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Troubleshooting guide

Sample Preparation

Image Acquisition

  • The image is not obtainable
    Possible Cause

    There are many factors which need to be correct to ensure the comets can be analysed, including but not limited to:

    1) A correctly optimised microscope
    2) Correct illumination and filters
    3) A suitable adapter to connect the camera to the microscope
    4) Microscope camera port not set to send image to the camera

    Action

    It is essential to maintain a regular service schedule for your microscope and lamp. Read our comet assay microscopy guide (see menu on right) for more information.

  • No, or poorly visible, comets are observed
    Cause

    Insufficient staining

    Action

    Increase staining time or concentration of DNA stain. As far as Comet Assay IV is concerned, any stain is acceptable. Although the majority of our customers use one of the following fluorochromes for their comet slides: Ethidium bromide, Propidium iodide, SYBR Green or SYBR Gold. Regardless of the stain used, there are some important factors to take into account. Read our comet assay microscopy guide (see menu on right) for more information.

Poor Image Quality

Abbreviations:
LMAgarose = Low melting point agarose
NMAgarose = Normal melting point agarose