Incubate as appropriate,
clean with water, and wipe dry with paper towels.
4. Check the centrifuge gasket for damage. If the gasket is
damaged or shows signs of wear, contact QIAGEN
Technical Services.
Installing the centrifuge rotor and buckets
1. Mount the rotor.
The rotor can be mounted in only one orientation. The
pin on the rotor shaft fits into a notch on the underside of
the rotor directly underneath rotor position 1. Line up
position 1 of the rotor with the pin on the rotor shaft and
carefully lower the rotor onto the shaft. Install the rotor
nut on top of the rotor and tighten using the rotor key

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6-9

Maintenance Procedures
supplied with the QIAcube. Make sure that the rotor is
securely seated.
WARNING

Risk of personal injury and material damage

[W17]
The rotor nut must be securely tightened using the rotor
key supplied with QIAcube. If the rotor nut is not tightened
properly, it can become loose during operation of the
centrifuge.
2. Replace the rotor buckets.
When replacing the rotor buckets, the side of the rotor
bucket that must face toward the rotor shaft is marked
with a gray line. Hold the bucket at an angle with the
gray line facing the center of the rotor and hang the
bucket on the rotor. Check that all buckets are properly
suspended and can swing freely.
Important: All centrifuge buckets must be mounted
before starting a run.

6.4.2

Cleaning the instrument

To clean the instrument, perform the monthly maintenance
procedure (Section 6.3).

6.4.3

Tightness test
The tightness test is performed to check whether the tightness
of the pipetting system, including the attached pipetting tip, is
sufficient.
1. Load an empty 2 ml safe- lock microcentrifuge tube in
position 1 of the shaker.
2. Fill a reagent bottle with 96% ethanol and place in
position 1 of the reagent bottle rack.
3. Load a tip rack of the filter tips you want to test (1000 l
or 1000 l wide-bore) onto the QIAcube.
4. Make sure that the QIAcube is switched on.
5. In the main menu, press Tools.

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Maintenance Procedures
6. Select Maintenance by pressing i or j to scroll
through the list until it is highlighted, and then press
Select.
7. Select Tightness test by pressing i or j to scroll
through the list until it is highlighted, and then press
Select.
8. Select the appropriate type of filter-tips (1000 l tips or
1000 l wide-bore tips) by pressing i or j to
scroll through the list until it is highlighted, and then
press Select.
9. Press Start to start the tightness test with the selected
type of filter-tips.
10. Follow the instructions displayed in the touchscreen, and
press Start to start the tightness test.
After the load check, the robotic arm will pick up a tip,
aspirate ethanol, and move to the tube. The tip will
remain in place above the tube for 2 minutes. The tip will
be detached.
11. After the protocol is completed, open the QIAcube door
and check if the tube contains liquid. If the tube is still
empty and dry, the tightness of the pipetting system is
adequate. If you find liquid in the tube, contact QIAGEN
Technical Services.

6.5

Decontaminating the QIAcube

If the QIAcube is contaminated with infectious material, it
should be decontaminated. The QIAcube should also be
decontaminated before shipping. In this case, a
decontamination certificate must be completed to confirm
that the decontamination procedure has been carried out.
To decontaminate the QIAcube, follow the periodic
maintenance procedure in Section 6.4, using the
recommended disinfection agents.

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Maintenance Procedures

6.6
WARNING

Cleaning the QIAcube centrifuge after a

plastic crash
Risk of personal injury
[W23]
After a plastic crash, sharp plastic particles could be inside
the centrifuge. Be careful when handling items inside the
centrifuge.
Select the appropriate cleaning agent according to the
sample material and downstream assay (see Section 6).

6.6.1

Opening the centrifuge lid

The centrifuge lid must be open to allow access to the inside
of the centrifuge. The lid should be opened only after the
centrifuge has come to a complete stop. If the lid does not
open automatically, perform the following steps.
1. Press Tools in the main menu.
2. Highlight Maintenance (scroll through the list by
pressing i or j), and press Select.
3. Highlight Open lid (scroll through the list by pressing
i or j), and press Select.

6.6.2

Cleaning the rotor and buckets

1. Switch off the QIAcube at the power switch.
2. Remove used disposable labware, sample tubes, and
reagents from the worktable. Discard according to your
local safety regulations.
3. Close the buffer bottles tightly, and store according to
the instructions in the relevant kit handbook.
4. Remove all disposable rotor adapters, including tubes
and spin columns, from the buckets.
5. Remove the buckets from the rotor. Undo the rotor nut
on top of the rotor using the rotor key, and carefully lift
the rotor off the rotor shaft.
6. Submerge the rotor, buckets, rotor nut, and rotor key
with a cleaning agent. Incubate as appropriate.

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Maintenance Procedures
7. Rinse thoroughly with distilled water. Use a brush (i.e., a
toothbrush or tube brush) to clean any parts that are
difficult to access, such as the bucket mount and the
rotor head (see figures in Section 6.4.1). Wipe surfaces
dry with a soft lint-free cloth. If available, dry the buckets
and rotor with pressurized air.
We recommend drying using pressurized air to remove
any small plastic particles adhering to the rotor or the
buckets. When handling the bucket, pay particular
attention that the bucket mount is not damaged.
Important: Be sure to only use lint-free paper towels
and brushes.
Important: Make sure all residual plastic and salt are
removed.
Important: Make sure all traces of cleaning agent are
removed from the centrifuge buckets. Residual
disinfectant can cause the buckets to jam.
8. Apply a few drops of mineral oil (Anti-Corrosion Oil
(rotor), cat. no. 9018543) on a soft, lint-free cloth, and
wipe the bucket mount and rotor claw. A thin, invisible
oil film should cover the bucket mount and rotor claw,
but no droplets or smear should be apparent.
Important: Before applying oil to the rotor buckets on
the rotor, make sure that the rotor and all buckets are
completely dry.

