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Amplified DNA Product Separation for Forensic Analysts

Instrumentation

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ABI Prism® 310 Genetic Analyzer is a single capillary instrument with multiple color fluorescence detection. The instrument allows for unattended operation. An analyst loads the samples into the autosampler, places a capillary and syringe full of polymer solution in the instrument, and initiates the run. Computer programs process the data and genotype information.

Capillary Array Electrophoresis (CAE) Instruments

Capillary array electrophoresis (CAE) instruments have multiple capillaries in parallel with multicolor fluorescence detection. Advantages of these instruments are:

  • Simultaneous injection of multiple samples
  • Unattended operation
  • High throughput processing

Array Comparison of Instruments

Instrument# of Capillaries
per Array
ABI Prism® 3100-Avant Genetic Analyzer / 3130 Genetic Analyzer4
ABI Prism® 3100 Genetic Analyzer / 3130 xl Genetic Analyzer16
ABI Prism® 3700 Genetic Analyzer96
ABI 3500 Genetic Analyzer8
ABI 3500xl Genetic Analyzer24

AB (Applied Biosystems) manufactures a group of instruments that have similar features except for the types of pump and the number of capillaries in the array. These instruments are referred to as the ABI Prism® 31xx.

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