Visualization notes, Direct autoradiography, Fluorography – Hoefer SE1200 User Manual

Page 24

•

p15

5. Visualization Notes

Direct Autoradiography

Prepare the gel in the usual manner and expose
to film as directed with the instructions accom-
panying the film. Exposure times, especially for
medium energy beta-emitters such as

C and

can be quite long. For maximum sensitivity of
these types of labels, use fluorography.

Fluorography

Fluorography intensifies a weak beta emission
signal by impregnating the gel with a suitable
fluor that converts beta emission from

and

H into light. Drying the gel in cellophane

does not quench this signal, but for

H, a very

weak beta-emitter, up to 20% of the signal may
be lost.
If using EN

HANCE or sodium salicylate as

fluorography agents, include 0.5% to 2% glyc-
erol in the cold water treatment prior to drying.
Dehydration steps are not required for thinner,
lower percentage gels, which are far less prone
to cracking. If exposed to the maximum drying
temperature (~54 °C), these gels may form longer
fluor crystals, resulting in higher background on
X-ray exposures.

Note: Certain fluorographic agent
manufacturers specify tempera-
tures higher than those reached
in the Hoefer Easy Breeze (e.g.
Autofluor

™

[National Diag-

nostics] and Fluoro-Hance

™

[Research Products Interna-
tional], which require up to
80 °C to produce an optimum
signal). This dryer is not recom-
mended for such agents.