Section 3 Using The System - Thermo Scientific A2-OK Operating And Maintenance Manual

Section 3
Using the System
3-2 Horizontal System
4. Load prepared samples into the wells. Samples should be mixed with a
sample loading buffer; giving weight to the samples so that they drop
evenly into the wells and containing tracking dyes to monitor the gel
run. After the gel solidifies, remove the gel tray from the external
casting tray and place the tray on the lab bench. Carefully remove the
sample combs by tapping and lifting straight up. Samples mixed with
loading buffer that does not contain dye may be easier to load dry,
especially in larger gel units to avoid cross contamination. After
loading all sample lanes, place the gel tray into the gel tray holder in
the running position with the gel edges facing out toward the buffer
chambers and slowly fill as described in Step #2. It is wise to always
run a sample lane of a known "standard ladder" to determine
concentration and size of separated fragments after the gel run, and to
aid in photo documentation and analysis.
Note It is sometimes easier to load the sample wells dry before placing the
gel tray into the running position.
5. Carefully slide the Supersafe lid with attached power supply leads onto
the unit. This will connect the power cords to the banana plug
electrodes and complete the circuit. Plug other end of the power cords
into appropriate power supply.
6. Turn on power supply (see Recommended Running Conditions).
Carefully monitor the gel run to avoid samples running into the path
of another set of samples.
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