# 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:**\
![](https://761066130-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FGM9W2DuBTgEXv1ClCm8H%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-897700dad692a067563a09d0fb3785b7ecc06e98%2Fimage1.jpg?alt=media\&token=98cf2bd5-0130-4589-98b3-c6b1e797c975)

**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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