- Consumables
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- MinION and GridION Flow Cell
- Equipment
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- MinION Mk1C
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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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Set up the MinION Mk1C and flow cell.
Power on the MinION Mk1C, as described in the MinION Mk1C protocol under Power.
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Once successfully plugged in, you will see a light and hear the fan.
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Open the MinION Mk1C lid and insert the flow cell under the clip.
Press down firmly to ensure good thermal and electrical contact.
Note: The above image uses a CTC for illustrative purposes. Please insert a flow cell.
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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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Select the Mk1C in the connection manager to open the device.
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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 on the Sequencing Overview page:
Yellow exclamation mark: The number of sequencing pores is below warranty.
Green tick: The number of sequencing pores is above warranty and ready for sequencing.
Question mark: 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 the MinKNOW session when testing occurred. Once the sequencing device has been re-started, the status of the flow cell will be erased.