We just got our 3700 installed last week and here's a breif synopsis of how
things are going. Bottom line, machine is great--software needs help.
The install went well and the instrument works great. For long reads, it
takes 4.5 hrs (of that 2.5hrs are collection of data). Using the machine is
easy and is sure beats pouring and loading gels. The software right now is
another story! It is pretty intuitive, but in these early stages, there are
tools that need to be added to make our lives easier. Most of the big
problems we have should be easily fixed with some software changes. The
biggest problems are sample sheet preparation and printing. At this point
it is tedious, but we have come up with a couple work-arounds that have cut
down on the time. We are getting a database system that should address most
of the sample sheet and printing problems.
Data looks good. In the run time we get about 700 bases. Clean DNA is key.
Data files are in "dos" but can be converted to "abi1" with a program called
"SetItsType"ver1.3 (found free on the internet). This enables programs like
Sequencher to see the chromatograms.
Overall, we are really happy with our purchase and everyone loves NO
BACKLOG!!! We are exclusively using the 3700, where we were using 2 stretch
373's. The 3700 can run 5 96-well plates in a 24hr period, where you run
one during the day and can set up the other 4 for an overnight run.
If you want the nitty-gritty details, I can supply them, but by the time you
would get an instrument, these problems will probably be gone (I'm
optimistic!)
Hope this helps!
Sincerely,
Dina Leviten
ICOS, Corp.
Bothell, WA
> ----------
> From: lisa bibbs
> Sent: Thursday, May 13, 1999 5:03 PM
> To: Recipients of ABRF List
> Subject: DNASeq: New 3700?
>
> Does anyone have one and would like to comment? We have reached are
> capacity and are trying to decide about next years budget.
>
> Thanks in advance
> Lisa
>
>