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Software

QuantaSmart

Password/username

LSC

General Information

• There are flash drives

• inside the LSC

• that contain backups of the software and a hard drive image.  These would be used in case there is a malfunction with the system.

• Do not remove them from within the LSC.
• Log in information:
  1. User account: User name: QuantaSmart; Password:QS (capital letters)
  2. Administrator account: No password
• Program has 30 protocols or assays. These can only be deleted from the C:\\Packard folder manually.  A user cannot delete an assay from within QuantaSmart

• Once you select Assay type (CPM, DPM, etc.) you cannot change it.
• Use SIS (spectral index of sample) for CPM measurements
• DPM measurements take longer because they count against the barium first.
• Vendor does not recommend using the ‘subtract background’ option
• Leave the ‘Static Controller’ on in the Count Corrections tab
  1. Wiping vials with alcohol can help reduce static in dry environments
• To use an assay: Right click on a flag on the left side of the window and select assign assay. Select the file and select OK.
• DPM tests require the half-life in the Sample Nuclide Group Set up window
• Replay can be used to reprint reports and make slight edits

Maintenance 

Terminology

• IPA = Instrument Performance Assessment

• SNC = Self Normalization Calibration
• IPA and SNC are the same. These both refer to the calibration procedure.  The IPA menu is used to setup the calibration procedure.  The SNC flag is used to mark the rack in the LSC that is set up for the calibration.

File Structure

All files and software for the LSC are stored in the C:\\Packard folder on the PC.  There are no files stored in the Program Files folder.

Calibration Files:

Measurement Files:

Where to set file path

Running a Calibration

The LSC should be calibrated weekly if the system is being used constantly.  If the system is used only occasionally, then a calibration should be run prior to any measurements.

A full calibration procedure takes an hour and 15 minutes.  The 14C and 3H measurements take a total of 15 minutes while the background measurement takes 1 hour.

1. Load the standards in the appropriate locations on the rack labeled with 14C, 3H, and BKG.  
2. Place the SNC Flag on the rack
   1. Make sure the sliding tab is all the way out toward the left or the LSC will think the run is completed and will not measure the standards.

Image Modified

Standards in rack with SNC flag (protocol) set up for a run.  Note the flag is all the way to the left.

       3. Open the IPA menu

       4. Verify the DPMs for each standard. Update if necessary.

                a. Each standard is labeled with the DPM information.  This information should only need to be updated if using a new standard.

Creating an Assay

Starting Measurements