What are the common causes of clogged wells in 96-well SPE plates? - WKB230669

ENVIRONMENT

• Hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC)
• 96-well plates
• GlycoWorks 
• µElution
• Oasis
• Sep-Pak

ANSWER

There are many possible reasons, including:

1. Sample viscosity is too high (dilute samples).
2. Protein or other analyte has precipitated in the well, blocking flow.
   • Sirocco (filter) and Ostro (filter and SPE) plates are designed for in-well protein precipitation.
3. Vacuum pressure too low (if using vacuum manifold).
   • Set vacuum pump to higher pressure.
   • Make sure the 96-well plate is sealing properly with the 96-well plate vacuum manifold.
   • Cover unused wells with lab tape to divert vacuum flow to wells that have the samples in them. 
4. Positive pressure too low (if using positive pressure).
   • Make sure the pressure is set properly.
   • Make sure there is a good seal between the SPE plate and the positive pressure manifold.
   • Make sure none of the manifold positions above the wells is dirty or blocked.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

See:

Otto SPEcialist Positive Pressure Manifold Videos

Waters Positive pressure-96 Processor Demo Video

Waters 96-well Plate Vacuum Manifold Demo Video