UV Transilluminators


FAQ: 

1. What is a UV transilluminator used for?
   A UV transilluminator is used to visualize DNA/RNA bands in electrophoresis gels by shining UV light through the gel so fluorescent stains become visible for viewing, documentation, and band excision.
2. What UV wavelength is this unit (302 nm vs 365 nm)?
   This model uses [insert wavelength: e.g., 302 nm] UV, which is commonly used for strong fluorescence with many UV-reactive gel stains. If you need longwave UV (365 nm) or blue light, choose a different platform designed for that excitation.
3. Will it work with ethidium bromide (EtBr)?
   Yes—UV transilluminators are standard for EtBr-stained gels. Always follow your lab’s safety procedures for UV exposure and EtBr handling.
4. Will it work with SYBR Safe, GelGreen, SmartGlow, or other “safer” stains?
   Some “safer” stains are optimized for blue light, while others still work under UV. Check your stain’s recommended excitation source. If it specifies blue light, a blue-light transilluminator is typically the correct choice.
5. What’s the difference between the Accuris E3000 and E3100 MyView?
   E3000 is typically chosen when you want more control (including intensity control, depending on model configuration) and a larger work surface. E3100 MyView is typically chosen when you want a compact footprint for routine gel viewing with strong uniformity.
6. Is dual intensity useful? When should I use lower intensity?
   Lower intensity is useful when you want to reduce UV exposure to the sample (especially if you plan downstream work). Higher intensity is useful for faint bands, thicker gels, or when visibility is the priority.
7. Can I use this for band excision (gel cutting)?
   Yes. UV transilluminators are commonly used for band excision. Best practice is to minimize exposure time, use UV protection, and work efficiently to reduce UV-related damage to nucleic acids.
8. What safety precautions are required?
   UV light can damage eyes and skin. Use a UV-blocking shield/cover, UV-rated eyewear, and minimize exposure time. Follow your lab’s SOPs and restrict use to trained staff.
9. Does it include a UV shield or safety cover?
   included
10. Can I use it with a gel documentation system or camera hood?
    Often yes. Many labs pair UV transilluminators with gel doc hoods/enclosures.
11. What are the power requirements for Canada (120V)?
    120V/60Hz 
12. Do you ship across Canada and can I purchase by PO?
    Yes
13. What warranty and service support is available in Canada?
    2-year warranty supported by Cambridge service. 
    
    
14. What’s the typical lead time in Canada?
     2–4 week 
15. Will UV exposure affect downstream applications like cloning or PCR?
    Extended UV exposure can damage nucleic acids. If downstream work matters, use the lowest effective intensity, minimize exposure time, and consider stains/workflows that reduce UV exposure.
16. How do I optimize for faint bands?
    Use the appropriate stain concentration, confirm the correct excitation source for your dye, reduce background fluorescence, and use higher intensity only when required for visibility.
17. Is this suitable for routine molecular biology workflows?
    Yes, for UV-reactive gel stains and standard electrophoresis workflows. If your lab uses blue-light-only stains, a blue-light unit is typically the better match.
18. Is this suitable for teaching labs and student use?
    Yes, provided your lab enforces UV safety controls (shield/cover, eyewear, supervision, and training). Teaching labs should prioritize clear safety controls and durable handling.
19. What’s the simplest setup for a teaching lab?
    A UV transilluminator with a UV shield plus a basic imaging method (phone + enclosure or a gel doc hood) is typically the simplest. The key is consistent safety procedures and repeatable imaging.
20. Is a UV transilluminator used in industrial QC?
    It can be, particularly in biotech, food, and environmental labs that run electrophoresis-based checks. The key is repeatability, documentation, and clear SOP alignment.
21. Can you support documented workflows and repeatable results?
    Yes—pairing the unit with a standardized imaging enclosure/gel doc workflow supports repeatability and easier recordkeeping.
22. Can you support compliance-style purchasing (POs, documentation, traceability)?
    Yes