Tubes (<48 samples)

200 μL PCR 8-strip tubes 

• Write the 3-character barcode on the side of the tube in clear handwriting using a thin sharpie marker. The order page automatically generates this barcode for you to make it easy.
• Do not write the sample name on the tube. The barcode (previous point) is enough. Adding the name typically slows down processing instead of speeding it up.
• The barcode is your initials followed by a number, e.g. John Doe would get the barcode JD1…JD2…JD3…etc.
• If using our free barcodes, press down firmly across the entire label to make sure it is secure.
• Always start on 1. If there are samples already sitting in your cart that start at 1, the order page will display the next available number, which is fine to use. 

Plates (>48 samples)

200 μL 96 well plate (>48 samples)

• Write the order number along the side of the plate using a thin sharpie marker.
• After the order number, write ONT for Oxford Nanopore Samples (whole plasmid) or an S for Sanger samples.

• Make sure all handwriting is legible. 
• Do not submit less than 48 samples per plate. 
• Do not skip wells. 
• Arrange samples by column (preferred.

Tubes (<48 samples)

200 μL PCR 8-strip tubes 

• Put the 8-strip inside a 50mL conical tube to protect during transit. It is a good idea to add some cushioning inside such as bubble wrap or cotton balls.
• Print your order confirmation page, fold it so that the order barcode and sample information is on top, and place the tube(s) and confirmation page in a ziplock bag.
• Do not cut up the 8-strip into separate tubes.
• Make sure the caps are firmly closed. Do not use the 8-strip tubes with caps that come off easily. An easy way to distinguish between them is to look if the tubes have individual caps or a strip of caps. Strip caps come off easily and should be avoided. Individual caps typically fit more snuggly.
• Do not use excessive parafilm to seal the tubes. This makes it difficult to open the tubes and can lead to contamination when opening the tubes. The conical tube should be enough to protect them in transit.

Separate Sample Types into Separate Bags 

• It is important to separate Whole Plasmid and Sanger samples into different ziplock bags so the processing team can quickly sort packages and send the samples to the right sequencing group.
• Include the order confirmation page in each bag, with the order barcode and sample information visible through the bag.

Plates (>48 samples)

• Heat seal is preferred. If using a roller on an adhesive seal, press down firmly and evenly across the entire plate to make sure it is securely sealed across all wells.
• It is critical that plates are sealed well to avoid leakage and cross contamination between wells.
  • Inspect the seal for bubbles. Bubbles can cause cross contamination if liquid can pass between wells.
  • Wrap plates individually with bubble wrap to protect them.
• Do not use cap strips on plates. These can cause cross contamination between wells when pulling them off.
• Avoid stacking multiple plates on top of each other. The wells from the top plate can piece the seal of the plate underneath.

Agar Plate

• Wrap the agar plate in parafilm to prevent leakage and place inside a ziplock bag.

Dropbox

• Drop samples in the box the same day the online order is placed. The courier pickups samples on-demand, not every day. If it is past the cutoff time, the courier will pickup the following business day.
• Package your samples in padded mailer, padded envelope or cardboard shipping box. If you are reusing material, completely remove or cover any existing labels or warnings. Multiple orders may be shipped together in the same package, provided that each order is placed in its own sealed bag and includes the corresponding order confirmation.
• Ship samples at ambient (room) temperature. Do not include ice packs, dry ice, or other temperature-control materials.
• Visit the dropboxes webpage for more information on dropbox options and details.
• Search for dropboxes near to your location.

Digital Shipping Label

• Select the digital shipping label option during checkout. It is found under the "sample submission method" option. Digital shipping labels are free as long as the order amount meets the threshold for free shipping, which usually around $30-35. 
• A digital shipping label will be automatically generated on the order confirmation page. Print it. 
• Cut out the shipping label Select the print option to print the label.
• Package your samples in padded mailer, padded envelope or cardboard shipping box. If you are reusing material, completely remove or cover any existing labels or warnings. Multiple orders may be shipped together in the same package, provided that each order is placed in its own sealed bag and includes the corresponding order confirmation.
• Ship samples at ambient (room) temperature. Do not include ice packs, dry ice, or other temperature-control materials.
• For more information, visit the Digital Shipping Label webpage.

Ship Normally

• Package your samples in padded mailer, padded envelope or cardboard shipping box. If you are reusing material, completely remove or cover any existing labels or warnings. Multiple orders may be shipped together in the same package, provided that each order is placed in its own sealed bag and includes the corresponding order confirmation.
• Ship samples at ambient (room) temperature. Do not include ice packs, dry ice, or other temperature-control materials.
• Ship using your company's standard shipping carrier (UPS, Fedex, DHL, etc). We strongly recommend shipping via the express option, e.g. overnight, next-day, express, first-class.
• For more information, visit the Ship Normally webpage.