LB 940 Multilabel Reader Mithras Id No._ 38099BA2 Rev. No._ 00

MikroWin Version 4.
18
Mithras Software Version 0.05
Mithras Driver Version 0.16
July 2002
LB 940
Multilabel
Reader
Mithras
Id No.: 38099BA2
Rev. No.: 00
LB 940 Mithras Contents
Contents
1. SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 3
2. QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE 6

2.1 Getting Started 6
2.2 Installation of MikroWin and Driver Software 8
2.2.1 MikroWin2000 Installation 8
2.2.2 Driver Software Installation 10
2.3 Definition of Measurement Sequence and Parameters 11
2.3.1 Creation of New Measurement Sequence and Definition of Parameters 11
2.3.2 Editing Parameter Files 15
2.4 Measurement and Evaluation 17
3. SYSTEM DESCRIPTION 19
3.1 Overview 19
3.2 Reader Unit 21
3.2.1 Plate Tray 22
3.2.2 Excitation Filter Slide 23
3.2.3 Components Inside the Instrument 24
3.2.4 Photomultiplier 24
3.2.5 Emission Filter Wheel 27
3.2.6 Injectors 29
3.2.7 Excitation Halogen Lamp with Fan 30
3.2.8 Connections 31
3.2.9 PC 32
3.3 Software 33
3.3.1 Structure 33
3.3.2 Brief Explanation of Menus and Functions 33
4. GETTING STARTED AND FIRST MEASUREMENT 35

4.1 Setup Site 35
4.2 Space Required 35
4.3 Unpacking 35
4.4 Connecting 36
4.5 Software Installation 39
4.6 First Measurement 40
4.6.1 Luminescence Measurement without Injections 40
4.6.2 Luminescence Measurement with one Injection 41
4.6.3 Fluorescence Measurement without Injections 43
5. MITHRAS SOFTWARE FUNCTIONS 44

5.1 Software Structure and Operation 44
5.2 Installation 47
5.2.1 MikroWin2000 Installation 47
5.2.2 Driver Installation 47
5.2.3 Driver Setup 47
5.3 Export 56
I
Contents LB 940 Mithras
5.3.1 Manual Data Export 57

5.3.2 Automatic Data Export 58
5.4 Instrument Control and Operation 59
5.4.1 Instrument | Load Plate 60
5.4.2 Instrument | Unload Plate 60
5.4.3 Instrument | Prime 61
5.4.4 Instrument | Wash 64
5.4.5 Instrument | Refresh 67
5.4.6 Instrument | Unload Injector 68
5.4.7 Instrument | Boot Instrument 68
5.4.8 Excitation Filter - Excitation Filter Slide 69
5.4.9 Emission Filter – Emission Filter Wheel 73
5.5 Reading Parameters 77
5.5.1 Overview 77
5.5.2 Open/Save Parameter File 78
5.5.3 Well Selection 80
5.5.4 Definition of Measurement Sequence 85
5.5.5 Operations and their Parameters 89
5.5.6 Definition of Evaluation Parameters in Child Windows 106
5.5.7 Definition of Export Parameters 108
5.5.8 Saving Parameter Files 108
5.5.9 Basic Parameter Files 109
5.6 Measurement and Evaluation 116
6. MAINTENANCE 118
6.1 Cleaning the Instrument 118
6.2 Cleaning Tubings 118
6.3 Fuse Replacement 119
6.4 Preparations for Transport 120
7. TECHNICAL DATA 121
8. APPENDIX 123
8.1 Index 123
II
LB 940 Mithras
Explanation of LED’s and Beeps
LED Instrument status

lights up green Instrument OK and connection to PC OK
lights up yellow Instrument OK, no connection to PC
flashes yellow + 1 short beep New CAN is installed after power on of
instrument
lights up yellow + 1 longer beep CAN correctly installed
lights up red Shortly after power on of the instrument
(during initialization)
flashes red + 2 short beeps Error after power on of instrument /
CAN module not correctly installed
1
LB 940 Mithras
Note
The MikroWin Lite software is supplied as standard version
with the Mithras instrument. This software version does
not include all functions described in this user guide and in
the MikroWin user guide. The versions Advanced I and Ad-
vanced II, which include additional functions, are also
available.
Typographical Conventions
<Add formula >, Buttons are printed inside angular brackets in

<OK>, <Close> boldface type
Menu File, Open dialog box Menu titles and dialog boxes are printed in bold-
face type
File | Open, Menu items are also printed in boldface type;

Options | Read menu and submenu item are separated by a verti-
cal line.
2
LB 940 Mithras 1. Safety Instructions
1. Safety Instructions
This User Guide includes information and warnings that have to
be observed by the user to ensure safe instrument operation.
Please do always act according to the following safety in-
structions, before as well as during operation of the sys-
tem! Before taking the instrument into operation, it is abso-
lutely essential to read the user manual, as otherwise the
safety of instrument and operator cannot be ensured.
The Multilabel Reader LB 940 Mithras has been manufac-
tured in accordance with the safety requirements for electronic
and medical measuring systems. If the law lays down regula-
tions on the installation and/or operation of sample measuring
system, then it is the operator’s responsibility to adhere to them.
The manufacturer has done everything possible to guarantee
that the equipment functions safely, both electrically and me-
chanically. The user has to make sure that the instrument will
be set up and installed properly to guarantee safe operation.
The instruments have been tested by the manufacturer and are
supplied in a condition that allows safe and reliable operation.
The instruments may only be operated by personnel who
have been trained on the use of the system. It is strongly
recommended that all users read this manual prior to use.
Remove the transport safety devices before you turn on
the instrument.
Use the instrument only for the designated application.
BERTHOLD TECHNOLOGIES assumes no liability for any dam-
ages, including those to third parties, caused by improper
use or handling of the instrument.
The user is responsible for connecting the instrument in ac-
cordance with the valid regulations for electrical instruments.
The instrument is provided with a 3-pole grounded plug. If
your wall outlet does not allow connection of a 3-pole plug,
have a suitable wall outlet installed by qualified personnel or
use an adapter for safe grounding. Please observe the
safety specifications of the grounded plug.
3
1. Safety Instructions LB 940 Mithras
The instruments are designed according to the IEC 1010-1

or EN 610 10-1 regulations for electrical measuring systems.
Do not open any instrument doors as long as the instrument
is in operation.
Service and repair work may be carried out by qualified per-
sonnel only.
The operator may only perform the maintenance work de-
scribed in this user guide.
Use only parts described in this manual for servicing.
Disconnect power supply before opening the instrument.
Pull the power cord to disconnect instrument from power
supply.
Turn instrument off before pulling the power cord.
If the hood is removed, the safety provisions are no longer
complied with. Watch out for moving parts. Inside the in-
strument temperatures may be present which may cause
burns. Some parts of the instrument may still be hot after
power off, although this is not immediately obvious.
The electronic unit of the detector generates high voltage.
Do not touch it during operation!
Caution: Risk of explosion if battery is inserted incor-
rectly. The battery may be replaced only using the same
battery type or a type recommended by BERTHOLD
TECHNOLOGIES by a person authorized by BERTHOLD
TECHNOLOGIES. Spent batteries have to be disposed off in
accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
The instrument has to be set up such that the mains switch
is easily accessible.
If you can see that the instrument has become unsafe to
use, switch it off and disconnect it from power supply.
If liquid gets inside the instruments, pull the power cord.
Clean the unit or have it cleaned by an authorized service
center.
Protect yourself from electrostatic charge, as discharge
could damage sensitive instrument parts, especially sensi-
tive parts of the computer and electronics cards.
The system always has to be primed with solutions recom-
mended by the kit manufacturer.
Use only reagents recommended by the kit manufacturer.
Use reagents only in accordance with the kit manufacturer’s
instructions.
4
LB 940 Mithras 1. Safety Instructions
Do not use any flammable or explosive solutions or liquids

whose mixture is flammable or explosive.
Waste (when priming/washing the tubings) always has to be
disposed off properly: if a waste pump is installed, a bottle
has to be connected. If no waste pump is present, a suitable
prime plate has to be placed below the injectors during prim-
ing/washing.
Injector solutions may be pumped back only if the appropri-
ate reagent bottle is connected.
Observe all statutory requirements for handling biological
waste, reagents and patient samples.
The operator is responsible for the use of reagents.
The Mithras instrument should be shipped in its own case.
During transport the plate slide has to be secured by a
safety screw.
For instrument cleaning, please refer to the respective sec-
tions in this manual.
Reliable instrument function can be guaranteed only when
original spare parts are used.
The tests and service work recommended by the manufacturer

has to be performed to make sure that the operator remains safe
and that the instrument continues to work correctly. Any service
and maintenance work not described in this user guide has to be
performed by authorized service personnel.
Special Spare Parts

These spare parts are essential for safe operation of the instrument: always use original spare parts supplied by
the manufacturer or an authorized distributor.
Fuse 3A/T 5x20 type 179500 (ELU) ID No. 12259 or

3A/T 5x20 type 19198 (Wickmann) ID No. 12259
Power supply 100-240VAC; 24V/6.5A type JWS-150-24 (Lambda) ID No. 34846
Lithium battery 3V/220mAh type CR2032 (Varta) ID No. 17391
5
2. Quick Reference Guide LB 940 Mithras
2. Quick Reference Guide

This Quick Reference Guide will lead you step by step through the various work processes, i.e. getting started,
running measurements and performing evaluations. It provides a quick overview on how to work with the software
and the instrument.
Mithras is a very versatile instrument for different types of applications in the field of luminescence and fluores-
cence measurement. To meet the needs of different users, this Quick Reference Guide is structured as follows:
• The Quick Reference Guide is divided into separate sections, so you can choose those chapters that are impor-
tant to you: getting started, software installation, new definition of counting parameters, creating counting pa-
rameters on the basis of existing parameter files, measurement and evaluation.
• In each section you are guided through the various procedures step by step. These steps are numbered con-
secutively in each section. Explanations on the individual steps are added in small type font.
• Explanations on the various types of measurement are highlighted specifically.
• For your convenience, illustrations are placed directly next to the respective text.
2.1 Getting Started

(see chapters 4.1 – 4.4)
1. Unpack and set up Mithras.

2. Unscrew instrument cover and open it.
3. Unscrew transport safety screw fixing the photomultiplier
and the plate slide and keep transport safety screw in a
safe place (see chapter 4.4). Do not take instrument into
operation before you have removed the transport safety
devices, as otherwise severe damage may occur.
4. Close instrument cover again and fix it with screws.
5. Check if the power supply is within the permissible Mithras rear panel
range of the operating voltage of the Mithras. Connect
instrument only if this is the case!
6. Install hardlock supplied on parallel port of PC.
7. Connect Mithras to serial port of PC.
8. Connect instrument to power using the power cord sup-
plied.
9. If a waste pump is installed in the instrument, connect
tubing to the reagent outlet and pass it into a suitable
bottle to collect the wash solution.
6
LB 940 Mithras 2. Quick Reference Guide
10. Connect reagent tubing to injectors using a screw cap. Rear panel
The injectors are located on the right side of the instru-
ment and are numbered as follows (from left to right): 1 Injector 4 3 2 1
= injection into the well located 1 position before lumi-
nescence reading position, 2 + 3 = injection in lumines-
cence reading position, 4 = injection in top reading posi-
tion.
11. Turn instrument on.
7
2.2 Installation of MikroWin and Driver Software
2.2.1 MikroWin2000 Installation
1. Close all Windows applications before you start install-

ing the software.
2. Insert MikroWin2000 CD into CD tray. The installation
routine starts automatically.
3. Select language and confirm with <OK>. The setup as-
sistant is started.
4. Enter name and company and click <Next>.
5. Choose destination location (see screen shot to the
right).
The following path is defaulted
C:\Program Files\MikroWin2000.
If you wish to install the program to another folder, click
<Browse> and select another folder.
6. Click <Next>.
7. Select the setup type.
We recommend that you choose Typical for your first
installation to ensure that all program components are
installed. If you are familiar with the system, you may
choose Custom to select the components you need for
your application.
8. Click <Next>.
9. Select the desired components or deselect those com-

ponents you don’t want to install.
The option Curvefit is not really needed for working with
Mithras and may be deselected.
10. Click <Next>.
8
11. Add program icon to the MikroWin2000 program folder.

