DNA Detection and Documentation with red or green DNA dyes

The FastGene^® Blue/Green LED technology enables the detection of red dyes, such as Ethidium Bromide and of our next generation green dyes Midori Green. Both dyes can be visualized using the amber filter on top of the unit.

Unique LED Technology

Figure 1 - The absorbance spectrum of Ethidium Bromide (grey), Midori Green Advance (purple) and Midori Green Direct (green)

Very easy to handle and perfect results out of the box

Get great results right after you start. The simplicity of the system guarantees a quick learning process. Images are saved in the established jpeg and tiff format format, allowing you to use any imaging program to review your image. Additionally, the images can be saved in PNG and BMP format as well.

Robust and Durable

The FastGene^® FAS-V Gel documentation System is very robust due to its metal body and high quality components.

Very sensitive CCD-Sensor

The FastGene® FAS-V has a big CCD-Sensor, made in Japan, with a diameter of 1/1.8“.  The pixel size of 4.4 µm allows the detection of lowest light signal. Images can be recorded in the common TIFF and JPEG as well as in BMP and PNG format. The files can be stored in the 16 GB internal SSD storage or on a USB-stick.

 The exposure time of the sensor can be set from 0.001 sec up to 30 sec. The very short exposure guarantees that even the brightest DNA band will be still within the dynamic range. Exposing the sensor for up to 30 sec will enable the detection even of the faintest bands.

Very bright parfocal lens - no more focusing:

The lens of the FastGene® FAS-V is parfocal, as most microscopic lenses and prefocused on the imaging area. This enables you to zoom in to the area of interest without having to readjust the focus.

The huge aperture* of f/1.2 enables the transmission of light to the sensor. The aperture can be regulated steplessly until complete closure, making it your decision which aperture delivers the best image.

The 6 x zoom, with a focal length of 12.5 mm to 75 mm, allows a perfect enlargement of the area of interest. Setting the lens at 12.5 mm allows the imaging of the complete illuminated area, while zooming into 75 mm will eliminate any unnecessary area.

*opening of the lens iris

Recorded images can be directly edited in the FastGene^® FAS-V:

1. The image can be cropped using your finger or a stylus.
2. Increase the contrast of the image
3. The image can be rotated clockwise and anti-clockwise
4. The image can be vertically and horizontally mirrored
5. Reduce printing costs by inverting the image

Dear NIPPON Genetics team,

we use the FAS-V gel documentation system to visualize PCR-products. For that we use the DNA dye SYBR safe. Additionally, besides DNA we also use the system to visualize RNA, which was stained with ethidium bromide. Both dyes are no problem for the FAS-V gel documentation system. Personally, the two biggest advantages of the Blue/Green light is that the light is not damaging the DNA and is not dangerous for the user. Using the included filter goggles, it is possible to determine the success of the PCR without having to take an image of the gel first.

The white light LED illuminator is very handy too. When needed, the plate is turned down and positioned centrally without having to reconnect external illuminator and taking an image of an X-ray film or dish is very easy (although only monochrome).

The handling of the system using the touchscreen is pretty modern and comfortable. Date, time, a title and the image recording settings are saved on the image, if one wants to have it. An additional thermoprinter does the documentation in a lab journal very quick.

A super compact and user-friendly system, which we heavily recommend!

Wolz working group at the medical microbiology and hygiene, University of Tübingen, Germany.