Bio-Rad High-Throughput Dodeca™ Gel Stainers - Manual (Page 16)

3.9 Unit Disassembly
3.9.1 Turn off the power switch and disconnect the power cord.
3.9.2 Drain the solution tank.
3.9.3 Remove the lid.
3.9.4 Remove the shaking rack.
3.9.5 Release the restraining bar.
3.9.6 Remove the staining trays with gels.
3.9.7 Wash the Dodeca stainer components according to the maintenance
guidelines in Section 6.
Section 4
Gel Handling and Storage
Eliminating direct handling of fragile acrylamide gels throughout the staining
process is possible by following the gel handling and storage procedures below.
4.1 Gel Handling
a. Use the gel clip to remove the gel from the glass plates and transfer it to
the staining tray.
Note: The staining tray can be used as a tool to transport gels around the
laboratory.
b. Transfer the gel onto an imager or spot cutter platform by sliding it off the
staining tray or using the gel clip to lift the gel. There must be sufficient
water underneath the gel so it can slide freely.
c. Use the gel clip to transfer the gel back onto the staining tray.
Note: If numerous spots are cut out of the gel, the integrity of the gel may
be compromised. It may be difficult to lift the gel using the gel clip. The
best method for lifting a gel once a lot of spots (200 or more) have been
removed is to use the spot cutter gel cutting sheet that is already under the
gel or slide a separation sheet (used for handcasting gels) under the gel to
lift it up.
4.2 Gel Storage
a. Up to 4 gels (on the staining trays) plus one additional tray to hold the top gel in
position can be placed in the appropriate storage box.
b. Fill the storage box with storage solution (usually distilled water) to cover
the gels completely. See chemical compatibility, Section 6, for incompatible
solutions.
c. Place the lid on the storage box.
Note: The storage box can be placed in the refrigerator (4°C) if desired.
13