ABI3130xl Capillary Electrophoresis Genetic Sequencer (Refurbished)

Overview

The ABI3130xl Capillary Electrophoresis Genetic Sequencer is a refurbished, fully validated first-generation Sanger sequencing platform engineered by Applied Biosystems (now part of Thermo Fisher Scientific). It employs capillary electrophoresis coupled with laser-induced fluorescence detection to resolve dye-terminator labeled DNA fragments. The system utilizes 16-capillary arrays and a solid-state argon-ion laser (488 nm) for excitation, enabling high-resolution separation of extension products across a typical read length range of 700–1000 bases per reaction under optimized chemistries (e.g., BigDye Terminator v3.1). Designed for laboratories requiring robust, reproducible Sanger sequencing without the complexity or cost of next-generation platforms, the ABI3130xl delivers consistent base-calling accuracy (>99.5% Q20 at 700 bp) and supports both de novo sequencing and confirmation applications in clinical diagnostics, academic research, and quality control environments.

Key Features

• 16-capillary array with polymer-based separation matrix for parallel sample processing
• Integrated thermal cycler (Peltier-based) enabling on-instrument PCR setup and direct injection
• Real-time data acquisition via 4-color fluorescence detection (FAM, JOE, NED, ROX)
• Auto-sampler with 96-well plate compatibility and programmable injection parameters (voltage, duration, temperature)
• Onboard optical calibration and capillary alignment verification routines
• Refurbishment includes full electrical safety testing, optical path validation, capillary replacement (if required), and firmware update to latest supported version (v3.1.2)
• Compliance-ready architecture supporting audit trails and user access logs when operated with compatible LIMS-integrated software

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The ABI3130xl accepts purified PCR products, plasmid preps, and sheared genomic DNA templates compatible with standard Sanger chemistry protocols. Sample volume requirements range from 0.5–2.0 µL per capillary, with optimal signal-to-noise achieved using 10–50 ng of template DNA per reaction. The instrument meets IEC 61010-1 safety standards for laboratory electrical equipment and conforms to electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements per CISPR 11. While not FDA-cleared as an IVD device, it is routinely deployed in GLP-compliant labs for sequence verification in biopharmaceutical development and meets analytical method validation expectations outlined in ICH Q5B and USP . All refurbished units undergo documented IQ/OQ protocols aligned with ISO/IEC 17025 traceability principles.

Software & Data Management

Data acquisition and base calling are performed using Sequencing Analysis Software v5.4 and Variant Reporter v1.0 (included), which support automated quality scoring (Phred QV), chromatogram visualization, consensus assembly, and variant annotation. Raw data files (.fsa) are natively compatible with third-party tools including FinchTV, Geneious Prime, and CLC Genomics Workbench. The system supports export to FASTA, ABI, and SCF formats. When integrated with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), the software enables electronic signature capture, change control tracking, and 21 CFR Part 11–compliant audit trail generation—subject to proper configuration and administrative controls.

Applications

• Verification of cloned inserts, CRISPR edits, and site-directed mutagenesis constructs
• Microbial strain identification and 16S rRNA gene sequencing
• HLA typing and pharmacogenomic allele confirmation
• Residue-level validation of therapeutic protein expression vectors
• Forensic STR profiling and mitochondrial DNA analysis
• Teaching core facility use for undergraduate and graduate molecular biology instruction

FAQ

Is this unit covered by a warranty?
Yes—each refurbished ABI3130xl carries a 12-month limited hardware warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship, excluding consumables (capillaries, polymers, electrodes).
Can the system be upgraded to support newer chemistries?
It supports BigDye Terminator v1.1 through v3.1 kits; however, v3.1 is the final chemistry officially validated for this platform. No firmware upgrades enable compatibility with newer terminators.
What documentation accompanies the instrument?
Customers receive a full refurbishment report, calibration certificate, IQ/OQ summary, service history log, and original manufacturer’s operation manuals (digital and printed).
Is installation and training included?
Standard delivery includes remote commissioning support and one 4-hour virtual training session. On-site installation and hands-on training are available as optional add-ons.
Does the system meet regulatory requirements for GMP environments?
When operated within a validated environment—including controlled user access, periodic performance verification, and documented maintenance—the ABI3130xl satisfies baseline instrumentation requirements for GMP Annex 11 and FDA guidance on legacy systems.