Viral Surveillance Panel (VSP) reagents and workflow frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What are the differences between VSP v1 and v2?• VSP v2 is an expansion of the original VSP. It includes all targets from VSP v1 with many new viruses and expanded subtypes of existing viruses. • VSP v2 includes the newer Illumina DNA/RNA UD Indexes (v3). VSP v1 uses the older IDT for Illumina DNA/RNA UD Indexes (v2). • VSP v2 includes Illumina Purification Beads (IPB). VSP v1 does not include beads.

What is included in the VSP v2 kit? • Reagents for 32 hybridization reactions, enough for 96 samples using 3-plex enrichments. • Illumina RNA Prep with Enrichment (IRPE) library preparation reagents. • VSP v2 enrichment oligo panel. • Illumina Purification Beads. • One 96-sample unique dual index plate (Plate A-D, depending on kit configuration/catalog number ordered). Note: The last order date for kits that ship with IDT for Illumina DNA/RNA UD Indexes will be January 30, 2025, with last ship date of March 30, 2025 per PCN2024-1649. After these dates, kits will ship with Illumina DNA/RNA UD Indexes instead.

Are any other reagents needed to prepare VSP v2 libraries? The kit includes all Illumina reagents needed for library prep, including purification beads. Additional reagents such as molecular-grade water are not included. See the Consumables section of the Reference Guide for the full list of user-supplied consumables.

Is the VSP v2 enrichment panel available to order on its own (outside the kit)? Yes. The VSP v2 enrichment oligo panel is available on its own. Part number 20123403, and is listed on the VSP product page.

**Which library prep kit is VSP v2 based on?**Illumina RNA Prep with Enrichment (L) Tagmentation (IRPE).

**Are there any changes to the wet lab portion of VSP v2 compared to VSP v1?**No. Both kits are based on the Illumina RNA Prep with Enrichment (IRPE) protocol. Illumina Purification Beads (IPB) are included in the VSP v2 kit so other purification beads are not mentioned in the user guide.

**What plexity should be used for enrichment reactions?**Both v1 and v2 panels are designed for 96 samples, in 32 enrichment reactions at 3-plex enrichments. 1-plex reactions are possible but require purchase of additional reagents.

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