Answer: How should I take photographs to document clogs and wetting failures with GEM-X applications?
Answer: We recommend (1) taking photographs of the recovered GEMs in the chip and (2) in pipette tips and/or strip tubes. These images are important for documenting clogs and wetting failures. Please refer to the best practices below for taking informative photographs.
Step 1: While the chip is in the chip holder, inspect and take a photograph of the chip while horizontal. The GEMs should still be in the recovery wells.
Chip image is representative.
Step 2: Fold the lid back of the chip holder until it clicks to expose the wells at 45 degrees. Inspect the chip and emulsions, then take a picture.
Chip image is representative.
Step 3: Take a photograph of the recovered GEMs in the pipette tips (preferred) and/or PCR strip tubes.
- Images in pipette tips are preferred over PCR strip tubes as it makes it easier to identify minor differences in recovered volumes.
- Ensure that images have a uniform, dark background, minimal reflections, are in focus, and are upright.
Images are representative. If performing GEM-X Universal Multiplex assays, a single channel pipette should be used for aspirating emulsions from the GEM-X OCM Chip.
Best practices:
- Ensure that the background is dark and uniform
- Make sure that the image crisp and in focus
- Pipette tips and PCR strip tubes should be imaged upright rather than at an angle
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