- Consumables
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- MinION and GridION Flow Cell
- Equipment
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- MinION Mk1B/GridION
- Host computer connected to the Internet with MinKNOW and the Desktop Agent installed
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In this step, you will use the MinKNOW software to check the number of pores in your flow cell. This has to be done prior to loading your DNA or RNA library onto the flow cell.
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How it works
Flow cells are shipped with a QC DNA molecule present in the buffer. This molecule produces a distinctive nanopore signal. The MinKNOWâ„¢ software uses this signal to validate the integrity of the nanopore array before use and provides the user with an estimate of the number of simultaneously available channels for the experiment.
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Open the MinION Mk1B/GridION lid and insert the MinION Flow Cell.
Insert the flow cell in the MinION Mk1B/GridION by sliding the flow cell under the clip. Firmly press down on the flow cell to ensure good thermal and electrical contact.
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Connect the assembled MinION Mk1B and flow cell to the host computer.
Figure SSFC: Assembled MinION Mk1B and MinION SpotON Flow Cell connected to through the USB 3.0 port to the host computer
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Once successfully plugged in, you will see a light and hear the fan.
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Double-click the MinKNOW icon located on the desktop to open the MinKNOW UI.
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We recommend users to log into the MinKNOW software using their Community credentials.
To log in, you must be connected to the internet.
From here, you can also change the language in the user interface in the bottom right corner.
You will be prompted to enter your email address and Nanopore password:
If you experience login issues, please visit the Community Support channel (https://community.nanoporetech.com/support) and use Continue as guest for temporary use.
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Click the sequencing device connected to the computer.
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The Sequencing Overview should show the flow cell has not had any checks carried out.
Below is an example of a GridION device with a Flongle inserted into position X1 and MinION Flow Cells in positions X2 - X5.
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When you see the flow cell type and flow cell IDs recognised, click 'Start' to begin.
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The flow cell check should take a few minutes.
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Flow cell health indicators
The quality of the flow cell will be shown as one of the three outcomes:
Yellow exclamation mark (Flongle flow cell): The number of sequencing pores is below warranty. Take the flow cell out of the device, re-insert it and run a flow cell check again. If the flow cell is still below warranty, contact support@nanoporetech.com
Green tick (MinION flow cell): The number of sequencing pores is above warranty.
Question mark (PromethION flow cell): A flow cell check has not been run on the flow cell during this MinKNOW session.
Note: The indicator of quality will only remain visible during a MinKNOW session. Once the MinKNOW session has ended, the status of the flow cell will be erased.