What should I do if my chip is blocked?

A blockage happens when a particle or clump gets stuck in the chip’s nanopore. You may see the baseline current drop in steps or become unstable. Complex samples or larger particles are more likely to cause a blockage.

 To clear it, follow the steps in How do I use the Pressure Application Device (PAD) and Pressure Syringe Kit? If the chip is still blocked after these steps, replace it. 

To help prevent chip blockages

• Use the right chip. P5T is less prone to blocking than P4T, so it’s the better choice for LNPs and EVs. See Which Pulsoid chip should I use?
• Use clean electrolyte. Prepare it with the NPS Reagent Kit and filter it as described in the NPS Reagent Kit guide. Don’t use general lab PBS, because it can contain particles that block chips.
• Dilute your sample so it sits within the Pulsoid’s concentration range (1 × 10⁹ to 1 × 10¹² particles/mL).
• Start with a clean, well-prepared sample. Aggregates and debris are a common cause of blockages.

 

Still having trouble? Raise a support ticket.