Frequently Asked Questions
For more detailed information on results & data, see our
Results Interpretation Guide.
Is Plasmidsaurus the same as other
sequencing companies I have used?
Plasmidsaurus sequencing is a new type of overnight DNA sequencing intended
to replace traditional Sanger sequencing for routine plasmid verification.
We use long-read sequencing technology that provides the following benefits
over Sanger sequencing:
-
Whole-plasmid and long PCR product sequences from a single run, as
compared to ~750 bp traditional reads
- No requirement for primers
- No issues with GC-rich or repetitive DNA
- Low sample mass requirements
- Fast turn-around time
- Results include information about plasmid purity
What types of samples can you sequence? How much DNA do I need?
We sequence plasmids, linear/PCR samples, bacterial genomes, and custom
projects by request. Prices start at $15 per sample. A full list of sample
types, prices, and DNA input requirements can be viewed on your
Dashboard.
What is your turnaround time for returning sequencing results?
Results for plasmids and linear/PCR samples are returned by the next
morning. Results for bacterial genomes and custom sequencing are returned
within 1-10 business days, depending on how many additional options (such as
extraction and/or hybrid sequencing) are added.
What are the limitations to your sequencing methods?
Our results are generally of higher accuracy than Sanger results. The most
common error modes for Oxford Nanopore sequencing are deletions in
homopolymer stretches (especially those longer than 8 bp), errors at the Dam
methylation site GATC, and errors at the middle position of the Dcm
methylation site CCTGG or CCAGG. These limitations are expected to improve
with ongoing updates to sequencing chemistry and basecalling software.
How do I submit my samples?
Brief sample prep and submission instructions are provided during order
submission.
Label the caps or sides of your strip tube with sample number. Also write
the first 2 digits of your order ID on the 1st tube of each strip.
Place your samples into a small bag with a printed copy of your order
confirmation sheet, QR code facing out, then place the bag into a local
dropbox or ship directly to us using a free or subsidized shipping label.
For more detailed sample prep instructions, see the Service Page for each
sample type:
Can you sequence my mixture of different DNA products?
Our plasmid, linear/PCR, ZeroPrep, and bacterial genome services are
intended for a clonal population of molecules, therefore the target output
is a single consensus sequence. You can send mixtures of molecular species
at your own risk. We will return a single consensus sequences for the
molecular species that produces the largest amounts of total sequencing
data. If you’d like to sequence a known mixture (e.g. barcode or variant
libraries), please submit instead to our Custom Sequencing Service or
Premium PCR service.
How do I cancel my order?
Please sign in, navigate to your
Dashboard via the top menu bar, scroll
down to the “Order History” section, and click the red “X” button to cancel
an order (note this option will only be available before your samples are
received).
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept payments by credit card and by Purchase Order (PO). You can also
use credit card or PO to purchase dinocoins (pre-paid credits) to use toward
any future sequencing orders.
How can I get a quote?
Please sign in and click the “Quote” button on the top menu bar.
What format do you use to report the data?
We return consensus sequence results and annotations in GenBank (.gbk) and
FASTA (.fasta) format, and raw data by request in FASTQ (.fastq.gz) format.
We also provide analysis of your results in various file formats including
interactive plasmid maps (.html), chromatograms (.ab1), read length
histograms (.png), virtual gels (.png), coverage plots (.png), and per-base
data (.txt and .tsv).
For more detailed information on results & data, see our
Results Interpretation Guide.
How do I download my data?
You will be notified via email when your results are ready for download.
Please sign in, navigate to your
Dashboard via the top menu bar, scroll
down to the “Order History” section, and click the “Download” button (note
this button will only appear once results are available).
What is your policy when sequencing samples fail?
It is relatively rare that we cannot return a consensus sequence, but some
rate of failure is unavoidable. You are welcome to submit a rerun request
for any failed sample through your Order Info page. We will evaluate whether
your sample quality and quantity permits rerunning your sample (we may also
ask you to provide a reference sequence).
How can I find Plasmidsaurus in my vendor database?
SNPsaurus LLC and Primordium Labs Inc have merged and are now operating as
Plasmidsaurus Inc. We will be reaching out to purchasing and accounts
departments to update our vendor details. Please continue to use your
current purchase orders but expect to see Plasmidsaurus Inc available as a
vendor in the near future. For any inquiries related to vendor setup, please
contact us at ar@plasmidsaurus.com. You can access
Plasmidsaurus Inc's W-9 here.
What are my payment options?
You have several payment methods available:
- Credit Card: Direct payment at the time of order.
- Purchase order (PO): You can enter the PO number when you order.
-
Payment Link: Convenient for quick order submission with a credit card
payment link sent directly to your purchasing officer.
-
Dinocoins: These are prepaid sequencing credits that you can purchase at
any time for later use. They are added to your account and can be
utilized by an individual or shared among a lab group. The balance of
Dinocoins is always visible in your account.
The most convenient purchase options are Dinocoins and blanket POs (also
known as standing POs). These allow you and your lab members to share the
same PO or pool of Dinocoins without the need for a new quote or PO each
time an order is placed.
How do I receive an invoice?
-
Using a Purchase Order: We invoice monthly and send out invoices at the
beginning of each month for transactions from the previous month. If you
require a different invoicing schedule, please contact us at
ar@plasmidsaurus.com.
-
Paying by Credit Card: You will receive a transaction receipt via email.
Additionally, you can access and print both the invoice and the receipt
from the "Order Information" page.
-
Paying via Payment Link: A receipt will be emailed to the address
provided during the payment process. You can also access and print both
invoices and receipts from the "Order Information" pages.
Where do I find my Dinocoin balance?
You can find your Dinocoin balance by clicking on your name on the right
side of the menu bar. Your balance can be viewed under Payment Methods -
Dinocoins.
How do I ship my samples internationally?
How should I cite Plasmidsaurus sequencing services in publication?
For proper citation, we recommend the following phrase: “[Type of Service]
was performed by Plasmidsaurus using Oxford Nanopore Technology with custom
analysis and annotation.” Please change [Type of Service] accordingly to
Whole Plasmid Sequencing, Linear/PCR Sequencing, Premium PCR Sequencing,
ZeroPrep Sequencing, RCA Sequencing, Bacterial Genome Sequencing, or Custom
Sequencing.
I have a suggestion about how you can improve this service. Who can I
contact?
Our goal is to accelerate progress in biological research and we welcome any
suggestions about how to improve our service. Please contact
support@plasmidsaurus.com with any
suggestions or comments.