6.6.3

Cleaning the centrifuge

1. Moisten a soft lint-free cloth with cleaning agent, and
clean the inside of the centrifuge and the centrifuge
gasket. Incubate as appropriate.
Note: Do not spray disinfectant into the centrifuge.
2. Clean with water, and wipe dry with lint-free paper
towels. If available, use a vacuum cleaner to remove any
small plastic particles from the inside of the centrifuge.
Tweezers or tape can be used to remove plastic particles
from any difficult to access parts. Special care must be
taken to remove any plastic particles from the rotor pegs,
floor and back of the centrifuge compartment, and the
rotor shaft guide.

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Maintenance Procedures

Removing plastic debris with tape.

Removing plastic debris with tweezers.

Important: Make sure to use lint-free paper towels.

Important: Make sure that all plastic particles are
removed.
Important: Make sure the gaskets remain in the proper
positions.
3. Clean the centrifuge lid with a soft lint-free cloth
moistened with a cleaning agent. Incubate as
appropriate, and wipe dry with paper towels.

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Maintenance Procedures

Centrifuge lid with plastic dust.

4. Check if plastic particles are below the gasket.

5. Check the centrifuge gasket for damage. If the gasket is
damaged or shows signs of wear, contact QIAGEN
Technical Services.

6.6.4

Cleaning the worktable

1. Empty the waste drawer and check that the liner is clean.
If necessary, clean with cleaning agent, and rinse with
distilled water.
2. Clean the shaker rack, labware tray, heating adapter,
and reagent bottle rack with cleaning agent. Rinse
thoroughly with distilled water, and wipe dry with paper
towels.
3. Clean the surface of the worktable using a soft lint-free
cloth moistened with cleaning agent. Incubate as
appropriate, clean with water and wipe dry with lint-free
paper towels.
Do not spray liquid onto the worktable. Take particular
care not to spray liquid onto the display.
Important: Make sure to use lint-free paper towels.
Important: Make sure that every plastic item is wiped
off.

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Maintenance Procedures

Centrifuge and worktable after cleaning.

6.6.5

Cleaning the gripper unit

1.
2.
3.
4.

Switch on the QIAcube on the power switch

Moisten a soft lint-free cloth with 70% ethanol.
Press Tools in the main menu.
Highlight Maintenance (scroll through the list by
pressing i or j), and press Select.
5. Highlight Cleaning position (scroll through the list by
pressing i or j), and press Start.
6. Follow the instructions displayed in the touchscreen.
You will be asked to remove the waste drawer and the
labware tray.
The robotic arm will move forward and down, enabling
the gripper unit to be accessed for cleaning through the
opening for the waste drawer.
7. Carefully wipe the gripper unit, including the gripper, the
stabilizing rod, and the spin column lid holder.
Important: Make sure to use lint-free paper towels.
Ensure that any residual salt is removed.

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Maintenance Procedures
Robotic gripper

Spin column lid

holder
Stabilizing rod

Cleaning the gripper unit.

6.6.6

Installing the centrifuge rotor and buckets

1. Mount the rotor.
The rotor can be mounted in only one orientation. The
pin on the rotor shaft fits into a notch on the underside of
the rotor directly underneath rotor position 1. Line up
position 1 of the rotor with the pin on the rotor shaft and
carefully lower the rotor onto the shaft. Install the rotor
nut on top of the rotor and tighten using the rotor key
supplied with the QIAcube. Make sure that the rotor is
securely seated.

WARNING

Risk of personal injury and material damage

[W17]
The rotor nut must be securely tightened using the rotor
key supplied with QIAcube. If the rotor nut is not tightened
properly, it can become loose during operation of the
centrifuge.
2. Replace the rotor buckets.
When replacing the rotor buckets, the side of the rotor
bucket that must face toward the rotor shaft is marked
with a gray line. Hold the bucket at an angle with the
gray line facing the center of the rotor and hang the
bucket on the rotor. Check that all buckets are properly
suspended and can swing freely.

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Maintenance Procedures
Note: The side of the rotor bucket that must face
towards the rotor shaft is marked with a gray line to help
prevent buckets from being loaded incorrectly.
Important: All centrifuge buckets must be mounted
before starting the test run.

6.6.7

Operating the centrifuge after cleaning

The centrifuge must be operated independently before
starting further protocol runs to test if residual plastic parts
are still in the centrifuge.
For detailed information about operating the centrifuge, see
Section 5.8.
1. Switch on the QIAcube at the power switch.
2. Set centrifugation parameters for a centrifuge test
protocol.
Press Tools in the main menu.
Highlight Centrifuge (scroll through the list by pressing
i or j, and press Select.
To select the speed, time, and acceleration, press Edit
and set the following parameters.
Time 1: 60 sec
Speed 1: 12,000 g
Acceleration: 9
Time 2: 0 sec
Speed 2: default
Press Back to exit edit mode.
Press Start to start the centrifuge.
Note: Rotor adapters and other consumables are not
required.
3. Carefully listen to the sound during centrifugation.
Unusual sound during centrifugation:
If any grinding, rattling, or crunching sounds are heard
during the centrifugation, there are still loose plastic
particles inside the centrifuge. Repeat the cleaning
procedure described in Section 6.6.
Note: it may be necessary to repeat the procedure
several times to remove all plastic particles.

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Maintenance Procedures
No unusual sound during centrifugation:
If no unusual sound from loose plastic particles can be
heard during centrifugation, the next sample run can be
started.

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Maintenance Procedures
Page left intentionally blank

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Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting

7.1

General information
Whenever encountering a QIAcube error, be sure to have the
following information at hand:
Protocol name and version (found in the report file)
Software version (see Section 5.5)
Sample input material
Detailed description of the error situation
This information will help you and your QIAGEN Technical
Service Specialist to deal most efficiently with your problem.
Note: Information about the latest software and protocol
versions can be found at
www.qiagen.com/QIAcube/Resources . In some cases,
updates may be available for addressing specific problems.

7.2

Resolving error messages and warnings

Error messages or warnings are displayed in the touchscreen
if a problem occurs during operation. Refer to the error
codes listed in this section if an error message or warning
appears. If error messages or warnings appear that are not
listed here or if the error cannot be resolved, note down the
error code and description and the steps leading to the error,
and contact QIAGEN Technical Services.
Note: It is only possible to continue a protocol run that has
been interrupted due to an error if the error occurs before
the protocol has started (e.g., during the load check). If an
error occurs during sample processing, the samples must be
processed manually (see Section 7.2.6).
If an error occurs during the load check, the protocol run can
be continued as soon as the error has been resolved.
Note: When resolving a load check error, only move or
change the affected samples or consumables.

