Key facts
- POP-7 is the general-purpose polymer for sequencing and fragment analysis.
- POP-6 gives higher resolution for sequencing, with longer run times.
- POP-4 is optimized for human identification (HID) fragment analysis.
- Pouches hold 96, 384 or 960 samples. Store them at 2–8 °C. On the instrument they last up to 14 days at or below 25 °C; above 25 °C, POP-7 lasts 7 days.
Available pouches
| Product | Pouch size | Typical use | For | OEM part no. (reference) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| POP-7 polymer pouch | 96 samples | Sequencing and fragment analysis | 3500 / 3500xL / SeqStudio Flex | A26073 | Ask for price |
| POP-7 polymer pouch | 384 samples | Sequencing and fragment analysis | 3500 / 3500xL / SeqStudio Flex | 4393708 | Ask for price |
| POP-7 polymer pouch | 960 samples | Sequencing and fragment analysis | 3500 / 3500xL / SeqStudio Flex | 4393714 | Ask for price |
| POP-6 polymer pouch | 96 samples | High-resolution sequencing | 3500 / 3500xL / SeqStudio Flex | A26071 | Ask for price |
| POP-6 polymer pouch | 384 samples | High-resolution sequencing | 3500 / 3500xL / SeqStudio Flex | 4393717 | Ask for price |
| POP-6 polymer pouch | 960 samples | High-resolution sequencing | 3500 / 3500xL / SeqStudio Flex | 4393712 | Ask for price |
| POP-4 polymer pouch | 96 samples | Human identification (HID) and fragment analysis | 3500 / 3500xL / SeqStudio Flex | A26070 | Ask for price |
| POP-4 polymer pouch | 384 samples | Human identification (HID) and fragment analysis | 3500 / 3500xL / SeqStudio Flex | 4393715 | Ask for price |
| POP-4 polymer pouch | 960 samples | Human identification (HID) and fragment analysis | 3500 / 3500xL / SeqStudio Flex | 4393710 | 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.
Which polymer should you use?
POP-7 covers most sequencing and fragment analysis work on the 3500 and is the usual choice when one polymer has to serve the whole lab. POP-6 separates closely spaced peaks better, which helps with difficult templates and mutation analysis, but runs take longer. POP-4 is the polymer that human identification STR kits are typically validated on for the 3500.
| Polymer | Best for | Example run module | Run time | Read length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| POP-7 | Sequencing, fragment analysis | StdSeq50_POP7 | ≤ 125 min | ≥ 700 bases |
| POP-7 | Fast fragment analysis | FragAnalysis36_POP7 | ≤ 30 min | — |
| POP-6 | High-resolution sequencing | StdSeq50_POP6 | ≤ 135 min | ≥ 600 bases |
| POP-4 | Human identification, short reads | RapidSeq36_POP4 | ≤ 45 min | ≥ 400 bases |
Values from the manufacturer’s 3500/3500xL specification sheet.
When you switch polymer type, wash the pump and channels with conditioning reagent first, then run a new spectral calibration: each polymer type needs its own spectral calibration for every dye set.
On-instrument life and injection limits
A pouch can stay on the 3500 for up to 14 days at or below 25 °C. Above 25 °C, POP-7 is limited to 7 days. The instrument reads days, injections and the expiry date from the pouch’s RFID label and asks for a replacement when a limit is reached.
Pouch size is therefore a question of throughput. A 960-sample pouch gives 120 injections on a 3500 (8 capillaries) and 40 on a 3500xL (24 capillaries), but it still has to be used within the on-instrument limit. Labs with a few runs a week waste less with 384- or 96-sample pouches.
Storage and handling
- Store unopened pouches at 2–8 °C. Do not freeze.
- Let a pouch reach room temperature before installing it. Cold polymer releases dissolved gas as it warms, which creates bubbles in the pump.
- Check the expiry date: the instrument does not accept expired pouches.
- Install the pouch with its RFID label facing the instrument.
- Use the Replenish Polymer wizard to install a new pouch, rather than topping up by hand.
Preventing bubbles and current problems
Most unstable current errors come from bubbles in the polymer path, expired or aged polymer, old buffer or a leak. Before replacing parts, remove bubbles with the wizard, install fresh polymer and fresh buffer containers, and check the pump block and array port for leaks. The 3500 troubleshooting guide lists more causes by symptom.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use POP-7 for fragment analysis?
Yes. POP-7 runs both sequencing and fragment analysis on the 3500. Fragment analysis modules such as FragAnalysis36_POP7 finish in about 30 minutes on a 36 cm array.
Why does the 3500 reject a polymer pouch?
The pouch has expired, its injections are used up, or the RFID label cannot be read. Check the expiry date and the label position, then install the pouch again.
Which pouch size should I order?
Estimate your injections over 14 days. A 960-sample pouch gives 120 injections on a 3500 and 40 on a 3500xL. If you will not use that many within the on-instrument limit, a 384- or 96-sample pouch costs less per used injection.
Do 3500 polymers fit the 3730 or 3130?
No. The 3730 and 3130 series use polymer in bottles, while the 3500 series uses RFID-labelled pouches. The compatibility chart shows the format for each instrument.
Can I use these pouches on a SeqStudio Flex?
Yes. The POP-7, POP-6 and POP-4 pouches are labelled for the 3500 and the SeqStudio Flex, for example A26073 for POP-7 and A26071 for POP-6.
Does the SeqStudio use POP pouches?
No. The 4-capillary SeqStudio uses POP-1 polymer that is already inside its cartridge, so there is no separate pouch to order. See SeqStudio.
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.
Buffers and reagents
Anode and cathode buffer containers and the conditioning reagent pouch, with installation and storage tips.
SeqStudio Flex
Arrays, polymer, buffers and service for the SeqStudio 8 Flex and 24 Flex.
Maintenance checklist
A printable schedule of daily, 14-day, monthly and yearly tasks for the 3500 and 3500xL.