The BioFire^® FilmArray^® System: Simple Tips for Maintenance and Use

Properly maintaining your BioFire FilmArray System is crucial to keep the system—and your lab—running smoothly. Here are some simple steps to help maintain your BioFire FilmArray System, prevent problems from arising, and ensure accurate results.

Please note: This information is not intended to replace the detailed instructions in the BioFire^® FilmArray^® Operator’s Manuals. Always consult and follow the Operator’s Manual instructions when operating or maintaining your BioFire^® FilmArray^® System.

Clean the instrument periodically

For both the BioFire^® FilmArray^® Torch and the BioFire^® FilmArray^® 2.0, periodically wipe all outside surfaces with a cloth or paper towel, using a freshly prepared 10% bleach solution, followed by a water wipe. The inner chamber of the BioFire 2.0 should also be cleaned. For the BioFire Torch, only remove the module front and clean underneath it in the case of contamination.

Periodically check BioFire Torch module air filters for any build up or debris. Spare filters are included in the BioFire Torch module box.

When cleaning the BioFire Torch touch screen, put the software into cleaning mode to avoid any accidental selections. This can be done by navigating to the Settings toolbar and selecting the Switch to Cleaning Mode option.

The BioFire^® FilmArray^® Pouch Loading Station should be wiped down between runs and decontaminated daily or when a pouch leak occurs.

Avoid contamination

Preventing or eliminating sources of contamination is crucially important for multiplex PCR testing with the BioFire FilmArray System. To prevent an introduction of organisms or amplicons into specimens during collection or handling that could impact results, always perform sample collection, pouch loading, and instrument operation in separate areas. Perform good laboratory decontamination procedures (wearing personal protective equipment, changing gloves often, washing hands thoroughly after performing a run) if you must leave a work area or return to a previous work area. Prepare and load only one pouch at a time. Always dispose of used pouches in a biohazard waste container, and change gloves after handling a used pouch.

Remove pouches from the instrument carefully, as a tear in the pouch could contaminate the instrument and the surrounding area. The BioFire^® FilmArray^® Torch Instructions for Use and the BioFire^® FilmArray^® 2.0 Instructions for Use include instructions for what to do in the case of contamination.

Perform weekly software maintenance

The BioFire Torch base should be restarted weekly. If the base has not been restarted for 15 days, a warning message will remind the operator to restart the base. This message will disappear when the operator hits the OK button but will reappear the next day until a restart has occurred. To restart, select the reset button on the back of the base and wait for the screen to go black, then switch off the power. Switching the power back on will then restart the base and start the software automatically.

The BioFire 2.0 computer should also be restarted each week. Prior to shutting down the computer, close the software by selecting Exit from the software menu or clicking the Close button in the upper right-hand corner of the window.

Archive regularly

BioFire recommends performing monthly archives for both the BioFire Torch and BioFire 2.0. Archives run in the background, enabling you to continue performing runs while the archive is in progress. A database warning message will appear when archives are not performed regularly.

It is recommended that runs be archived in batches of no more than 500. Archiving 500 runs will take approximately one hour to complete.

Keep track of error messages

Errors in the BioFire Torch or the BioFire 2.0 may originate in the instrument, in the software, or in communication between the two. In each case, the software reports a clear message with instructions the operator can follow to resolve the issue.

Record any error messages, as well as the instrument serial number and relevant pouch lot numbers, to assist in troubleshooting. Contact BioFire Technical Support for assistance if the error persists after the error message instructions have been implemented.

Reach Out for Support

BioFire is proud to offer world-class customer technical service and support. For online product support including instructional videos, technical notes, and instructions for use, visit the Documents page. Our FAQ page offers answers to frequent questions about BioFire FilmArray System maintenance and operation. Our support team is here to ensure customers are successful and get the most accurate syndromic infectious disease testing results. Email and phone contact information is on our Contact Us page.

The BioFire® FilmArray® System: Simple Tips for Maintenance and Use

Clean the instrument periodically

Avoid contamination

Perform weekly software maintenance

Archive regularly

Keep track of error messages

Reach Out for Support

Explore more about the BioFire FilmArray System:

Share this entry

The BioFire^® FilmArray^® System: Simple Tips for Maintenance and Use