Standard Operating Procedure

Subject: : Pouring Agarose Gels

DATE_______________

SOP # DME 5

Prepared By: Charlotte Mulvihill

Approved By: Charlotte Mulvihill

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Strength/Concentration__________________ Date___________________ Company: __________________ Lot#_____________ Cat#_____________

1. Check to see that liquid agarose has cooled to about 50 degrees C (comfortable handling temperature.)

2. If using casting trays with dams, place rubber stoppers/dams on each end.

3. Next place comb on the casting tray by sliding it into the proper slots with big teeth facing down. If using for dye electrophoresis, combs are placed in center of tray; if for DNA or protein runs, combs are placed at one end.

4. Pour about 25 mL of agarose into casting tray. Agar should be about 1/3 the way up the “teeth” of the comb.

5. Check for bubbles. Bubbles are troubles! Simply pop them with the end of a paper clip or pipette tip.

6. Let it sit undisturbed for about 15-20 minutes while it solidifies. When gel is cloudy throughout, it is done.

7. Place a small amount of buffer on the gel and remove comb gently, pulling straight up. Do not twist - you will deform wells. Next remove the 2 rubber stoppers off each end of the tray.

8. To use, gels prepared in casting trays can (1) be left on tray and placed directly inside the gel box and run, or (2) can be GENTLY removed from tray and placed directly on the platform of the gel box.

(*Note: GELS CAN BE STORED IN THE SAME BUFFER in closed plastic baggies, REFRIGERATED, AND USED AT A LATER DATE.)