Key facts
- The 3130 uses a 4-capillary array and the 3130xl a 16-capillary array, both in 36 cm and 50 cm.
- The manufacturer specifies its arrays for 100 runs on the 3130xl and 150 runs on the 3130.
- Polymer comes in bottles that attach to the instrument; replace it after about one week.
- Change the running buffer and the water in the reservoirs every 48 hours.
- Regenerated 3130 and 3130xl arrays and online array regeneration are available.
Capillary arrays
The 3130xl shares its 16-capillary arrays with the older 3100, and the 3130 shares its 4-capillary arrays with the 3100-Avant. Besides the arrays listed with their OEM references, we supply regenerated arrays for both instruments.
| Product | Instrument | Capillaries | Array length | OEM part no. (reference) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4-capillary array, 36 cm | 3130 | 4 | 36 cm | 4333464 | Ask for price |
| 4-capillary array, 50 cm | 3130 | 4 | 50 cm | 4333466 | Ask for price |
| 16-capillary array, 36 cm | 3130xl | 16 | 36 cm | 4315931 | Ask for price |
| 16-capillary array, 50 cm | 3130xl | 16 | 50 cm | 4315930 | Ask for price |
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OEM part numbers are shown for cross-reference only, so you can match what your instrument uses today.
| Product | Instrument | Capillaries | Array length | Replaces OEM | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regenerated 4-capillary array, 36 cm | 3130 | 4 | 36 cm | 4333464 | Ask for price |
| Regenerated 4-capillary array, 50 cm | 3130 | 4 | 50 cm | 4333466 | Ask for price |
| Regenerated 16-capillary array, 36 cm | 3130xl | 16 | 36 cm | 4315931 | Ask for price |
| Regenerated 16-capillary array, 50 cm | 3130xl | 16 | 50 cm | 4315930 | Ask for price |
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Regenerated original arrays. The OEM part number shows the new array that each one replaces.
Polymer and running buffer
The 3130 series uses POP-7, POP-6 and POP-4 polymer in bottles that attach directly to the instrument. They are not interchangeable with the bottles of the older 3100 series, and the larger 3730 bottle is not recommended for the 3130. The running buffer is the 10X Genetic Analyzer Buffer with EDTA, diluted to 1X before use.
| Product | Details | For | OEM part no. (reference) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| POP-7 polymer, 7 mL bottle | About one week on the instrument | 3130 / 3130xl | 4352759 | Ask for price |
| POP-6 polymer, 7 mL bottle | About one week on the instrument | 3130 / 3130xl | 4352757 | Ask for price |
| POP-4 polymer bottle | About one week on the instrument | 3130 / 3130xl | 4363752 | Ask for price |
| Running buffer with EDTA, 10X, 25 mL | 1X buffer: replace every 48 hours | 3130 / 3130xl | 402824 | Ask for price |
Swipe sideways to see all columns.
OEM part numbers are shown for cross-reference only, so you can match what your instrument uses today.
Run modules and read lengths
| Run module | Array | Run time | Read length |
|---|---|---|---|
| UltraSeq36_POP7 | 36 cm | 35 min | ~500 bases |
| RapidSeq36_POP7 | 36 cm | 60 min | ~600 bases |
| FastSeq50_POP7 | 50 cm | 60 min | ~700 bases |
| StdSeq50_POP7 | 50 cm | 120 min | ~850 bases |
Values from the manufacturer’s product information, at QV20 or better. Real results depend on the chemistry, cleanup and sample quality.
Maintenance schedule
- Before each series of runs: check the pump block and lines for bubbles, and make sure at least 0.5 mL of polymer is left in the bottle.
- Every 48 hours: replace the 1X running buffer and the water in the reservoirs.
- About once a week: replace the polymer with fresh polymer of the same type, using the Replenish Polymer wizard.
- When you change polymer type: use the Change Polymer Type wizard, then run a new spectral calibration for each dye set.
- After every array change: run a spatial calibration, then the spectral calibrations.
Diluted 1X buffer keeps for 30 days at 2–8 °C or 7 days at room temperature. When the instrument stands idle, keep the buffer at the fill line by topping up with water, and replace it with fresh 1X buffer before the next run.
Common error messages
“Leak detected” without a visible leak
Possible causes are a stuck valve, a large air bubble, the wrong or degraded polymer, or overdue maintenance. Run a water wash, install fresh polymer and buffer, and call service if the error returns.
“Unstable electrophoresis current”
Look for leaks, overused or expired polymer, wrongly diluted or old buffer, and marks of arcing. Fresh reagents and the maintenance steps above fix most cases; a hardware fault needs service.
Service and online array regeneration
Many laboratories keep their 3130 or 3130xl because it still fits their throughput. We carry out preventive maintenance and repairs, and we regenerate 3130 and 3130xl arrays online: we send the washing liquid, and our engineer regenerates the array with you in an online session, or your team follows our protocol. Read more about online regeneration and genetic analyzer service.
Frequently asked questions
Are 3100 arrays compatible with the 3130xl?
Yes. The 16-capillary arrays are sold for both the 3130xl and the 3100, for example 4315931 (36 cm) and 4315930 (50 cm).
Can I use 3730 running buffer on a 3130?
The manufacturer does not recommend it. Reagents are not meant to be mixed between instrument families, so use the 10X Genetic Analyzer Buffer with EDTA on the 3130 series.
How often should I change polymer and buffer on a 3130?
Replace the running buffer and the reservoir water every 48 hours, and the polymer about once a week.
How many runs does a 3130 array last?
The manufacturer specifies its arrays for 100 runs on the 3130xl and 150 runs on the 3130. Replace the array sooner if a sequencing standard shows shorter reads or trailing peaks in all four colours.
Do I need a separate array for each polymer type?
No. To change polymer, run the Change Polymer Type wizard and then a new spectral calibration for each dye set you use with that polymer.
Can a 3130xl array be regenerated?
Yes. We supply regenerated 3130 and 3130xl arrays, and we can regenerate the arrays you already have through online regeneration.
Related pages
Regenerated arrays
Regenerated arrays for the 3500, 3500xL, 3130 and 3130xl, and online regeneration with a kit and remote support.
3730 and 3730xl
Arrays, polymer, buffer, maintenance and service for the 3730 and 3730xl.
Compatibility chart
Arrays, polymers and buffers for each Applied Biosystems genetic analyzer, with OEM part numbers.
Genetic analyzer service
Preventive maintenance, calibration and repair for the 3500 series, 3130, 3730 and SeqStudio, on site or remotely.