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The SeqStudio Flex Genetic Analyzer System is a medium-throughput fluorescence-based capillary electrophoresis system that is offered in two models. The SeqStudio 8 Flex Genetic Analyzer (Cat. No. A53627) holds the 8-capillary array and the SeqStudio 24 Flex Genetic Analyzer (Cat. No. A53630) holds the 24-capillary array. The available array lengths are 36 cm and 50 cm. The SeqStudio Flex Genetic Analyzer instruments use the Applied Biosystems SeqStudio Flex Genetic Analyzer Data Collection Software (SeqStudio Flex DCS) which resides on the instrument.
Features include:
- Onboard touchscreen computer
- 4 plate loading capacity and prioritization
- Automated barcode workflow
- Cloud connectivity capabilities enabling remote monitoring and remote plate file creation
- Voice commands
- Smart Help on-instrument support request
- Remote session capabilities
The specifications for the SeqStudio Flex Series Genetic Analyzers are:
- Dimensions (W x D x H): 70 x 67.5 x 86.5 cm (uncrated)
- Weight: ~115 kg
- Number of Capillaries: 8 (Cat. No. A53627) or 24 (Cat. No. A53630)
- Number of Dyes: 6
- Sample Format: 96-well standard plates, 384-well standard plates, 96-well fast plates, 8-well standard strip tubes, and 8-well fast strip tubes.
To power on the instrument, press the power on/off button on the front of the instrument. Make sure that the blue status light is on. To shut down the instrument, press the power button to turn off the instrument. If the instrument is idle for greater than 2 weeks, perform a long-term shutdown by following the Shut Down Wizard.
There is no requirement to purchase a computer in order to run the SeqStudio Flex Series Genetic Analyzers. The Data Collection software is installed on the instrument. However, using secondary analysis software to analyze data and/or to run the Security, Audit, and Esignature (SAE) modules will require an additional computer.
Consumables that are shared between the SeqStudio Flex Series Genetic Analyzers and the 3500/3500xL Genetic Analyzers include the Performance-Optimized-Polymer (POP), Anode Buffer Container (ABC), Cathode Buffer Container (CBC), and Conditioning Reagent.
No, the arrays for the 3500/3500xL Genetic Analyzers cannot be used on the SeqStudio Flex Series Genetic Analyzers. The SeqStudio Flex Series Genetic Analyzercapillary array SKUs are listed below:
- Capillary array 36‑cm SeqStudio 8 Flex: Cat. No. A49104
- Capillary array 50‑cm SeqStudio 8 Flex: Cat. No. A49106
- Capillary array 36‑cm SeqStudio 24 Flex: Cat. No. A49105
- Capillary array 50‑cm SeqStudio 24 Flex: Cat. No. A49107
The SeqStudio Flex Series Genetic Analyzer plate retainers have one opening on the side to allow barcode reading while the 3500 plate retainers have two openings on the side which can cover the plate barcode. If the automatic barcode workflow is enabled on the SeqStudio Flex Series Genetic Analyzer, using the 3500 plate retainers will cause a barcode error in the home screen.
- 96-Well Standard Retainer & Base Set SeqStudio Flex Series: Cat. No. A49316
- 96-Well Fast Retainer & Base Set SeqStudio Flex Series: Cat. No. A49495
- 8-Tube Standard Retainer & Base Set SeqStudio Flex Series: Cat. No. A49296
- 8-Tube Fast (0.1 mL) Retainer & Base Set SeqStudio Flex Series: Cat. No. A49298
- 384-Well Retainer & Base Set SeqStudio Flex Series: Cat. No. A49496
You can open the drawer at any time when the drawer is unlocked. When the drawer is unlocked, the screen will display “Drawer unlocked.” During sample injection, the drawer is locked, and the message displayed will be “Drawer locked.”
By default, the SeqStudio Flex Genetic Analyzersare configured to allow the use of consumables beyond the expiration date and on-instrument shelf life. However, there are a couple of exceptions. The conditioning reagent is a single-use consumable. In the case of polymer, insufficient volume in the polymer pouch will prevent the run from starting. An administrator can change the configuration to prevent running if a consumable has expired or exceeded its on-instrument life. Please note that we do not recommend using consumables that exceed supported limits.
The SeqStudio Flex plate holder can hold up to 4 plates, corresponding to positions A, B, C, and D on the home screen of the software. When a plate is running, the console will display the status “Running” as well as the Time remaining on the run in the plate position. If a run has completed, the status “Completed” would be displayed with a glowing border around the plate position.
The desktop secondary analysis software versions that are compatible with the SeqStudio Flex Series Genetic Analyzers are:
- Sequencing Analysis Software v7.1 or later
- SeqScape Software v4.1 or later
- Variant Reporter Software v3.1 or later
- Minor Variant Finder Software v1.2 or later
- MicrobeBridge Software v1.2 or later
- GeneMapper Software v6.1 or later
For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.