Search for Caliper GX expiriences

[EGraf]

Hi everybody,

for quality and quantity control of our exome libraries we are using the Caliper GX system.

Since the beginning of usage we had some issues with the machine.
There are measurements with undefined peaks and measurements were it seems that there is no sample in the well or we get confusing electropherogramms. A parallel check on the Bioanalyzer shows us the sample to be ok.

We perform our initial dilution using the Bravo system. We spin the plate down and check for bubbles. Additionally, the handling was checked by a member of Perkin Elmer and assessed as ok.

I would like to hear some experiences from other users concerning the reproducibility and the satisfaction concerning the performance.

Thanks a lot
E

[chevrm]

You could be introducing bubbles/air gaps into the GX chip when aspirating. You want to make sure that the well bottoms are naked for as little time as possible, and immediately filled with the next reagent/buffer. Bubbles would cause the gel to run funky and I've seen it give the phenotype of "missed" samples even when marker and ladder look fine. Have you tried re-priming a bunch to purge potential airgaps (or if $ is no issue, grabbing a new chip)?