Bio-Rad Experion Protein Analysis Kits - Manual (Page 32)

Appendix B — Cleaning the Electrodes
Two types of cleaning procedures ensure the best results from the Experion ™ electrophoresis
station: 1) a deep-cleaning procedure, which applies electrode cleaner directly to electrode
pins using swabs, and 2) a routine procedure, which uses cleaning chips and is performed
directly before and after every run.
Method 1: Deep Cleaning
This manual procedure applies Experion electrode cleaner directly to the 16 platinum pins
in the electrode manifold. This method is the most stringent method of cleaning the
Experion electrode pins and helps to ensure RNase-free operation of the system. The need
for this deep cleaning will vary from lab to lab, depending on the frequency of use of the
Experion system and on the types of assays (protein, RNA, or DNA analysis) that are
performed. Recognize that an Experion electrophoresis station used to analyze protein
samples will become contaminated with RNases and should be deep cleaned prior to any
RNA analysis.
Perform deep cleaning:
• Prior to first use of the Experion electrophoresis station
• Between a protein and an RNA analysis
• Any time when RNase contamination is suspected or any contamination (for example,
salt deposits or other precipitates) is visible on the electrodes
• 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, all of which are included in the Experion RNA
StdSens starter kit:
• Experion electrode cleaner
• Experion DEPC-treated water
• Foam swabs
Warnings: Keep the chip platform completely dry during this procedure. Cover the chip
platform using plastic wrap and a paper towel to protect it from liquid.
1. Ensure that power to the electrophoresis station has been shut off.
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 tips of each of the pins. Add more electrode cleaner to the
swab as necessary.
28
10010511A.qxp 2/28/2008 7:14 AM Page 28