QIAxcel DNA Accessories

If lower and upper alignment markers used with the QIAxcel System or QIAxcel Advanced are not aligned correctly, open the channel of the sample that was incorrectly aligned. Check whether any unexpected extra peaks have been detected or if the alignment marker peaks do have any “shoulders” that are detected as separate peaks. Delete any extra peaks if necessary and re-analyze your data.

The concentration of the DNA marker, pUC18/HaeIII, provided in the QIAxcel DNA Kits is 5ug/ml in 1XTE buffer solution. Customers can run their own DNA size marker sample with different concentration levels using the provided Methods (i.e. M500, H500, L500 and so on).

The recommended method for all basic applications with the QIAxcel System is the M500 method. The BioCalculator software also allows customers to choose their own Sample Injection Time in the Sequence table. The M500 method provides 5KV for 20 seconds for the electro-kinetic injection of lower concentrated DNA samples. If the Injection Time is doubled or tripled (40 or 60 sec), you can expect double or triple intensities (also peak heights).

The Gel Cartridge does not need to be recalibrated when using a new alignment marker and/or DNA size marker with the QIAxcel System or QIAxcel Advanced. Calibration is required only once, i.e. when the first cartridge is run or when the cartridge is used on a different QIAxcel system than the one it has been calibrated on, or when using a different PC than the one used to calibrate initially.

Verify that the Cartridge Purge Port label is removed. If it has been removed, verify that the alignment marker and samples are in the appropriate locations in the Buffer Tray and the 96-well Sample Tray used with the QIAxcel System or QIAxcel Advanced?.

When using this specific marker combination with the QIAxcel System or QIAxcel Advanced, i.e. for STR analysis, the 1.8 kb fragment lies outside of the range of detectable fragments and does not show up on the electropherogram and/or the gel view image.

If the gel cartridge tips for the QIAxcel System and QIAxcel Advanced are in contact with air, the tips will dry out. There are 3 ways of preventing the tips from drying.

1. Store the cartridge in the instrument with the instrument in the “Park” position. The washing solution (8 ml) covered with mineral oil must be in the “Park” position of the Solution Tray. 
2. Store the cartridge in the Cartridge Stand with enough mineral oil in the well of the Cartridge Stand to cover the capillary tips. The Cartridge Stand should only be used for short term storage, i.e. when changing cartridges during one working day. 
3. Place the cartridge back into its packaging with the capillary tips gently inserted into the soft gel in the box.

Data for each cartridge intensity calibration on the QIAxcel System is stored in a single file named 'calibration.log'. This file is saved in the BioCalculator root directory C:\Program Files\BioCalculator.

If, for any reason, a different computer is used than the one containing the calibration.log file, the file should be transferred to the new computer. Otherwise, recalibration of the cartridge is required.

Likewise, if the QIAxcel Gel cartridge is used on a different instrument than the one it was calibrated on, another intensity calibration should be performed.

If one of the capillaries of the gel cartridge for the QIAxcel System or QIAxcel Advanced is clogged, the corresponding lane in the gel-view image is typically black.

Check the QIAxcel computer “COM port” in the Windows Control Panel and then select the correct COM port number in the BioCalculator Instrument Control panel. Be sure to turn the Instrument on first prior to launching the BioCalculator software. If there is still “NO COM”, please contact QIAGEN Technical Services.

High or very low salt concentration could lead to the described appearance when running samples on the QIAxcel System and QIAxcel Advanced. Make sure QX DNA Dilution buffer has been used to dilute your samples. Dilute your samples 1:2 in QX DNA Dilution buffer and re-analyze.