Table 2.

Parameters investigated to understand their effect on the figures of merit under consideration for use for microarray scanner performance qualification

Factors investigated for their effects on the figures of merit	Investigation parameters
Number of scans/slide	• heavy use scanned 6x/day: Slides A2, B2, B3, C2
	• standard use scanned 6x/week: Slides A1, A3, B1, C1, C3
	• minimal use scanned 6x/study: Slides A4, B4, C4
Recovery time	• five minutes
	• several hours to two days
Time between slide production and use	• Lots A and B: slides used within three months of printing; within warranty period
	• Lot C: slides printed nine months before use; warranty expired
Slide storage conditions	• in desiccator: Slides A1, A2, A4, B1, B2, B4, C1, C2, C4
	• under ambient conditions: Slides A3, B3, B4, C3
Scanners	• Scanner R used five days/week
	• Scanner S used one day/week