12. Click <Next>. Installation is carried out and successful
completion is indicated.
13. Click <Finish>.
9
2.2.2 Driver Software Installation
1. Insert CD containing the Berthold Technologies driver

software. The installation routine starts automatically.
2. Select language and confirm with <OK>. The setup as-
sistant is started.
3. Click <Next> in the Welcome dialog box. The driver is
automatically installed to the MikroWin2000 folder and
the appropriate subdirectory.
4. Upon successful driver installation, the Setup Complete
dialog box appears. To be able to work with the new
software you have to restart your computer.
5. Choose "Yes, restart computer" and click on <Finish>.
Your computer is restarted and all program components
are installed in the Windows operating system.
6. Click on the program icon to start

MikroWin2000.
7. The main window of MikroWin2000 is displayed.
The main window with menu bar, tool bar and navigation bar is
displayed. It includes all menus and menu items. In addition, all
child windows (data, template, calculation, result, statistics,
graphics) are displayed; these windows can be minimized or
maximized as needed.
The navigation bar can be deselected in the View menu. See
MikroWin2000 software User Guide.
8. Set up driver. Select menu item Installation | Driver
and verify or define parameters (see chapter 5.2.3).
9. Select menu item Options | Read. The Options Read

dialog box is displayed.
10. Open the Device drop-down list and select the item Ber-
tholdTech Mithras.
The respective drivers and pre-defined parameter files are
loaded. The other text boxes in this dialog box are filled in
automatically.
11. Define excitation and emission filter on the Instrument
menu and install filters into the instrument accordingly
(see chapters 5.4.8 and 5.4.9).
10
2.3 Definition of Measurement Sequence and Parameters

There are two alternative ways of defining the measurement sequence and parameters:
a) Measurement and evaluation parameters are defined completely new (see section 2.3.1).
b) An existing parameter file is used and the parameters are modified as needed. Either you use the parameter
files supplied by Berthold Technologies: each includes a typical run for each type of measurement (see sec-
tion 2.3.2). Or you use parameter files you have created yourself and edit this file accordingly.
Please note: A saved parameter file includes: selected wells, individual operations and evaluation parameters
(e.g. calculation formulas).
2.3.1 Creation of New Measurement Sequence and Definition of Parameters

Neues Bild
1. In the MikroWin2000 main window, select the menu mit englischer
item Edit | Reset. Untitled.par is displayed as tempo- Software!
rary file name in the status bar.
2. Select Options | Read. The Options Read dialog box is
displayed.
3. Select BertholdTech Mithras from the Device drop-
down list.
4. Click on <Options>. The Options dialog box appears
showing two tabs: Samples and Measurement.
Well selection (see chapter 5.5.3)
5. On the Samples tab, select plate type, desired wells
and measurement order (by rows or by columns).
Select plate type (6, 12, 24, 48, 96, 384 or 1536 wells).
In the row Plate Mode, enable the item Measurement
and then select the wells for the measurement.
Select desired injector in the row Plate Mode and then
select the wells into which the respective injector is to
dispense.
Presentation
Wells selected for reading:
Wells selected for injector 1:
11
Define measurement sequence (see chapter 5.5.4)

6. After you have selected the wells, click on the Meas-
urement tab to define the measurement sequence with
the individual operations.
7. Copy the respective operations one after the other into
the Operations column:
● double-click the desired operation in the left column.
● enter the desired parameters in the respective pa-
rameter box and click <OK> to confirm you entries.
8. In the Operations column you may change the se-
quence of selected operations by clicking on the
and buttons.
9. Select Operation Mode (if needed):

Batch: In this mode several plates can be
read in succession using this proto-
col.
Plate Repeats: The same plate can be read several
times in succession. Enter the num-
ber of repeats in this box.
10. Define temperature, if your instrument includes a tem-
perature control (input option: 15° - 45°C). Please note:
You can enter a target temperature in the instrument
which is at least +5°C above room temperature, i.e. if
the room temperature is 20°C the minimum instrument
temperature is 25°C.
11. Confirm entries with <OK>.
12
Define evaluation parameters (see chapter 5.5.6)

Evaluation parameters are selected using the options on the navigation bar or via the tool buttons and defined
on the respective matrices. Generally, these pre-defined parameters hardly have to be modified for simple lumi-
nescence and fluorescence measurements. Check the following matrices anyway and make the required changes.
You can add matrices to each child window or deselect these matrices (Options | Matrix...) and change the pa-
rameters for measurement and evaluation on each matrix (by well, by row or column or for the entire microplate).
The exact procedure is described in the MikroWin2000 User Guide.
12. Select Data and enter results, sample identifier, error

information and dilution factors on the matrices.
13. Select Template.

to change the partition of the sample matrix and define
controls and standards. The other matrices are parti-
tioned accordingly.
14. Select Calculation.
to define calculation formulas for the individual matrices.
15. Select Results.

Results and calculated values are displayed after meas-
urement.
Define export parameters (see chapter 5.3)

16. Prerequisite: Install and set up export driver (see also
chapter 5.2.3).
17. Select Export. The following functions are file-specific,
i.e. they are valid only for the active parameter file.
18. In the File Export dialog box select the item you want,
e.g. Matrix XLS Export Driver if you want to create an
Excel file.
19. Confirm your selection with <OK>.
20. To export the data automatically after measurement, se-
lect File | Export Setup... in the main window. The File
Export Setup dialog box is displayed.
21. Select desired export driver. It has to be the same as the

one selected in the File Export dialog box.
13
Save parameter file (see chapter 5.5.2)

As soon as the measurement sequence has been generated
and all parameters mentioned above have been defined
as needed, save the data to a parameter file.
22. Select File | Save As ... .
23. Enter file name (extension .PAR) and confirm with
<OK>.
14
2.3.2 Editing Parameter Files
In this case, an existing parameter file is modified. Basically, all MikroWin2000 parameter files can be edited.
The basic parameter files supplied by Berthold Technologies include typical measurement sequences of some
major measurement types. Using this data, you just have to make a few changes to define the measurement se-
quence for your own requirements. A parameter file includes the selected wells, the pre-defined operations and the
evaluation parameters (e.g. calculations, result presentation and export). The type of measurement is indicated in
the file name. Depending on your instrument setup, it may happen that not all defaulted parameter files can be util-
ized to the full extent (see chapter 5.1).
Save the changes to these files under a new name in order to keep the basic parameter files!
1. Select File | Open in the main window.

2. Select the file type *.par in the Open dialog box.
3. Select the desired parameter file and confirm with
<OK>.
A parameter file is active until a new one is opened or
until you exit the program. The name of the open file ap-
pears in the bottom right corner of the screen.
4. Select Options | Read ... and in the Options Read dia-

log box click on the <Options> button. The Options dia-
log box appears. The wells selected for measurement
and injections are displayed on the Samples tab.
5. Change well selection as needed (see page 11; for more

details see chapter 5.5.3).
6. Select Measurement tab. The pre-defined measure-

ment sequence is displayed.
7. Change measurement sequence as needed (see page
12; for more details see 5.5.4).
For differences in the individual types of measurement
see chapter 5.5.9.
15
Verify evaluation parameters

Evaluation parameters are selected using the options on the
navigation bar or via tool buttons and set on the matrices
(see page 13). The name of the open parameter file appears
in the bottom right corner of the screen.
For more information please refer to the MikroWin2000 Name of data file Name of parameter file
user guide.
8. Select Data and edit matrices, if necessary.
9. Select Template and edit matrices, if necessary.
10. Select Calculation and edit matrices, if necessary.
For differences between the individual types of measurements see chapter 5.5.9.
11. Select Results.

Matrices are displayed depending on the pre-selected
calculation matrices. Calculated results are displayed
depending on the pre-defined formulas.
12. Define export parameters (see page 13).
13. Save parameter file (see page 14)

As soon as the measurement sequence has been created
and all parameters have been defined as needed, save the
parameter file under a new name to keep the basic pa-
rameters.
• Select File | Save As ....
• Enter file name (extension .par) and confirm with
<OK>.
16
2.4 Measurement and Evaluation
1. The Mithras instrument has to be connected completely

and powered on.
2. Prime injector tubings used (see chapter 5.4.3):
• Select Instrument | Prime.
• In the Injector Sequence dialog box, select injectors
to be primed and click <Next>.
• If no waste pump is connected, you are prompted to
place a prime plate in the plate loading area. A prime
plate always has to be inserted for injector 4 . Injector
4 always has to be processed separately from injec-
tors 1 to 3. Then click <Next>.
• Connect the reagents to the respective injectors.
Click <Next>. Then 13 shots per injector are carried
out.
• The end of the prime process is displayed. Remove
prime plate, if you have used one, and click <Close>.
The Injector Sequence dialog box is closed.
3. Open parameter file (*.par) for measurement (see chap-

ter 5.5.2). The matrices associated with this parameter
file are displayed (depending on your choice of the
menus Data, Template, Calculation, Results).
4. Click on the Read button. A bar with input fields and but-
tons appears below the displayed matrix.
The name of the parameter file used is displayed in the
bottom row.
Click to open the parameter file and you can edit
the default settings, etc.
Name of data file Name of parameter file
File name: enter a file name for the data.
Click <Start> to start the measurement after you have
entered a file name for the data.
5. Enter file name for the data.
6. Click <Start>.
17
7. The plate tray opens. On the screen appears the prompt

to insert the microplate to be read.
8. Insert plate (A1 at the rear left) and click <OK>.
9. The plate is moved into the instrument and the pre-
defined measurement sequence is started.
10. During measurement, the data already available and the
calculations can be viewed on the matrices of the menu
Results.
11. Upon completion of the measurement the plate stays in
the instrument to protect it from external influences. To
unload it, chose the command Unload Plate on the In-
strument menu.
12. If Batch has been pre-selected, the system expects the
next microplate which is being read using the same pa-
rameters. Insert plate and click <OK>.
13. Results are presented in the Graphics window.
18
LB 940 Mithras 3. System Description
3. System Description
3.1 Overview
The Mithras LB 940 is a Multilabel Reader for various fluores-
cence and luminescence measurements on microplates. Up to
4 injectors may be used. The strength of Mithras is its versatil-
ity, as well as the fact that this instrument has been optimized
for every measurement mode and, therefore, supplies excel-
lent results. Clear device design, simple handling as well as in-
strument control and data evaluation by the MikroWin2000
software make Mithras an indispensable measuring system in
the (research) laboratory.
Fields of application
Fluorescence measurements high sensitivity due to improved optics

Luminescence measurements highest sensitivity due to optimized optics
FRET measurement of the energy transfer between 2 fluorescent
molecules
BRET measurement of the energy transfers from a luminescence re-
action to a fluorescent molecule
An extremely low-noise photomultiplier is used for these meas-

urements. Highest sensitivities can be obtained due to using of
single photon counting technology. The reading accuracy is fur-
ther enhanced by using special methods to reduce crosstalk
(light transfer between neighboring samples). The kinetics of
fast luminescence and fluorescence reactions can be traced
accurately by using ultra fast amplifiers.
Optimization for various measurement modes

Depending on the selected measurement mode, the pho-
tomultiplier may move to three different positions to get to
the optimum reading position
The entire optics is height-adjustable to compensate for dif-
ferent heights of the microplates. In this manner, the mi-
croplate is automatically moved up to the photomultiplier,
ensuring that there is no gap between photomultiplier and
microplate.
The instrument includes separate devices for excitation and
emission filter with replaceable single filters.
19
3. System Description LB 940 Mithras
Moreover, universal application of the Mithras is ensured by

the following features:
Free choice of plate formats (96 and 384 wells) with auto-
matic setting of the optimum light path; 6, 12, 24, 48 and
1536-well plate formats are also freely selectable if the op-
tion automatic plate height adjustment is available.
Use of up to 4 injectors with freely adjustable volume and
adjustable injection force (JET injection technology)
Shaking functions
Temperature control (optional)
Barcode reader (optional)
Connection to lab automation systems (optional)
Comprehensive software for instrument control and data
evaluation (MikroWin2000)
In addition to the software, basic parameter files are sup-
plied for various measurement modes: kinetics measure-
ment and repeated measurement for luminescence and fluo-
rescence, standardized luminescence and fluorescence
measurements, Dual Luciferase Reporter Gene Assay,
Readit™ etc.
20
3.2 Reader Unit

The Mithras LB 940 is a desktop instrument with small foot-
print. It can be set up on any lab workplace
Plate tray Excitation filter slide
Figure 3-1: LB 940 Mithras
To obtain good and consistent results, please keep the follow-

ing in mind:
Do not expose instrument to direct sunlight.
Set up instrument in dry rooms.
Open plate tray only for loading or cleaning to keep light and
dust out.
Open instrument cover only for cleaning. Prior to a meas-
urement, the instrument cover has to be closed light-tight for
a longer period of time.
Keep plate tray free from dirt.
Absorb reagents spilled inside instrument immediately using
a clean and dry household tissue and then clean the respec-
tive location.
21
3.2.1 Plate Tray
The instrument front panel includes the plate tray. It can be

opened and closed under control of the MikroWin2000 soft-
ware.
Figure 3-2: Open plate tray
Select Instrument | Unload Plate to open the plate tray; then

place the microplate on the tray (during priming or washing a
prime plate, if no aspiration pump is installed). Position A1 of
the microplate has to be in the rear left corner. Load the mi-
croplate such that it rests completely on the plate tray and is
fixed by holders.
Incorrectly loaded microplates may cause damage or lead

to false results.
Select Instrument | Load Plate to move the plate slide into the
instrument and to close the plate tray light-tight.
22
3.2.2 Excitation Filter Slide
To the right of the plate tray there is a compartment containing

the excitation filter slide (instrument front panel, Figure 3-1). To
replace or clean the filter you have to eject the slide via soft-
ware.
Proceed as follows
Select Instrument | Excitation Filter Slide.
In the Excitation Filter Slide dialog box, click on the button
<Eject Slide>. The door opens slightly and the slide moves
out a bit.
Open the door all the way by hand and pull the filter holder
out at both metal pins (bottom and top at filter holder).
Clean or replace filter.
If you replace the filter, drag the respective filter into the Ex-
citation Filter Slide dialog box to the appropriate positions.
See the explanations in chapter 5.4.8.
Push in filter holder all the way into the slide.
Click <OK> in the Excitation Filter Slide dialog box. The
slide moves all the way into the instrument and the door is
closed again.
23
3.2.3 Components Inside the Instrument
Open the screw on the instrument cover and raise the cover to
have access to the inside of the instrument. The cover is held in
place by a gas pressure spring.
Locking button
Gas pressure spring
for photo-
multiplier
Photomultiplier in
reading position 1
Electronics
Guide rail for

photomultiplier
Filter wheel with

cover plate
Injection tip of
injector 4
Figure 3-3: LB 940 Mithras with raised cover
Inside the instrument you find the photomultiplier, the emission

filter wheel, the electronics with the high voltage generation, the
injector tubings and tips, the toothed belt for height adjustment
of the entire optics and the microplate slide which is moved to
the reading and injection positions during measurement.
3.2.4 Photomultiplier
The photomultiplier measures light with high sensitivity and low
noise. The spectral sensitivity is within a range that is suitable
for all bio- and chemiluminescence applications.
The photomultiplier operates as an ultra-fast photon counter.

