Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I measure more than one sample at a time?
A: Yes. the ND-8000 is capable of measuring up to 8 samples at a time and will automatically advance from one sample to the next.

Q: Does the ND-8000 require a special pipettor?
A: No. any low volume. 8-channel pipettor capable of delivering 1 ul samples may be used. The instrument has a built in guide to facilitate loading samples.

Q: How long does it take to run 8 samples?
A: The measurement cycle is approximately 20 seconds for 8 samples.

Q: Can I pre-load sample IDs or plate IDs?
A: Yes. the ND-8000 software allows you to enter IDs by a barcode reader or a file list.

Q: Does the ND-8000 have the ability to export data?
A: Yes. The ND-8000 automatically archives data and also offers data export options including a USB port for a USB flash drive.

Q: Can I physically lock down the instrument?
A: Yes. There is a cable lock attachment on the back of the instrument for a user supplied cable lock.

Q: Are there preventive maintenance plans and extended warranties available for the ND-8000?
A: Yes. plans are available and may be purchased at any time. Click here for more information.

Q: Does the ND-8000 produce results for a continuous spectrum or just selected wavelengths?
A: Continuous spectrum from 220-750 nm is displayed for each of the 8 samples.

Q: What sort of accuracy should I expect with the ND-8000?
A: Typically within 2%.

Q: What sort of reproducibility should I expect with the ND-8000?
A: Typically +/- 0.003 A at low concentrations. For reference, this corresponds to +/- 1.5 ng/ul for dsDNA. For higher concentrations (>100 ng/ul), standard deviations are typically <2%.

Q: Is simply wiping the pedestal surface enough to prevent carryover?
A: Yes. The highly polished quartz and stainless steel surfaces of the sample retention system are resistant to sample adherence, making the use of dry laboratory wipes very effective in removing the sample.

Q: Do nucleic acids require purification prior to measurement on the ND-8000?
A: Yes. Absorbance measurements are not specific for a particular nucleic acid and will be affected by the presence of nucleotides and other molecules which absorb at 260 nm.

Q: Are there solvent restrictions?
A: Hydrofluoric acid can etch the quartz optical fiber. Most other laboratory solvents typically used in life science labs, including dilute acids, are compatible with the pedestal as long as they are immediately wiped away.

Q: How often do I need to check the accuracy of the ND-8000?
A: We recommend every 6 months using the CF-1 Calibration Check Fluid available from NanoDrop Technologies or one of its authorized distributors.

Q: What kind of light source does the ND-8000 use?
A: A pulsed xenon flash lamp.

Q: How long before I need to replace the flashlamp?
A: The lamp is rated to last for a minimum of 30000 measurements before replacement could be required.

Q: Is the flash lamp continuously on, or is it on only when performing a measurement?
A: The lamp is only on during measurements.

Q: Does the ND-8000 require a computer to operate?
A: Yes, the ND-8000 connects to a computer with a USB cable. The cable, operating software and a one year warranty are supplied with each instrument.

Q: What are the computer requirements for the ND-8000?
A: Click here for PC requirements.