Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. iMark
Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. · Model iMark
Fast microplate reading speeds Extensive onboard assay configuration Powerful data analysis capabilities Convenient built-in shaker Space-saving, wide-format internal thermal graphical printer Simplified standalone operation Compact, easy-to-use, and lightweight design Compatible with different types of 96-well microplates (flat, U-, V-bottom) and 8- or 12-well strip plates; maximum plate height: 16 mm Plate Compatibility: Compatible with standard 96-well microplates 128 mm L x 88 mm W Plate height cannot exceed 16 mm Clear flat-bottom plates are recommended such as Bio-Rad's Costar 96–Well Flat–Bottom EIA Plate (2240096) U-Bottom plates can be used, but V-bottom plates are not recommended.
Key tips
- ·Run QC controls before trusting any repair - an analyzer that passes self-test can still report clinically wrong results.
- ·Rule out a reagent lot change before opening the instrument - it can look exactly like a hardware fault.
- ·Centrifuge rotors have a hard retirement age/cycle limit regardless of visible condition - don't eyeball it.
Typical Failure Modes
Compiled for this model from its own documentation and established engineering knowledge for this equipment class - not from a verified service record. Confirm against the manufacturer's service manual.
Absorbance drift / QC failure
HighSymptoms: Blank or standard absorbance off, poor plate-to-plate reproducibility, high CV.
Root cause: Lamp aging, a filter-wheel fault, or contamination on the optics / light path.
Plate transport jam or misregistration
MediumSymptoms: Plate not loading, jams, wells read at the wrong position, "plate error".
Root cause: Worn transport belt/motor, a position-sensor fault, or a V-bottom / oversized plate (max height 16 mm).
Built-in shaker fault
MediumSymptoms: Shake step does not run or is uneven.
Root cause: Shaker drive fault.
Thermal printer fault
LowSymptoms: No printout, faint print, jam.
Root cause: Worn print head or paper handling.
Serviceable Parts & Consumables
Serviceable items for this model, compiled from its documentation and engineering knowledge for this equipment class. Service class and relative cost are estimates, not manufacturer figures; no part numbers are given. Confirm intervals and pricing against the manufacturer.
Lamp
Class Periodic replacementRel. cost $$R&R Moderate
Filter wheel / interference filters
Class Major service partRel. cost $$R&R Moderate
Plate transport belt and motor
Class Periodic replacementRel. cost $$R&R Difficult
Plate position sensor
Class Periodic replacementRel. cost $R&R Moderate
Thermal printer / paper
Class Periodic replacementRel. cost $R&R Fairly easy
| Part | Service class | Relative cost | R&R difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lamp | Periodic replacement | $$ | Moderate |
| Filter wheel / interference filters | Major service part | $$ | Moderate |
| Plate transport belt and motor | Periodic replacement | $$ | Difficult |
| Plate position sensor | Periodic replacement | $ | Moderate |
| Thermal printer / paper | Periodic replacement | $ | Fairly easy |
Relative cost: $ lowest · $$$$ highest service-part cost for this equipment class. Not a price.
PM Checklist
Preventive-maintenance tasks typical of this equipment class. Perform to the manufacturer's procedure and your facility's policy - this is general reference, not a schedule for this specific unit.
- ·Daily QC controls run and reviewed
- ·Calibration verification per assay
- ·Routine cleaning and decontamination
- ·Scheduled reagent-path and pump-tubing maintenance
Troubleshooting Approach
A starting sequence for this model, compiled from its documentation and engineering knowledge for this equipment class. Follow the manufacturer's service documentation for the actual procedure.
Symptom: Absorbance drift / QC fail
- Run the self-diagnostics with a validated absorbance plate.
- Confirm a clear flat-bottom 96-well plate under 16 mm tall (no V-bottom).
- Clean the optics and the plate carrier.
- Replace the lamp if intensity is low.
- Re-verify with the QC plate across the used wavelengths.
Symptom: Plate will not load / misreads
- Confirm the plate type and dimensions.
- Watch the load cycle for belt slip or a stall.
- Clean and check the position sensor.
- Replace the transport belt/motor or sensor.
- Confirm reliable load and correct well registration.
Technical Specs
- Height
- 16.4 cm
- Length
- 37.7 cm
- Weight
- 5.5 kg
- Width
- 34.6 cm
Typical Location
Where this class of equipment is typically deployed - general reference, not this unit's own placement record.
- Central / core laboratory
- Point-of-care testing stations
- Blood bank
- Microbiology lab
Documents & Manuals
Troubleshoot this device with Bio
Describe a symptom or error code. Bio answers from this device's own documented error codes, failure modes, parts, and guides.
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