The photo electrons released from the photo cathode by the
light quanta are multiplied via the dynode chain; at the anode,
these photons trigger a fast pulse with a rise time of a few
nanoseconds. These counts are amplified by a very fast ampli-
fier. Low-energy single counts created by the noise of the pho-
tomultiplier are suppressed by a threshold discriminator. The
single counts are counted digitally; their total number is directly
proportional to the emitted quantity of light.
24
So-called counts (cts) are used as unit of measure for the raw
data.
The photomultiplier can be raised in order to remove the emis-

sion filter wheel. To do this, pull off the locking button on the
right side of the photomultiplier (see Figure 3-3 and 3-4a and
b).
Three reading positions of the PM

The photomultiplier with counting head is mounted on a guide
rail (1/4 circular arc), so it can be moved to the optimum posi-
tion depending on the measurement to be performed:
M1. For luminescence measurements and BRET

M2. For fluorescence measurements from below (clear
plates!).
M3. For fluorescence from above
J3 J2 J1
M1
M2
J4
M3
M1, M2 M3 = measurement pos. 1, 2 and 3

J1, J2, J3, J4 = injector 1, 2, 3 and 4
Figure 3-4a: Reading positions of PM

and injector positions
25
Locking button
Toothed belt for height adjustment of optics
Figure 3-4b: Photomultiplier in bottom reading position
Four injector positions (see also chapter 3.2.6 Injectors)

J1 pre-position luminescence
J2 and J3 reading position luminescence
J4 reading position fluorescence
26
3.2.5 Emission Filter Wheel
The emission filter wheel located directly below the photomulti-

plier can accommodate up to eight different emission filters.
The desired filter is moved to the respective reading position (1,
2 or 3) under control of the software. See also chapter 5.4.9.
Countersink
Figure 3-5: Filter positions on emission filter wheel
Proceed as follows to replace the filter wheel

Open instrument (open screw and raise cover).
With the instrument turned on, select the menu item Instru-
ment | Emission Filter Wheel. The Emission Filter Wheel
dialog box appears showing a schematic presentation of the
filter wheel.
Click on the <Position Wheel> button. Then the filter wheel
is turned into the replacement position. This position is ex-
Photomultiplier raised, tremely important and should not be twisted when taking out
cover plate accessible the wheel. The photomultiplier is located in reading position
1, all the way at the back.
Pull off locking button (to the right of the photomultiplier) and
raise the photomultiplier.
Turn cover plate such that the 3 round countersinks are
flush with the dowel pins, then take it off from above.
Take out filter wheel and make sure that the base plate is
Cover plate removed, not twisted.
filter wheel accessible
27
Replacing filters
Using a fine pair of tweezers, pull out the lock washer
and take the filter out.
Place new filter into the filter wheel such that the colored
side is facing up and the metallized side is facing down. If
the side of the filter contains an arrow mark, the arrow
has to point up (towards the light).
Push in lock washer to fix the filter.
In the Emission Filter Wheel dialog box, drag the filter
onto the respective positions of the filter wheel name.
Cleaning filters
Filters should be cleaned using a lint-free cloth or, better,
a micro fiber cloth, as used for cleaning eye glasses.
Insert filter wheel again. It can only be inserted in a certain

position: the metal pin of the filter wheel has to be fitted into
the hole in the base plate, without twisting this hole, to keep
the original change position. The filter wheel is inserted cor-
rectly when it rests flat on the base plate.
Put cover plate on filter wheel and make sure the round
countersinks are flush with the dowel pins. Then turn the
cover plate slightly clockwise, so that the countersink in the
center of the cover plate is exactly facing the back (see Fig-
ure 3-5).
Hold photomultiplier, pull locking button (left) and carefully
tilt photomultiplier down again. It has to be inserted directly
into in the respective opening. Check as follows: it must be
possible to push the PMT with the cover plate easily to the
mobile reading positions. For a certain time after filter re-
placement, the photomultiplier may show increased back-
ground values.
Close instrument cover again and fix it with screws.
28
3.2.6 Injectors
The injectors (optional) are located inside the instrument on the

rear panel. The injector ports are directly accessible to the op-
erator. The tubings from the solution bottles are connected to
the injector ports using screw-type caps. The instrument rear
panel includes a device for installation of the supply bottles
(„reagent bottle backpack“).
Injector ports 4 3 2 1
Figure 3-6: Mithras rear panel with reagent bottles „back pack“
Four injector positions inside the reader unit

J1 pre-position luminescence
J2 and J3 reading position luminescence
J4 reading position fluorescence
Injector configuration
Injector 1 Luminescence: injection into the well located 1 position before
the reading position.
Injector 2 + 3 Luminescence: injection into the well in reading position.
Injector 4 Fluorescence: top reading position.
Injector 4 will be discussed in a separate section, for technical
reasons: J4 may only be washed and primed if a prime plate
has been inserted, as there is no aspiration pump installed at
this point!!!
29
Injector parameters
The parameters for control of the injector are entered into the
software:
For measurement in menu item Options | Read,
For washing and priming on the Instrument menu.
3.2.7 Excitation Halogen Lamp with Fan
The fan is located on the right instrument side and behind it, in-
side the instrument, the excitation halogen lamp (0 – 75 W).
The fan works in continuous service when the instrument is
turned on. Mithras works correctly only if the fan is working
properly. If the fan is faulty, the instrument has to be turned off
to rule out overheating and the fan has to be replaced.
The excitation halogen lamp can be set via software in 65 535
digital steps between 0 and 75 Watt (see also chapter 5.5.5).
Figure 3-7: Right instrument side: fan and excitation halogen lamp
If the excitation halogen lamp is faulty, first screw off the fan
and take it off. Then pull the halogen lamp carefully out and re-
move it.
30
3.2.8 Connections
Connections (PC, power supply), mains switch and instrument

fuse are located on the instrument rear panel to the left next to
the „reagent bottles backpack“. The reagent outlet is located on
the right instrument side.
Connections/Mains switch Reagent outlet
Figure 3-8: Connections and mains switch on instrument rear panel
Serial port
Connect a computer (PC, laptop) for control of the LB 940
Mithras to the 9-pole serial port.
Mains plug
Connect the instrument to mains using the cable supplied with
the instrument (with grounded conductor).
Mains switch
Push the mains switch to turn the instrument on and off. Turn
the instrument on before starting the software, so the program
can establish communication with the instrument. If the instru-
ment is turned on after you have started the software, you have
to select Instrument | Boot Instrument to establish communi-
cation with the instrument.
31
Reagent outlet
If a waste pump is installed, connect a waste tubing to it and put
this tubing into a waste bottle.
Observe all statutory requirements for handling patient
samples and reagents!
Fuse
The instrument fuse is located next to the mains switch in a
black fuse holder. For fuse replacement please see chapter
6 Maintenance.
3.2.9 PC
Requirements
Pentium processor, 500 MHz (or better)
128 MB RAM
Graphics card 1024x768 (or better)
CD-ROM drive
Operating system: Win98, Win2000, Win NT, Win XP
Serial port RS232
Parallel port
32
3.3 Software
3.3.1 Structure
The software for control of the Multilabel Reader Mithras is an

extension of the Windows application MikroWin2000.
The illustration below shows the menus and functions of the
program. Only the system functions printed in boldface type are
described in this user guide. For information on all other func-
tions please refer to the user guide and the MikroWin2000
online help.
File Edit View Read Instrument Options Installation

New Undo Tool Bar Load Plate Read Settings
Open Copy Status Bar Unload Plate Threshold Automation
Save Paste Navigation Bar Prime Controls Driver
Save As Reset Help Card Bar Wash Definitions
Export Refresh Matrix
Export Setup Unload Injector Result
Print Excit. Filter Slide Curve Fit
Print Preview Emiss. Filter Wheel Kinetics
Print Setup Boot Instrument Scanning
3.3.2 Brief Explanation of Menus and Functions
File menu To open, save, export or print files and enter the respective
parameters.
Select the desired export driver for the active parameter file via
the Export item.
Enable an automatic export function for the active parameter
file via Export Setup. To do this, select the desired export
driver. It must be the same as the driver selected in the menu
item File | Export. If this function is enabled, data is exported
automatically upon completion of a measurement. See also
chapter 5.3.
View menu To select special views. For example you can show or hide the
navigation bar or the tool bar.
Read menu To start a measurement using the active parameter file.
33
Instrument menu Instrument functions are presented on this menu:

Load Plate To move the plate slide into the instrument below the photomul-
tiplier.
Unload Plate To move the plate slide out of the instrument to unload a mi-
croplate and load a new one.
Prime To prime the injector tubings. Select the injectors and the num-
ber of shots and then start the prime function. Please don’t for-
get to load a prime plate if no waste pump is installed in the in-
strument; you always have to load a prime plate for injector 4.
The instrument detects this and prompts you accordingly.
Wash To wash the injector tubings. Select the injectors and the num-
ber of shots to wash the tubings. Don’t forget to load a prime
plate if no waste pump is installed in the instrument; you always
have to load a prime plate for injector 4. The instrument detects
this and prompts you accordingly.
Refresh To refresh tubings with one shot. Please keep in mind that you
have to load a prime plate if no waste pump is installed in the
instrument; you always have to load a prime plate for injector 4.
The instrument detects this and prompts you accordingly.
Unload Injector To pump any solution remaining in the tubings back to the bot-
tle.
Excitation Filter Slide To move the excitation filter slide out/in (instrument front panel)
and to define the filter used.
Emission Filter Wheel To change and to define the emission filter.
Boot Instrument To establish communication between instrument and PC if the
Mithras instrument has been turned on an off again while work-
ing with MikroWin2000.
Options menu To define the reading parameters.

Select Read to open the Options Read dialog box to define the
wells to be read and the reading sequence including individual
operations.
Installation menu To define the settings (directories, password, etc.) in the Instal-
lation Settings dialog box.
To select and define the drivers for the Mithras instrument and
for the export function in the Installation Driver dialog.
34
LB 940 Mithras 4. Getting Started and First Measurement
4. Getting Started and First Measurement

4.1 Setup Site
The Multilabel Reader Mithras LB 940 has to be set up in dry,
fairly dust-free rooms and protected from exposure to direct
sunlight and significant temperature fluctuations. It should not
be set up next to a radiator or an air conditioning.
4.2 Space Required

Dimensions of LB 940: 330 x 430 x 270 mm (W x D x H)
Set the instrument up such that the rear panel with the connec-
tion ports is easily accessible, so it can be turned on and off
easily any time.
Allow for sufficient space on the side for the waste and liquid
bottles (reagents, wash solution).
Do not set up the Mithras instrument close to the PC.
4.3 Unpacking
The cardboard box is reusable and should be used again when-
ever the instrument has to be transported.
When unpacking the instrument, make sure the shipment is
complete and shows no sign of damage. The careful packing
usually rules out transport damages. Should the instrument or
instrument parts be damaged, anyway, please inform the ship-
ping agent or the BERTHOLD TECHNOLOGIES service department
immediately!
Unpack instrument and remove foamed inserts with care!
35
4. Getting Started and First Measurement LB 940 Mithras
4.4 Connecting
Check if power supply is within the permissible range of
the Mithras’s operating voltage. Connect instrument only if
this is the case!
Remove transport Carefully take instrument out of cardboard box and put it
safety screw:
onto your workplace.
Remove transport safety screw

Two red tapes remind you to remove the transport safety
screw (a).
Unscrew instrument cover and open it. The signal tapes in-
dicate the position of both screws (a).
(a)
Unscrew transport safety screw 1 using an Allan key. It fixes
the photomultiplier to the guide rail, so it cannot move during
transport and is not damaged (b).
Keep transport safety screw in a safe place. It has to be re-
used when transporting the instrument.
Remove second transport safety screw and also keep it in a
safe place (c).
(b) Close instrument cover and fix it again with screws..
Figure 4-1: LB 940 – inside view
Install both transport safety screws again before transport-

ing the instrument! Please read chapter 6.4 Preparations
for Transport .
36
Electrical connections
Connect hardlock supplied with the instrument to the paral-
lel port of your PC.
Connect Mithras instrument (PC port) to serial port of PC or
laptop.
Connect instrument to the wall outlet using the power cord
supplied with the instrument.
If you have not already done so, connect the computer to
the wall outlet.
Figure 4-2: Mithras rear panel with connections
37
Waste and reagent tubings

If the instrument includes a waste pump, connect tubing
supplied to the reagent outlet.
Pass waste tubing into a suitable bottle to collect the wash
solution.
Connect reagent bottle. Fix reagent tubing to the injectors
with screws. The injectors are located on the instrument rear
panel („Reagent bottles backpack“) and are numbered as
follows (from right to left):
Injector 1 Luminescence: injection into the well located on position before
the reading position.
Injector 2 + 3 Luminescence: injection into the well in reading position.
Injector 4 Fluorescence: Top reading position.
For technical reasons injector 4 will be discussed in a separate
section: J4 may only be washed and primed if a prime plate has
been inserted, as there is no aspiration pump installed at this
point!!!
Injector ports 4 3 2 1
Reagent outlet
Figure 4-3: Injector ports on rear panel
Power on
Push mains switch (on instrument rear panel) to turn instru-
ment on.
38
4.5 Software Installation

Install MikroWin2000 software on your computer (see chap-
ter 2.2.1)
Install driver software (see chapter 2.2.2) and select the
driver for the Mithras instrument.
Define excitation and emission filters on the Instrument
menu and install them in the instrument accordingly (see
chapter 5.4.8 and 5.4.9).
39
4.6 First Measurement

4.6.1 Luminescence Measurement without Injections
Start MikroWin2000 software.

Select File | Open.
Select file type *par in the Open dialog box.
Open basic parameter file Lumi_01s.par.
Click <Read> button in the main window.
Enter a file name for the data in the status bar. The file name
of the parameter file with the extension *.dat is defaulted.
Click the <Start> button. The plate slide moves out and on
the screen you see the prompt to load a microplate.
Place a prepared microplate onto the plate slide; make sure
A1 is located in the rear left corner.
Click <OK> to confirm the prompt. The plate moves into the
instrument below the photomultiplier and the selected wells
are read.
Select the Results dialog box to view the results on the ma-
trices.
Results may be displayed graphically, printed out or ex-
ported (e.g. as an Excel file).
40
4.6.2 Luminescence Measurement with one Injection
Example: Luminescence measurement, injection in reading position
Connect respective reagent bottle to injector 3.

