I hope this helps gives you a clue to the problem.
Sheryl Christofferson
OMRF DNA Sequencing Facility
Oklahoma City, OK
405) 271-7393
mcada002@mc.duke.edu wrote:
> We are at our wits end here tryng to solve a DNA sequencing problem.
>
> Problem:
>
> The samples show blank lanes for the first approximately half of the run,
> then start showing up as if normal. We have not had a normal run in about a
> week. It is next to imposible to get through to PE Biosystems for help. When
> we have been able to get through the information we get conflicts with
> information gotten from another. Service engineer has been here today - says
> our plates are contaminated with something from the gel and we should routinely
> go through some rigorous wash procedure routinely. We have been running gels
> for about four years now and this is the first occurance we have seen like this.
> We wash our gels everyday, manually, with hot water at the sink and Multi-Terge.
>
> About 3 years ago we had a problem with band broadening due to some build
> up on the plates. But, when we started cleaning with Multi-Terge the problem
> was gone. No problems until suddenly one day last week the first half of the
> Run was blank, and then as I mentioned earlier, the samples' ladders pattern
> started showing.
>
> The service engineer says this 'happens all the time'. If so, then for
> somebody out there it must have happened. Would you please respond and let us
> know what solved your problem? We're well backed-up now and can't keep
> expecting PE Bio. to solve this. If it's someting on the plates fine - but
> we're very skeptical.
>
> If it is more practical to respond (converse) by phone that's OK. We're
> desperate!
>
> Millie McAdams/ Judy Phelps
> 919 684-2652/ 919-684-2405