Automated Electrophoresis System

Waiver Rationale Summary

"The U.S. Geological Survey Alaska Science Center (ASC) has been using an Agilent 4150 Tapestation system offsite in cooperation with a nearby university laboratory and requires the same system for data continuity. The Agilent 4150 Tapestation is the only commercially available automated electrophoresis system with ready to use consumables appropriate for low throughout applications. Decreasing reagent handling by staff decreases opportunities for laboratory-induced errors and increases confidence in results generated. Using a low throughput instrument facilitates efficient staff time and resources. This system has been validated for use in downstream instrumentation workflow. Without this piece of equipment and the capability it brings, quality assurance/quality control of downstream data may be inadequate or compromised and/or result in failure and required subsequent replacement of expensive downstream laboratory consumables."