Select File | Open.
Open basic parameter file Lumi1s.par for a luminescence
measurement with one injection (Inj. 3) in reading position.
All 96 wells have been pre-selected for reading and injec-
tion.
Select Instrument | Prime. The Injector Sequence dialog
box is displayed.
Select injector 3.
If no waste pump is connected, you have to place a prime
plate onto the plate tray. In this case, the plate tray opens.
Insert the prime plate and click <Next>. The plate tray is
closed and the prime plate is placed below the injectors.
Connect the reagents to the respective injectors.
Click <Next> as soon as you have connected the reagents
correctly.
Then the selected injector tubing is filled with 12 shots. A
corresponding message is displayed in the Injector Se-
quence dialog box. Wait until the prime process is finished.
As soon as the prime process is finished, a corresponding
message is displayed and the <Close> button is enabled.
Click on <Close> to complete the process and to close the
Injector Sequence dialog box.
If you are working with a prime plate, this plate is automati-
cally moved out as soon as you click <Close>. Remove the
prime plate and close the plate tray again by selecting In-
strument | Load Plate.
As soon as the tubing is primed, click the <Read> button in
the main window.
Click the <Start> button. The plate slide moves out and you
are prompted to load a microplate.
Insert a prepared microplate onto the plate slide such that
Click <OK> to confirm the prompt. Then the plate moves
into the instrument below the photomultiplier and the se-
lected wells are read.
trices.
41
42
4.6.3 Fluorescence Measurement without Injections

Select File | Open.
Open the basic parameter file Fluoreszein.par.
Click the <Read> button in the main window.
Click the <Start> button. The plate slide moves out and on
the screen you see the prompt to load a microplate.
Place a prepared microplate onto the plate slide; make sure
Click <OK> to confirm the prompt. The plate moves into the
instrument below the photomultiplier and the selected wells
are read.
trices.
43
5. Mithras Software Functions LB 940 Mithras
5. Mithras Software Functions

5.1 Software Structure and Operation
In the following section you find information on the structure of
the software. For more detailed information please consult the
MikroWin2000 software online help.
Program start Double-click on the program icon to start the software. The
main window is displayed.
Main window Upon program start, this main window includes six child win-
dows, i.e. Data, Template, Calculation, Results, Statistics
and Graphics. You can work with these windows in accor-
dance with the Windows Multi Document Port (MDI) defini-
tion.
In addition, the navigation bar can be displayed; from this
navigation bar you can select the child windows with the re-
spective views.
Menu bar All program functions can be selected from the menu bar.
Tool bar The tool bar of the main window is located directly below the
menu bar, providing quick access to various windows and to
the print, edit and file operations simply by clicking on the re-
spective tool button.
Status bar The program status bar is located at the bottom of the main
window. It contains information on the currently loaded data and
parameter file. Context-sensitive help information is available in
the left section of the status bar. The name of the active pa-
rameter file (*.par) is displayed in the right-hand section.
Result file The raw data of the measurement is saved to a result file (ex-
tension *.dat). Furthermore, this file may contain the respective
sample identifier for each cavity. Any errors that may occur dur-
ing measurement are also stored. In addition, the result file in-
cludes the data from the child windows Data, Results, Statis-
tics and Graphics as well as further information, such as date
and time of measurement and the parameter file used.
44
LB 940 Mithras 5. Mithras Software Functions
Parameter file The parameter file (extension *.par) includes all test-specific
settings which are required to run and evaluate tests, including
all measurement parameters (well selection, measurement se-
quence, filter selection, etc.), all calculation parameters (data
from the child windows Template and Calculation) as well as
all print and export settings.
Basic parameter files The basic parameter files supplied by Berthold Technologies
include typical measurement sequences of some major types of
measurement. Using this data, you just have to make a few
changes to define the measurement sequence for your own re-
quirements. A parameter file includes selected wells, pre-
defined operations and evaluation parameters (e.g. calcula-
tions, result presentation and export). The file name indicates
the respective type of measurement:
Bret1.par BRET: 2 measurements without injections (Coelenterazin &

eYFP)
Bret2.par BRET: 2 measurements without injections (Deep Blue C &
GFP²)
Dlr.par Dual Luciferase Reporter Gene Assays with 2 injections
Dlr_0.par Dual Luciferase Reporter Gene Assays without injections
Dlr_384.par Dual Luciferase Reporter Gene Assays in 384 well plate
Fluorescein Kin1.par Fluorescence kinetics measurement with injector 4
Fluorescein Rep10.par Fluorescence repeated measurement with injector 4
Fluorescein.par Fluorescence measurement without injection
Lumi 1s Kin10.par Luminescence kinetics measurement with injector 3
Lumi 1s Rep10.par Luminescence repeated measurement with injector 3
Lumi 1s.par Luminescence measurement with injector 3
Lumi_0 1s.par Luminescence measurement without injection
Readit.par Promega Readit™ measurements
Umbelliferone.par Fluorescence measurement without injection
Save the changes to these files under a new name to keep the
basic parameter files!
Matrices The matrix system of the program is largely comparable to a

spreadsheet software. However, the number of input fields is
limited to 8 x 12 positions, representing the typical microplate
format. Plates with less or more cavities may also be emulated.
Using this matrix system, all calculations which are required to
evaluate a test can be carried out.
Operation Operation and handling of the program follow the usual Win-
dows conventions. Special user instructions will be described
whenever required.
45
The following sections of chapter 5 describe only those func-

tions in detail which are relevant for control of the Mithras in-
strument. In addition, we will discuss some menu items which
are essential for creating parameter files and result output.
These functions are printed in boldface type in the menu over-
view below.
Menu overview
File Edit View Read Instrument Options Installation

New Undo Tool Bar Load Plate Read Settings
Open Copy Status Bar Unload Plate Threshold Automation
Save Paste Navigation Bar Prime Controls Driver
Save As Reset Help Card Bar Wash Definitions
Export Refresh Matrix
Export Setup Unload Injector Result
Print Excit. Filter Slide Curve Fit
Print Preview Emiss. Filter Wheel Kinetics
Print Setup Boot Instrument Scanning
Menu items printed in boldface type are described in the follow-

ing chapters:
Chapter
File | Open Open parameter files 5.5.2

Open data files 5.6
File | Save (As) Save parameter files 5.5.2

Save data files 5.6
File | Export (Setup) Export data files 5.3
Read Measurement 5.6
Instrument | ... Instrument control functions 5.4
Options | Read Definition of measurement sequence 5.5.3, 5.5.4 and 5.5.5
Installation | Driver Driver setup 5.2.2
46
5.2 Installation
5.2.1 MikroWin2000 Installation
(see Quick Reference Guide page 8)
5.2.2 Driver Installation
(see Quick Reference Guide page 10)
5.2.3 Driver Setup
In order to control the Multilabel Reader Mithras via the soft-

ware, you have to set up the respective drivers. To work with
Mithras you have to set up the Reader and Export drivers cor-
rectly. Select the menu item Installation | Driver to open the
Installation Driver dialog box with a separate tab for each
Neues Bild driver type.
mit englischer
Software!
Figure 5-1: Installation driver dialog box
47
Installation Driver dialog box
List of installed drivers

This list includes all currently installed drivers of a special type
(Reader, CurveFit, Export and Sampler). Each driver type ap-
pears on a separate tab.
The left column shows the names of the installed drivers; the
center column shows the version number of the driver and the
right column includes the names of the library file used for exe-
cution of the driver functions.
<Add Driver> Click this button to add a new driver or to update an existing
driver. You need a program library, i.e. a file with the extension
xdl (e.g. Nulldev1.xdl). Such a file may be found on a special
driver disk, a program CD, the local hard-drive or on the net-
work. Click the <Add> button to open a dialog box from which
you can select the drive and directory of the new library file.
Click the <Browse...> button to search for a special folder. If
the directory of the library file has been defined, click <OK> to
open another dialog, listing all drivers (library files) available in
the selected directory. Select one or several entries from the list
and click <OK> to install the selected drivers.
<Delete Driver > To delete an installed driver, you first have to select one from
the list of installed drivers. Click the <Delete Driver> button to
remove the selected driver.
<Driver Setup> Click the <Driver Setup> button to configure an installed driver.
Each new driver should be set up prior to its first use. A driver-
specific dialog opens in which you can define the required con-
figuration. The Reader driver dialog typically includes the com-
port settings used as well as information on the injectors in-
stalled in the instrument, etc. This information should be verified
after first installation. A general description of these dialogs is
not possible since each driver has its own configuration dialog.
48
Mithras Driver Setup

In the Installation Driver dialog box, click on the Reader
tab and select the instrument driver BertholdTech Mithras.
Then click <Driver Setup> to open the dialog box Ber-
tholdTech Mithras (with version number).
Figure 5-2: Setup of device driver
ComPort
Define the PC port to which the Mithras instrument is con-
nected. You may choose COM1, COM2, COM3 and COM4.
Instrument Configuration
Define the configuration of your Mithras instrument. A selected
item is identified by a checkmark ( ).
49
Temperature Control Installed

Select this item if your instrument includes a temperature con-
trol.
Dispenser Unit ... installed

Here you define which injector(s) is/are installed. This setting
specifies how many injectors are controlled and are available in
the software for definition of the measurement sequence.
Up to max. 4 injectors can be installed at the same time. Please
note the position and function of the individual injectors.
Injector 1: Injection before reading position (lumines-
cence)
Injector 2: Reading position (luminescence)
Injector 3: Reading position (luminescence)
Injector 4: Reading position (fluorescence) at top reading
Fluorometry installed
Select this item if the Mithras unit is equipped for fluorescence
measurements. A selected item is identified by a checkmark
( ).
Luminometry installed
Select this item if the Mithras unit is equipped for luminescence
measurements. A selected item is identified by a checkmark
( ).
Z-Mover installed
Select this item if the Mithras unit includes an automatic plate
height adjustment mechanism for the microplates in Z-direction
(vertical). A selected item is identified by a checkmark ( ).
<Get Configuration> Download configuration from instrument.

<OK> Save configuration.
<Cancel> Discard new entries.
50
Export Driver Setup

Export drivers have to be installed if you want to export data. In
addition, you have to set up the export driver and you have to
specify data structure, data matrices as well as header and
footer. Data is exported depending on the driver selected and
configured in this dialog box. To use another data format, you
can select another driver before running a measurement or set
up the selected driver new.
In the Installation Driver dialog box, select the Export tab

to view the available drivers. You may choose:
Neues Bild
mit englischer
Software!
Figure 5-3: Selection of export drivers
Matrix Ascii Export Driver Driver for data export to an Ascii file with matrix structure. The
data is presented in the form of a matrix.
Line Ascii Export Driver Driver for data export to an Ascii file with line structure. The
data is presented row-wise.
Matrix XLS Export Driver Driver for data export to an Excel file with matrix structure.
Three XLS drivers are available; they can be set up for different
purposes (e.g. different matrix numbers or header and footer).
Select driver by clicking on the respective line.

Click the <Driver Setup> button to open the respective dia-
log box and enter the parameters for data export.
51
Matrix XLS Export Driver If you select the Excel export driver, you have to define the fol-
lowing configuration:
Figure 5-4: Excel export driver setup
Export Layout Define the Excel file layout in these three boxes.
Header Text box for entering a header. Click on the <Add> button to
open a context menu and select a placeholder for the header.
You may select several options one after another and separate
the placeholders either by a tab character (#TB) or by a key-
board entry (comma, space, etc.).
Figure 5-5: Context menu for entering header placeholders
Example:
Header with date, time and plate identification, separated by tab
characters: #DT#TB#TM#TB#PI
52
Matrix In this text box you enter the matrices whose data you wish to
export. In general, one exports only data from the result matri-
ces. But you may also select any other matrices with provisional
results. Make sure that the matrix specified here is identical
with the number of the result matrix in the parameter file. You
should always use the same matrix number for the results in all
parameter files. With respect to the supplied basic parameter
files, the results are typically found on Matrix 3.
Click <Add> to open the context menu and select the matrix
number (1 – 15) or define the matrix name. Several matrices
can be selected one after the other. They are entered in the
matrix list; the Selection mode column shows if the respective
matrix is identified by its number or by its name. If the matrix is
identified by its name, you have to enter the exact matrix name
(e.g. Results). Click on the matrix name and then on <Edit>.
The edit mode is enabled and you can enter the matrix name
via the keyboard.
Click <Delete> to delete the selected matrix from the matrix list.
Footer Text box for entering a footer. Click the <Add> button to open a
context menu and select a placeholder for the footer. You may
select several options one after another and separate the
placeholders either by a tab character (#TB) or by a keyboard
entry (comma, space, etc.). This context menu includes the
same options as the header context menu.
Export Directory Target Define the target directory for the file. The program proposes
the subdirectory Transfer in the MikroWin2000 program direc-
tory. Click the <...> button to select another directory. The Look
in: dialog box is displayed and you can select the desired direc-
tory.
53
Matrix Ascii Export Driver Select this export driver to define an Ascii matrix file. Parame-
ters (header, matrix and footer as well as the target directory for
data storage) are entered in the same manner as for an Excel
file (see previous section).
In addition, you have to specify the Operation Mode settings:
Operation Mode Export only valid test

If this item is selected, data export takes place only if a test is
valid.
Include matrix name title

If this item is selected, the matrix name is exported as well.
Line Ascii Export Driver Select this export driver to define an Ascii file with row-wise
data presentation.
Header and footer are defined by clicking the <Add>-button.
The context menu includes the same options as the matrix ex-
port drivers.
Line In this text box you describe the structure of the line. Click on
the respective <Add> button to open the context menu showing
the available options (see illustration to the left):
Position (A01)
Well position; numbers below 10 are preceded by 0.
Position (A1)
Well position without 0.
Error
Shows the error messages of the respective well.
Matrix 1...9
Selection of matrices whose data will be accepted.
Matrix Name
If this option is selected, you have to enter the exact matrix
name, e.g. <Results> instead of <Name>.
Figure 5-6: Context menu Line
54
Data Selection In this group box you can select the data to be exported:
Consider Plate Partition

If this item is selected only the main well is exported if wells
have been combined.
Skip Control Positions

If this item is selected only wells which are not used as controls
will be exported.
Only used Sample ID’s

Only the data of samples having an ID will be transferred.
Only numeric Sample ID’s

Only the data of samples having a numeric ID will be trans-
ferred.
Figure 5-7: Parameters for a Line Ascii file
Data Sequence In this group box you define the order of the data to be ex-
ported: A, B, C, D... means that the data in row A on the mi-
croplate will be exported, then those in row B, etc.
1, 2, 3, 4... means that the data in column 1 of the microplate
will be exported, then those in column 2, etc.
Operation Mode Export only valid test

If this item is checked, data export takes place only if a test is
valid.
55
5.3 Export
Prerequisite for exporting data files is the correct installation
and setup of the export driver (see chapter 5.2)
The following export functions apply only to the active parame-

ter file and have to be saved with this file.
There are two different export functions:

a) Manual data export (File | Export): you select the export
driver for the respective measurement. If you wish to export
data after a measurement, click the <Export> button on the
tool bar.
b) Automatic data export after each measurement. Prereq-
uisite is that the export driver has been defined in the menu
item File | Export Setup. After storing the parameter file,
this setting is specific to this parameter file.
56
5.3.1 Manual Data Export
The following dialog supports manual export of program data.

