TdT vs. Kinase

[Steven Goldberg]

Until recently our lab has been using T4 kinase + gamma 32P-ATP to end- 
label our oligonucleotides.  However, we tried terminal deoxynucleotide 
transferase and found our probes were labeled to a much higher specific 
activity. Another advantage is that you can use a single type of 
radionucleotide (alpha 32P-dATP) for all other types of labeling you 
might have to do, including random-priming.  Has anyone had the same 
experience that we had as far as getting hotter probes--also, are there 
any known disadvantages to using probes prepared using TdT vs.kinase?

Thanks for your responses

Steve