The ability to sequence and study the human genome is not as new of a focus in the biomedical field as many people believe. However, the technology offered by automated equipment such as the Applied Biosystems Sequencer models offer advantages and possibilities that early researchers and scientists could only dream of achieving.
Manual Reading
In the development of Sanger sequencing, the method available to scientists involved slab gel electrophoresis. While more effective than prior options and without the need for high levels of radioactivity, it was a slow and painstaking process. It included the use of autoradiography or UV light to read the DNA sequence.
In addition to the manual read required, it was completed in four parallel runs, which added to the time.
From these early stages, automated reading systems were developed. This included the use of specific dyes to identify the sequence. This is still in use today in the Applied Biosystems Sequencer models, but it is done automatically and will full reading capacity.
Multicapilliary Possibilities
While there is a single capillary Applied Biosystems Sequencer, which is ideal for limited testing requirements, most of the systems in place today offer multiple testing protocols and up to 48 or 96 capillaries depending on the model.
With the ability to have multiple capillaries in one system, testing is faster, more efficient and can accommodate templates for the various testing requirements.
These systems have evolved from cumbersome, manual testing options to fully automated systems that allow for scalable design, real time data streaming, and review, as well as lower costs than many labs, may have considered.
To keep costs lower, choosing the newer models of sequencers allows for testing and lab facilities on a budget to have the best of equipment without compromising on features, functionality or testing capacity.