SYBR® Safe DNA Gel Stain—Saves Institutions Money
Case Study 1: Forsyth Institute, Boston, MA
 | The following data was provided by the EHS office at the Forsyth Institute. They calculated the total institutional costs of using SYBR® Safe DNA gel stain versus ethidium bromide for staining DNA gels. By taking into account the stain disposal costs of ethidium bromide, they determined that using SYBR® Safe DNA gel stain resulted in a 14% cost savings for their institution. Note that his data was derived from one specific institution; actual costs at other institutions may vary. |
| SYBR® Safe | Ethidium bromide | |
|---|---|---|
| Reagent costs | 400 µl concentrate @ $40 per bottle 5 µl concentrate per gel $0.50 per gel | 10 ml of 10 mg/ml concentrate @ $32 per bottle 5 µl concentrate per gel $0.016 per gel |
| Disposal costs - Materials | $0.00 | 20 L capacity charcoal filter @ $33 per filter 0.1 L per gel $0.165 per gel |
| Disposal costs -Time & Labor | $0.00 | 4 hours labor @ $20 per hour to filter 20 L of waste 0.1 L of waste per gel $0.40 per gel |
| Overhead disposal costs | $0.00 | Water usage (suction for filtration) Hazardous waste fees (for filter disposal) Additional uncalculated costs |
| Total cost per gel | $0.00 | $0.58++ |
Benefits of SYBR® Safe DNA gel stain
- 14% cost savings
- Technician labor savings
- Safer working environment
- Environmental benefits
- No hazardous waste
- No wasted water
Case Study 2: Iowa State University, Ames, IA
 | ISU pours SYBR® Safe DNA gel stain down the drainWastewater officials in Ames, Iowa, United States, have approved the disposal of SYBR® Safe DNA gel stain as nontoxic waste, allowing the diluted dye solution to be poured directly down the drain at Iowa State University (ISU). |