The data to be exported, the format as well as the export desti-
nation depend on the selected driver and its configuration. The
actual data export is carried out by an export driver if you click
on the <Export> button after a measurement.
Open the parameter file you need.
Select File | Export to open the File Export dialog box.
Neues Bild
mit englischer
Software!
Figure 5-8: File Export dialog box with open driver list
Active Export Driver Select the export driver you want to use for data export. Click
on the arrow button to open the list showing the available driv-
ers and select the driver you want. Please keep in mind that
you have set up the driver you have selected here in the menu
Installation | Driver | Export. Otherwise, no data will be trans-
ferred!
Export Target Information File Name

Shows the file name of the active parameter file. An extension
identifying the selected driver is appended (XLS for Excel files
and TXT for Ascii files). The file name can be edited.
Directory
The target directory has been defined by the selected export
driver during installation. Click the <Browse> button to select
another target directory.
Click <OK> to accept your selection.
57
5.3.2 Automatic Data Export
Choose the menu item File | Export Setup to select the export
driver that is to be loaded automatically upon successful com-
pletion of a reader run. If a driver has been selected for the ac-
tive parameter file, data evaluation is performed after comple-
tion of the respective measurement and data export is carried
out in accordance with the selected driver.
Please keep in mind:

This function is only valid for the active parameter file.
Prerequisite for automatic data export is that the respective ex-
port driver has been installed and set up in the menu item In-
stallation | Driver (see chapter 5.1) and the export driver has
been selected in the menu item File | Export (see chapter
5.2.1).
Open parameter file.
Select File | Export Setup to open the File Export Setup
dialog box.
Figure 5-9: File Export Setup dialog box
List of Active Export Driver Select the export driver you want to use for automatic data ex-
port upon successful completion of a reader run. Click on the
arrow button to open the list showing the available drivers and
select the driver you want. The selected drivers appear in the
text box directly below the drop-down list box.
To delete a driver from the list, select this driver and then click
<Remove>.
Click <OK> to accept your selection.
58
5.4 Instrument Control and Operation

The Mithras Multilabel Reader is controlled and operated via
the MikroWin 2000 software. This includes opening and clos-
ing of the plate tray as well as priming and washing the injector
tubings.
Injector tubings have to be washed

before starting work
before changing reagents
at the end of each work session before turning off the in-
strument
after longer periods of inactivity
Use solutions recommended by the kit manufacturer, e.g.

distilled water, diluted alcohol, hypochlorite solution ...
Injector tubings have to be primed

prior to each measurement using the respective reagents.
A prime plate has to be used for the functions Prime tub-

ings, Wash tubings and Refresh if no waste pump is in-
stalled.
For injector 4, please keep in mind:

This tubing can be primed, washed or refreshed in single steps.
A prime plate always has to be used since a possibly installed
aspiration pump cannot reach this position for technical rea-
sons.
59
5.4.1 Instrument | Load Plate
Select Instrument | Load Plate to transport the plate slide into

the instrument and to close the plate tray. The instrument is
closed light-tight.
Open the plate tray only to load microplates, so that as

little light as possible may penetrate the counting chamber.
If necessary, allow for a delay between plate loading and
start of measurement (programmed in the measurement
sequence), since white microplates in particular may be
phosphorescent after having been exposed to daylight.
5.4.2 Instrument | Unload Plate
Select Instrument | Unload Plate to move the plate slide out of

the instrument and to unload a microplate.
Leave plate tray open only for loading microplates.
60
5.4.3 Instrument | Prime
Injector tubings have to be washed whenever changing re-

agents (see chapter 5.4.4) and then primed with the new re-
agent to ensure that the desired volume is already injected with
the first shot.
Use a prime plate whenever you are working with the prime
function, if no waste pump is installed!
A prime plate always has to be used for injector 4!
Proceed as follows
Select Instrument | Prime to open the Injector Sequence
dialog box (Figure 5-10).
Select the injectors to be primed. All 3 injectors may be se-
lected at the same time.
Figure 5-10: Select injectors
If no waste pump is installed, you are prompted to load a

prime plate. The plate slide moves out. Load the prime plate
and click <Next>. The plate tray is closed and the prime
plate is placed below the injectors (Figure 5-11).
61
Figure 5-11: Load prime plate
You are prompted to load reagents in the selected reagent

positions (Figure 5-12).
As soon as you have loaded the reagents correctly, click
<Next>.
Figure 5-12: Connecting reagents to the injectors
Then the selected injector tubings are primed with 12 shots.

The Injector Sequence dialog box shows the respective in-
formation. Wait for the prime process to finish (Figure 5-13).
62
Figure 5-13: Prime injector tubings by 12 shots
The end of the prime cycle is displayed on the screen and

the <Close> button is enabled. Click <Close> to complete
the process and to exit the Injector Sequence dialog box.
prime plate (Figure 5-14).
Figure 5-14: Finishing the prime process
63
5.4.4 Instrument | Wash
Injector tubings have to be washed whenever you are changing

reagents as well as before starting and after completing your
work.
Use the solutions recommended by the kit manufacturer.
Use a prime plate whenever you are working with the wash
function, if no waste pump is installed!
Proceed as follows
Select Instrument | Wash to open the Injector Sequence
dialog box.
Select the injectors you want to wash. All 3 injectors can be
selected at the same time (Figure 5-15).
Enter the number of wash cycles. One wash cycle consists
of one shot. 10 cycles ensure that the injection system is
washed completely.
Figure 5-15: Selection of injectors and definition of

the number of wash cycles
If no waste pump is installed, you are prompted to place a

prime plate into the plate tray. The plate slide moves out.
Load the prime plate and click <Next>. The plate tray is
closed and the prime plate is placed below the injector tips.
Never carry out a wash cycle without prime plate!
64
Then you are prompted to load the wash solution in the se-
lected reagent positions (Figure 5-16).
Click <Next> as soon as you have connected the wash solu-
tions correctly.
Figure 5-16: Loading the wash solution
Then the selected injector tubings are washed using the

number of wash cycles defined in this dialog box. The Injec-
tor Sequence dialog box displays a corresponding mes-
sage. Wait until the process is finished (Figure 5-17).
Figure 5-17: Washing the tubings
65
The end of the wash cycle is displayed on the screen and

the <Close> button is enabled. Click <Close> to complete
the process and to exit the Injector Sequence dialog box.
prime plate.
Figure 5-18: Completion of wash process
66
5.4.5 Instrument | Refresh
The function Instrument | Refresh may be used to refill re-

agent solution with one shot if the tubings have already been
primed. This function is used, for example, when the last meas-
urement took place some time ago and you are not sure if the
tubing is completely primed.
Use a prime plate whenever you are working with the

refresh function, if no waste pump is installed!
Select Instrument | Refresh to open the Injector Se-

quence dialog box.
Select the injectors for the refresh function.
Click <Next>.
The refresh function is carried out.
Figure 5-19: Refresh function
If no waste pump is installed, you are prompted to place a

prime plate into the plate tray. The plate slide moves out.
Load the prime plate and click <Next>. The plate tray is
closed and the prime plate is placed below the injectors.
67
5.4.6 Instrument | Unload Injector
Select Instrument | Unload Injector to pump reagents back

into the bottle.
Make sure that bottles are connected to the respective in-

jectors.
5.4.7 Instrument | Boot Instrument
If the Mithras instrument has been turned off and on again

without having shut down the MikroWin2000 program, you
have to select the item Instrument | Boot Instrument. The
software initializes the instrument again and establishes correct
communication between instrument and PC. Otherwise instru-
ment control is not possible.
68
5.4.8 Excitation Filter - Excitation Filter Slide
Definition and maintenance of the excitation filter used takes

place via the menu item Instrument | Excitation Filter Slide.
The following options are available:
Enter the name and position of the filter used, which are
then available for selection when defining the reading pa-
rameters (in the parameter files).
Move the excitation filter slide in and out to change or clean
the filter.
Select the menu item Instrument | Excitation Filter Slide to

open the Excitation Filter Slide dialog box.
Add …. Remove filter Eject filter slide
Figure 5-20: Control of excitation filter
69
Entering filter names
Click <Add> to open the Add Filter dialog box.
Figure 5-21: Entering a filter name
Enter name of filter in the Name text box.

Define usage of filter: for fluorescence or luminescence
measurement.
Click <OK> in the Add Filter dialog box. The dialog box is
closed and the new filter name is listed in the Unused Filter
text box in the Excitation Filter Slide dialog box.
Delete a filter name: highlight the respective filter name and
then click <Remove>.
70
Positioning filters
Depending on the position of the filter on the excitation filter

slide, allocate the respective filter names to positions 1 to 5
(see Figure 5-22). In the parameter files only those filter posi-
tions are displayed for selection which are occupied here. Only
those filters can be used for measurements which have been
defined in the software. Therefore make sure that the allocation
in the software matches the actual filter positions.
Proceed as follows
Prerequisite is that filter names are displayed in the Unused
Filters text box (see previous page).
Drag1 the filter name from the Unused Filters text box to
one of the positions 1 to 5 of the schematic illustration of the
excitation filter slide.
You may also drag a filter name from one position on the
slide to another, or from a slide position back to the Unused
Filters text box.
Figure 5-22: Placing filter names with drag & drop
1
Drag & Drop: Place mouse pointer over filter name, push left mouse
button and drag mouse pointer with mouse button held down to the de-
sired position. The filter name is dragged along. Release left mouse
button as soon as the filter name has reached the desired position.
You can drop the filter name only in the Unused Filters box or on one
of the 5 filter positions.
71
Replacing/Cleaning excitation filters
The compartment with the excitation filter slide is located to the

right of the plate tray (instrument front panel).
Proceed as follows
Click <Eject Slide> in the Excitation Filter Slide dialog
box. The door opens slightly and the slide moves out a bit.
Open the door all the way by hand and pull out the filter
holder at both metal pins (bottom and top on filter holder).
Clean filter or replace it and insert it again.
If you replace the filter and insert it again, you have to drag
the respective filter in the Excitation Filter Slide dialog box
to the respective positions (see previous page).
Push filter holder into the slide again all the way.
Click <OK> in the Excitation Filter Slide dialog box. The
slide moves into the instrument and the door is closed again.
72
5.4.9 Emission Filter – Emission Filter Wheel
The emission filter used is defined and serviced/managed using

the menu item Instrument | Emission Filter Wheel. The fol-
lowing options are available:
Enter the name and position of the filter placed in the filter
wheel, which is then available for selection when defining
the reading parameters (in the parameter files).
Position the emission filter wheel to change or clean the fil-
ter.
Select the menu item Instrument | Emission Filter Wheel to
open the Emission Filter Wheel dialog box. Drag the filters
used to the desired filter wheel position.
Add …. Remove filter Position filter wheel
Figure 5-23: Emission Filter Wheel dialog box
Up to eight different emission filters can be placed into the

emission filter wheel located directly below the photomultiplier.
The desired filter is moved to the respective reading position (1,
2 or 3) under control of the software.
73
Entering filter names

Click <Add> to open the Add Filter dialog box.
Enter filter name in the Name text box.
Define usage of filter: for fluorescence or luminescence
measurement.
Click <OK> in the Add Filter dialog box. The dialog box is
closed and the new filter name is listed in the Unused Filter
text box.
Remove filter name: highlight the respective filter name and
click <Remove>.
Figure 5-24: Entering a filter name
74
Positioning filters
Depending on the position of the filter in the filter wheel, allo-

cate the respective filter names to positions 1 to 8 (see Figure
5-22). In the parameter files only those filter positions are dis-
played for selection which are occupied here. Only those filters
can be used for measurements which have been defined in the
software. Therefore make sure that the allocation in the soft-
ware matches the actual filter positions.
Proceed as follows
Prerequisite is that filter names are displayed in the Unused
Filters text box.
Drag the desired filter name from the Unused Filters text
box to one of the positions 1 to 8 of the schematic illustration
of the filter wheel.
You may also drag a filter name from one position on the
slide to another, or from a wheel position back to the Un-
used Filters text box.
Proceed as follows to replace the filter wheel

Open instrument (open screw and raise cover).
With the instrument turned on, select the menu item Instru-
ment | Emission Filter Wheel. The Emission Filter Wheel
dialog box appears showing a schematic presentation of the
filter wheel.
Click on the <Position Wheel> button. The filter wheel is
turned to the replacement position. This position is ex-
Photomultiplier raised, tremely important and should not be twisted when taking out
cover plate accessible the wheel. The photomultiplier is located in reading position
1, all the way to the back.
Pull off locking button (to the right of the photomultiplier) and
raise the photomultiplier.
Turn cover plate such that the 3 round countersinks are
flush with the dowel pins, then take it off.
Take out filter wheel and make sure that the base plate is
Cover plate removed, filter not twisted.
wheel accessible
75
Replacing filters
Using a fine pair of tweezers, pull out the lock washer
and take the filter out.
Place new filter into the filter wheel such that the colored
side is facing up and the metallized side is facing down. If
the side of the filter contains an arrow mark, the arrow
has to point up (towards the light).
Push in lock washer to fix the filter.
In the Emission Filter Wheel dialog box, drag the filter
onto the respective positions of the filter wheel name.
Cleaning filters
Filters should be cleaned using a lint-free cloth or, better,
a micro fiber cloth, as used for cleaning eye glasses.
Insert filter wheel again. It can only be inserted in a certain

position: The metal pin of the filter wheel has to be fitted into
the hole in the base plate, without twisting this hole, to keep
the original change position. The filter wheel is inserted cor-
rectly when it rests flat on the base plate.
Put cover plate on filter wheel and make sure the round
countersinks are flush with the dowel pins. Then turn the
cover plate slightly clockwise, so that the countersink in the
center of the cover plate is exactly facing the back.
Hold photomultiplier, pull locking button (left) and carefully
tilt photomultiplier down again. It has to be inserted directly
into in the respective opening. Check as follows: it must be
possible to push the PMT with the cover plate easily to the
mobile reading positions. For a certain time after filter re-
placement, the photomultiplier may show increased back-
ground values.
Close instrument cover again and fix it with screws.
76
5.5 Reading Parameters

