To further improve the quality of DNA Sequencing at our facility, a new sample submission procedure will be instituted that requires less DNA and a smaller sample volume. To ensure reproducible success in sequencing, we recommend that DNA samples be prepared using a Qiagen kit, resuspended in ddH2O (not buffer), and examined/quantified by spectrophotometry and agarose gel electrophoresis.

Other important procedures for sample submission are described below:

1. Label the 1.5ml sample tube on the side (not on the cap).
2. If you want your sample to be sequenced with one of our universal primers, please provide the DNA template in a volume of 12 µl. If you provide your own primer, the DNA template plus your own primer should be provided in a total volume of 16 µl. See the table below for the amounts of template and primer needed for various template types and lengths.
3. The sequencing lab can provide the following universal primers: SP6, T3, T7, T7 terminator, M13 forward, M13 reverse.
4. When you bring samples to the sequencing lab, fill in a Sequencing Order Form. Your DNA and primer name combined should comprise a total of 9 characters or less. To indicate the universal primer that should be used for sequencing, please color-code your samples by placing a color-coded label (provided at the sequencing lab) on the cap of each 1.5ml tube. Assign yourself the job number that follows the previous customer’s number, and write it on the cap of each tube.

Table: DNA and primer amount needed for sequencing

We recommend that customers estimate DNA concentrations by comparison to a standard, using gel electrophoresis.

Color-Coding for Universal Primers