Abstract: A cross or T-shaped device is disclosed for use in capillary electrophoresis or capillary chromatography. The device includes a first capillary tube and a second capillary tube connected to the first tube at a point between the two ends of the first tube so that the contents flowing in the second tube will mix with a fluid flowing in the first tube. The two tubes enclose spaces with cross-sectional dimensions less than about 200 microns. The two tubes are connected so that there is substantially no dead space at the connection. The device is made by boring a hole at a selected location in the first tube, introducing an elongated guide member into the hole, threading the member into the second tube until the second tube contacts the first tube. The second tube is then permanently connected to the first tube and the guide member is then removed to form a T-shaped device.

Abstract: A method of positively deciphering a DNA sequence of a sample by comparing data of two electropherograms obtained from separate electrophoresis of products from two complete sequence reactions of the same sample, whereby dideoxynucleotide terminators of different but matched concentration ratios are employed for the two reactions. The sequencing chemistry is chosen to result in terminator-concentration dependent in peak intensity in the electropherograms. By appropriately choosing the matched concentration ratios of the terminators used in the two sequence reactions, ambiguities in the discrimination of the peaks in the result of one sequence reaction can be resolved by comparing the result of the other sequence reaction. The sequence of the sample can therefore be deciphered to a high degree of accuracy. For fluorescence detection of electrophoresis of the sequence reactions, three ddNTP terminators and one fluor are included in the sequencing chemistry of each reaction.

Abstract: In the capillary electrophoretic system, the components of a sample to be separated and detected are labelled by a radioactive material which emits gamma rays or beta particles with energy high enough to penetrate the electrolyte and the capillary tube. A semiconductor detector outside the tube and placed adjacent to the tube detects the gamma rays or beta particles in order to detect the presence of the components of the sample. A weaker radio-label may also be used in conjunction with scintillating material which is introduced together with the sample into the tube or through a different tube. Alternatively, the scintillating material may be placed inside the tube or made a part of the tube. The scintillating material emits light in response to radiation from the radio labels on the components of the sample to enable detection of the component.

Abstract: An apparatus xxx method of aligning a capillary with respect to a radiation source. More particularly, the capillary is aligned with a laser beam for laser induced fluorescence detection. The light reflection/scatter pattern of the laser beam originating from the capillary wall is utilized to determine optimum alignment. Photosensors may be implemented to detect the scatter pattern which represents optimum alignment. For dynamic alignment during electrophoresis, the photosensors provide feedback to a controller which controls a positioning mechanism for alignment of the capillary.

Abstract: A detection and quantification technique for radioisotope labeled components separated in a capillary separation channel. The section of the separation channel containing the separated components is significantly cooled to substantially eliminate diffusion of the components while detection is being carried out. The section can be frozen and autoradiography technique or solid state electronic imaging technique can be utilized to obtain an image representative of the relative amounts of separated components.