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 DNA or 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 ~64 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 4. 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 in a temperature-controlled shipping box with gel ice packs. Ice packs are stored at 2-8° C, and -20° C ice packs are added to the top of the box (but not in direct contact with product) to maintain the integrity of the shipment.

The packaging is designed to protect the flow cells from freezing. Flow cells are stable at ambient temperatures for 30 days and sequencing kits are stable at room temperature for up to seven days, so users should not be concerned about their product 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:

Flow cells can be stored at room temperature for up to 30 days. For longer-term storage, place at 2-8˚C.

We recommend you check your flow cell before preparing your DNA/RNA library as part of the warranty process.

Flow cell returns:

We ask customers to return their used flow cells to Oxford Nanopore Technologies for recycling. For more information, please see the "Flow cell returns" section.

Prior to use, a Flow Cell Check should be run on the flow cell. This checks the environment for the flow cell chemistry has been maintained during shipping.

PromethION Flow Cells are provided in a sealed pouch and are shipped at a constant temperature. For long-term storage, it is recommended that they are kept in an environment not prone to large temperature fluctuations. The flow cells should be stored flat.

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.

Safety data sheet for PromethION Flow Cell buffer

Customers are required to perform a flow cell check within 3 months of purchase. Oxford Nanopore Technologies will replace any flow cell with fewer than 5000 nanopores, when the result is reported within two days of performing the flow cell check, and when the storage recommendations have been followed. We deem the useful life of this product to be 12 weeks from receipt by the customer.

There is a 1 year contract length on all consumables purchases.

PromethION flow cells are shipped in a sealed pouch in packs of four.

Oxford Nanopore's barcoding kits are designed to allow pooling and running multiple libraries on Oxford Nanopore devices. PromethION currently supports Native Barcoding Expansion (PCR-free) kits:

• Native Barcoding Expansion 1-12
• Native Barcoding Expansion 13-24

Alternatively, the Wash Kit allows sequential runs of multiple sequencing libraries in the same flow cell. It works by washing out the first library, and refreshing the system ready for a subsequent library to be loaded. This procedure provides the opportunity to utilise the same flow cell a number of times, maximising the available run time particularly for cases where less data per library is required. Following the wash step, Storage Buffer is introduced into the flow cell, allowing storage of the flow cell before subsequent library addition.

R9.4.1 PromethION flow cells are compatible with the following kits:

• Ligation Sequencing Kit (SQK-LSK109)
• PCR-cDNA Sequencing Kit (SQK-PCS109)
• Direct cDNA Sequencing Kit (SQK-DCS109)
• Direct RNA Sequencing Kit (SQK-RNA002)
• Native Barcoding Expansion 1-12 and 13-24 (EXP-NBD104 and EXP-NBD114)

R10.3 PromethION flow cells are compatible with the following kits:

• Ligation Sequencing Kit (SQK-LSK109)

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. The box and returns packaging should be retained for returning the flow cell to Oxford Nanopore within 12 weeks of receipt.

More information on how to carry out a return can be found on the Nanopore Community.