Synthace allows you to customise how tip washing is performed on your Tecan Fluent by selecting and modifying wash scripts at the device configuration level.
This is particularly useful when working with:
Sticky proteins
Sensitive assays
High cross-contamination risk workflows
Custom Robocolumn processes
Tip washing behaviour is controlled through two configurable scripts: a Comprehensive Wash Script and a Regular Wash Script.
What you can control
Using the configuration tool in Synthace Hub, you can:
Modify the wash behaviour executed at the start of workflows
Control washing between different liquid handling steps
Adjust flush and wash volumes
Reduce cross-contamination risk
Ensure air gaps and liquid lines are properly reset
All changes are applied through device configuration and uploaded to the Synthace platform.
Understanding the two wash script types
1. Comprehensive Wash Script
The Comprehensive Wash Script runs:
At the start of any workflow using the Tecan Fluent
After any workflow pause
At the beginning of Robocolumn workflows
This script serves two primary purposes:
Clears trapped air from liquid lines (FCA lines)
Resets air gaps within the tubing above aspirated samples
This ensures clean priming and consistent liquid handling before processing begins.
2. Regular Wash Script
The Regular Wash Script runs between liquid handling steps.
For example:
Switching from sample loading to wash buffer
Changing between equilibration buffer and elution buffer
This script determines how tips are washed between handling different liquids.
You can customise:
Number of wash cycles
Flush steps
Wash volumes
Sequence of wash/flush actions
Step-by-step: modifying tip washing behaviour
Step 1 – Open the Configuration Tool
Navigate to Synthace Hub.
Open the Device Configuration Tool.
Locate the configuration for your Tecan Fluent.
You will see dropdown options for:
Comprehensive Wash Script
Regular Wash Script
Step 2 – Select or modify a wash script
Choose the script you want to update from the dropdown menu.
If needed, edit the underlying script in Fluent Control.
Modify flush and wash steps as required:
Adjust wash volumes
Add or remove wash cycles
Configure flush steps
Step 3 – Generate a new configuration
After selecting the desired script, click Generate Configuration.
Upload the new configuration to the Synthace platform (using the standard upload process).
Once uploaded, the updated wash behaviour will apply to future executions.
Important: Work table consistency
The wash script must reference the same work table as the configuration you are generating.
To confirm:
Open your wash script in Fluent Control.
Check the Script Name section.
Verify the associated work table matches the work table used in your Synthace configuration.
If you use multiple work tables:
Create duplicate versions of your custom wash script
Assign each duplicate to the correct work table
Failure to match work tables may result in incorrect script execution.
Editing the wash script in Fluent Control
Inside the wash script:
Define flush steps
Define wash steps
Adjust liquid volumes
Configure step sequences
These changes will be reflected automatically when the script is executed via Synthace.
The script structure is intentionally simple, making it easy to tailor washing behaviour to your application.
Best practices
Increase wash cycles when handling sticky proteins
Use higher wash volumes for viscous reagents
Validate new wash scripts with a test run before production workflows
Maintain version control when duplicating scripts for multiple work tables
When should you modify tip washing?
Consider adjusting wash behaviour when:
Observing cross-contamination between samples
Changing buffer types frequently
Working with high-value or sensitive samples
Optimising Robocolumn workflows
Summary
Tip washing behaviour on the Tecan Fluent can be easily customised through the Synthace device configuration tool. By selecting and modifying comprehensive and regular wash scripts, you can:
Improve liquid handling reliability
Reduce cross-contamination
Optimise workflows for specific assay types