Information
This kit is recommended for users who:
- Wish to multiplex samples to reduce price per sample
- Have a low starting amount of DNA
- Require a simple library preparation procedure
Please note that to use this kit, you will need to purchase additional 3rd party reagents: see the "3rd Party Materials" tab for more detail.
Barcoding or multiplexing is useful when the amount of data required per sample is less than the total amount of data that can be generated from a single flow cell: it allows a user to pool multiple samples and sequence them together making more efficient use of the flow cell.
Multiplexing samples onto one flow cell can reduce the cost per sample for a user. Below are some worked examples:
| No barcodes | 6 barcodes | 12 barcodes |
---|
Flow cell price | $500 | $500 | $500 |
Library price | $99 | $99 | $99 |
Barcode price | - | $25 | $50 |
Price per sample | $599 | $104 | $54 |
The Rapid PCR Barcoding Kit offers the fastest and simplest method of preparation of barcoded libraries for low quantities of gDNA (1-5 ng), with only ~15 mins of hands-on preparation time.
At the heart of the kit is a transposase which simultaneously cleaves template molecules in each sample and attaches tags, which contain primer binding sites, to the cleaved ends. The kit contains 12 primers which are then used to amplify each sample: each primer contains a barcode and 5’ tag which facilitates the ligase-free attachment of Rapid Sequencing Adapters. Amplified and barcoded samples are then pooled together and Rapid Sequencing Adapters are added to the pooled mix.
The Rapid PCR Barcoding Kit features:
Feature | Property |
---|
Preparation time | 15 minutes + PCR |
Input requirement | 1-5 ng gDNA per sample |
PCR Required | Yes |
Fragmentation | Transposase-based |
Read length | ~2 kb |
Kit chemistry | Kit 9 |
Associated protocols | Rapid sequencing DNA - PCR Barcoding (SQK-RPB004) |
Pack size | 6 reactions |
Stability | Shipped at 2–8°C
Long-term storage -20°C
Oxford Nanopore Technologies deem the useful life of the product to be 3 months from receipt by the customer. |
This kit is optimised to offer a simple workflow for those with a limited amount of input material. It has been observed that the fragment length produced after PCR is largely independent of the input fragment length, with the PCR products producing a peak at around 2 kb on an Agilent Bioanalyzer. This corresponds to a read-length of ~2 kb in nanopore sequencing. The length limit is due to the method of library preparation, rather than the processivity limit of the DNA polymerase.

Typical read-length histogram observed when preparing libraries with the Rapid PCR Barcoding Kit.
Deconvolution of barcoded sequencing data is supported by the MinKNOW software, the stand-alone Guppy basecaller, and EPI2ME, all of which classify the barcode sequence and sort reads into corresponding folders.
Further considerations:
For users who wish to have greater control over the fragment lengths produced in their PCR reaction, we recommend the PCR Barcoding Kit.
As well as being used to generate more material (where starting material is limiting), PCR can be used where sample purity is compromised (which can inhibit library preparation efficiency). PCR selects for molecules which have been successfully adapted, and generates more of them. The original impurity is lost or diluted. It is often observed that a sample which produces poor sequencing results can be improved by inclusion of PCR. In instances where less than 1 ng of input material is available, we recommend whole genome amplification.
Shipping and logistics:
Flow cells and kits are shipped together in an environmentally friendly temperature-controlled shipping box.
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.
Workflow
The Rapid PCR Barcoding Kit offers the fastest and simplest method of preparation of barcoded libraries for low quantities of gDNA (1-5 ng), with only ~15 mins of hands-on preparation time.
At the heart of the kit is a transposase which simultaneously cleaves template molecules in each sample and attaches tags, which contain primer binding sites, to the cleaved ends. The kit contains 12 primers which are then used to amplify each sample: each primer contains a barcode and 5’ tag which facilitates the ligase-free attachment of Rapid Sequencing Adapters. Amplified and barcoded samples are then pooled together and Rapid Sequencing Adapters are added to the pooled mix.

Protocols
Rapid sequencing DNA - PCR Barcoding (SQK-RPB004)
To access the protocol, you will need to register for a Nanopore Community account.
What's in the box
The Rapid PCR Barcoding Kit contains 12 unique barcodes. There are sufficient barcodes and other reagents to generate six libraries with 12 barcoded samples in each one, which allows for processing a total of 72 samples.

Name | Acronym | Cap colour | No. of vials | Fill volume per vial (µl) |
---|
Fragmentation Mix | FRM | Brown | 3 | 30 |
Rapid Adapter | RAP | Green | 1 | 10 |
Sequencing Buffer | SBQ | Red | 1 | 300 |
Loading Beads | LB | Pink | 1 | 360 |
Rapid Barcode Primer 1-12 | RLB 01-12 | Clear | 12 | 10 |
The Flow Cell Priming Kit is also supplied.

Name | Acronym | Cap colour | No. of vials | Fill volume per vial (µl_ |
---|
Flush Buffer | FB | Blue | 6 | 1,170 |
Flush Tether | FLT | Purple | 1 | 200 |
Compatibility
The Rapid PCR Barcoding Kit can be used together with:
Kits
- RAP Top-up Kit (EXP-RAP001)
- Flow Cell Wash Kit (EXP-WSH004)
Flow cells
Devices
- MinION Mk1B
- MinION Mk1C
- GridION