MVS Product Support

Get MVS support, documentation, answers to frequently asked questions about operation and troubleshooting for the MVS here.

Technical Support

Our technical support representatives are available by phone Monday – Friday from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm ET.

T: 888-406-3463 opt. 2
F: 207-854-0867
E: [email protected]

Questions and Answers

Does the MVS comply with my laboratory requirements?
The MVS conforms to the Dual-Dye Ratiometric Photometric Method described in ISO 23783-2:2022 and the Ratiometric Photometry Method described in ISO/IWA 15:2015 for automated liquid handling systems. It can be used to fulfill test and calibration requirements of handheld multichannel pipettes according to ISO 8655-7:2022. The MVS can be used to fulfill test and calibration requirements of handheld or automated liquid handling systems according to CLSI QMS23:2019, ISO 17025:2017, cGMP, and cGLP. ArtelWare and Data Manager Software can be used in laboratories compliant to 21 CFR Part 11.
What are QualAssure solutions?
Artel has evolved our brand to better align with our values and the customers we serve, and to symbolize where we are today. But the Artel mission has remained the same – to help labs achieve their goals for quality, productivity, and compliance. One of the changes made during the transition was consolidating the array of verification solutions under the new QualAssure label. The QualAssure name describes the assurance of accurate, precise, and reproducible data that customers have come to expect from using Artel technology, products and services. The products themselves are the same proven formulations and volumes as users have come to depend on and customers do not need to change their ordering processes.
Can other plates be used with the MVS System?
Yes, however traceability of the results will only be maintained if MVS Verification Plates are used. Additional library plates complete with manufacturer’s defined well dimensions and product numbers are listed in the Plate Library.
Other Plate types can also be added with restrictions to certain plate types.
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Can the Verification Plates be washed and reused?
No. The MVS is specifically manufactured and optimized to minimize error. Reusing a Verification Plate potentially introduces a source for error.
Based on informal studies, accuracy can change significantly (greater than 2%) with even one reuse. The accuracy cannot be guaranteed if the Verification Plates are washed and reused.
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Can a Verification Plate be re-read?
Yes. Once a Verification Plate scan has completed, the filled wells in the plate can be re-read within 60 minutes** provided justification is entered.
After 60 minutes, the wells that were read are locked out and cannot be re-read. Empty wells not already read can be read using a different layout in any future verification.
**applicable in Data Manager version 3.1 and above. Data Manager 3.0 and below have a 20 minute lockout period.
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Can the Baseline Plates be saved or reused?
No. Reuse of the Baseline Plates is not recommended because any optical imperfections associated with an unclean Baseline Plate will result in improper baseline correction, further affecting the volume calculations.
Can a Library Plate be used for the Baseline plate read?
The Baseline reading should be performed in the same Plate Type as the plate being run for the verification. After re-calibrating the Plate Reader, the software will prompt for a Baseline at the start of the next verification.
How long is the Baseline read valid?
The Baseline readings for each of the four Plate Types are valid for 10 hours for all MVS verifications. However, if the Plate Reader setting is changed within the Preferences window, a new Calibrator Plate reading and a new Baseline reading will be required.
Can a Verification Plate be partially filled with one test volume while the rest of the plate is left empty or filled with a different test volume?
Yes. This protocol may be set up by selecting File | Plate Layout Setup where the operator may select different target volumes for each Layout Group in the plate.
Can a partial or full bottle of MVS Sample Solution be combined with another bottle of the same type of MVS Sample Solution? (For example, can a partial bottle of Range A solutions be combined with a new bottle of Range A solution?)
No. Combining bottles of solution will invalidate product traceability and potentially compromise system performance.
Can leftover solutions be poured back into the bottles?
No. Any contamination or increased dye concentration due to evaporation may compromise and degrade system accuracy and performance.
What are the requirements for the Pass/Fail Status?
If both the Relative Inaccuracy and Coefficient of Variation are enabled, then they must both be met for a Passed status. If one or both limits are exceeded, the status is reported as Failed.
Can Data Manager calculate other types of statistics?
No. However, the data can be exported and opened in a spreadsheet program for additional off-line analysis.
Does Data Manager perform instrument trending?
The current version of the software does not, but the data can be exported for use by other programs for trending analysis.
How often should the Plate Reader be recalibrated with the MVS Calibrator Plate?
Data Manager default setting is once every 10 hours. The Calibrator Plate should also be re-read if the temperature changes by two degrees centigrade (± 2°C) or more. Select File | Plate Reader Calibration to begin this process.
What about when moving to another room which has a different temperature?
If the temperature change is significant (± 2°C or more), then the MVS system, Sample Solutions and Calibrator Plate should be equilibrated for 30 to 60 minutes.
The Calibrator Plate should be re-read before continuing to operate the MVS system.
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When does Data Manager prompt for a scan of the bar code on the box of Verification Plates?
At the beginning of the first verification run with the first Verification Plate in a new lot. When the program scans a Verification Plate bar code from a new lot, it will automatically prompt for the box bar code.
Is the Baseline Verification Plate scanned?
Yes. Data Manager prompts for the bar code on the Baseline Verification Plate at the time of testing.
The purpose of reading the Baseline Verification Plate is to measure light scattering from the plate bottom and the solution. This reading provides an optical baseline or zero.
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Does Data Manager allow selecting multiple verification files to be opened simultaneously?
No. While the Open Verification File window may be sorted by Operator, Date, Plate ID and other parameters only one file may be opened at a time.
Can each operator set their own default parameters?
No. The system has one set of default parameters that are not operator-specific.
When using Alternative Solutions is the MVS Diluent used to fill the wells to the working volume?
Yes. Dispense the target volume of Alternative Solution and then fill to 200 µL in a 96 Well Standard Profile plate, or to 55 µL in a 384 Well Standard Profile plate, using the MVS Diluent as prompted.
No modifications to the MVS Diluent solution are necessary to test Alternative Solutions.
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What volumes can I use Alternative Solutions for?
Alternative Solutions can be made for Target volumes between 0.1 and 49.9 µL in a 96 Well Standard Profile plate, or between 0.03 and 9.9 µL in a 384 Well Standard Profile plate.
For Alternative Solutions prepared with DMSO as the solvent, Artel recommends limiting the volume range to between 0.4 and 49.9 µL in a 96 Well Standard Profile plate and between 0.1 and 9.9 µL in a 384 Well Standard Profile plate. Learn more
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Can I use other solvents besides DMSO to prepare Alternative Solutions?
Yes. Please refer to our Application Note.
I received my order, but I can’t find all the items listed on the packing slip. Are some items shipped separately?
All Bulk Kits are customizable for your convenience; therefore, the packing slip lists each Sample Solution separately.
The Bulk Kit box contains all Sample Solutions, including ranges 5 and 6 which are ordered separately and listed separately on the packing slip. If you open the Bulk Kit box and do not find all the items listed on the packing slip, please call Artel at 1-888-406-3463.
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