Sample requirements

DNA sample requirements for sequencing

Minimum input, concentration, purity and integrity for whole-genome and exome sequencing, targeted panels, long-read platforms and epigenomics. Every value is given here in full, not locked in a PDF.

← All sample submission guidelines

Genomics platform

DNA sequencing service sample requirements

DNA can be submitted in DNase-free water, elution buffer, or 10mM Tris pH 8.0. Samples should be RNase-treated, show no degradation or contamination, and have an OD260/280 as close to 1.8–2.0 as possible. Ship with ice packs. These requirements apply to our Genomics platform.

Concentration note. Values below assume fluorometry (Picogreen/Qubit/RiboGreen). If you're relying on spectrophotometry (e.g. Nanodrop) instead, increase concentrations by roughly 2×.
Illumina services: DNA10 services · view full table +
ServiceSample typeRecommended quantityMinimum quantityMinimum concentration
Whole Genome SequencingGenomic DNA≥ 500 ng200 ng10 ng/µL
Whole Genome Sequencing (PCR-free)Genomic DNA≥ 1 µg500 ng20 ng/µL
Whole Exome SequencingGenomic DNA≥ 500 ng100 ng10 ng/µL
Complete Plasmid DNA SequencingPlasmid DNA≥ 1 µg500 ng20 ng/µL
Viral Genome SequencingGenomic DNA≥ 1 µg500 ng20 ng/µL
Amplicon SequencingPurified Amplicon≥ 1 µg500 ng20 ng/µL
GBS / ddRADGenomic DNA≥ 300 ng100 ng10 ng/µL
Metagenome SequencingMetagenome DNA≥ 500 ng20 ng5 ng/µL
16S / 18S / ITS SequencingGenomic DNA≥ 100 ng10 ng1 ng/µL
SSR GenotypingGenomic DNA≥ 500 ng200 ng10 ng/µL
HLA TypingGenomic DNA≥ 200 ng
Cells, PBMC≥ 1×10⁶
Blood≥ 1 mL
Buccal swab2 swabs
Dried blood spot (DBS)2 completely filled spots, 10 mm diameter each
TCR-SeqGenomic DNA≥ 2 µg20 ng/µL
PBMC≥ 2×10⁵
Animal tissue≥ 500 mg
Blood≥ 0.5 mL

Metagenome Sequencing and 16S/18S/ITS rows above are delivered through our Metagenomics & Microbiome platform; see also long-read metagenomics below for full-length amplicon or shotgun workflows.

Long-read sequencing

PacBio & Nanopore requirements

Long-read platforms have higher input requirements than short-read Illumina services, so plan for a larger extraction volume if this is your target platform.

Long-read DNA sequencingview full table +
ServiceSample typeRecommended quantityMinimum quantityMinimum concentration
Whole Genome Sequencing (PacBio)Genomic DNA≥ 3 µg80 ng/µL
Whole Genome Sequencing (Nanopore)Genomic DNA≥ 5 µg20 ng/µL
Plasmid Sequencing (Nanopore)Genomic DNA≥ 1 µg500 ng10 ng/µL
Full-Length 16S/18S/ITS Amplicon SequencingGenomic DNA≥ 500 ng10 ng/µL
Tissue1–3 g1 g
Thallus5 g3 g
Interstitial fluid3–5 mL1 mL
Environmental samples / water filter membrane3–5 g / 3 membranes1 g
Long-Read Metagenomic SequencingGenomic DNA≥ 2 µg30 ng/µL
Tissue2 g1 g
Interstitial fluid, sediment6–10 mL, 2 g2 mL, sediment
Environmental samples / water filter membrane6 g / 6 membranes2 g / 2 membranes
Long-read RNA sequencing: RIN ≥ 8 requiredview full table +
ServiceSample typeRecommended quantity
Nanopore Full-Length Transcripts SequencingTotal RNA≥ 2 µg
Nanopore Direct RNA SequencingTotal RNA≥ 15 µg

Genomics platform

Epigenomics sequencing requirements

ATAC-seq, methylation and bisulfite sequencing are delivered through our Genomics platform alongside standard DNA sequencing.

Epigenomics sample requirementsview full table +
ServiceSample typeRecommended quantityMinimum quantityMinimum concentration
ATAC-seqCells≥ 1×10⁶5×10⁴
Tissue≥ 500 mg200 mg
MeDIP-seq / hMeDIP-seqGenomic DNA≥ 2 µg1 µg20 ng/µL
WGBS (Whole Genome Bisulfite Sequencing)Genomic DNA≥ 1 µg200 ng10 ng/µL
Cells≥ 1×10⁶
Tissue≥ 50 mg
RRBS (Reduced Representation Bisulfite Sequencing)Genomic DNA≥ 1 µg20 ng20 ng/µL
Cells≥ 5×10⁶3×10³
Tissue≥ 30 mg
Targeted Bisulfite SequencingGenomic DNA≥ 500 ng50 ng10 ng/µL
Cells≥ 1×10⁶
Tissue≥ 20 mg

Not sure which service fits?

Tell us your sample type and biological question, and we'll scope the right platform.