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7-1

Troubleshooting

7.2.1
Error
code

Load check errors

Description

Comments and suggestions

301

Optical sensor error: invalid

teaching

Check worktable for loose

plasticware. Clean the optical sensor.

302

Optical sensor error: invalid

measurement

Clean the optical sensor.

317,
320

Ultrasonic sensor error

Make sure that there is no foam in the

reagent bottles. Check that the bottles
contain sufficient reagent and are in
the correct positions in the reagent
bottle rack. Make sure that the
labeling strips are attached correctly
(Section 5.3.1).

3200

Load check error: invalid

rotor loading

Check that the rotor is symmetrically

loaded. Clean the optical sensor.

3201

Load check error: not

enough buffer

Check the volume of reagent in the

reagent bottles. Make sure that the
bottles are in the correct positions in
the reagent bottle rack.

3202

Load check error: buffer

empty, too much buffer, or
capped buffer bottle

Check the volume of reagent in the

reagent bottles. The maximum
volume is 30 ml and is indicated by a
calibration mark. Make sure that the
caps have been removed from the
reagent bottles.

3203

Load check error: too few

wide-bore 1000 l tips

Make sure to load sufficient 1000 l

wide-bore filter-tips for the protocol
run.

3204

Load check error: too few

1000 l tips

Make sure to load sufficient 1000 l

filter-tips for the protocol run.

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Troubleshooting
Error
code

Description

Comments and suggestions

3205

Load check error: too few

200 l tips

Make sure to load sufficient 200 l

filter-tips for the protocol run.

3206

Load check error: invalid

shaker loading

Check that the shaker is correctly

loaded (see Section 5.3.4) and the
sample tubes are in the correct
position (see Appendix B). In
particular, make sure that the latest
version of the shaker rack plug is
being used and that only loaded
positions are marked. Clean the
optical sensor.

3207

Load check error: too much

buffer in bottle

Check that the reagent bottle is not

overfilled. The maximum volume is
30 ml and is indicated by a
calibration mark.

3208

Load check error: no

sample tubes or invalid
sample tubes detected

Check that samples have been

loaded onto the shaker. Clean the
optical sensor. Check the worktable
for obstructions that might prevent
movement of the shaker. Make sure
that the correct shaker adapter is
installed.

3212

Load check error: remove

labware tray

Remove the labware tray and start the

Cleaning position protocol again.

3302

Error: instrument door is

open

Make sure that the QIAcube door is

properly closed.
Switch off the QIAcube, wait for a
few minutes, and switch it back on
again. If the error persists, contact
QIAGEN Technical Services.

3303

Error: picked up wrong tip

QIAcube User Manual 06/2008

Check that tip racks are correctly

loaded (see Section 5.3.2).

7-3

Troubleshooting
Error
code

Description

3304

Error: picked up no tip

7.2.2
Error
code
403

Comments and suggestions

Clean the tip sensor. When using a
plain white 200 l tip rack, always fill
the tip rack with 200 l tips.
Alternatively, replace the white rack
with the optimized blue rack for
200 l tips.

Protocol errors
Description

Comments and suggestions

Protocol error: protocol

not found

Reload the protocol from the USB stick

(see Section 5.4).
Switch off the QIAcube, wait for a few
minutes, and switch it back on again. If
the error persists, contact QIAGEN
Technical Services.

404

Protocol error: invalid

protocol data format
(checksum error)

Delete the protocol from the QIAcube.

Download the protocol from the
QIAGEN website
(www.qiagen.com/QIAcube/Resources )
to the USB stick. Reload the protocol to
the QIAcube (see Section 5.4).
Switch off the QIAcube, wait for a few
minutes, and switch it back on again. If
the error persists, contact QIAGEN
Technical Services.

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Troubleshooting
Error
code
405

Description

Comments and suggestions

Protocol error: unable to

save protocol

Delete protocols from the QIAcube that

are no longer required and reload the
protocols from the USB stick (see
Section 5.4).
Switch off the QIAcube, wait for a few
minutes, and switch it back on again. If
the error persists, contact QIAGEN
Technical Services.

406

Protocol error: maximum

number of protocols

Delete protocols from the QIAcube that

are no longer required (see Section
5.4).
Switch off the QIAcube, wait for a few
minutes, and switch it back on again. If
the error persists, contact QIAGEN
Technical Services.

407

Protocol error: unable to

save protocol list

Delete protocols from the QIAcube that

are no longer required (see Section
5.4).
Switch off the QIAcube, wait for a few
minutes, and switch it back on again. If
the error persists, contact QIAGEN
Technical Services.

408

Protocol error: max.

protocol steps exceeded

Contact QIAGEN Technical Services for

a new protocol.

409

Protocol error: missing

liquid definition

Contact QIAGEN Technical Services for

a new protocol.

410

Protocol error: missing

vessel definition

Contact QIAGEN Technical Services for

a new protocol.

412

Protocol error: missing

working space definition

Contact QIAGEN Technical Services for

a new protocol.

QIAcube User Manual 06/2008

7-5

Troubleshooting
Error
code

Description

Comments and suggestions

414

Protocol error: missing

liquid class definition

Contact QIAGEN Technical Services for

a new protocol.

415

Protocol error: missing

liquid definition

Contact QIAGEN Technical Services for

a new protocol.

416

Protocol error: invalid

protocol parameter

Contact QIAGEN Technical Services for

a new protocol.

417

Protocol error: parameter

type mismatch

Contact QIAGEN Technical Services for

a new protocol.

418

Protocol error: invalid

protocol version

Load the protocol again. If the error

persists, contact QIAGEN Technical
Services.

419

Protocol error: invalid

protocol version

Protocol required new QIAcube

firmware. Delete all protocols before
updating. Load the protocol again. If
the error persists, contact QIAGEN
Technical Services. The most recent
software versions can be downloaded
from
www.qiagen.com/QIAcube/Resources .