5.5.1 Overview
The test-specific configuration required to perform and evaluate
tests is saved to parameter files (extension *.par).
The Mithras Multilabel Reader can perform different types of
luminescence and fluorescence measurements. Each type of
measurement has its own typical sequence. Berthold Tech-
nologies supplies special basic parameter files, including typi-
cal measurement sequences, which can easily be adapted to
each user’s specific needs. You do not have to create a com-
pletely new measurement sequence, but you may utilize and
modify an existing structure. The following basic parameter files
are supplied:
Bret1.par BRET: 2 measurements without injections (Coelenterazin &

eYFP)
Bret2.par BRET: 2 measurements without injections (Deep Blue C &
GFP²)
Dlr.par Dual Luciferase Reporter Gene Assays with 2 injections
Dlr_0.par Dual Luciferase Reporter Gene Assays without injections
Dlr_384.par Dual Luciferase Reporter Gene Assays in 384 well plate
Fluorescein Kin1.par Fluorescence kinetics measurement with injector 4
Fluorescein Rep10.par Fluorescence repeated measurement with injector 4
Fluorescein.par Fluorescence measurement without injection
Lumi 1s Kin10.par Luminescence kinetics measurement with injector 3
Lumi 1s Rep10.par Luminescence repeated measurement with injector 3
Lumi 1s.par Luminescence measurement with injector 3
Lumi_0 1s.par Luminescence measurement without injection
Readit.par Promega Readit™ measurements
Umbelliferone.par Fluorescence measurement without injection
Save the changes to these files under a new name to keep the
basic parameter files!
Reading parameters can be defined in two different ways:

a) Completely new definition of measurement and evaluation
parameters.
b) Using an existing parameter file and modifying the parame-
ters as needed. Either you use the basic parameter files
supplied by Berthold Technologies: each includes a typi-
cal measurement sequence for each type of measurement.
Or you use parameter files you have created yourself and
edit them.
77
5.5.2 Open/Save Parameter File
Create new parameter file

Select Edit | Reset to create a new parameter file. The file
name Untitled.par is displayed in the status bar.
Open parameter file

Select File | Open or click the <Open> button on the tool
bar to open an existing parameter file. The Open dialog box
is displayed.
Neues Bild
mit englischer
Software!
Figure 5-25: Open dialog box
From the Files of type drop-down list box, select the type
MikroWin Para File (*.par). The contents of the directory
Para is displayed, showing the available parameter files.
Select the file you want and click <Open>.
If the parameter file is located in another directory, open the
Look in drop-down list box and select the directory you
want.
The file name of the opened parameter appears on the status
bar in the bottom right corner of the screen.
Please keep in mind:

All changes in the reading parameters refer to the open pa-
rameter file. Changes are taken over for good when the pa-
rameter file is saved.
78
Save parameter file

Select File | Save so save the active parameter file.
Select File | Save As if you want to save the file under a new
name or if you have created a new parameter file („Unti-
tled.par“). Enter the file name in the Save As dialog box and
select the file type MikroWin Para File (extension *.par). The
directory pre-defined in the Installation settings dialog box is
defaulted. You can change the directory. Click <OK> and the
new parameter file is saved to the pre-selected directory.
What does a parameter file contain?
A parameter file includes:
Well selection Options | Read
Measurement sequence Options | Read
Evaluation parameters Child windows:

Data
Template
Calculation
Sample parameters Options menu

Parameter for controls, limit values …
Export parameters Manual export: File | Export

Automatic export: File | Export Setup
79
5.5.3 Well Selection
Before defining the measurement sequence, you have to select

the wells of the microplate you want to measure and those
which are to receive an injection.
To edit an existing parameter file, open this file (File |
Open).
To create a new parameter file, select Edit | Reset in the
main window. Untitled.par is displayed as temporary file
name in the bottom right corner of the screen.
Neues Bild Select Options | Read to open the Options Read dialog
mit englischer box.
Software!
Figure 5-26: Options Read dialog box
Driver Selection
Device From the Device drop-down list, select BertholdTech Mithras
to define the measurement sequence for Mithras.
Version Shows the driver version. This entry cannot be edited.
Description Describes the selected driver.
As soon as you have set up the Mithras driver, click the

<Options> button to open the Options dialog box with the
Samples and Measurement tabs (Figure 5-27).
On the Samples tab, select the plate type and the wells to be
measured and to receive an injection.
The measurement sequence is defined on the Measurement
tab.
80
Figure 5-27: Options dialog box, Samples tab
Samples tab
Plate parameter
Plate type Select the desired plate type with 12*, 24*, 48*, 96*, 384* or
1536* wells. The plate matrix is displayed showing the respec-
tive number of wells (*only with option automatic plate height
adjustment).
Plate Mode Select the wells to be measured with the cursor. The active
Plate Mode indicates for which operation the wells are to be
selected. First, activate the Measurement mode and with the
cursor select the wells to be measured. Then enable the injec-
tor (Inj. 1, Inj. 2, Inj. 3 or Inj. 4) and select the wells to receive
an injection by the enabled injector. Up to four injections can be
defined for each well. Injections can be selected only for those
wells which have already been selected for measurement.
Only injectors installed in the software can be selected (see In-
stallation | Driver, chapter 5.2.3).
81
Measurement Order
By Row / By columns Choose if the measurement sequence is to be processed by
rows or by columns and within this selection meandering.
Plate matrix A schematic presentation of a microplate is displayed showing

the selected microplate type. Select the wells to be measured
and to receive an injection. Depending on the defined opera-
tion, the selected wells are depicted differently, so that you can
see at one glance for which operation(s) the wells have been
selected.
82
Presentation of selected wells
Wells which have been selected for measurement are divided

into 4 segments against a gray background:
For wells selected for injector 1 the right segment or the seg-
ment in the bottom right corner is green:
For wells selected for injector 2 the left segment or the seg-
ment in the top left corner is blue:
For wells selected for injector 3 the bottom segment or the

segment in the bottom left corner is red:
For wells selected for injector 4 the segment in the top right
corner is yellow:
83
Well selection
For well selection, you first have to select the mode (first select
Measurement); then select the wells with the cursor.
(a) + (b)
(c)
(d)
Figure 5-28: Well selection
(a) All wells on a plate Click on the empty button in the top left corner (between A and
1). All wells on the microplate are selected in accordance with
the pre-defined mode.
(b) Injections into all wells

selected for measurement Select the injector and click on the empty button in the top left
corner (between A and 1). All wells selected for measurement
are in addition selected for the pre-selected injector.
(c) Selected well area With the mouse button held down, drag the mouse pointer di-
agonally across the desired well area and then release the
mouse button. The wells inside this rectangle are highlighted.
You can define several independent rectangular well areas on
one plate.
(d) Single wells Click on the desired well.
(e) Clear selection Clear all: Click right mouse button and select Clear from the
context menu.
Undo function selected last: Select last function once more, i.e.
enable the respective Plate Mode and click once more on the
wells you want to deselect or click on the empty button in the
top left corner (between A and 1).
84
5.5.4 Definition of Measurement Sequence
The measurement sequence is defined in the Options dialog

box on the Measurement tab.
First, select the wells for measurement and injection on the

Samples tab; then define the measurement sequence with the
individual operations. To do this, select the Measurement tab.
Figure 5-29: Measurement tab
Left column Shows the available operations. Steps that can be selected are
identified by a checkmark. You can select only those steps that
are supported by the instrument and the pre-selected meas-
urement mode. For example, if you did not select any wells for
injection on the Samples tab, the Dispense step does not have
a checkmark. This ensure that the measurement sequence
does not include any operations that cannot be carried out.
Operations column Operations required for the measurement sequence are copied
from the left column into the center column and arranged in the
desired order. Individual operations can be copied for the
measurement sequence and can be moved to any position.
85
Click on an operation to show the respective parameters in the

Operation column.
Double-click on an operation to open the associated parameter
dialog box to edit the parameters.
Copy
To copy an operation to the center column, double-click on the
respective operation in the left column. This opens the parame-
ter window. Enter the required parameters and confirm the en-
tries with <OK>. The window is closed and the operation is en-
tered in the center column behind the last one (chapter 5.5.5).
Select order
In the Operations column the selected operations are first
listed in the order of their selection. To change the order, click
on the buttons and . Select the operation which you

want to move to another position and click on the respective
button until you have reached the desired position. The arrows
on both buttons indicate whether the operation is moved up or
down.
Clear operation
To delete an operation from the measurement sequence, select
this operation and then click on the button.
Operation column This column shows the parameters of an individual operation

selected in the center column (see Figure 5-26).
Operation Mode Select the desired mode:

Batch: In this mode several plates can be measured one after the
other using the same protocol.
Measurement sequence: After it has been processed, the first
plate is moved out of the instrument. Load the next plate and
start measurement with the same parameters.
Repeat: The same plate can be measured several times in succession.
Define the number of repeats here.
86
Figure 5-30: Defined measurement sequence with

display of reading parameters
Temperature Control Define the desired temperature if your instrument includes a

temperature control (input option: 15° - 45°C).
Please note: You can enter a target temperature in the instru-
ment which is at least +5°C above room temperature.
87
Proceed as follows to define a new measurement sequence:
Select Edit | Reset. Untitled.par is displayed as temporary

file name in the bottom right corner of the status bar.
Select Options | Read to open the Options Read dialog
box.
Select BertholdTech Mithras from the device drive list.
Click <Options> to open the Options dialog box with the
Samples and Measurement tab.
Select the plate type on the Samples tab.
In the row Plate Mode, enable the item Measurement and
then select the wells for measurement.
Select injector in the Plate Mode row and then select the
wells into which the selected injector is to dispense.
After selection of the wells, select the Measurement tab and
define the measurement sequence with the individual opera-
tions.
Copy these operations one after the other to the Operations
column: in the left column double-click on the desired opera-
tion and enter the parameters in the respective window.
Confirm your entries with <OK>. The respective operation is
entered in the Operations column behind the operation de-
fined last.
In the Operations column, the selected operations are first
displayed in the order of their selection. Click the buttons
and to change the order, click to delete an

operation.
The parameters of the operation selected in the Operations
column are displayed in the Operation column.
Select the operation mode.
Enter the temperature, if the instrument includes tempera-
ture control and temperature control is needed for the meas-
urement sequence.
Confirm entries with <OK>.
88
5.5.5 Operations and their Parameters
Double-click on an operation in the left column to open the re-

spective properties dialog box. Click <OK> to accept the entries
and append the respective operation to the last operation de-
fined in the Operations column.
Double-click on an operation in the Operations column to open

the properties dialog box and edit the entries. Click <OK> to
accept the entries.
By plate / By wells The measurement mode By plate or By wells has to be se-

lected for nearly all operations. By plate means that a defined
operation is first performed for all selected wells of the plate,
before the next step starts. By wells means that all consecutive
operations are first performed for the 1st well, then for the 2nd
well, etc.
Perform on first
plate repeat only If you choose Perform on first plate repeat only, the respec-
tive operation is performed only once at the start of a series of
repeat measurements (see also Repeat).
89
Delay before an operation
Double-click on to open the Delay properties dia-

log box and define the delay between two operations.
Figure 5-31: Delay properties dialog box
Duration Define delay between 1 and 3600 seconds.

Measurement Mode This function can be used in the plate or well mode.
90
Shake
Double-click on to open the Shake properties dia-

log box and define the parameters for microplate shaking.
Figure 5-32: Shake properties dialog box
Duration Define shake duration in seconds.

Speed Define shake speed. You may choose Slow, Normal or Fast.
Diameter Define amplitude of shake motion.
Type Select shake mode: linear, orbital or double orbital.
91
Dispense
Double-click on to open the Dispense properties

dialog box. This operation is available only if wells have been
selected for injections on the Sample tab.
Please keep in mind that you have to define this operation

separately for each injector!
Figure 5-33: Dispense properties dialog box
Injector Select injector (no. 1, 2, 3 or 4). Only those injectors are dis-
played for which wells have been selected on the Samples tab.
Volume Define volume to be dispensed (10 to 100 µl).
Speed Define injection speed: low, middle, high.
92
Luminescence measurement
Double-click on to open the Luminometry,

dialog box and enter the parameters for measurement .
Figure 5-34: Definition of reading parameters
Name Name of measurement.

Counting Time Duration of measurement in seconds.
Emission Filter Select the filter to be used. Usually, no filter is used for lumi-
nescence measurements; therefore, filter slot 8 (No Filter) is
defaulted.
93
Kinetics measurement (Luminescence)
Double-click on to open the Kinetics prop-

erties dialog box.
A kinetics measurement always takes place in the by wells
mode.
Figure 5-35: Kinetics properties dialog box
Name Name of kinetics measurement.

TotalTime Define total counting time for each selected well.
Interval Define interval counting time of a kinetics sequence of one well.
Repeats The number of data points per well is automatically calculated
from the parameters defined (including delay). Click <OK> to
start calculation. The calculated value is displayed on the tab in
the Operation column.
Delay Delay between single measurements of a kinetics sequence of
one well (this function is not yet available).
defaulted.
Use injector 3 Enable injector 3 to perform an injection in reading position dur-
ing on-going kinetics.
Injector delay Time (counted from the start of the kinetics measurement), after
which the injection should take place within the on-going kinet-
ics.
Volume Define volume to be dispensed (inj. 3).
94
Luminescence measurement
Double-click on to open the Scan properties dia-

log box.
Scanning always takes place in the by wells mode.
Figure 5-36: Scan properties dialog box
Name Name of scan.

Counting Time Define individual counting time.
defaulted.
Horizontal steps Number of horizontal steps (direction 1...12).
Vertical steps Number of vertical steps (direction A...H).
Point displacement Step width = distance between data points; selectable dis-
tances: 0.1 to 50 mm.
Scanning mode: Rectangular or round can be selected. We recommend to se-
lect round for microplates with round wells, since then the data
points in the corner are automatically skipped.
During scanning, one well with up to 100 data points can be

measured.
To measure the well of a 96-well microplate (∅ 6 mm) with 100
data points evenly and completely you have to define the fol-
lowing parameters: horizontal and vertical steps: 10 each; point
displacement : 0.6 mm.
However, you may also focus on the center of one well and se-
lect smaller distances.
95
Repeated measurement (Luminescence)
Double-click on to open the Repeated dia-

log box.
Figure 5-37: Repeated dialog box
96
Name Name of repeated measurement.

