iGlow™ Gel Documentation System, 220 V - FAQs

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31 product FAQs found

Can the iGlow Gel Documentation System be used in shared laboratory environments?

Yes. The iGlow Gel Documentation System includes One Touch Capture workflows, method saving capabilities, and automated tray recognition features that can help support consistent operation across multiple users.

What is the maximum gel size supported by the iGlow Gel Documentation System?

The iGlow Gel Documentation System supports gels up to approximately 20 × 13 cm in size and can image up to four mini gels or two midi gels simultaneously.

When should I choose an iGlow Gel Documentation System instead of an iBright Imaging System?

The iGlow Gel Documentation System is designed specifically for gel imaging workflows. Laboratories that require chemiluminescence imaging, western blot imaging, or more advanced imaging applications may wish to consider an iBright Imaging System.

Which types of gel imaging workflows and applications is the iGlow Gel Documentation System designed to support?

The iGlow Gel Documentation System is designed for routine imaging of nucleic acid and protein gels, including fluorescently stained DNA gels, protein gels, and colorimetric gels. It is well suited for laboratories that require fast, simple gel imaging workflows without chemiluminescence imaging capabilities.

Does the iGlow Gel Documentation System allow users to manually control imaging parameters?

Yes. Users can adjust imaging parameters including field of view, exposure time, and illumination intensity (UV and blue illumination). Imaging settings can also be saved as methods for future use.

What steps are involved in One Touch Capture on the iGlow Gel Documentation System?

When One Touch Capture is activated, the iGlow Gel Documentation System evaluates sample signal intensity and automatically calculates an exposure time designed to maximize usable signal while avoiding saturation. Image acquisition then proceeds automatically, allowing image capture within seconds.

What is the average expected capture time for a gel sample on the iGlow Gel Documentation System?

Capture time depends on sample type and illumination. Colorimetric protein gels are typically captured in milliseconds, while fluorescent DNA gels are often captured within 1 second.

Can users conduct gel excision on the iGlow Gel Documentation System?

Yes. The iGlow Gel Documentation System supports gel excision workflows by illuminating samples while the drawer is open to support band visualization. Safety features include adjustable light intensity, an automatic 5-minute illumination timer, UV Safety Guard protection, and integrated sensors that permit illumination only when the safety guard is properly installed.

What protein stains are supported by the iGlow Gel Documentation System?

The iGlow Gel Documentation System supports a wide variety of protein stains, including Coomassie-based stains, Pierce Silver Stain, Coomassie Fluor Orange stain, Flamingo stain, and SYPRO stains, including Ruby, Red, Orange, and Tangerine stains.

What nucleic acid gel stains are supported by the iGlow Gel Documentation System?

The iGlow Gel Documentation System supports a wide variety of nucleic acid stains, including ethidium bromide, SYBR Safe, SYBR Gold, SYBR Green, GelRed, and RedSafe stains.

What types of nucleic acid and protein gels can be imaged on the iGlow Gel Documentation System?

The iGlow Gel Documentation System supports imaging fluorescently stained DNA and protein gels, colorimetric protein gels, hand-cast gels, and many precast gel formats, including E-Gels. The maximum supported gel size is approximately 20 × 13 cm.

Is the iGlow Gel Documentation System able to visualize proteins labeled using No-Stain Protein Labeling Reagent?

Yes. The iGlow Gel Documentation System supports imaging of No-Stain Protein Labeling Reagent-labeled gels. For optimal performance, use the blue imaging tray.

Is the iGlow Gel Documentation System able to image chemiluminescent samples?

No. The iGlow Gel Documentation System is designed for imaging nucleic acid and protein gels and does not support chemiluminescence imaging. Customers requiring chemiluminescence imaging may wish to consider an iBright Imaging System.

Is the iGlow Gel Documentation System able to image blots as well as gels?

The iGlow Gel Documentation System is optimized for gel imaging. Some visibly stained blots may be imaged, but performance may vary depending on the sample. Chemiluminescence imaging is not supported. Customers requiring western blot imaging may wish to consider an iBright Imaging System.

Can the iGlow Gel Documentation System capture images of multiple gels simultaneously?

