What is the appropriate volume of liquid for use in the buffer, water, and waste reservoirs, on the Applied Biosystems 3730 Series DNA Analyzer?
The appropriate volume to use in the buffer, water, and waste reservoirs is 80mls. The black line on the reservoir body is a reference only and should not be used to determine the fill volume. For accuracy and reproducibility in filling the reservoirs, a graduated cylinder should be used each time the reservoir fluids are replaced.
Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Capillary Electrophoresis Instruments Support Center.
How long can the 1x Running Buffer for the 3730 Series be stored?
The 1x Running Buffer can be stored for 1 week at room temperatures (20–25°C) or for 1 month at refrigerated temperatures (2–8°C).
Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Capillary Electrophoresis Instruments Support Center.
How long can Running Buffer stay on the Applied Biosystems 3730 Series DNA Analyzer?
The Running Buffer on the Applied Biosystems 3730 Series DNA Analyzer has a use-life of 48 hours on the instrument. Replace the Running Buffer (in both the buffer jar and reservoirs) every 48 hours.
Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Capillary Electrophoresis Instruments Support Center.
When I started my run on the Applied Biosystems 3730/3730xl DNA Analyzer, an error occurred: "Leak detected" but I don't see any leaks. What else might cause this?
“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.
When I started my run on the Applied Biosystems 3730/3730xl DNA 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.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.
