Bio-Rad Experion DNA Analysis Kits - Manual (Page 54)

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Appendix B: Deep Cleaning Procedure
This manual procedure applies Experion ™ electrode cleaner directly to the 16 platinum pins in the
electrode manifold. It is the most stringent method of cleaning the Experion electrode pins.
The need for this deep cleaning will vary from lab to lab and depends on the frequency of use of the
Experion system and on the types of assays (protein, RNA, or DNA analysis) that are performed.
Perform deep cleaning:
n
Prior to first use of the Experion electrophoresis station
n
Between a protein and DNA or RNA analysis (an Experion electrophoresis station used to
analyze protein samples will become contaminated with RNases and should be cleaned
prior to any RNA analysis), or between a DNA and RNA analysis
n
Whenever RNase contamination is suspected or other contamination (for example, salt
deposits or other precipitates) is visible on the electrodes
n
Whenever a chip has been left in the electrophoresis station for an extended period of time
(for example, overnight)
Perform this procedure with the electrode manifold in place (installed in the electrophoresis station).
It requires the following supplies:
n
Experion electrode cleaner (catalog #700-7252)
n
Experion DEPC-treated water (catalog #700-7253)
n
Foam cleaning swabs (catalog #700-7264)
Warning: Keep the chip platform dry during this procedure. Either cover the chip platform using
plastic wrap and a paper towel or foil, or place a cleaning chip on the chip platform.
1. Shut off power to the electrophoresis station.
2. Add 0.5–1 ml Experion electrode cleaner to a microcentrifuge tube. Insert a swab into the solution
until it is saturated with the electrode cleaner.
3. Use the swab to gently scrub each electrode pin one at a time, on all four sides. Do not press too
hard on the pins, as they may bend. Finally, clean the tip of each pin. Add more electrode cleaner to
the swab as necessary.
-Or-
Move the swab up and down, and side to side, 2–3 times along the columns and rows of pins.
Finally, clean the tip of each of pin. Add more electrode cleaner to the swab as necessary.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 twice, each time with a fresh swab soaked in DEPC-treated water.
5. Fill a cleaning chip with 800 μl DEPC-treated water, place it in the electrophoresis station, and close
the lid for 5 min.
6. Remove the chip and allow the pins to dry completely by leaving the lid open for 5–10 min.
Refer to the Experion system manual for more details and images.
Experion Automated Electrophoresis System