We have several ABI machine that we run continually. We notice some
times lanes that have been loaded on either end of the gel have been
cut off inadvertainly. This means we are unable to retrieve this data
and need to rerun the sample. Has anyone faced this problem and if so
please let me know how you solved the problem. My E-mail address is
wakeman at mpi.com thank you for your time
Jason Wakeman
Hi Jason.
Your problem is a familiar one. We too have encountered lanes being lost
on the left side of the
gel (i.e. lanes 1,2,3). After consulting our ABI technical specialist, he
suggested resetting the 377. He
mentioned that the problem is a corruption in the firmware so that the
instrument does not home properly.
The protocol for resetting the 377 is as follows:
1. Make a note of the values that is in Window-Manual Control-CCD Pixel
Position.
2. Turn off the collection software.
3. Reset the 377, by pressing the reset button once, count 2 seconds and
then press the reset button
again which is found on the back of the machine using a paperclip
(straight it out).
4. Start up the collection software.
Note: The Collection Software will download the firmware to the 377
sequencer.
5. Retype the numerical value in Window-Manual Control-CCD Pixel Position
and execute.
The problem should be corrected now.
Another problem that we have encountered was a gel image reversal (i.e.
lane 1 on the sample sheet is
lane 36 on the gel). Our ABI technical specialist indicated that the
homing position of the laser eye
was corrupted. I was able to clear it up by powering down the 377. In the
future I will use the above
protocol to alleviate any laser homing problem.
Hope this helps.
Robert Vogrig
DNA Core
Health Canada
Laboratory Center for Disease Control.