Protocol error

Contact QIAGEN Technical Services for

new protocols.

1000
1022

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Troubleshooting

7.2.3
Error
code

File system errors

Description

Comments and suggestions

700

File system error: unable to

delete data

Switch off the QIAcube, wait for a few

minutes, and switch it back on again. If
the error persists, contact QIAGEN
Technical Services.

701

File system error: copy

error to USB

Switch off the QIAcube, wait for a few

minutes, and switch it on again. Save
the file(s) to the USB stick again. If the
error persists, contact QIAGEN
Technical Services.

702

File system error: missing

USB device

Switch off the QIAcube, wait for a few

minutes, and switch it on again. Insert
the USB stick into the USB port. If the
error persists, contact QIAGEN
Technical Services.

703

File system error: unable to

read data

Switch off the QIAcube, wait for a few

minutes, and switch it on again. Save
the file(s) to the USB stick again. If the
error persists, contact QIAGEN
Technical Services.

704

File system error: flashdisk

is full

Delete protocols from the QIAcube that

are no longer required. If the error
persists, contact QIAGEN Technical
Services.

705

File system error: checkdisk

error

Memory error or memory defective

indicating that the USB stick may be
partially or entirely corrupted. Format
the USB stick according to instructions
at
www.qiagen.com/QIAcube/Resources .

QIAcube User Manual 06/2008

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Troubleshooting

7.2.4
Error
code

General instrument errors

Description

Comments and suggestions

133

Internal motion error

Identify and make a note of the axis

in error (as listed in the error
message). Switch off the QIAcube,
wait for a few minutes, and switch it
back on again. If the error persists,
contact QIAGEN Technical Services.

50-52

Motor driver error:

overload/no motor
detected/power surge

Identify and make a note of the axis

in error (as listed in the error
message). Switch off the QIAcube
and check the worktable for damage
or evidence of a collision. If the error
persists, contact QIAGEN Technical
Services.

53

Motor driver error: overheat

prewarning

Make sure that the QIAcube is

operating under the correct
conditions (see page 1-3 and
Appendix A).

54

Motor driver error: overheat

Make sure that the QIAcube is

operating under the correct
conditions (see Section 4.1 and
Appendix A).

70

Motion error: stopped in

limit switch

Identify and make a note of the axis

in error (as listed in the error
message). Switch off the QIAcube
and check the worktable for loose
plasticware.

80

Homing error: reference

switch failure on <> axis

Identify and make a note of the axis

in error (as listed in the error
message). Switch off the QIAcube
and check the worktable for loose
plasticware. If the error persists,
contact QIAGEN Technical Services.

7-8

QIAcube User Manual 06/2008

Troubleshooting
Error
code

Description

Comments and suggestions

Memory module: RAM test

failure

Switch off the QIAcube, wait for a

few minutes, and switch it back on
again. If the error persists, contact
QIAGEN Technical Services.

330
331

Internal shaker/heater error

Switch off the QIAcube, wait for a

few minutes, and switch it back on
again. If the error persists, contact
QIAGEN Technical Services.

340
359

Internal centrifuge error

Contact QIAGEN Technical Services.

500502

Program not ready or in

error state

A protocol cannot be started if the

previous instruction is not completed
and the instrument is busy.

303

Switch off the QIAcube, wait for a

few minutes, and switch it back on
again. If the error persists, contact
QIAGEN Technical Services.
600

Logging error: buffer

overflow

Although this code is presented as an

error, it is a warning and can be
ignored. It will not result in protocol
interruption.

900999

Firmware update error

Please contact QIAGEN Technical

Services.

2000

General error: PLC

programming error

Switch off the QIAcube, wait for a

few minutes, and switch it back on
again. If the error persists, contact
QIAGEN Technical Services.

QIAcube User Manual 06/2008

7-9

Troubleshooting
Error
code
3000

Description

Comments and suggestions

Centrifuge error: failed

positioning

Make sure that the rotor is installed.

Check that the rotor is correctly
positioned on the rotor shaft.
Switch off the QIAcube, wait for a
few minutes, and switch it back on
again. If the error persists, contact
QIAGEN Technical Services.

3001

Centrifuge error: invalid g

range

Contact QIAGEN Technical Services

for a new protocol.

3101

Motion error: invalid

rotation axis move

Switch off the QIAcube, wait for a

few minutes, and switch it back on
again. If the error persists, contact
QIAGEN Technical Services.

3102

Motion error: invalid

disposal position

Switch off the QIAcube, wait for a

few minutes, and switch it back on
again. If the error persists, contact
QIAGEN Technical Services.

3103

Motion error: invalid Z axis

move

Check the worktable for obstructions.

Motion error: invalid tip

rack

Make sure that the tip rack is not

damaged and is correctly positioned
on the worktable.

3104

Switch off the QIAcube, wait for a

few minutes, and switch it back on
again. If the error persists, contact
QIAGEN Technical Services.

Switch off the QIAcube, wait for a

few minutes, and switch it back on
again. If the error persists, contact
QIAGEN Technical Services.

7-10

QIAcube User Manual 06/2008

Troubleshooting
Error
code
3106

Description

Comments and suggestions

Motion error: tip detection

failed

Check to see if there are loose tips

on the worktable or if the rack still
contains tips that should have been
picked up.
Switch off the QIAcube, wait for a
few minutes, and switch it back on
again. If the error persists, contact
QIAGEN Technical Services.

3108

Motion error: invalid

gripper position

Switch off the QIAcube, wait for a

few minutes, and switch it back on
again. If the error persists, contact
QIAGEN Technical Services.

3109

Motion error: homing limit

reached, no light barrier
found

Identify and make a note of the axis

in error (as listed in the error
message). Check the worktable for
obstructions.
Switch off the QIAcube, wait for a
few minutes, and switch it back on
again. If the error persists, contact
QIAGEN Technical Services.

3110

Motion error: no motion

profile found for XY move

QIAcube User Manual 06/2008

Switch off the QIAcube, wait for a

few minutes, and switch it back on
again. If the error persists, contact
QIAGEN Technical Services.

