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. 

200 μL PCR 8-strip tubes (<48 samples)

• 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.