GE Amersham ECl Gel Box User manual

GE Healthcare
Life Sciences
Amersham™ ECL™ Gel Box
User Manual

Table of Contents
51 Introduction ........................................................................................
61.1 Protein gel electrophoresis overview .................................................................
71.2 Important user information ...................................................................................
91.3 Regulatory information ............................................................................................
112 Safety ...................................................................................................
122.1 Safety precautions .....................................................................................................
182.2 Labels ...............................................................................................................................
212.3 Recycling information ...............................................................................................
222.4 Declaration of Hazardous Substances (DoHS) ..............................................
263 System description ............................................................................
273.1 Amersham ECL Gel Box ............................................................................................
303.2 Amersham ECL Gel .....................................................................................................
344 Installation ..........................................................................................
385 Protocols ..............................................................................................
395.1 Electrophoresis protocol ..........................................................................................
445.2 Removing the gel from the cassette ..................................................................
465.3 Post-staining of the gel ............................................................................................
535.4 Transfer protocol .........................................................................................................
576 Maintenance .......................................................................................
597 Troubleshooting .................................................................................
628 Related products ................................................................................
Amersham ECL Gel and Gel Box User Manual 28-9943-33 AC 3
Table of Contents

1 Introduction
General information
Amersham ECL Gel Box together with Amersham ECL Gel constitute a
ready-to-use mini-gel system for high quality separation of proteins.
Amersham ECL Gel is compatible with Tris-Glycine buffer and contains no
SDS, making it ideal for protein analysis under both native and denaturing
conditions. Amersham ECL Gel is compatible with standard protein detection
protocols, and has an extended shelf-life for increased convenience.
Scope of this document
These instructions provide information on how to perform polyacrylamide
gel electrophoresis (PAGE) using Amersham ECL Gel Box and Amersham
ECL Gel. Additionally, protocols for post-staining and transfer are provided.
In this chapter
This chapter contains the following sections:
See
page
Section
61.1 Protein gel electrophoresis overview
71.2 Important user information
91.3 Regulatory information
Amersham ECL Gel and Gel Box User Manual 28-9943-33 AC 5
1 Introduction

1.1 Protein gel electrophoresis overview
Below is a flowchart of protein analysis including separation of proteins
using PAGE followed by either Western blotting or post-staining detection
methods.
Western blotting
detection method
Post-staining
detection method
Transfer
Detection
Post-staining
Detection
Gel electrophoresis
6 Amersham ECL Gel and Gel Box User Manual 28-9943-33 AC
1 Introduction
1.1 Protein gel electrophoresis overview

1.2 Important user information
Intended use
Amersham ECL Gel Box and Amersham ECL Gel are intended for PAGE.
Amersham ECL Gel Box and Amersham ECL Gel are intended for research
use only, and shall not be used in any clinical procedures, or for diagnostic
purposes.
Safety notices
This user documentation contains WARNINGS, CAUTIONS and NOTICES
concerning the safe use of Amersham ECL Gel Box. See definitions below.
Warnings
WARNING
WARNING indicates a hazardous situation which, if
not avoided, could result in death or serious injury. It
is important not to proceed until all stated conditions
are met and clearly understood.
Cautions
CAUTION
CAUTION indicates a hazardous situation which, if
not avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury.
It is important not to proceed until all stated conditions
are met and clearly understood.
Amersham ECL Gel and Gel Box User Manual 28-9943-33 AC 7
1 Introduction
1.2 Important user information

Notices
NOTICE
NOTICE indicates instructions that must be followed
to avoid damage to the product or other equipment.
8 Amersham ECL Gel and Gel Box User Manual 28-9943-33 AC
1 Introduction
1.2 Important user information

1.3 Regulatory information
Introduction
This section describes the directives and standards that are fulfilled by
Amersham ECL Gel Box.
CE Conformity
This product complies with the European directives listed in the table below,
by fulfilling the corresponding harmonized standards. A copy of the
Declaration of Conformity is available on request.
TitleDirective
Low Voltage Directive (LVD)2006/95/EC
Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Directive2004/108/EC
CE Marking
The CE marking and the corresponding declaration of conformity, is valid
for the instrument when it is:
•used as a stand-alone unit, or
•connected to other CE marked GE Healthcare instruments, or
•connected to other products recommended or described in the user
documentation, and
•used in the same state as it was delivered from GE Healthcare, except
for alterations described in the user documentation.
Amersham ECL Gel and Gel Box User Manual 28-9943-33 AC 9
1 Introduction
1.3 Regulatory information

International
standards
This product fulfills the requirements of the following standards:
NotesDescriptionStandard
Harmonized
with
2006/95/EC
Safety requirements for
electrical equipment for
measurement, control, and
laboratory use.
EN 61010-1, IEC
61010-1, UL 61010-
1, CAN/CSA-C22.2
No.61010-1
Harmonized
with
2006/95/EC
Safety requirements for hand-
held probe assemblies for
electrical measurement and test.
EN 61010-031,
IEC 61010-031
Harmonized
with
2004/108/EC
EMC emissions and immunity
requirements for electrical
equipment for measurement,
control and laboratory use.
EN 61326-1
Regulatory compliance
of connected
equipment
Any equipment connected to Amersham ECL Gel Box should meet the safety
requirements of EN 61010-1/IEC 61010-1, or other relevant harmonized
standards. Within EU, connected equipment must be CE marked.
10 Amersham ECL Gel and Gel Box User Manual 28-9943-33 AC
1 Introduction
1.3 Regulatory information

