> We experienced similar problems and also solved them by buying the
> Expedite. We also purchased the MOSS option which allows you to set up
> sixteen oligos at the end of the day and walk away. This was almost like
> having a night shift. This machine sips reagents and they are much cheaper
> for the same chemistries from PerSeptive.
> As for the problems with using reagents other than ABI on an ABI
> instrument:
> We have not had much problem with ABI on this issue, but if you do, you
> may want to see how the anti-trust laws can help you.
> John Nechtman
> Medical College of Georgia
> Molecular Biology Core Facility
>
>
I have gotten a lot of responses from many labs about this problem and
know that there are many others out there dealing with the same issues.
While the problem of valve block failure may be the result of some
chemical problem it is clearly NOT related to the SOURCE of the chemicals
and ABI has NOT suggested to me that this is the problem. Similar high
rates of failed blocks have been found on instruments that use only ABI
reagents. It may be a materials problem related to the valve diaphrams.
Interestingly, one lab reported that their 1993-vintage 494 has only had
two blocks replaced. I am now wondering whether there was some change in
the design and or construction of the 49X machines since that time. Are
there other users out there with older model 49X's who can report few
valve block problems? Maybe this is a clue. But, I am sure the company
must have correlated its service records and histories on these machines
to look for such a link?? -Mark
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Mark O. Lively, Ph.D. Voice: 910-716-2969
Professor of Biochemistry Fax: 910-716-7200
Wake Forest University School of Medicine email: lively@mgrp.bgsm.edu
Medical Center Blvd.
Winston-Salem, NC 27157
HOME PAGE: http://www.bgsm.edu/molecular_genetics/
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