Index color balancing for the NextSeq 500/550 and MiniSeq systems

Background

When pooling libraries for sequencing on the NextSeq 500/550 and MiniSeq systems, it is important to select compatible index combinations, otherwise the Index Read sequencing can fail due to cluster registration issues. This Knowledge Article provides guidelines for pooling Illumina libraries on the NextSeq 500/550 and MiniSeq systems.

2-Channel Sequencing

NextSeq 500/550 and MiniSeq systems use two images to determine all four base calls, one red channel and one green channel. Rather than using a separate fluorescent dye for each base, 2-channel sequencing uses combinations of two fluorescent dyes: red for C, green for T, green and red for A, and no dye for G.

Figure 1: Representation of the 2-channel SBS fluorescent imaging (false color image of the dyes is shown for illustration purposes). Accelerated detection of all four DNA bases is performed on the MiniSeq and NextSeq 500/550 series systems using two images to capture red and green wavelength bands. Clusters seen only in red or green images are identified as C and T bases, respectively. Clusters observed in both red and green images are identified as A bases, while unlabeled clusters are identified as G bases.

Index Considerations

• Index Reads must begin with at least one base other than G in either of the first two cycles.

• If an Index Read begins with two base calls of G, no signal intensity is generated, and cluster registration will fail.

  • This requirement for Index diversity is compatible with any Illumina index selection for single-plex indexing except i7 [H/N]705, which uses the sequence GGACTCCT.

• Select index sequences that provide signal in at least one channel, preferably both channels, for every cycle.

  • Red channel - A or C

  • Green channel - A or T

This base calling process ensures accuracy for data analysis.

Index Combinations Example

Table 1. Ideal index combinations: contain signal in both channels for every cycle.

Table 2. Acceptable index combinations: have signal in only one channel, but there is still enough signal to sequence.

Table 3. Unacceptable index combinations: will fail registration because the index read begins with 2 base calls of G and no signal intensity is generated.

More information about 2-channel sequencing can be found on the 2-Channel SBS Technology web page.

For any feedback or questions regarding this article (Illumina Knowledge Article #1241), contact Illumina Technical Support [e-mail].