TotalTime Define calculated total length of measurement.
Counting Time Define interval counting time of a repeated measurement per
well.
Cycle Time Define the time of a reading cycle.
Repeats Define the number of repeats per well (automatically calculated
from the previous data and the selected number of wells)
defaulted.
Use Inj. 2 / Use Inj. 3 Enable injector 2 or 3 to perform an injection in reading position
during repeated measurement.
Injector ... Cycle Define the repeated cycle at which the injection is to take place
within the ongoing kinetics.
Volume Define volume to be dispensed (inj. 2 or 3).
Repeated operation allows optimized execution of kinetics

measurements over longer periods of time.
Both operations Dispense and Repeated have to be used in

the By wells mode if during a repeated measurement an injec-
tion triggering the reaction and immediately thereafter the first
measurement should take place.
However, if all selected wells are first to be primed with reagent

and the measurement series is to start thereafter, you have to
set both operations Dispense and Repeated to the By plate
mode.
97
Fluorescence measurement
Double-click on to open the Fluorometry

dialog box for entry of the parameters for the fluorescence
measurement .
Figure 5-38: Fluorometry dialog box
Name Name of measurement.

Counting Time Counting time in seconds.
Lamp Energy Enter a value between 0 and 65 535. This range corresponds to
0 to 75 Watts and is divided in digital steps.
Excitation Filter Select the desired excitation filter. The pre-defined filter with
name and position in the filter slide is displayed.
Excitation Aperture Select the desired width of the excitation beam: small =
1.2 mm; normal = 2.0 mm.
Emission Filter Select the emission filter to be used. The pre-defined filter with
name and position in the filter wheel is displayed.
Counter position Select if a fluorescence measurement should take place at the
top or bottom. Please keep in mind: injections in reading posi-
tion for measurement at top is possible only with injector 4.
Operation Mode This function can be used in the plate or in the well mode.
98
Kinetics measurement (Fluorescence)
Double-click on to open the Kinetics prop-

erties dialog box.
A kinetics measurement always takes place in the By wells
mode.
Figure 5-39: Kinetics parameters
Name Name of kinetics measurement.

TotalTime Specify the total counting time for each selected well.
Counting Time Define the individual counting time of a kinetics sequence of
one well.
Repeats The number of data points per well is automatically calculated
from the entered parameters (including the Delay). Calculation
takes place as soon as you click <OK>. The calculated value is
then displayed on the table in the Operation column.
Delay Delay time between individual measurements of a kinetics se-
quence of one well (presently not implemented).
Excitation Filter Select the excitation filter. The pre-defined filter with name and
position in the filter slide is displayed.
99
Excitation Aperture Select the width of the excitation beam: small = 1.2 mm; normal
= 2.0 mm.
Use Injector 4 Enable injector 4 to perform an injection in counting position
during the ongoing kinetics.
Injector Delay Time (counted from start of kinetics measurement) after which
the injection should take place within the ongoing kinetics.
Volume Define the volume to be injected (Inj. 4).
Speed Define the injection speed: low, middle, high.
100
Scanning (Fluorescence)
Double-click on to open the Scan proper-

ties dialog box.
Scanning always takes place in the By wells mode.
Figure 5-40: Scan properties dialog box
Name Name of scan.

Counting Time Define individual counting time.
= 2.0 mm.
Horizontal steps Number of horizontal steps (direction 1...12).
Vertical steps Number of vertical steps (direction A...H).
Point displacement Step width = distance between data points. Selectable dis-
tances: 0.1 to 50 mm.
101
Scanning mode: Rectangular or round can be selected. We recommend to se-

lect round for microplates with round wells, since then the data
points in the corner are automatically skipped.
During scanning, one well with up to 100 data points can be

measured.
To measure the well of a 96-well microplate (∅ 6 mm) with 100
data points evenly and completely you have to define the fol-
lowing parameters: horizontal and vertical steps: each 10; point
displacement : 0.6 mm.
However, you may also focus on the center of one well and se-
lect smaller distances.
102
Repeated measurement (Fluorescence)
Double-click on to open the Repeated dia-

log box.
Figure 5-41: Repeated dialog box
Name Name of repeated measurement.

TotalTime Define the calculated total length of the measurement.
Counting Time Define the individual counting time of a repeated measurement
per well.
Cycle Time Define the cycle time.
Repeats Define the number of repeats per well.
= 2.0 mm.
103

Use Injector 4 Enable injector 4 to perform an injection in counting position
during the ongoing kinetics.
Injector 4 Cycle Define the cycle in which the injection should take place within
the ongoing kinetics.
Volume Define the volume to be injected (Inj. 4).
Speed Define the injection speed: low, middle, high.
Operation Mode This function can be used in the plate or in the well mode.
Repeated operation allows optimized execution of kinetics

measurements over longer periods of time.
Both operations Dispense and Repeated have to be used in

the By wells mode if during a repeated measurement an injec-
tion triggering the reaction and immediately thereafter the first
measurement should take place.
However, if all selected wells are first to be primed with reagent

and the measurement series is to start thereafter, you have to
set both operations Dispense and Repeated to the By plate
mode.
104
READIT™ measurement
The Readit™ operation allows you to run the Readit™ tests by

Promega for SNP determination. This operation comprises se-
quential measurement of 3 microplates and automatic entry of
the measured data into the EXCEL spreadsheet
„tier2master.xls“.
Double-click on to open the Readit dialog box.
Figure 5-42: Readit dialog box
Name Name of ReaditTM measurement.

Counting Duration of measurement in seconds.
name and position in the filter wheel is displayed here.
105
5.5.6 Definition of Evaluation Parameters in Child Windows
Evaluation parameters are selected using items on the naviga-

tion bar or via tool buttons and defined on the respective ma-
trices. In general, default settings are defined such that they
hardly need to be changed for simple luminescence measure-
ments. Check the following matrices anyway and, if necessary,
edit the settings.
You may add more matrixes in each menu item (via Options |
Matrix...) and define parameters for each matrix for measure-
ment and evaluation (by well, by row or column or for the entire
microplate).
To edit matrices, double-click on the respective tab. For more
information please refer to the MikroWin2000 User Guide.
Child windows
Data child window The data supplied by the Reader Unit are entered on matrix 1.
You may enter sample ID, error information and dilution factor
on the defaulted matrices.
Template child window Here you may change the partition of the sample matrix and de-
fine controls and standards. The other matrices are partitioned
accordingly.
Calculation child window Three matrices show the well positions (Sample_ID), the meas-
urement data (Reader_Values) and the calculated results (Re-
sults). Any formula may be used for measurement data and
results. You can type a formula directly into the calculation for-
mula text box or select it from the Add Formula dialog box.
A formula can be defined for individual wells, columns or rows

or for the entire plate.
106
Select formula:
Select the desired tab in the Calculation child window and
click on . The Add Formula dialog box opens.
Figure 5-43: Add Formula dialog box
Click on the plus sign (+) of the desired formula type to dis-
play the list of available formulas.
Select the formula you want from the formula list and click
<OK>. The formula is entered into the Calculation formula
of Position... text box. Please consult the respective chap-
ter in the MikroWin2000 User Guide.
Figure 5-44: Calculation formula text box
Define the plate area to which the formula is to be applied:

For the entire plate: Click on button # .
For a column or row: Click on the respective column or row
button.
For a single well: First select the well, then select the for-
mula and place the cursor into the formula text box. Then
push the <Return> key.
107
Results child window The displayed matrices are identical with those defined in the
Calculation child window. Here, the data and calculated values
are displayed. These matrices are used depending on their
numbering for export of the file (see chapter 5.2)
5.5.7 Definition of Export Parameters
You have to define export parameters if you want to export data

to an Ascii or Excel file. Prerequisite is that the export driver(s)
has/have been installed and set up accordingly (see chapter
5.2).
Please refer to chapter 5.3.2 to define automatic data export

after each measurement.
Please see chapter 5.3.1 to perform manual data export.
5.5.8 Saving Parameter Files
Select File | Save to save the active parameter file.

Select File | Save As to save the file under a new name or to
create a new parameter file („Untitled.par“ ).
See also chapter 5.5.2.
108
5.5.9 Basic Parameter Files
Fifteen different basic parameter files are supplied for the most
common types of measurement. Different print formats are as-
sociated with the individual parameter files. The following basic
configurations are included:
BRET-Assay – Bret.par
Injectors No injector
Well selection All wells for measurement
Measurement sequence Measurement 1 (Renilla Luciferase) with emission filter no. 3
(by well), 1 second.
Measurement 2 (eYFP)) with emission filter no. 4 (by well),
1 second
Calculation child window Sample: POS = position of cavity
RLuc: raw data of measurement 1
eYFP: raw data of measurement 2
Ratio: measurement 2/measurement 1
BRET-Assay – Bret2.par
Injectors No injector
Well selection All wells for measurement
Measurement sequence Measurement 1 (Renilla Luciferase) with emission filter no. 5
(by well), 1 second.
Measurement 2 (GFP) with emission filter no. 6 (by well),
1 second.
DeepBlueC: raw data of measurement 1
GFP2: raw data of measurement 2
Ratio: measurement 2/measurement 1
109
Fluorescence measurement – Fluorescein.par
Injectors None
Well selection All wells for measurement and injection
Measurement sequence Measurement: 0.1 second, by plate
Lamp energy: 7000
Excitation filter no. 2, Emission filter no. 2
Counter position: Top
Result: average value
Plate: limit value calculation
Fluorescence kinetics measurement – Fluorescein kin10.par
injectors Injector no. 4

Measurement sequence Injection: 100 µl, middle speed, by well
Measurement:
10 seconds total time
1 second interval time
11 data points
No delay
Lamp energy: 7000
Calculation child window Sample: POS = Position of cavity
Peak: Maximum of kinetics measurement
Integral: Integral of kinetics measurement
T.Slope: Time at maximum slope
T.Max: Time at maximum Time at maximum of kinetics
Figure 5-45: Matrices in the Calculation child window
110
Fluorescence repeated measurement - Fluorescein Rep10.par
Injectors Injector no. 4

Measurement sequence Injection: 100 µl, low speed, by well
Measurement: 0.1 second, by well
Lamp energy: 7000
Cycle time: 30 seconds
Total time: 300 seconds
Luminescence measurement – Lumi1s.PAR
Injectors Injector 3 (reading position)

Measurement sequence Injection: 100 µl, middle speed, by well
Measurement: 1 second, by well
Emission filter no. 8

Reader: raw data
Result: average of matrix 2 (Reader)
Figure 5-46: Matrices in Calculation child window
111
Luminescence measurement without injection – Lumi_01s.PAR

Measurement sequence Measurement: 1 second, by well
Calculation child window Sample: POS = position the cavity

Reader: raw data
Result: average of matrix 2 (Reader)
Kinetics measurement – Lumi 1s Kin10.PAR

Measurement sequence Injector 3: 100 µl, middle speed, by well
Delay: 0 second
Measurement:
10 seconds total time
1 second interval time
11 data points
no delay
Measurement mode: by well

Peak: Maximum of kinetics measurement
Integral: Integral of kinetics measurement
T.Slope: Time at maximum of slope
T.Max: Time at maximum of kinetics
112
Luminescence - Repeated measurement – Lumi 1s Rep10.PAR
Injectors Injector 3
Measurement sequence Injector 3: 100 µl, low speed, by well
Measurement:
Total Time: 300s
Counting time: 0.1 seconds
Cycle time: 30s

Peak: Maximum of repeated measurement
Integral: Integral of repeated measurement
T.Slope: Time at maximum of slope
T.Max: Time at maximum of kinetics
Dual Luciferase Reporter Gene Assay – DLR.PAR
Injectors Injector 2 and injector 3

Well selection All wells for measurement and two injections
Measurement sequence Injection 1: 100 µl, low speed, by well
Delay: 2 seconds
Measurement 1 (Firefly): 10 seconds, by well
Injection 2: 100 µl, middle speed, by well
Delay: 2 seconds
Measurement 2 (Renilla): 10 seconds, by well

Firefly: data of measurement 1 (after injection 1)
Renilla: data of measurement 2 (after injection 2)
Ratio: data of measurement 1 / data of measurement 2
113
Dual Luciferase Reporter Gene Assay in 384-well microplate – DLR384.PAR
Injectors Injector 2 and injector 3

Well selection All wells for measurement and 1 injection
Measurement sequence Measurement 1 (Firefly): 10 seconds, by well
Injection 1
Delay 1
Injection 2: 100 µl, low speed, by well
Delay: 2 seconds
Measurement 2 (Renilla): 10 seconds, by well

Firefly: data of measurement 1
Renilla: data of measurement 2 (after injection 2)
Ratio: data of measurement 1 / data of measurement 2
Note: The substrate for the firefly reaction is added manually

outside the instrument.
114
Readit measurements – READIT.PAR

Measurement sequence Injection: 100 µl, high speed, by well
Measurement:
1 second counting time
Measurement mode: by well
Note:
The measurement is carried out sequentially using 3 different
microplates. After measurement of a plate, this plate is moved
out; unload it and load the next microplate. In addition, the
measurement data is automatically entered into the EXCEL
spreadsheet „tier2master.xls“.

Value 1: raw data of measurement 1
115
5.6 Measurement and Evaluation

1. Prepare instrument
If necessary, connect wash solution and wash tubings (In-
strument | Wash, see chapter 5.4.4.
Connect reagent bottle and prime tubings (Instrument |
Prime, see chapter 5.4.3).
2. Open and edit parameter file

Open parameter file (*.par) for measurement (File | Open,
see chapter 5.5.2.
Select Options | Read to edit well selection and measure-
ment sequence.
You may edit the matrices (Data, Template, Calculation,
Results).
3. Start measurement
To start the measurement sequence click on the Read button in
the main window. A status bar is displayed below the matrix
with text boxes and buttons for the measurement:
Name of data file Name of parameter file
Figure 5-52: Status bar after start of a measurement
The name of the parameter file used is displayed in the bottom

row (right).
Click to open the parameter file used and edit the default
settings, if necessary. The Options Read dialog box opens.
Click on <Options> to open the Options dialog box to view and
edit the well selection and the measurement sequence.
File name: Enter a name for the data file. It consists of the
name of the parameter file and has the extension *.dat. The file
name may be overwritten, but the extension cannot be
changed.
Click <Start> to start the measurement provided you have en-
tered a file name for the data.
116
As soon as you have clicked on <Start> the plate slide moves

out of the instrument. On the screen you see the prompt to load
a microplate.
Figure 5-53: Loading a microplate for measurement
Load microplate (with A1 at rear left) and click <OK>.

