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Store terminology
Throughout the Community and Store, we use the following terminology to explain the capabilities of our kits:
Sample:
The starting material from which DNA or RNA is extracted from and used as input in a library preparation protocol.
DNA/RNA sample:
A collection of DNA or RNA fragments to be used as input in a library preparation protocol.
Library:
A collection of DNA or RNA fragments that have sequencing adapters attached in preparation for sequencing on a flow cell. This can be a collection of fragments from one sample or multiple DNA/RNA samples that have been barcoded and pooled together.
Barcodes:
A known sequence attached to a DNA fragment of a sample during library preparation, enabling users to combine multiple samples into a singular library pool. Before the samples are pooled together, each sample must be uniquely barcoded individually. The multiplexed library is sequenced and demultiplexed using MinKNOW for identification of the individual samples based on the known barcode sequences.
For example, six samples can be individually barcoded and pooled together using the Rapid Barcoding Kit 24 V14 (SQK-RBK114.24) before sequencing on a single flow cell. The samples are then demultiplexed by MinKNOW, allowing for analysis of individual samples based on their barcodes.
Reactions:
The number of times a kit can be used for either a library preparation, flow cell priming or as extra reagents to make the full use of a barcoding kit.
For example, the Native Barcoding Kit 96 V14 (SQK-NBD114.96) can be used to sequence six libraries of 48 barcoded DNA samples. To make use of the remaining barcodes, a Native Barcoding Auxiliary Kit V14 (EXP-NBA114) is required to provide more library preparation reagents, along with a Sequencing Auxiliary Vials V14 (EXP-AUX003) expansion to provide the flow cell priming reagents.
Pack size:
The number of times a kit can be used to prepare a reaction. For example, the Flow Cell Priming Kit V14 (EXP-FLP004) has a pack size of six reactions, meaning enough reagents are supplied to prime six flow cells.
For the sequencing kits, pack size refers to the number libraries and number of flow cells that can be primed for sequencing using the reagents supplied in the kit. For example, the Rapid Sequencing Kit V14 (SQK-RAD114) has a pack size of six reactions, that means the kit can prepare six libraries and contains enough reagents to prime six flow cells for sequencing.
For the barcoding kits, pack size also refers to the number of barcoded libraries and number of flow cells that can be primed for sequencing using the reagents supplied in the kit. However, for the kits containing 96 barcodes, up to 12 barcoded libraries can be prepared and sequenced, depending on how many DNA samples are barcoded. The below options outline how to maximise the kit for either barcodes or flow cell priming reagents:
- 3 libraries of 96 barcodes
- 6 libraries of 48 barcodes
- 12 libraries of 24 barcodes
To maximise the use of unused barcodes, the relevant expansion packs are available on the store. -
Product phases
All our products fit into one of the product phases below that are displayed on the store to make it clear where the product is in their lifecycle and their degree of availability, warranty, and change notification. Product warranties and change notification periods increase through each phase. All products receive regular software and other platform updates that are rigourously checked and tested before release. These tests become more formalised as the products progress.
Product phases have no impact on ordering processes, they are simply there to provide users with guidance on how rapidly we expect to be applying changes to the product and accuracy of shipping dates in store.