Key facts
- The anode and cathode buffer containers stay on the instrument for up to 14 days after first installation.
- Store unopened containers at 2–8 °C and let them reach room temperature before installing.
- The conditioning reagent is a single-use pouch for priming the polymer pump, washing it between polymer types and shutting the instrument down.
- OEM references: ABC 4393927, CBC 4408256, conditioning reagent 4393718.
Available containers and reagents
| Product | On-instrument life | For | OEM part no. (reference) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anode buffer container (ABC) | Up to 14 days | 3500 / 3500xL / SeqStudio Flex | 4393927 | Ask for price |
| Cathode buffer container (CBC) | Up to 14 days | 3500 / 3500xL / SeqStudio Flex | 4408256 | Ask for price |
| Conditioning reagent pouch | Single use | 3500 / 3500xL / SeqStudio Flex | 4393718 | 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.
Installing buffer containers correctly
Anode buffer container (ABC)
- Let the container reach room temperature.
- Tilt it so the buffer sits in the main chamber at the fill line, with almost nothing left in the small side reservoir.
- Peel off the seal, install the container below the pump and close the instrument door.
Cathode buffer container (CBC)
- Let the container reach room temperature and check that the buffer is at or above the fill line.
- Dry the top surface completely before fitting the septa. Moisture on top of the container is a common cause of arcing.
- Place the container on the autosampler and close the door.
On-instrument life
Both containers can stay on the instrument for up to 14 days after first installation. The software tracks the time on board, the expiry date and the injections through each container’s RFID label, and reminds you when it is time to replace them. Running buffer that stays on the instrument for longer than two weeks is a known cause of unstable current errors.
What the conditioning reagent is for
The conditioning reagent pouch primes the polymer pump, washes the pump and channels when you change polymer type, and is used by the shutdown wizard. Each pouch is used once.
- For the Wash Pump and Channels wizard, warm the pouch to about 30–35 °C. Never heat it above 40 °C.
- Before leaving the instrument unused for more than two weeks, run the shutdown wizard. It takes about an hour and needs one conditioning pouch.
Frequently asked questions
What causes arcing on the cathode side?
Most often moisture or salt on top of the cathode buffer container or on the septa. Dry the top completely before fitting the septa, and wipe dried polymer or salt off the electrodes.
Why does the software ask for new buffer before 14 days?
The container may have reached the injection count or the expiry date stored on its RFID label. The software uses whichever limit comes first.
Are the buffer containers the same for the 3500 and SeqStudio Flex?
Yes. The OEM sells the same ABC and CBC part numbers for both instrument families, labelled 3500/SeqStudio Flex.
Can 3730 running buffer be used on a 3500?
No. The 3500 series uses ready-made, RFID-labelled containers. The 3730 and 3130 series use running buffer diluted from a 10X concentrate.
Which running buffer do the 3130 and 3730 use?
The 3130 series uses the 10X Genetic Analyzer Buffer with EDTA (402824) and the 3730 series the 3730 Running Buffer 10X (4335613). Both are diluted to 1X and are not interchangeable with the 3500 buffer containers.
Do you supply buffer for the SeqStudio?
Yes, the SeqStudio cathode buffer container A33401 in packs of four. The anode buffer is already inside the SeqStudio cartridge.
Related pages
POP polymers
POP-7, POP-6 and POP-4 pouches in 96, 384 and 960 samples, and how to choose between them.
Capillary arrays
8- and 24-capillary arrays for the 3500 and 3500xL in 36 cm and 50 cm, with installation and storage tips.
3730 and 3730xl
Arrays, polymer, buffer, maintenance and service for the 3730 and 3730xl.
3500 troubleshooting guide
Likely causes and fixes for spikes, weak signal, broad peaks, pull-up, current errors and failed calibrations.