When your ABI 3500 Genetic Analyzer displays an “Electrophoresis current unstable” or "Electrophoresis current target above limit" error, it’s more than just a notification—it's a run-stopper. These errors indicate that the Electrophoresis (EP) current is no longer within the safe operating threshold required to move DNA through the capillaries.
Are you an Applied Biosystems (ABI) 3500 Series user running into a frustrating error when trying to set up your sequencing run? You're not alone. We've seen an issue pop up where the software throws a "Could not create the view: An unexpected exception was thrown, java.lang.NullPointerException" error specifically when generating the 'Load Plates for Run' page. The rest of the Data Collection software seems fine—you can define plates, assign content, and navigate other menus. But that crucial step of linking the plate to the run is blocked. If restarting the instrument and computer hasn't helped, the cause is likely a surprisingly simple one: your Plate Record folder is full!
Unexpected error messages can be frustrating, especially when they disrupt your sequencing workflow. One common issue that 3500 Series Genetic Analyzer users encounter is: “ERROR: Leak detected during bubble compression.”
I have a confession: I put up my Christmas tree in mid-November. Eager to fill my home with holiday cheer, I dragged my fake, pre-lit tree out of the attic, plugged it in, and expected pure bliss.
With everything that goes on in the lab throughout the day, it’s easy to forget about routine maintenance and taking care of your machine. As with any piece of specialized equipment, you’re going to have wear and tear that causes a need for regular service. Without it, you’re risking unnecessary damage to your equipment and inaccurate sample runs.
If you have a coverage plan from SeqGen, you’ll receive one preventative maintenance visit per year, and just in case you forget about it, we’ll send you a reminder. We recommend that you let the professionals give your machine some tender love and care at least once a year, but in between service visits there are a few things you can do to prolong the life of your machine.
