Key facts
- The 3730 uses a 48-capillary array and the 3730xl a 96-capillary array, in 36 cm and 50 cm.
- The OEM guarantees its 3730 arrays for up to 300 runs within one year of purchase.
- One 28 mL bottle of POP-7 runs about 8,000 to 12,000 samples and stays on the instrument for 7 days.
- Replace the 1X running buffer every 48 hours.
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Capillary arrays
Use 36 cm arrays for standard sequencing runs of about one hour and 50 cm arrays for long reads in about two hours. Each length needs run modules written for it.
| Product | Instrument | Capillaries | Array length | OEM part no. (reference) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 48-capillary array, 36 cm | 3730 | 48 | 36 cm | 4331247 | Ask for price |
| 48-capillary array, 50 cm | 3730 | 48 | 50 cm | 4331250 | Ask for price |
| 96-capillary array, 36 cm | 3730xl | 96 | 36 cm | 4331244 | Ask for price |
| 96-capillary array, 50 cm | 3730xl | 96 | 50 cm | 4331246 | 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.
POP-7 polymer and running buffer
The 3730 series uses POP-7 in 28 mL bottles, the same polymer as the 3130 series in a larger bottle. Store the bottles at 2–8 °C. The 3730 running buffer is a 10X concentrate that you dilute to 1X; diluted buffer keeps for one week at room temperature or one month at 2–8 °C.
| Product | Details | For | OEM part no. (reference) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| POP-7 polymer, 28 mL bottle | 7 days on the instrument, 8,000–12,000 samples | 3730 / 3730xl | 4363929 | Ask for price |
| 3730 running buffer, 10X | 1X buffer: replace every 48 hours | 3730 / 3730xl | 4335613 | 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.
Maintenance schedule
- Every 48 hours: replace the running buffer in the buffer jar and in the reservoirs.
- Every 7 days: run the water wash wizard and replace the polymer with fresh POP-7.
- Whenever you refill: fill the buffer, water and waste reservoirs to 80 mL, measured with a graduated cylinder rather than by the line on the reservoir.
- When the instrument is idle: keep the buffer at the fill line by topping up with water, and replace it with fresh 1X buffer before the next run.
- After every array change: run spatial and spectral calibrations.
Common error messages
“Leak detected” although nothing is leaking
A stuck valve, a large air bubble, the wrong or degraded polymer or overdue maintenance can all trigger it. Run the water wash, use fresh reagents, and call service if the message persists.
“Unstable electrophoresis current” without bubbles
Check for leaks, expired or mixed polymer, wrongly diluted or overdue buffer, and arcing that has not been cleaned. If fresh reagents and maintenance do not help, the cause may be a hardware fault.
Service and online array regeneration
A 3730xl processes 96 samples in every run, so a stopped instrument quickly backs up a sequencing queue. We carry out preventive maintenance and repairs, and we regenerate 48- and 96-capillary arrays online: we send the washing liquid, and our engineer guides your team through the regeneration in an online session, or you follow our protocol. See online regeneration and genetic analyzer service.
Frequently asked questions
How many samples does a bottle of POP-7 run on a 3730?
About 8,000 to 12,000 samples per 28 mL bottle. The figure is lower if you run extra wizards such as bubble removal or water wash.
How long can running buffer stay on a 3730?
48 hours. Then replace the buffer in the buffer jar and in the reservoirs.
Can I use 3730 buffer on a 3130?
The manufacturer does not recommend mixing reagents between instrument families, and on a lower-throughput 3130 the buffer may expire before it is used up.
How many runs does a 3730 array last?
The OEM guarantees its 3730 arrays for up to 300 runs within one year of purchase.
How much liquid goes into the 3730 reservoirs?
80 mL for the buffer, water and waste reservoirs. Measure it with a graduated cylinder each time, because the line on the reservoir is only a guide.
Can 3730 and 3730xl arrays be regenerated?
Yes, through online regeneration. We send the washing liquid, and our engineer regenerates the array with you online, or your team follows our protocol.
Related pages
Regenerated arrays
Regenerated arrays for the 3500, 3500xL, 3130 and 3130xl, and online regeneration with a kit and remote support.
3130 and 3130xl
Arrays, polymer, buffer, maintenance and service for the 3130 and 3130xl.
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.