Wash Flow Cell Use Counter on NovaSeq X Series

Background

The NovaSeq X Control Software v1.3 and above will enforce the use limit on the wash flow cell. This version will also display the expiration information of the wash flow cell. This is an important change to ensure optimal performance of the wash flow cells and the NovaSeq X Series instruments.

Users can still start a Maintenance Wash with a sequencing run flow cell. However, this can only be performed using an 8-lane flow cell (10B and 25B) if it remains loaded after the run. Once unloaded, the user will not be able to wash using this used flow cell.

Important Note for Customer's Upgrading to v1.3:

Use counting for wash flow cells has been active on the NovaSeq X Series since launch but has not been enforced until Software v1.3. Therefore, some wash flow cells may have surpassed 20 uses and will require a replacement as part of Control Software v1.3 upgrade, and this will be covered under an active Service Contract. Please discuss this with your Field Service Engineer (FSE) when scheduling the v1.3 upgrade to ensure continuity in your workflow.

For instruments that are not on an active Service Contract, the wash flow cells can be purchased from the Illumina website here.

Summary of Changes to Wash Flow Cell Use with Control Software v1.3:

• Starting with NovaSeq X Series Control Software v1.3, the wash flow cell use count and expire dates will be in effect.

  • Wash Flow cells are limited to 20 uses.

  • A notification will be displayed when the wash flow cell reaches 15 uses. Once the wash flow cell reaches 20 uses, the Control Software will prevent the wash flow cell from being used for a maintenance wash.

  • The number of uses of the wash flow cell cannot be override.

• A warning will be also displayed if the wash flow cell is expired, though the user can proceed if the use count is below 20.

  

Usage Definition

1. A Maintenance Wash counts as a wash flow cell use. Each maintenance wash will add 1 use to the wash flow cell.

2. Field Service activities within the Service Software DOES NOT add a wash use to the wash flow cell. There is no usage tracking of the wash flow cell in Service Software.

3. Using a Wash Flow Cell for System Checks DOES NOT count as a wash flow cell use.

For any feedback or questions regarding this article (Illumina Knowledge Article #9315), contact Illumina Technical Support [e-mail].