Applied Biosystems 3730xl User Manual

Spectral calibration troubleshooting
Observation Possible cause Recommended action
No signal Incorrect sample preparation. Replace samples with fresh samples prepared
with fresh Hi‑Di
™
Formamide (see “Hi‑Di
™
Formamide preparation and storage“ on
page 136).
Air bubbles are present in the
plate wells.
Centrifuge the plate to remove air bubbles.
Spectral calibration fails Expired spectral standards. Check the expiration date and storage
conditions of the spectral standards. If
necessary, replace with a fresh lot.
Insufficient filling of the
capillary array.
Check for broken capillaries.
Spectral calibration “No
candidate spectral files found”
message displayed
One or more of the internal
files generated for each
capillary was not stored in the
database.
Check for clogged capillary.
Spikes in the data Expired polymer. Action 1 for Cause 1. Insert paragraphs, notes,
lists, figures, or tables as needed.
Replace the polymer with a fresh lot using the
Change Polymer wizard.
Air bubbles, especially in the
polymer.
• Refill the capillaries using the Bubble
Remove wizard.
• Properly bring the polymer to room
temperature.
• Replace expired polymer.
Possible contaminant in the
polymer.
Replace the polymer using the Change
Polymer wizard.
Spectral calibration peaks are
offscale
Calibration standard is too
concentrated.
Dilute the matrix standard and repeat the
calibration.
"Failed calibration due to bad
data: Bad dye order detected"
Incorrect dye set was selected
in the spectral calibration
instrument protocol.
Adjust the spectral calibration instrument
protocol, then repeat the spectral calibration.
Problem with spectral
calibration, even if dyes are in
the correct order.
Repeat the spectral calibration.
Appendix A Troubleshooting
Spectral calibration troubleshooting
A
3730xl DNA Analyzer with 3730xl Data Collection Software 5 User Guide
139

Applied Biosystems 3730xl Specifications

General

Brand	Applied Biosystems
Model	3730xl
Category	Measuring Instruments
Language	English