Protocol Details¶

Tap on any protocol to view its detail screen. This screen displays all of the types of information included in the protocol file, as well as common protocol actions. An indicator at the top left of the screen shows whether the protocol is ready to run, or whether you need to perform additional setup.

Summary tab¶

Summary of an RNA extraction protocol showing author, description, date, and action buttons.

The Summary tab shows:

Protocol name: For protocols with very long names, tap to toggle between the full and truncated name.
Author: Who created the protocol.
Description: For protocols with long descriptions, scroll to read the full text.
Date added: Timestamp when Flex received the protocol file.

Parameters tab¶

List of parameters for an RNA extraction protocol, such as number of samples, source sample volume, wash volume, and elution volume.

The Parameters tab lists all of the runtime parameters that you can configure from the touchscreen while setting up the protocol. The Default Value column shows the value that the protocol will use if you don't change it. The Range column shows the maximum and minimum, list of choices, or number of choices depending on the parameter type.

Note

Runtime parameters are only available in Python protocols that define their names, descriptions, and possible values. See Runtime Parameters in the Python API documentation for information on defining parameters and using their values. JSON protocols do not currently support this feature.

Hardware tab¶

List of hardware for an RNA extraction protocol, including pipette, gripper, and modules.

The Hardware tab is a list of all instruments, modules, and fixtures used in the protocol. The Location column tells you where the hardware needs to be attached to Flex. For instruments, location can be the left pipette mount, right pipette mount, both mounts (for the 96-channel pipette), or the extension mount (for the gripper). For modules and fixtures, the location is the deck slot or slots that the item occupies.

Labware tab¶

List of labware for an RNA extraction protocol, such as deep well plates, reservoirs, and tip racks.

The Labware tab is a list of all labware used in the protocol. It shows the names and quantities of labware. It does not show their locations, since labware can be moved, added, or removed from the deck during the course of a protocol. Use the Deck tab to see initial positions of labware.

Opentrons-verified labware is indicated with a blue checkmark.

Liquids tab¶

List of liquids for an RNA extraction protocol, including various buffers.

The Liquids tab lists all liquids to be loaded into labware at the start of the protocol. It shows the color code of the liquid (as assigned by the protocol author), the liquid name, and the total volume of liquid used across all wells. Use the Deck tab to see well-by-well initial positions of liquids.

Deck tab¶

Deck map for an RNA extraction protocol, showing locations of labware on the Flex deck.

The Deck tab shows a visual map of the deck at the beginning of the protocol.

For an interactive view that provides more information about the contents of each deck slot, tap Start setup, then tap Labware, and then tap Map View. There you can tap on any labware to see its type and custom label (if set by the protocol).

Action buttons¶

On any of the protocol detail tabs, three action buttons are available:

Start setup (top right)
Pin protocol (bottom left)
Delete protocol (bottom right)

Next we'll look at the steps for setting up and performing a protocol run.