DNA Analysis Tools

ABI 3730xl DNA Analyzer

This machine is capable of processing 96 samples simultaneously. Genotyping of microsatellite samples takes approximately 45 minutes per 96 samples, while sequencing of DNA samples takes two hours per 96 samples. Because the machine can run unattended for up to two days, and can be loaded with up to 16 384-well trays at a time, it is capable of processing 6144 microsatellite samples (3072/day) or 2304 sequencing samples (1152/day) without human intervention.

PCR Machines

"Crosby" - MJ Research PTC-225, 4x384-well blocks

"Stills" - MJ Research PTC-225, 4x96-well blocks

"Nash" - Tetrad 2 DNA Engine, 4x96-well blocks

"Young" - MJ Research PTC-225, 4x384-well blocks

"Thing 1" - MJ Research PTC-200, 1x96-well block

"ABI" - ABI GeneAmp PCR System 9700, 1x96-well block

With these PCR machines, the Banks Lab is capable of processing 4,032 simultaneous samples. With PCR reactions averaging 2.5 hours, approximately four rounds of PCR reactions can be completed in a day, allowing us to potentially process 16,128 samples daily.

Matrix PlateMate Plus

This liquid-handling robot is capable of transferring 96 samples at a time between any of several different kinds of PCR microplates. This greatly decreases the time necessary for liquid transferring tasks, such as multiplexing of microsatellites for genotyping on the ABI 3730xl.

Agarose Gel Facility

Three different sizes of gel rigs allow visualization of 1 - 102 PCR samples at a time. Two power sources enable us to simultaneously run rigs at different voltages for different lengths of time.