Key facts
- Capillaries per instrument: 3130 has 4, 3130xl 16, 3500 8, 3500xL 24, 3730 48 and 3730xl 96.
- The 3500, 3730 and 3130 families all take 36 cm and 50 cm arrays; the 3130 series also has an 80 cm option for long reads.
- The 3500 series uses polymer in RFID-labelled pouches; the 3730 and 3130 series use bottles.
- SeqStudio Flex shares polymer, buffer containers and conditioning reagent with the 3500 series, but uses its own arrays.
Compatibility chart
| Instrument | Capillaries | Capillary arrays | Polymer | Buffers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3500 Genetic Analyzer | 8 | 36 cm 4404683 50 cm 4404685 | POP-4, POP-6, POP-7 pouches | Anode and cathode buffer containers ABC 4393927 CBC 4408256 Conditioning reagent pouch 4393718 |
| 3500xL Genetic Analyzer | 24 | 36 cm 4404687 50 cm 4404689 | POP-4, POP-6, POP-7 pouches | Anode and cathode buffer containers ABC 4393927 CBC 4408256 Conditioning reagent pouch 4393718 |
| 3500 Dx Genetic Analyzer | 8 | 36 cm 4404682 50 cm 4404684 | POP pouches (Dx versions for IVD work) | Anode and cathode buffer containers (Dx versions for IVD work) |
| 3500xL Dx Genetic Analyzer | 24 | 36 cm 4404686 50 cm 4404688 | POP pouches (Dx versions for IVD work) | Anode and cathode buffer containers (Dx versions for IVD work) |
| SeqStudio 8 Flex Genetic Analyzer | 8 | 36 cm A49104 50 cm A49106 | Same as 3500 series | Same as 3500 series ABC 4393927 CBC 4408256 Conditioning reagent pouch 4393718 |
| SeqStudio 24 Flex Genetic Analyzer | 24 | 36 cm A49105 50 cm A49107 | Same as 3500 series | Same as 3500 series ABC 4393927 CBC 4408256 Conditioning reagent pouch 4393718 |
| SeqStudio Genetic Analyzer | 4 | Built into the SeqStudio Cartridge v2 (28 cm) | POP-1 inside the cartridge A41331 | Anode buffer in the cartridge; cathode buffer container CBC A33401 |
| 3730 DNA Analyzer | 48 | 36 cm 4331247 50 cm 4331250 | POP-7 bottle, 28 mL 4363929 | 3730 running buffer (10X) |
| 3730xl DNA Analyzer | 96 | 36 cm 4331244 50 cm 4331246 | POP-7 bottle, 28 mL 4363929 | 3730 running buffer (10X) |
| 3130 / 3100-Avant Genetic Analyzer | 4 | 36 cm 4333464 50 cm 4333466 | POP-4, POP-6, POP-7 bottles | Running buffer with EDTA (10X) |
| 3130xl / 3100 Genetic Analyzer | 16 | 36 cm 4315931 50 cm 4315930 | POP-4, POP-6, POP-7 bottles | Running buffer with EDTA (10X) |
Swipe sideways to see all columns.
OEM part numbers are shown for cross-reference only, so you can match what your instrument uses today.
Reading the plate icons
The small plate next to each instrument shows how much of a 96-well plate one injection covers: half a column on the 3130, one column on the 3500, three columns on the 3500xL and the whole plate on the 3730xl. It is a quick way to compare throughput between instruments.
Capillary arrays by instrument
The array has to match both the capillary count and the length your run modules use. The 3500 takes 8-capillary arrays and the 3500xL 24-capillary arrays. The OEM sells the 16-capillary arrays as 3130xl/3100 arrays and the 4-capillary arrays as 3130/3100-Avant arrays, so the older 3100 instruments share them.
Instruments running in diagnostic mode use separate Dx part numbers, for example 4404682 and 4404684 for the 3500 Dx. If your number is not in the chart, send it to us and we match it.
Polymer formats
On the 3500 series, POP-4, POP-6 and POP-7 come in pouches of 96, 384 or 960 samples, and the instrument tracks each pouch through its RFID label. A pouch lasts up to 14 days on the instrument at or below 25 °C.
The 3730 and 3730xl use POP-7 in 28 mL bottles. A bottle is stable on the instrument for 7 days and serves roughly 8,000 to 12,000 samples, fewer if you run extra wizards such as bubble removal or water wash. The 3130 series uses POP-4, POP-6 and POP-7 in bottles as well.
Buffers
The 3500 series runs on ready-made anode and cathode buffer containers, which last up to 14 days on the instrument. The 3730 and 3130 series use running buffer diluted from a 10X concentrate. The OEM’s guidance for diluted 1X 3730 running buffer is about 30 days at 2–8 °C or 7 days at room temperature.
Frequently asked questions
Can a 3130xl array be used on a 3100?
Yes. The OEM sells the 16-capillary arrays as 3130xl/3100 arrays, for example 4315931 (36 cm), and the 4-capillary arrays as 3130/3100-Avant arrays, for example 4333464 (36 cm).
Does SeqStudio Flex use 3500 consumables?
Its polymer pouches, buffer containers and conditioning reagent carry the same OEM part numbers as the 3500 series, labelled 3500/SeqStudio Flex. The capillary arrays are specific to SeqStudio Flex, for example A49106 for the 8-capillary model.
Why is my part number not in the chart?
The chart lists the standard research-use versions. Dx versions and older instruments such as the 310 have their own numbers. Send us yours and we match it.
Are 3500 Dx arrays different from 3500 arrays?
Yes. The Dx versions have their own part numbers: 4404682 and 4404684 for the 3500 Dx, 4404686 and 4404688 for the 3500xL Dx.
Which consumables does the SeqStudio use?
The SeqStudio Cartridge v2 (A41331), which contains the capillaries, POP-1 polymer and anode buffer, and the cathode buffer container A33401.
Related pages
Capillary arrays
8- and 24-capillary arrays for the 3500 and 3500xL in 36 cm and 50 cm, with installation and storage tips.
Regenerated arrays
Regenerated arrays for the 3500, 3500xL, 3130 and 3130xl, and online regeneration with a kit and remote support.
POP polymers
POP-7, POP-6 and POP-4 pouches in 96, 384 and 960 samples, and how to choose between them.
Buffers and reagents
Anode and cathode buffer containers and the conditioning reagent pouch, with installation and storage tips.