Troubleshooting spent reagent cartridge is full on the NextSeq 500/550

This "Spent Reagent Cartridge is full..." error indicates the waste container is full. The error can also be related to a communication issue, a dirty sensor, a broken sensor, or a broken sensor flag for the container.

If this occurs during a run, this will pause the run until the waste container has been emptied.

Troubleshooting steps:

1. Empty the waste container and attempt to continue with the run.

2. If the error persists, clean the waste container sensor with lens paper or a Kim Wipe. The sensor is a small black circle located at the back of the instrument, above the waste container, as shown in the image below.

1. If the error persists after cleaning the sensor, check the waste cartridge itself.

• In some instances, the waste cartridge mechanism gets clogged up and does not click open when inserted.

• This can lead to waste pooling in the top part of the waste cartridge as shown below.

  
• If cleaning does not help and there is still pooled liquid visible:

  • If another NextSeq 500/550 spent reagent container is available, swap out the container to attempt to resolve the error and allow the run to complete, OR

  • If a secondary waste container is not available, contact Illumina Technical Support for additional assistance.

1. After the run, power cycle the instrument to reset all communications.

• For further information, search for Knowledge Base article How to Perform a NextSeq 500/550 Power Cycle.

1. If the error message continues to appear, an Illumina Field Service Engineer (FSE) may be required to clean the waste sensor, replace the waste sensor flag, or replace the waste cartridge. In this case, contact Illumina Technical Support for additional assistance.

For any feedback or questions regarding this article (Illumina Knowledge Article #1392), contact Illumina Technical Support [e-mail].