Yes. The iGlow Gel Documentation System supports imaging up to four mini gels or two midi gels simultaneously within its 14 × 21 cm field of view.

What maintenance is required for the iGlow Gel Documentation System and imaging accessories?

No routine calibration or replacement parts are required. When needed, the sample trays, touchscreen, and transilluminator glass may be cleaned using deionized water, 70% ethanol, or isopropyl alcohol followed by wiping with a lint-free cloth or tissue.

Are replacement imaging trays for the iGlow Gel Documentation System available?

Yes. Replacement imaging trays are available for purchase. The UV imaging tray is Cat. No. IGA011, the blue imaging tray is Cat. No. IGA012, and the white imaging tray is Cat. No. IGA013.

What kind of detector is used in the iGlow Gel Documentation System?

The iGlow Gel Documentation System uses a 5 MP scientific CMOS detector designed to support rapid image capture with high sensitivity and resolution.

What light sources are included on the iGlow Gel Documentation System?

The iGlow Gel Documentation System includes UV (300–310 nm), blue (460–470 nm), and white (400–800 nm) LED illumination sources.

Is there a performance advantage to using either the blue or UV LEDs on the iGlow Gel Documentation System?

Blue LED illumination offers a safer alternative to UV light and does not cause DNA degradation. Most fluorescent DNA and protein stains are compatible with blue illumination, although some stains, such as ethidium bromide, may provide stronger signal intensity with UV illumination.

Is the iGlow sample tray holder compatible with iBright imaging accessories?

Yes. The iGlow sample tray holder is compatible with select iBright imaging accessories, including the contrast tray and glass turntable.

How are sample trays installed in the iGlow Gel Documentation System?

Each sample tray includes notches that align with locating pegs on the sample drawer. After installation, the iGlow Gel Documentation System automatically recognizes the inserted tray and activates the corresponding workflow.

What accessories are included with the iGlow Gel Documentation System?

The iGlow Gel Documentation System includes the UV, blue, and white trays required for imaging, the UV Safety Guard for gel excision, and the sample tray holder.

What are the key features of the iGlow UV Safety Guard?

The iGlow UV Safety Guard filters UV radiation to help protect users while maintaining sample access during gel excision. It also filters blue light to improve band visibility. Additional features include easy installation, integrated safety sensors that permit illumination only when the guard is installed, and a simple fold-up design for storage.

How does the iGlow Gel Documentation System automatically recognize which sample tray is inserted?

The iGlow Gel Documentation System uses integrated sensors to detect when a sample tray is inserted and automatically enables the corresponding workflow on the user interface.

How does the iGlow sample drawer open?

The iGlow Gel Documentation System features a manual pull-out sample drawer with a front-mounted handle for easy access.

Are the iGlow imaging trays compatible with other instrumentation?

No. The imaging trays are designed specifically for use with the iGlow Gel Documentation System.

Does the iGlow Gel Documentation System support densitometry and normalization analysis?

Yes, when data is exported in the .iba file format it can be loaded into the iBright Analysis Software for downstream densitometry and normalization analysis. The iBA software also supports annotations, reporting, and image preparation for publication.

What file types are available for export from the iGlow Gel Documentation System?

The iGlow Gel Documentation System supports JPG, 8-bit TIFF, 16-bit TIFF, and IBA file exports. JPG and 8-bit TIFF files are suitable for publication and printing workflows. IBA files retain imaging metadata and are compatible with iBright Analysis Software for downstream analysis. The system also supports 16-bit TIFF export for use with iBright Analysis Software or other image analysis programs.

Can the iGlow Gel Documentation System be connected to a local network?

Yes. The iGlow Gel Documentation System supports data transfer through an Ethernet connection, multiple USB ports, and Wi-Fi when used with the USB Wi-Fi module (Cat. No. A26774).

Does the iGlow Gel Documentation System support printing to a thermal printer?

Yes. The iGlow Gel Documentation System is compatible with the Sony UP-X898MD thermal printer (Cat. No. A45235). The printer connects directly to the imager using a USB A-B cable, allowing users to print images directly from the system.