The plate is moved into the instrument and the pre-defined
measurement sequence is carried out.
During measurement, you may view the already available data
and calculations on the matrices of the Results menu (Figure
5-54).
Upon completion of the measurement the plate is ejected.
If you have pre-selected the item Batch, the system expects
the next microplate which will be measured using the same pa-
rameters.
Figure 5-54: On-line presentation of measured data
Results are presented in the Graphics menu.
117
6. Maintenance LB 940 Mithras
6. Maintenance
6.1 Cleaning the Instrument
Cleaning the instrument surface
The surface of the instrument is protected by a washable finish.
Dirty or dusty surfaces should be cleaned using a damp cloth. If
necessary, use a mild detergent.
Do not use a scouring agent!
Cleaning the inside of the instrument

Before opening the instrument, turn it off and disconnect it
from power supply!
Open the screw on the instrument cover to clean the instrument
inside. Then raise the cover. If necessary, the photomultiplier
can be raised as well.
Always keep the plate slide as well as the inside of the instru-
ment (e.g. below the plate slide) clean. Wipe off any dirt using a
damp cloth. Use cotton buds for corners. Remove dirt fairly
quickly so it does not get dry and may not have any adverse ef-
fect on the movement of the plate slide.
6.2 Cleaning Tubings
Injector tubings have to be washed

before starting work
before changing reagents
at the end of each work session before turning off the in-
strument
after longer periods of inactivity
Use solutions recommended by the kit manufacturer, e.g.

distilled water, diluted alcohol, hypochlorite solution ...
Injector tubings have to be primed

prior to each measurement using the respective reagents.
Please refer to chapter 5.4.3 and 5.4.4 for more information on

washing or priming the tubings.
118
LB 940 Mithras 6. Maintenance
6.3 Fuse Replacement

The fuse is located on the instrument rear panel in a black fuse
holder to the left of the mains switch.
Figure 6-1: Instrument rear panel
Proceed as follows
Turn instrument off and pull power cord.
Insert screwdriver or similar tool into fuse holder recess and
lift it out by applying slight pressure.
Take faulty fuses out.
Insert new fuses. Use only the fuse type specified!
Insert fuse holder again.
119
6. Maintenance LB 940 Mithras
6.4 Preparations for Transport

The following safety provisions have to be taken to trans-
port or ship the instrument:
Preparation for transport of instrument

Turn instrument off and disconnect it from mains.
Open instrument cover.
Move plate tray manually to the position where transport
safety screw 2 can be inserted and tightened between the
hole in the transport plate. If the screw does not catch, move
the height adjustment of the optics down by hand by turning
the toothed belt clockwise.
Once transport safety screw 2 has been fixed, move the
height adjustment of the optics carefully up by hand by turn-
ing the toothed belt counter-clockwise.
Tighten transport safety screw 2 – ensure through slight
sideways motion by a few millimeters that the detector is in
the correct position.
Transport safety screw no. 1 no. 2
Figure 6-2: Instrument rear panel
120
LB 940 Mithras 7. Technical Data
7. Technical Data
Operating voltage 100 – 230 V
Frequency 50 / 60 Hz; 180 VA
Power consumption 70 VA
Safety standards EN 61010-1, EN 61326-1, EN 61000-3-2, EN 61000-3-3 ; EN 61326
Temperature range Storage: 0° - 40°C
Operation: 15° - 35°C
Humidity 10 – 85% no condensation
Dimensions 472 x 494 x 374 mm (W x D x H), including injectors
Weight 52 kg
Detection unit Low-noise photomultiplier with single photon counting technology (9107 SA)
Reading technologies Luminescence, TOP reading fluorescence, Bottom reading fluorescence,
BRET, FRET
Excitation source Halogen lamp, 75 W, 340 to 700 nm
Excitation filter 355 nm, 485 nm
Emission filter 460 nm, 535 nm
400 nm, 515 nm, 480 nm, 530 nm (with BRET option)
Sensitivity < 20 amol ATP
< 10 fmol FITC
Dynamic range > 6 decades
Crosstalk Low crosstalk due to crosstalk reduction methods: 5 x < 10-6
Injector Up to 4 injectors (variable volumes: each 10 – 100 µl), JET injection tech-
nology, injections in plates with up to 384 wells
Plate formats All microplates with 6 to 1536 wells (external dimensions: 86.0 x 128.2 x
17.0 mm (W x L x H); Petri dish, Terasaki plates, filter
Plate height Optional: automatic detection and adjustment to different plate heights
adjustment (14.0 mm to 25.0 mm)
Temperature control Optional: +5°C above room temperature to 42°C
Operation modes Integral measurement 0.1 – 600 second
Kinetics measurement (total length up to 24 h)
Repeated measurement (total length up to 24 h)
Plate repeats (up to 999)
Scanning (up to 100 single data points)
Dispensing with 4 independent variable injectors
Shaking (3 modes, variable amplitude and speed)
BRET and BRET² assays
Dual luciferase reporter gene assay
ReaditTM protocol
Delay (up to 600 second)
121
7. Technical Data LB 940 Mithras
Data evaluation
Sample parameters Free plate loading (samples, standards, controls)
Allocation of sample identifiers
GLP documentation, e.g. lot number
Test kit validation formulas
Evaluation Qualitative cut-off determination with up to 3 categories
Kinetics
Linking of different types of evaluation
Free input of calculation formulas
Standard curve calculation (only complete version!)
Result display Presentation in multi-matrix format or list format
Graphical presentation of measured values
Integrated statistics functions
Export Output of all raw data and calculations (manual or automatic) in matrix or list
format
Output as a file (network connection possible) or to printer
Robotic Integration Optional
Ports RS232, 9 pole
Operating system Win98, Win2000, WinNT, Win XP
PC requirements Pentium processor, 500 MHz (or better), CD ROM drive, display 1024x768
(or better), serial port, parallel port
Software Windows® BERTHOLD TECHNOLOGIES MikroWin2000
Order Information
Order Number
Mithras LB 940 940-38099-10
incl. Mikrowin 2000 Lite
Injector 1 pre-position L, 10 – 100 µl 940-37772-11
Injector 2 reading position L, 10 – 100 µl 940-37772-12
Injector 3 reading position L, 10 – 100 µl 940-37772-13
Injector 4 reading position F, 10 – 100 µl 940-37772-14
Waste pump (for injectors 1 to 3) 940-
Plate height adjustment 940-
Robot integration module 940-
Temperature control 940-
Bottom-reading fluorescence 940-
BRET package 940-
MikroWin 2000 full version 37854-025

MikroWin 2000 full version, German language 37854-020
122
LB 940 Mithras 8. Appendix
8. Appendix
8.1 Index
Positioning 75
A
Emission filter wheel 24, 27, 34, 73
Add formula 107 Evaluation 17, 116
Ascii file 54 Evaluation parameters 106
Aspiration pump 22 Excel file 13, 52
Excitation filter 10, 19
B
Clean 72
Basic parameter files 15, 45 Replace 72
Contents 109 Excitation filter slide 23, 34
Batch mode 86 Excitation halogen lamp 30
Battery 4 Export 56
Beeps 1 Export driver 13, 51
Boot instrument 34 Export parameters 13
BRET 19 Export Parameters
Bret.par 109 Definition 108
Bret2.par 109 Export setup 33
C F
Child window Fan 30
Calculation 106 File | Export 33, 56, 57
Data 106 File | Export Setup 56, 58
Results 108 File | Open 78
Template 106 File | Save 79
Child windows 44, 106 Filter name input 70, 74
Cleaning filters 28, 76 Fluorescein kin10.par 110
Cleaning the instrument 118 Fluorescein Rep10.par 111
Cleaning tubings 118 Fluorescein.par 110
ComPort 49 Fluorescence measurement
Connecting 36 Parameters 98
Connections 31 Fluorescence measurements 19
D FRET 19
Fuse 32
Data export Fuse replacement 119
Automatic 58
Manual 57 G
Delay 90 Getting started 6
Dimensions 35
Dispense parameters 92 H
DLR.PAR 113 Hardlock 37
DLR384.PAR 114 Height adjustment of optics 24
Drag&Drop 71 High voltage generation 24
Driver setup 47
I
Driver software 10
Injection 7
E
Injector configuration 29
Emission filter 10, 19, 73 Injector positions 26
123
8. Appendix LB 940 Mithras
Injector tubings 59 Measurement without injections 40, 43

Injectors 7, 29, 38 Menu
Installation 8 File 33
Installation | Driver 47 Installation 34
Instrument | Boot Instrument 68 Instrument 34
Instrument | Emission Filter Wheel 73 Options 34
Instrument | Excitation Filter Slide 69 Read 33
Instrument | Load Plate 60 View 33
Instrument | Prime 61 Menu bar 44
Instrument | Refresh 67 Menu overview 33, 46
Instrument | Unload 68 MikroWin2000 33
Instrument | Unload Plate 60 Multilabel Reader 19
Instrument | Wash 64
N
Instrument control 59
Navigation bar 44
K
Noise 24
Kinetics 94, 99
O
Kinetics measurement
Parameters 99 Operating voltage 6, 36
Kinetics measurement – Fluor Optics 19
Parameters 99 Options | Read 11, 80
Kinetics measurement – Lumi
P
Parameters 94
Parameter file 11, 15, 45
L Contents 79
Label 93, 98 Open 78
LED 1 Save 79
Line Ascii Export Driver 54 Save 108
Load plate 34 PC port 49
Lumi 1s Kin10.PAR 112 PC requirements 32
Lumi 1s Rep10.PAR 113 Photomultiplier 19, 24
Lumi_01s.PAR 112 Photon counter 24
Lumi1s.PAR 111 Plate matrix 82
Luminescence measurement Plate tray 18, 22
Parameters 93 Plate type 81
Luminescence measurements 19 Positioning filters 71
Power supply 6, 36
M
Prime 34
Main window 44 Prime injector tubings 17, 59
Mains plug 31 Prime plate 17, 22, 61, 64, 67
Mains switch 31 Prime tubings 61
Maintenance 118 Program start 44
Matrix Ascii Export Driver 54 Promega readit measurements 45, 77
Matrix system 45
Q
Matrix XLS Export Driver 52
Measurement 17, 116 Quick Reference Guide 6
Measurement sequence 12
R
Definition 85
Measurement tab 85 Raw data 44
Measurement with one injection 41 Reading parameters 77, 93, 98
124
LB 940 Mithras 8. Appendix
Reading positions of PM 25 Functions 44

Readit measurements 45, 77 Installation 39
READIT.PAR 115 Structure and operation 44
READIT™ measurement 105 Space required 35
Reagent change 64 Special spare parts 5
Reagent container 38 Status bar 44
Reagent outlet 6, 32, 38 System description 19
Reagent tubing 7, 38
T
Refresh 34
Repeat mode 86 Technical data 121
Repeated measurement 45, 77 Temperature control 12, 50, 87
Repeated measurement – Fluor Tool bar 44
Parameters 103 Top reading position 38
Repeated measurement – Lumi Transport safety screw 6, 36
Parameters 96 Typographical conventions 2
Result file 44
U
S Unload injector 34
Safety instructions 3 Unload plate 34
Samples tab 11, 81 Unpacking 35
Scan parameters 95
W
Scanning
Parameters 101 Wash 34
Scanning-Fluor Wash cycles 64
Parameters 101 Wash injector tubings 59
Sensitivity 24 Wash tubings 64
Serial port 31 Waste pump 6, 17, 32, 38, 61
Setup site 35 Well presentation 83
Shake 91 Well selection 11, 80, 84
Software
125

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MikroWin Version 4.

2. QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE 6

4. GETTING STARTED AND FIRST MEASUREMENT 35

5. MITHRAS SOFTWARE FUNCTIONS 44

5.3.1 Manual Data Export 57

7. TECHNICAL DATA 121

Explanation of LED’s and Beeps

LED Instrument status

<Add formula >, Buttons are printed inside angular brackets in

File | Open, Menu items are also printed in boldface type;

The instruments are designed according to the IEC 1010-1

Do not use any flammable or explosive solutions or liquids

The tests and service work recommended by the manufacturer

Special Spare Parts

Fuse 3A/T 5x20 type 179500 (ELU) ID No. 12259 or

2. Quick Reference Guide

2.1 Getting Started

1. Unpack and set up Mithras.

11. Turn instrument on.

2.2 Installation of MikroWin and Driver Software

2.2.1 MikroWin2000 Installation

1. Close all Windows applications before you start install-

9. Select the desired components or deselect those com-

11. Add program icon to the MikroWin2000 program folder.

2.2.2 Driver Software Installation

1. Insert CD containing the Berthold Technologies driver

6. Click on the program icon to start

9. Select menu item Options | Read. The Options Read

2.3 Definition of Measurement Sequence and Parameters

2.3.1 Creation of New Measurement Sequence and Definition of Parameters

Wells selected for injector 2:

Wells selected for injector 3:

Wells selected for injector 4:

Define measurement sequence (see chapter 5.5.4)

quence of selected operations by clicking on the

9. Select Operation Mode (if needed):

Define evaluation parameters (see chapter 5.5.6)

12. Select Data and enter results, sample identifier, error

13. Select Template.

15. Select Results.

Define export parameters (see chapter 5.3)

21. Select desired export driver. It has to be the same as the

Save parameter file (see chapter 5.5.2)

2.3.2 Editing Parameter Files

1. Select File | Open in the main window.

4. Select Options | Read ... and in the Options Read dia-

5. Change well selection as needed (see page 11; for more

6. Select Measurement tab. The pre-defined measure-

Verify evaluation parameters

8. Select Data and edit matrices, if necessary.

9. Select Template and edit matrices, if necessary.

10. Select Calculation and edit matrices, if necessary.

11. Select Results.

13. Save parameter file (see page 14)

2.4 Measurement and Evaluation

1. The Mithras instrument has to be connected completely

3. Open parameter file (*.par) for measurement (see chap-

5. Enter file name for the data.

7. The plate tray opens. On the screen appears the prompt

Fluorescence measurements high sensitivity due to improved optics