ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses some of the unique hazards and required safety precautions needed when performing electrophoresis analysis. Electrophoresis instruments can employ very high voltage and potentially hazardous current. This high-power output has the potential to cause a fatal electrical shock if not properly handled. The circuit used with an electrophoresis instrument should be equipped with a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI), which is identifiable by the test and reset buttons. If a GFCI is not available, it is usually permissible to use a portable GFCI on a short electrical cable. Agarose gel electrophoresis often requires the use of ethidium bromide as a fluorescent tag. The hazards associated with the use of electrophoresis instrumentation can be minimized by attention to the factors and the use of appropriate personal protection.
