Information
A PromethION Flow Cell RNA (FLO-PRO004RA) is a consumable used with PromethION devices. It contains the proprietary sensor array, Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), and nanopores. This is our RNA-specific flow cell and paired with the Direct RNA Sequencing Kit (SQK-RNA004), improved sequencing accuracy and output is generated for RNA libraries.
This release is currently only supported by our Direct RNA Sequencing Kit (SQK-RNA004).
This is an Early Access product.
For more information about our Early Access programmes, please see this article on product release phases.
How it works:
A user simply adds their prepared library to the flow cell and starts their sequencing experiment.
Data is accumulated over time as RNA is sequenced by the nanopores. Individual read files are generated and are immediately available for analysis.
As data is streamed in real-time, a user can choose to stop a run as soon as sufficient data is gathered. A flow cell contains sufficient buffer to run for ~72 hours (under optimal conditions) and a user can choose to run continuously or run, stop, wash, and load a new sample until the buffer and nanopores are exhausted.
Shipping and logistics:
PromethION Flow Cells are packaged in packs of four. The flow cells are shipped in multiple set sizes, depending on the size of your project. All orders can be split for delivery to best suit your needs.
Flow cells and kits are shipped together at 2–8°C. The packaging is designed to protect the flow cells from freezing. Flow cells are stable at ambient temperatures and stored refrigerated for longer periods. Sequencing kits are stable at room temperature for up to seven days, so users should not be concerned about their products should they arrive at ambient temperature.
Products are shipped to customers within the USA and EU Monday to Thursday. Shipments to Canada, Norway, Korea and Japan are expedited Monday to Wednesday; with Australia and New Zealand leaving our warehouses on a Friday. Shipments to the rest of the world are made on Mondays to allow the full working week for packages to arrive.
The delivery charges are calculated when a quote is raised or during checkout. Once an order is made, the delivery ID and delivery information can be tracked in the Store.
Storage and stability:
Please store your flow cells as follows:
- Room temperature: during Early Access, we ask users to store their flow cells at 2-8°C. Flow cells are stable for a few days at room temperature, however we will formalise guidance during the course of product roll-out.
- 2-8°C: flow cells can be stored, unopened, at 2-8°C for 4 weeks.
We recommend you check your flow cell before preparing your DNA/RNA library as part of the warranty process.
Flow cell returns:
Four PromethION Flow Cells are supplied per box with a returns insert which contains the seals and packaging for returning the flow cells to Oxford Nanopore where the materials are recycled.
More information on how to carry out a return can be found on the Nanopore Community.
Workflow
PromethION Flow Cells are provided in a sealed pouch and are shipped at constant temperature.
Prior to use, the flow cell can be checked by performing a Flow Cell Check using MinKNOW. The Flow Cell Check will report the number of nanopores available for sequencing.
Once the Flow Cell Check has been performed satisfactorily, the flow cell is ready to be used for experiments. The exact protocol and reagent kits used will depend on the experiment being run.
Please return your flow cells to Oxford Nanopore Technologies after use.
What's in the box
PromethION flow cells are shipped in a sealed pouch in packs of four.
A returns insert is also supplied which contains the seals and packaging for returning the flow cells. Users are requested to return their flow cells after use so that they can be responsibly recycled by Oxford Nanopore Technologies.
