When I started my run on the Applied Biosystems 3500/3500xL Genetic Analyzer, an error occurred: "Unstable Electrophoresis current detected, check for air bubbles" but I don't see any bubbles. What else can cause this?
Some of the other causes of an Unstable Electrophoresis current detected error message are:
1.Leak on the system
2. Polymer that:
-Has expired
-Has been left on the instrument for more than the recommended time
-Is a mixture of expired polymer and non-expired polymer
3. Running Buffer that was:
-On the instrument longer than 2 weeks
-Not filled to the fill line or evaporated below the fill line
4. An arcing event that was not cleaned afterwards using the water wash wizard
5. Not performing regular maintenance on the instrument
6. Hardware issues
Inspect the system for leaks. If you do not see any leaks on the system, perform the wash the pump chamber and channels wizard using the conditioning pouch and place fresh, non-expired polymer and fresh Anode and Cathode buffer containers. If the problem persists, a service call may be required.
Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Capillary Electrophoresis Instruments Support Center.
I have an Applied Biosystems 3500/3500xL Genetic Analyzer. When do my consumables expire?
If we do not specify the expiry date or number of uses, the warranty will last for 12 months from the date of shipment.
Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Capillary Electrophoresis Instruments Support Center.
My Applied Biosystems 3500/3500xL Genetic Analyzer consumables have expired, but how long past expiration can I really use them?
Thermo Fisher Scientific can only provide warranty on performance on non-expired reagents. Using reagents past their expiration date is a risk and may compromise your data integrity.
Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Capillary Electrophoresis Instruments Support Center.
I am only using the Applied Biosystems 3500/3500xL Genetic Analyzer once a week. Should I leave the polymer on the instrument or put it back in the refrigerator?
Putting the polymer back at 2-8 degrees C may extend the life of the polymer, however, we do not have any data indicating how long it might extend it. Removing the polymer and putting it back on the system can also result in a trade-off in usage. When placing it back on the system, you will need to degas the polymer for 30-60 min, refill the pump/block, array, and remove bubbles, which will cause you to use more polymer for maintenance than you would for running samples and may decrease the number of runs you can get out of a single polymer bottle/pouch.
Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Capillary Electrophoresis Instruments Support Center.
Do I need to replace the buffer every 14 days if the Applied Biosystems 3500/3500xL Genetic Analyzer is not in use?
If the instrument is not in use, it is not necessary to replace the buffer every 14 days. However, the buffer level needs to remain at the fill line to prevent the capillary or array from drying out. Top off the buffer volume with water if necessary. Replace the anode and cathode buffer containers prior to starting a new run.
Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Capillary Electrophoresis Instruments Support Center.
