# Instructions for thawing and storing NextSeq 500/550 reagents
Illumina guarantees at least 3 months shelf life from the date of shipment. Reagent performance is guaranteed until the expiration date printed on the label, as long as the reagents are stored following Illumina recommendations.
**Recommended storage conditions for NextSeq 500/550 consumables:**\
**Shipment Conditions**
* NextSeq 500/550 v2.5 flow cells ship at ambient temperatures. Upon arrival, store flow cells at 2°C to 8°C.
* NextSeq 500/550 reagent cartridge is shipped on dry ice. Upon arrival, store at -25°C to -15°C.
* NextSeq 500/550 buffer cartridge is shipped at ambient temperatures. Upon arrival, store at 15°C to 30°C.
**Box Dimensions:**\
Note\*\*:\*\* Same for all NextSeq 500/550 kit types
* NextSeq 500/550 SBS Cartridge (-20°C): 12.3" x 10.25" x 2.9"
* NextSeq 500/550 Accessory Box (-20°C): 5.68" x 3.59" x 2.12"
* NextSeq 500/550 Flow Cell Box (4°C): 6.5" x 8.75" x 0.93"
* NextSeq 500/550 Buffer Cartridge (Room Temp): 14.75" x 4.18" x 4.18"
**To prepare the reagent cartridge:**
* Thaw the reagent kit in a room temperature, deionized water bath for 60 minutes.
* When water is added to the fill line on the cartridge, the cartridge stays at bottom of the water bath and does not float.
* Once thawed, place on ice or set aside at 2°C to 8°C, and use as quickly as possible and within the same day.
* Alternatively, thaw overnight at 2°C to 8°C, then store at 2°C to 8°C for up to 1 week.
**To prepare the flow cell:**
* Remove the flow cell package from 2°C to 8°C storage.
* Set unwrapped flow cell package aside at room temperature for 30 minutes.
* If the foil package is intact, the flow cell can remain at room temperature for up to 12 hours.
* Avoid repeated cooling and warming of the flow cell.
* When the flow cell is removed from foil (room temperature), the flow cell must be used right away for optimal performance, though can be used within a couple of hours.
* Illumina does not recommend returning the flow cell to 2°C to 8°C storage after warming, as condensation may form, which can negatively impact run performance.
This information is also available in video form. Search for Knowledge Base article **How to prepare reagents pre-run on the NextSeq 500/550** \*\*\*\*Video.
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| *For any feedback or questions regarding this article (Illumina Knowledge Article #1974), contact Illumina Technical Support* [*techsupport@illumina.com*](mailto:techsupport@illumina.com?subject=Question%2FFeedback%20Regarding%20Illumina%20Knowledge%20Article%20#000001974%20-%20Instrumentation%20\&body=Dear%20Illumina%20Technical%20Support,%0D%0A%0D%0A)*.* |
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