To ensure proper sequencing of your samples at our partner labs, you will need to complete two documents. All templates can be found attached at the bottom of this article.
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Sample Manifest: Depending on your sample preparation method upon shipment, choose from three sample manifest templates:
- Tube Template CSV: List individual tubes in a single CSV file. If tubes are segregated into box organizers or bags, specify these labels under "Plate ID," otherwise leave it blank.
- 96 or 384 Well CSV: Each 96 or 384 well plate should have its own sheet. For large sample volumes, we recommend using this template.
- Multiple Plate XLSX: This template can be extended to include any number of sheets, with any of the supported well configurations per-sheet.
- Sample Insert: The sample insert will act as the packaging slip summarizing the contents of your shipment to our partner. This helps our partners make sure that all expected samples are accounted for.
Preparing your sample manifest
Key items to note:
- As mentioned above, each plate should have a dedicated form. Therefore, please ensure that each sheet notes no more than 96 or 384 plated samples. Samples in individual tubes can be listed on a single sheet.
- If you are sending different plate types, please utilize separate forms.
- Sample manifests can either be supplied as comma delimited files (CSV), or Excel files (XLSX). Please avoid sending Numbers files.
Assigning Unique Identifiers:
- For each sample, assign a project-level unique ID comprising at least 5 characters, inclusive of an organizational identifier.
- In some instances, customers may opt to use the plate ID or the first few letters of their company as the organizational identifier.
- Sample IDs must not contain the following characters: ?()[]/=+<>:;‘,*^|&._- (including spaces)
- If including plating controls or NTCs please plate NTCs in distinct locations across the plates and ensure NTCs are distinctly named (e.g., NTC1, NTC2).
Completion of Sample Manifest Details
While all columns are mandatory, there are circumstances when certain columns may not be applicable or unknown. The columns in red are always required and please see below for a description of each column. You may add columns but do not change or remove any of the pre-existing columns.
- Plate ID: Identifier for the plate containing the samples. If sending tubes, you may leave this column empty or indicate a label if tubes are bundled or organized into tube boxes.
- Well: Please do not change the current well format. The Tube template will simply indicate "tube"
- Unique Sample Identifier: Distinct identifier for each individual sample. As discussed above, the ID must have at least 5 characters. Sample IDs may not contain the following characters: ?()[]/=+<>:;‘,*^|&._- (including spaces)
- Buffer: Type of buffer or solution used to preserve the sample. Please leave blank if not relevant or unknown.
- Concentration (if known): Please note DNA concentration as measured by fluorometry. Please leave blank if not relevant or unknown.
- Species: ie. Feline or Human etc
- Coverage: Noted as raw coverage (ie. 0.5X) or volume of data generated per sample (ie. 1 Gb)
- Sample Type: ie. Blood on FTC card, Saliva, DNA etc.
Preparing your sample insert
The sample insert will act as your packaging slip. Once completed please print and include with the sample shipment.
Under the "Project Information" heading, ensure to furnish all necessary details such as:
- Project name: You are welcome to designate any project name you desire (ie. Project X, University X Soy, etc). This will chiefly serve as an identifier for us to communicate about your order with our sequencing provider.
- Species: ie. Feline, Human or Soy
- Coverage: Please match what you have indicated in your sample manifest. This is noted as raw coverage (ie. 0.5X) or volume of data generated per sample (ie. 1 Gb)
- Sample Type: ie. Blood on FTC card, Saliva, DNA etc.
- Total quantity: This total quantity should be reflective of all samples within the shipment (including different sample types).
Following the high level project summary please list each plate and associated sample quantity enclosed in the shipment. Each sample type should be listed individually.
Finally, if you require multiple forms, indicate the total number of pages in the designated field at the top of each sheet.