3730 DNA Analyzer 48-Capillary Array, 36 cm - FAQs

A spectral calibration is an algorithm applied to raw data, which converts it into the component 4 or 5 dye data stored in the sample files. A spectral is created for a specific dye set (combination of dyes), array type (4 or 16 capillaries), and array length (36cm or 50cm). It is used to correct for the natural overlap of the fluorescent dyes.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Capillary Electrophoresis Instruments Support Center.

The life span of an array can vary depending on the application, sample prep (clean-up), and excessive handling. Each Applied Biosystems 3730 Series DNA Analyzer capillary array (regardless of length or number of capillaries) has a minimum specification of 300 runs within 1 year of purchase under normal run conditions. This minimum specification assumes careful maintenance and proper usage of the system.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Capillary Electrophoresis Instruments Support Center.

On the 36 cm array:
- The Standard Sequencing run module has a run time of 60 minutes and an average read of 700 bases with a QV >20.
- The Rapid Sequencing run module has a run time of 35 minutes and an average read length of 550 bases with a QV >20.

On the 50 cm array:
- The Extra Long Read Sequencing run module has a run time of 180 minutes and an average read length of 900 bases with a QV >20.
- The Long Read Sequencing run module has a run time of 120 minutes and an average read length of 850 bases with a QV >20.
- The Fast Sequencing run module has a run time of 60 minutes and an average read length of 700 bases with a QV >20.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Capillary Electrophoresis Instruments Support Center.

It is possible that the polymer tube fitting may not be screwed into the pump properly, allowing air to get pulled in as the piston retracts. It is also possible that some debris may be stuck in the check valve, locking it in the open position. It may be necessary to detach and carefully attach the polymer tube again and then perform a water wash wizard to remove the bubbles and clear any debris from the check valve.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Capillary Electrophoresis Instruments Support Center.

“Leak detected” error messages can also occur when the piston on the pump moves further than expected during the movement of the pump. The usual cause for this is a leak on the system, usually due to either an improperly tightened or improperly threaded fitting or a broken capillary. However, if this is not observed, some of the other reasons are:

1.Valve stuck in open position
2.Large air bubble under the piston
3. Polymer:
-Wrong polymer type (e.g., instrument thinks it has POP-7 on it but it really has POP-4).
-Old/degraded polymer
4. Improper/no maintenance on the system

Inspect the system for leaks. If you do not see any leaks on the system, perform a water wash using the water wash wizard and place fresh, non-expired polymer and freshly made 1X Running Buffer on the system. If the problem persists, a service call may be required.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Capillary Electrophoresis Instruments Support Center.

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.Using Running Buffer that was:
-Diluted to 1X incorrectly
-Swapped with the water position on the
Autosampler deck
-On the instrument longer than 48 hours
-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 a water wash using the water wash wizard and place fresh, non-expired polymer and freshly made 1X Running Buffer on the system. If the problem persists, a service call may be required.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Capillary Electrophoresis Instruments Support Center.

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.

The arrays are warrantied for a certain number of runs or one year from date of shipment, whichever comes first. If you notice that you are starting to get reduced data quality (e.g., shorter reads, trailing peaks in all 4 colors) even with the Sequencing Standard, these may be signs that the array requires changing.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Capillary Electrophoresis Instruments Support Center.

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.