Sample submission guidelines

To get the best quality sequencing in the shortest amount of time, please follow these sample submission guidelines. We can work with samples that do not meet these guidelines. However, please let us know about your sample limitations.

Download a sample sheet and plate map template here: YYYYMMDD_Name_Service_platemap

Extracted DNA for short- and long-read sequencing

General DNA submission guidelines are as follows:

  • We recommend extracting gDNA with QIAGEN’s DNeasy PowerSoil Pro kits. To reduce bias and shearing, phenol:chloroform extractions are best practice.
  • All samples should be treated with broad spectrum RNAse. An electrophoresis image is required for QA purposes run on a 1% agarose gel. Limited shearing should be present, if worried contact us to check before sending.
  • DNA quality A260/280 should be >1.8
  • All samples should be in a 96 well format as parts of the preparation are automated. Samples should be populated by column (A1, B1, C1… A2, B2, C2… etc) leaving wells H11 and H12 empty for NU-OMICS controls.
  • Always include a DNA extraction negative. If you use an extraction kit or require multiple kits due to sample numbers please provide a DNA extraction negative for each kit. We will provide a sequencing negative and a commercial mock community so that downstream analysis can be completed (https://www.zymoresearch.eu/zymobiomics-community-standard)
  • Please provide a sample sheet with the name of your samples and their well number. Names should not include any special characters except for “_”. Download a sample sheet and plate map template here: YYYYMMDD_Name_Service_platemap

Minimum DNA input

Samples for DNA extraction and subsequent sequencing

General sample submission guidelines are as follows:

  • All samples should be clearly labelled on the cap and on the sides. If samples are provided in a 96 well plate, please send a sample sheet. Download a sample sheet and plate map template here: YYYYMMDD_Name_Service_platemap
  • Soil and stool samples should be provided at a weight of 250 mg per sample
  • Saliva, sputum, and water samples should be provided at a volume of 250 uL per sample

Notes on sample number

Extracted RNA for cDNA generation and sequencing

General submissions guidelines are as follows:

  • RNA should have a RIN of >7. If you would like us to check the RIN of your RNA samples, please let us know.
  • All samples should be in a 96 well format as parts of the preparation are automated. Samples should be populated by column (A1, B1, C1… A2, B2, C2… etc)
  • Please inform us if your sample is FFPE RNA
  • Please provide a sample sheet with the name of your samples and their well number. Names should not include any special characters except for “_”. Download a sample sheet and plate map template here: YYYYMMDD_Name_Service_platemap

Minimum RNA input

Interested in our services? Any questions?

Contact us if you have any concerns about sending samples, questions about the facilities, or are interested in the services we provide.