7-11

Troubleshooting
Error
code
4000

Description

Comments and suggestions

Motion error: step loss on

one axis

Identify and make a note of the axis

in error (as listed in the error
message). Check the worktable and
the centrifuge for obstructions. Make
sure that the correct plasticware was
used. Check that all plasticware is
loaded in the correct positions and is
seated firmly.
Switch off the QIAcube and carefully
pull the robotic arm forward. Check
that the tip disposal slot is not
blocked. Make sure that a disposable
tip is not stuck to the tip adapter or
that a spin-column or
microcentrifuge tube is not stuck to
the robotic gripper. . If an item is
stuck, reinitialize the QIAcube or
contact QIAGEN Technical Services.
If the problem persists, contact
QIAGEN Technical Services.

5024
5027

Centrifuge error: lid drive

error

Make sure that nothing is obstructing

the centrifuge lid.
Switch off the QIAcube, wait for a
few minutes, and switch it back on
again. If the error persists, contact
QIAGEN Technical Services.

5031

Centrifuge error: motor

overheat

Make sure that the QIAcube is

operating under the correct
conditions (see Section 4.1 and
Appendix A).
Switch off the QIAcube, and wait
10 min before switching it back on. If
the problem persists, contact
QIAGEN Technical Services.

7-12

QIAcube User Manual 06/2008

Troubleshooting
Error
code
5032

Description

Comments and suggestions

Centrifuge error: electronics

overheat

Make sure that the QIAcube is

operating under the correct
conditions (see Section 4.1 and
Appendix A).
Switch off the QIAcube, and wait
10 min before switching it back on. If
the problem persists, contact
QIAGEN Technical Services.

5129

Centrifuge error: imbalance

detected

Make sure that the rotor is

symmetrically loaded. Remove the
rotor and check the centrifuge
chamber for loose plasticware.
Switch off the QIAcube, wait for a
few minutes, and switch it back on
again. If the error persists, contact
QIAGEN Technical Services.

QIAcube User Manual 06/2008

7-13

Troubleshooting

7.2.5

General troubleshooting
Comments and suggestions

Rotor adapter deformed or lid of spin-column broken off

Disposable rotor
adapter not properly
loaded

Remove the rotor and buckets from the centrifuge.

Remove plastic shards from the centrifuge. Clean
the rotor and buckets and replace in the
centrifuge as described in Section 6.6.

Errors in pipetting or drops of buffer on the worktable

Worktable loaded
incorrectly

Check that the reagent bottles contain the correct

buffers and are correctly placed in the reagent
bottle rack. Be sure to use the right plasticware.
Check the volumes in the sample tubes and tubes
of accessory buffer(s), if applicable. Do not
exceed the recommended amount of starting
material to avoid blocking disposable filter-tips. If
tip racks have been refilled, make sure that the
correct tips were used.

System tightness issue

Perform system tightness test (see Section 6.4.3).

7.2.6

Protocol interruption
If an error occurs during a protocol run, it is possible to
continue sample preparation manually. The error code, the
description, and the step at which the protocol stopped are
displayed in the touchscreen. In the example below, the
protocol stopped during addition of Buffer EB to the samples.

7-14

QIAcube User Manual 06/2008

Troubleshooting

To continue sample processing:

1. Note the step at which the protocol stopped. This is
displayed in the touchscreen.
2. Remove the samples and reagents from the QIAcube.
3. Refer to the appropriate protocol in the relevant kit
handbook and continue sample processing manually.

7.2.7

Centrifuge
Opening the centrifuge lid in the event of a
breakdown
In case of power failure, the centrifuge lid can be manually
opened so that the samples can be removed. To open the
centrifuge lid, follow the instructions below.

WARNING

Moving parts
[W12]
In case of breakdown caused by power failure, remove the
power cord and wait 10 minutes before attempting to
manually open the centrifuge lid.

QIAcube User Manual 06/2008

7-15

Troubleshooting
WARNING

Risk of personal injury and material damage

[W13]
Raise the centrifuge lid carefully. The lid is heavy and may
cause injury if it falls down.
1. Switch off the QIAcube.
2. Unplug the power cord from the power outlet. Wait
10 min for the rotor to stop.
3. Open the instrument door.
4. Carefully move the robotic arm to the right side of the
worktable, furthest away from the centrifuge lid.
5. Remove the screw protection on top of the centrifuge lid.
6. Using the rotor wrench, turn the screw counter clockwise.

Turning the screw in the centrifuge lid.

7. Remove the waste drawer.

A white disk that is attached to the end of the centrifugelid release cord will be visible through the waste drawer
compartment. The disk can be accessed by reaching
through the opening for the waste drawer.

7-16

QIAcube User Manual 06/2008

Troubleshooting

Accessing the centrifuge-lid release cord.

8. Grasp the disk and pull to access to the cord. Pull the
cord firmly to release the lid from the lock.

Pulling the centrifuge-lid release cord.

9. Manually raise the centrifuge lid.

10. Hold the raised lid and remove the samples from the
rotor.

QIAcube User Manual 06/2008

7-17

Troubleshooting

Removing samples.

11. Contact QIAGEN Technical Services for instructions on

how to reset the lid.

Increased sample temperature

Check the slits and openings at the bottom and the rear of
the instrument.
WARNING

Risk of overheating
[W14]
To ensure proper ventilation, maintain a minimum
clearance of 10 cm at the sides and rear of the QIAcube.
Slits and openings that ensure the ventilation of the
QIAcube must not be covered.
Slits and openings for ventilation must not be covered.
You should be able to detect an air-flow at the openings.
If an air-flow cannot be detected, contact QIAGEN
Technical Services.

