Search
Thermo Fisher Scientific will discontinue the manufacture and sale of the Applied Biosystems 3500 Series (RUO, HID, QST) genetic analyzers after December 31, 2026.
For more than 15 years, 3500 Series genetic analyzers have been valuable and reliable instruments serving the life sciences industry. The decision to discontinue their sale was carefully made for numerous reasons, including future availability of parts and advancements in hardware and software.
Ongoing support for the 3500 system
Comprehensive instrument service plans and instrument support will remain available through December 2033 (seven years post-discontinuation). Beyond 2033, we will make reasonable efforts to provide service and support, depending on available inventory.
Commercially available consumables will be available through December 2033.
FAQs about the 3500 Genetic Analyzer end of sales
Yes. New 3500 and 3500xL can be purchased until December 2026.
Yes. We will continue to sell Applied Biosystems 3500/xL Dx genetic analyzer models. These models are not impacted by this announcement.
With the same trusted technology of the Applied Biosystems 3500 Dx Genetic Analyzer, the SeqStudio Flex Dx Genetic Analyzer offers even more innovation with three operating modes For In Vitro Diagnostic Use (IVD), For Investigational Use Only and For Use in Performance Evaluation Studies (IUO), and For Research Use Only (RUO). The system also offers laboratory information management system (LIMS) compatibility, increased data quality, and more intuitive design and time savings features.
The SeqStudio Flex Dx system is available in limited countries. In Korea and Japan, please reach out to your Thermo Fisher representative for more information.
Yes. We will continue to offer our standard comprehensive services and instrument support for at least 7 years (until December 2033). Spare parts will continue to be available after 2033 as long as supplies last.
If there is a research project or experiments that will extend beyond 2033, reach out to your Thermo Fisher representative for more information.
See equivalence data in resources below.
SeqStudio Flex Genetic Analyzers (8 or 24 cap) deliver Sanger sequencing and fragment analysis with the same high data quality as the 3500 system with added flexibility, efficiency, and simplicity to fit your lab’s needs.
Contact your sales representatives for local promotional offers related to upgrades, trade-ins, and new instrument inquiries.
Thermo Fisher Scientific Services offers training, compliance, validation, and calibration services. Contact your local sales representative for more information.
Software and licensing are not transferable.
Upgrade your 3500 instrument
We are committed to support your continued work with Sanger sequencing and fragment analysis and recommend the Applied Biosystems SeqStudio Flex Genetic Analyzer as an alternative to our 3500 Series instruments. The SeqStudio Flex Genetic Analyzer brings you the same quality data you’ve come to expect, with increased flexibility, efficiency, and simplicity.
Upgrade to the right SeqStudio Flex for your industry and regulatory needs
What are customers saying about upgrading to a SeqStudio Flex from a 3500 Genetic Analyzer?
Resources
For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.