Analyses of dna using gel electrophoresis in life sciences and related industries
Overview
This standard covers the skills you need to carry out DNA sample analysis by gel
electrophoresis using approved procedures. This involves setting up and running
gel electrophoresis and repeating the analysis to confirm or clarify the results. It is
important to present records and details of your work in a consistent and accurate
way
Your underpinning knowledge will provide a good understanding of this process and
its application an enable to analyse and present data and results
Who this standard is for
The standard is recommended for all staff but particularly junior laboratory
technicians.
Performance criteria
You must be able to:
P1 ensure that your work is carried out in accordance with standard operating
procedures including those for infection control
P2 prepare the gel for the amplified DNA fragment.
P3 ensure that appropriate dyes are added to the gel during setup, according to
standard operating procedures
P4 load the DNA reference ladders and samples with the appropriate DNA
visualisation dye, and run gels according to standard operating procedures
P5 visualise the gel, as appropriate, and according to standard operating
procedures
P6 dispose of spent materials (gel and buffer systems) appropriately and
according to local requirements
P7 evaluate the data, in accordance with standard operating procedures and
laboratory instructions
P8 communicate the required information the work done to authorised people
Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and understand:
K1 the health and safety and other legislative requirements of the area in which
you are carrying out the scientific or similar activities
K2 the standard operating procedures, as set down in local laboratory manuals
K3 the limits of your own authority and to whom you should report if you have
problems that you cannot resolve
K4 the range of samples analysed, the containers used for sample storage in the
laboratory, and other essential resources needed for each investigation
K5 the importance of keeping the work area clean and tidy, and of avoiding cross
contamination of samples
K6 the main types of gel solution used for analysis (such as gel percentage
(between 0.2 and 2%) for large and small DNA fragments)
K7 the different types of gel tank used (such as 8x10cm gel (minigels))
K8 the typical DNA sample size to be loaded for a ladder to be visible under UV
light
K9 the range of gel combs available, and the main factors to consider when
selecting one for use (such as DNA sample size, number of teeth)
K10 how to transfer an appropriate amount of each sample to a fresh microfuge
tube and add an appropriate amount of loading buffer and DNA sample onto
the gel
K11 how to load the gel tray with marker before and after loading the samples
K12 how to close the gel tank, switch on the power source and run the gel at the
correct voltage and time
K13 when to switch off the power supply (such as when the dye is 2/3 to ¾ of the
way down the gel) and use a stain box to stain the gel ladder
K14 how to view and record data from the gel ladder (such as UV light and a digital
camera)
K15 how DNA samples can be excised from gels when isolation is required
K16 how to construct and use a calibration curve for markers
K17 how to record and interpret results from gel electrophoresis