Excessive noise
Excessive noise during centrifugation may indicate that there
are loose parts inside the centrifuge or that the rotor is not
balanced.
1. Press Cancel to stop the protocol run.
2. When the centrifuge has come to a complete stop, the lid
should open. If the lid does not open:

7-18

QIAcube User Manual 06/2008

Troubleshooting
Press Tools in the main menu.
Select Maintenance by pressing i or j to
scroll through the list until it is highlighted, and then
press Select.
Select Open lid by pressing i or j to scroll
through the list until it is highlighted, and then press
Select.
3. Remove the buckets from the rotor. Undo the rotor nut
on top of the rotor using the rotor key and carefully lift
the rotor off the rotor shaft.
4. Check that there are no loose parts inside the centrifuge
or on the rotor. Check that the rotor is loaded
symmetrically. Check that the rotor, buckets, and gasket
are not damaged.
5. If there are loose parts inside the centrifuge or on the
rotor, clean according to Section 6.6.

Liquid spills in the centrifuge

The rotor adapter is designed for use with QIAGEN
automated protocols. Do not fill the rotor adapters with
liquid.
Liquid spills may occur if QIAGEN spin columns become
blocked due to sample overloading. Do not exceed the
maximum amount of starting material.
Incorrect installation of the centrifuge buckets may also cause
rotor adapters to leak. Check that the buckets are installed
properly and can swing freely (see page 4-6).
If there is a liquid spill in the centrifuge, clean according to
the instructions in Section 6.4.1.

QIAcube User Manual 06/2008

7-19

Troubleshooting

7.2.8

Shaker
Sample temperature too low
To ensure efficient heat transfer, make sure to use the correct
shaker adapter. Choose the appropriate shaker adapter for
the sample tubes:
Adapter for 2 ml microcentrifuge tubes (2)
Adapter for 2 ml screw-cap tubes (S2)

7.2.9

Touchscreen
Display
The QIAcube beeper should sound and the startup screen
should be displayed when the QIAcube is switched on. If this
does not happen, check that the power cord is properly
connected.
If the QIAcube beeper sounds when the QIAcube is switched
on but the startup screen is not displayed, contact QIAGEN
Technical Services.
If the display does not react when pressed, improper
cleaning procedures might have caused liquid to enter the
space between the display sheets and liquid might be visible
in sections of the touchscreen. Contact QIAGEN Technical
Services.

7.2.10

USB stick
Only use USB sticks supplied by QIAGEN. Other USB sticks
may not work with the QIAcube.

7-20

QIAcube User Manual 06/2008

Troubleshooting

7.2.11

Reagent volume detection

To help prevent errors during detection of reagent volumes,
make sure that both rack labeling strips are attached to the
reagent bottle rack. These strips ensure that the reagent
bottle rack is positioned correctly on the worktable for liquid
detection during the load check.
Also make sure that the bottle rack is sitting correctly in the
labware tray (see Section 5.3.1).

QIAcube User Manual 06/2008

7-21

Troubleshooting
Page left intentionally blank

7-22

QIAcube User Manual 06/2008

Glossary

Glossary

Term

Description

Centrifuge

A component of the QIAcube that accommodates a rotor

with 12 swing-out buckets. Each bucket holds a disposable
rotor adapter.

Column
disposal slot

A slot in the QIAcube worktable through which used columns

(e.g., QIAshredder columns) are discarded into the waste
drawer.

Dilutor unit

A module consisting of a syringe pump (syringe, dilutor

valve, motor) and a tip adapter. The dilutor unit is for highprecision aspiration and dispensing of liquid.

Disposal slots

Slots in the QIAcube worktable through which used tips and

columns (e.g., QIAshredder columns) are discarded into the
waste drawer.

Door

The main door at the front of the QIAcube. When open, it

provides complete access to the worktable.

Error code

A 3 or 4 digit number that indicates a particular error of the

QIAcube.

Filter-tip

An item of labware that is picked up by the tip adapter

during operation of the QIAcube. Liquid is aspirated into and
dispensed from a filter-tip.

Initialization

An operation performed automatically when the QIAcube is

switched on and before each protocol run to check the
operation of the QIAcube.

Labware tray

An item that accommodates the reagent bottle rack, the tip

racks, and has 3 slots for accessory buffers in 1.5 ml or 2 ml
microcentrifuge tubes.

Microcentrifuge Three slots located in the labware tray that accommodate

tube slots
accessory buffers, in 1.5 ml or 2 ml microcentrifuge tubes.

QIAcube User Manual 06/2008

8-1

Glossary
Term

Description

Pipetting systemThe component of the QIAcube that aspirates and dispenses

liquid. The pipetting system moves up and down above the
worktable and contains a syringe pump that is connected to
a tip adapter.
Power switch

A button located at the front of the QIAcube in the bottomright corner. It allows the user to switch the QIAcube on and
off.

Protocol

A set of instructions for the QIAcube that allows the

instrument to automate a nucleic acid or protein purification
procedure. Protocols are run using the touchscreen.

Reagent bottle A rack that can accommodate six 30 ml bottles on the

rack
QIAcube worktable.
Robotic gripper A component of the QIAcube robotic arm that moves spin
columns during sample processing.
Rotor adapter A disposable plastic adapter that fits into a centrifuge bucket
and holds a QIAGEN spin column and microcentrifuge tube
during sample processing.
Tip adapter

A metal probe installed on the pipettor head. During

operation of the QIAcube, the tip adapter picks up filter-tips
from the worktable.

Tip disposal
slots

Slots in the QIAcube worktable through which used filter-tips

are discarded into the waste drawer.

Tip rack

A plastic rack that accommodates filter-tips on the worktable.

Touchscreen

The user interface that allows the user to operate the

QIAcube.

Waste drawer A drawer that collects used filter-tips and disposable

columns.
Worktable

8-2

The surface of the QIAcube where samples, reagents, and

filter-tips are loaded.

QIAcube User Manual 06/2008

Appendix A

Appendix A
Technical data
QIAGEN reserves the right to change specifications at any
time.

Environmental conditions
Operating conditions
Power

100120 V AC, 50/60 Hz, 650 VA (North America and

Japan)
220240 V AC, 50/60 Hz, 650 VA (Europe)
Mains supply voltage fluctuations are not to exceed 10% of
nominal supply voltages.

Overvoltage
category

II

Air temperature 18 to 28C (64.4 to 82.4F)

Relative humidity 1575% (noncondensing)
Altitude

Up to 2000 m (6500 ft.)

