The problem:
Sequence starting showing up only after the first 350 +/- bases had moved
past the laser. And that was with the first gel from the pack. We isolated the
problem to the gel mix, to our satisfaction, by runnning several gels back and
forth using new and original plates, a different Lot #, a different 377XL in a
different lab, etc.. When a second gel from the same Lot was run on the
original plates no sequence showed at all.
We wash our plates everyday manually with 20% Multi-Terge detergent, rinse with
hot tap water, then rinse with 18 MegaOhm H2O.. Have not seen a build up of any
kind since we have been cleaning this way. Maybe two years?
In order to regenerate our plates, used only twice with this gel, the
manufacturer suggested soaking in 2M NaOH for 2 hours, rinse with tap water,
then rinse with 18 MegaOhm H2O. It worked but, we can't use this procedure
everyday. Also, we're not in a postion to purchase/use an industrial dish
washer which may work since it has very hot water delivered under pressure.
The question:
Are any of you using this Lot # of pre-mix gel? Is it working for you?
How are you washing your plates?
We are not trying to make it hard on the manufacturer. We only want to know how
or if this Lot can be used effectively.
Thanks in advance,
Millie