UBL Protocol
for
Visualizing Gels with the Gel Doc
Revised May
2002
1.Ý Turn on the Gel Doc and computer using the switch on the power strip and the power button on the computer.
2.Ý Wait for the computer to finish starting up, then double-click the 'Quantity One' icon on the desktop.
3.Ý The log-in screen appears.Ý Fill in your name, advisor, project, and estimated number of prints you will make- then click OK.
4.Ý Choose "Gel Doc" from the File menu to bring up the acquisition window.
5.Ý Pull out the cabinet on the Gel Doc and place your gel in the center.
6.Ý Close the cabinet, then press the "On/Off Epi Light" button on the Gel Doc control panel.Ý An image of the gel will appear in live focus on the screen.Ý
7.Ý Position the gel to your liking (you can open the top door to do this) and adjust the camera aperture (top ring), zoom (middle ring), or focus (bottom ring) as necessary to get a sharp image.
8.Ý Switch to the UV lamp by pressing the "On/Off Transilluminator" button on the Gel Doc control panel.
9.Ý Click the "Auto
Expose" button in the acquisition window.Ý After a few moments, the UV image of your gel
appears on the screen.
...............
ý Leaving the UV lamp on for too long will chop up the DNA in the gel.
11.Ý If necessary, use the exposure controls to fine-tune the contrast / brightness of the image.
12.Ý Once the image is to your liking, save by clicking the "Save" button.Ý Be sure to note the location and file name of your picture so you know where to find it again.
13.Ý To print a copy
of your gel image, turn the printer on (if it's not already on), then click
the "Video Print" button.
14.Ý When you are done, turn off the printer.
15.Ý Exit the Quantity One program.
16.Ý Shut down the computer by clicking the "Start" button, then "Shutdown".
17.Ý Be sure that "Shutdown" is selected, then click "OK".
18.Ý Wait for the computer to shut down, then turn off the power strip.
19.Ý Remove your gel from the cabinet and discard into the waste container (not in the trash, please!)
20.Ý Clean the cabinet with DI water and dry with kimwipes.