Place of
operation

For indoor use only

Pollution level

Environmental
class

3K2 (IEC 60721-3-3)

Transportation conditions
Air temperature 25C to 60C (13F to 140F) in manufacturers
package

QIAcube User Manual 06/2008

A-1

Appendix A
Relative humidity Max. 75% (noncondensing)
Environmental
class

2K2 & 2M2 (IEC 60721-3-2)

Storage conditions
Air temperature 15C to 30C (59F to 86F) in manufacturers package
Relative humidity Max. 75% (noncondensing)
Environmental
class

1K2 (IEC 60721-3-1)

Mechanical data and hardware features

Dimensions
(door closed)

Width: 65 cm (25.6 in.)

Height: 57 cm (22.4 in.)
Depth: 62 cm (24.4 in.)

Dimensions
(door open)

Width: 65 cm (25.6 in.)

Height: 81 cm (32 in.)
Depth: 62 cm (24.4 in.)

Mass

QIAcube: 71.5 kg (157.6 lb.)

Accessories: 3 kg (6.6 lb.)

Centrifuge

12,000 x g maximum
Swing-out rotor, maximum 45
12 rotor positions

Shaker

Speed 1002000 rpm

Amplitude 2 mm
Heating range of ambient temperature to 70C (158F)
Ramp-up time of <5 minutes from ambient temperature
to 55C (3C)

Difference in the temperature detected by the internal

sensor and the temperature of the sample liquid is
approximately 2C

A-2

QIAcube User Manual 06/2008

Appendix A
Pipetting
system

Syringe size 1 ml
Pipetting range 5900 l

Capacity

Up to 12 samples per run

Touchscreen

Transmissive TFT, 64 x 86 x 6.5 mm, white LED backlight,

high brightness

Software

QIAGEN protocols are preinstalled on the QIAcube or can be

downloaded at www.qiagen.com/MyQIAcube .

Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment

(WEEE)
This section provides information about disposal of waste
electrical and electronic equipment by users in the European
Union.
The European Directive 2002/96/EC on WEEE requires
proper disposal of electrical and electronic equipment when
it reaches its end of life. The crossed-out wheeled bin symbol
(see below) indicates that this product must not be disposed
of with other waste; it must be taken to an approved
treatment facility or to a designated collection point for
recycling, according to local legislation. The separate
collection and recycling of waste electronic equipment at the
time of disposal helps to conserve natural resources and
ensures that the product is recycled in a manner that protects
human health and the environment.

QIAcube User Manual 06/2008

A-3

Appendix A
QIAGEN accepts its responsibility in accordance with the
specific WEEE recycling requirements and, where a
replacement product is being supplied by QIAGEN, provides
free recycling of its WEEE-marked electronic equipment in
Europe. If a replacement product is not being purchased
from QIAGEN, recycling can be provided upon request at
additional cost. To recycle electronic equipment, contact your
local QIAGEN sales office for the required return form. Once
the form is submitted, you will be contacted by QIAGEN
either to request follow-up information for scheduling
collection of the electronic waste or to provide you with an
individual quote.

FCC declaration
The United States Federal Communications Commission
(USFCC) (in 47 CRF 15. 105) declared that the users of this
product must be informed of the following facts and
circumstances.
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC:
Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This
device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this
device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation.
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES0003.
The following statement applies to the products covered in
this manual, unless otherwise specified herein. The
statement for other products will appear in the
accompanying documentation.
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply
with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15
of the FCC Rules and meets all requirements of the Canadian
Interference-Causing Equipment Standard ICES-003 for
digital apparatus. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and
can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and
A-4

QIAcube User Manual 06/2008

Appendix A
used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. However, there is no
guarantee that the interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment does cause harmful
interference to radio or television reception, which can be
determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is
encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more
of the following measures:
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and
receiver.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit
different from that to which the receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician
for help.
QIAGEN GmbH Germany is not responsible for any radio
television interference caused by unauthorized modifications
of this equipment or the substitution or attachment of
connection cables and equipment other than those specified
by QIAGEN GmbH, Germany. The correction of interference
caused by such unauthorized modification, substitution or
attachment will be the responsibility of the user.

QIAcube User Manual 06/2008

A-5

Appendix A

EC declaration of conformity
Name and address of the company
QIAGEN GmbH
QIAGEN Strasse 1
40724 Hilden
Germany
We herewith declare under our sole responsibility that the
product
QIAcube, cat. nos. 9001292, -93, -94, -95
meets all applicable requirements of the following European
Directives
Low Voltage Directive (LVD)

2006/95/EC

Electromagnetic Compatibility 2004/108/EC

Directive (EMC)

Hombrechtikon, 7 May 2007

Pit Muggli
Director Business Excellence
QIAGEN Instruments AG

A-6

QIAcube User Manual 06/2008

Appendix B

Appendix B
Loading the centrifuge and shaker
If fewer than 12 samples are to be processed, make sure to
load the centrifuge and shaker correctly (see pictures below
and following pages). One or 11 samples cannot be
processed.
Centrifuge

QIAcube User Manual 06/2008

Shaker

B-1

Appendix B
Centrifuge

B-2

Shaker

QIAcube User Manual 06/2008

Appendix B
Centrifuge

QIAcube User Manual 06/2008

Shaker

B-3

Appendix B
Page left intentionally blank

B-4

QIAcube User Manual 06/2008

Appendix C

Appendix C
QIAcube accessories
For more information and an up-to-date list of available
protocols, visit www.qiagen.com/MyQIAcube .
Product

Contents

QIAcube
(110 V)*

Robotic workstation for automated purification of 9001292*

DNA, RNA, or proteins using QIAGEN spin9001293
column kits, 1-year warranty on parts and labor

QIAcube
(230 V)

Cat. no.

Accessories
Starter Pack, Pack includes: reagent bottle racks (3); rack
QIAcube
labeling strips (8); 200 l filter-tips (1024);
1000 l filter-tips (1024); 1000 l filter-tips,
wide-bore (1024); 30 ml reagent bottles (18);
rotor adapters (240); rotor adapter holder;
1.5 ml microcentrifuge tubes (240)

990395

Filter-Tips,
1000 l
(1024)

Disposable Filter-Tips, racked; (8 x 128)

990352

Filter-Tips,
1000 l,
wide-bore
(1024)

Disposable Filter-Tips, wide-bore, racked; (8 x

128); not required for all protocols.