2 Safety
About this chapter
This chapter presents safety precautions for Amersham ECL Gel Box. Labels
on the instrument and information regarding recycling are also included
in this chapter.
In this chapter
This chapter contains the following sections:
See
page
Section
122.1 Safety precautions
182.2 Labels
212.3 Recycling information
222.4 Declaration of Hazardous Substances (DoHS)
Amersham ECL Gel and Gel Box User Manual 28-9943-33 AC 11
2 Safety

2.1 Safety precautions
General precautions
WARNING
Do not use Amersham ECL Gel Box in any other way
than described in the Amersham ECL Gel Box
Instructions.
CAUTION
Operation of Amersham ECL Gel Box should be
performed by properly trained personnel only.
CAUTION
Do not use any accessories not supplied or
recommended by GE Healthcare.
Installation
WARNING
Access to power switch and power cord. Do not block
access to the Power switch on the Power supply and
the Power cord. The Power switch must always be
easy to access. The Power cord must always be easy
to disconnect.
12 Amersham ECL Gel and Gel Box User Manual 28-9943-33 AC
2 Safety
2.1 Safety precautions

CAUTION
During electrophoresis, very low quantities of gases
are produced at the electrodes. Make sure that
Amersham ECL Gel Box is run in a well ventilated area.
CAUTION
Amersham ECL Gel Box is designed for indoor use
only.
Operation
WARNING
High voltage. Before use, check that Amersham ECL
Gel Box is completely dry on the outside before
connecting it to a power supply. Wipe dry with a cloth.
WARNING
Do not use Amersham ECL Gel Box if it is not working
properly, nor if it has suffered any damage, for
example:
•damage caused by dropping the equipment
•damage by spilling liquid onto it.
Amersham ECL Gel and Gel Box User Manual 28-9943-33 AC 13
2 Safety
2.1 Safety precautions

WARNING
High voltage. Do not connect the high voltage cable
to an external power supply if it is not working
properly, nor if it has suffered any damage, for
example damage to its plug or cable.
WARNING
Electrical shock hazard. Always switch off the power
supply and disconnect Amersham ECL Gel Box from
the power supply before removing the safety lid.
WARNING
Do not operate Amersham ECL Gel Box without a full-
functioning safety lid in place.
WARNING
Do not exceed the maximum operating voltage of
200 V .
WARNING
Do not operate the Amersham ECL Gel Box inside a
metal tray.
14 Amersham ECL Gel and Gel Box User Manual 28-9943-33 AC
2 Safety
2.1 Safety precautions

WARNING
Never operate/run the Amersham ECL Gel Box without
both high voltage plugs connected to the external
power supply.
WARNING
High voltage. Do not overfill Amersham ECL Gel Box
with running buffer. Maximum volume is 90 ml per
tank.
WARNING
Do not operate Amersham ECL Gel Box close to strong
magnetic fields.
CAUTION
Hazardous substances. When using hazardous
chemicals, take all suitable protective measures, such
as wearing protective glasses and gloves resistant to
the substances used. Follow local and/or national
regulations for safe operation.
CAUTION
Do not move Amersham ECL Gel Box during operation.
Amersham ECL Gel and Gel Box User Manual 28-9943-33 AC 15
2 Safety
2.1 Safety precautions

NOTICE
To prevent equipment damage, only operate
Amersham ECL Gel Box in a horizontal position.
Maintenance
WARNING
Electrical shock hazard. Always switch off the Power
supply and disconnect Amersham ECL Gel Box from
the Power supply before maintenance and cleaning.
WARNING
Cleaning. Do not autoclave, bake or microwave
Amersham ECL Gel Box.
WARNING
Cleaning. Do not wash Amersham ECL Gel Box in a
mechanical washer.
WARNING
Cleaning. Do not use abrasive creams or scourers.
16 Amersham ECL Gel and Gel Box User Manual 28-9943-33 AC
2 Safety
2.1 Safety precautions

NOTICE
Cleaning. Clean the instrument with distilled water
and wipe dry with a soft damp tissue. Let the
instrument dry completely before use.
Materials Safety Data
Sheet
It is recommended to read the Materials Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) before
using Amersham ECL Gel.
Amersham ECL Gel and Gel Box User Manual 28-9943-33 AC 17
2 Safety
2.1 Safety precautions

2.2 Labels
Introduction
This section describes the safety labels and labels concerning hazardous
substances that are attached to the Amersham ECL Gel Box instrument.
Labels on Amersham
ECL Gel Box
The illustration below shows an example of the label that is attached to the
bottom of the Amersham ECL Gel Box.
Safety symbols
The following safety symbols are used in the label:
MeaningLabel
Warning! Read the user documentation before using the
instrument. Do not open any covers or replace parts
unless specifically stated in the user documentation.
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2 Safety
2.2 Labels

MeaningLabel
Warning! High Voltage. Always make sure that the
instrument is disconnected from electric power before
opening the lid or disconnecting any electric equipment.
The instrument complies with the requirements for
electromagnetic compliance (EMC) in Australia and New
Zealand. N3732.
The instrument complies with applicable European
directives.
The instrument is listed according to TÜV Rheinland.
The instrument is protected throughout by double
insulation.
Amersham ECL Gel and Gel Box User Manual 28-9943-33 AC 19
2 Safety
2.2 Labels

Labels concerning
hazardous substances
The following symbols on the labels concern hazardous substances:
MeaningLabel
This symbol indicates that electrical and electronic
equipment must not be disposed of as unsorted municipal
waste and must be collected separately. Please contact
an authorized representative of the manufacturer for
information concerning the decommissioning of
equipment.
This symbol indicates that the product contains
hazardous materials in excess of the limits established
by the Chinese standard SJ/T11363-2006 Requirements
for Concentration Limits for Certain Hazardous Substances
in Electronic Information Product.
20 Amersham ECL Gel and Gel Box User Manual 28-9943-33 AC
2 Safety
2.2 Labels