990452

Filter-Tips,
200 l
(1024)

Disposable Filter-Tips, racked; (8 x 128) ); not

required for all protocols

990332

* US, Canada, and Japan. Rest of world. Agreements for comprehensive service
coverage are available; please inquire.

QIAcube User Manual 06/2008

C-1

Appendix C
Product

Contents

Cat. no.

Spin Column Spin column adapter rings for use with spinAdapter
columns that have screw-caps; not required for
Rings (25)
all protocols

990399

Rotor
Adapters
(10 x 24)

For 240 preps: 240 Disposable Rotor Adapters

and 240 microcentrifuge tubes (1.5 ml); for use
with the QIAcube

990394

Rotor
Adapter
Holder

Holder for 12 disposable rotor adapters; for use

with the QIAcube

990392

Reagent
Bottle Rack

Rack for accommodating 6 x 30 ml reagent

bottles on the QIAcube worktable

990390

Rack
Labeling
Strips (8)

Identification strips for the QIAcube reagent

bottle rack; for use with RNeasy Mini Kits,
QIAamp DNA Mini Kits, QIAquick Kits,
QIAprep Spin Miniprep Kit, QIAamp MinElute
Virus Spin Kit, and Ni-NTA Spin Kit

990391

Rack
Labeling
Strips,
Accessory Set

Additional identification strips for the QIAcube

reagent bottle rack; for use with the miRNeasy
Mini Kit, DNeasy Blood & Tissue Kit, MinElute
Reaction Cleanup Kit, MinElute PCR Purification
Kit, MinElute Gel Extraction Kit, EpiTect Bisulfite
Kit, and QIAamp Viral RNA Mini Kit

990380

Reagent
Bottles,
30 ml (6)

Reagent Bottles (30 ml) with lids; pack of 6; for

use with the QIAcube reagent bottle rack

990393

Shaker Rack
Plugs (12)

For use with 2.0 ml screw cap tubes

Sample
Tubes RB
(2 ml)

1000 safe-lock microcentrifuge tubes (2 ml) for

use with the QIAcube

C-2

9017854
990381

QIAcube User Manual 06/2008

Appendix C
Product

Contents

Cat. no.

Sample
Tubes CB
(2 ml)

1000 conical screw-cap tubes without skirted

base (2 ml) for use with the QIAcube

990382

USB Stick

USB Stick; for use with the QIAcube

QIAcube User Manual 06/2008

9017850

C-3

Appendix C
Page left intentionally blank

C-4

QIAcube User Manual 06/2008

Appendix D

Appendix D
Liability clause
QIAGEN shall be released from all obligations under its
warranty in the event repairs or modifications are made by
persons other than its own personnel, except in cases where
the Company has given its written consent to perform such
repairs or modifications.
All materials replaced under this warranty will be warranted
only for the duration of the original warranty period, and in
no case beyond the original expiration date of original
warranty unless authorized in writing by an officer of the
Company. Read-out devices, interfacing devices and
associated software will be warranted only for the period
offered by the original manufacturer of these products.
Representations and warranties made by any person,
including representatives of QIAGEN, which are inconsistent
or in conflict with the conditions in this warranty shall not be
binding upon the Company unless produced in writing and
approved by an officer of QIAGEN.

QIAcube User Manual 06/2008

D-1

Appendix D
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D-2

QIAcube User Manual 06/2008

Index

Index
B
Beeper
changing volume, 5-28

C
Cautions, 1-1
Centrifuge, 3-8
excessive noise, 7-18
installation, 4-6
liquid spills, 7-19
loading, 5-12, B-1
operation, 5-32
removing samples, 7-15
rotor adapter, 3-8

D
Data files, 5-23
Door, 3-5

I
Installation, 4-1
centrifuge, 4-6
connecting to power, 4-5
releasing transport locks, 4-4
requirements, 4-1
shaker adapter, 4-7
Intended use, 2-3

M
Maintenance, 6-1

O
Operating conditions, 1-3, A-1
Operation, 5-1
Optical sensor, 3-12

QIAcube User Manual 06/2008

P
Packing, 4-7
Pipetting system, 3-11
Power cord socket, 3-6
Power switch, 3-6
Protocol
deleting, 5-22
installing, 5-20, 5-21
running, 5-2
stopping, 5-9

R
Reagent bottle rack, 3-9
labeling strips, 5-9
loading, 5-9
rack labeling strips, 5-9
Robotic arm, 3-11
pipetting system, 3-11
robotic gripper, 3-11
Robotic gripper, 3-11
Rotor adapter, 3-8
loading, 5-12

S
Safety
biological, 1-4
chemicals, 1-6
electrical, 1-2
heat hazard, 1-8
mechanical hazards, 1-7
proper use, 1-1
waste disposal, 1-7
Saving
data files, 5-23
Sensor
optical, 3-12
tip, 3-12
ultrasonic, 3-12
Serial port, 3-5
Servicing, 6-4
Shaker, 3-7

Index-1

Index
loading, 5-16, B-1
operation, 5-29
shaker adapter installation, 4-7
Storage conditions, A-2

T
Technical assistance, 2-2
Tip racks, 3-10
loading, 5-11
Tip sensor, 3-12
Touchscreen, 3-4
changing brightness, 5-26
Transport locks
releasing, 4-4
Transportation conditions, A-1
Troubleshooting, 7-1
centrifuge, 7-15
load check errors, 7-2
shaker, 7-20

Index-2

touchscreen, 7-20

U
Ultrasonic sensor, 3-12
Unpacking, 4-2
USB port, 3-5

V
Ventilation, 1-8, 3-6

W
Warnings, 1-1
Waste disposal, 1-7
Waste drawer, 3-6
Worktable
setup, 5-9

QIAcube User Manual 06/2008

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1052665 06/2008

Sample & Assay Technologies