# Bead handling best practices

**Bead storage:**

* Store beads at the recommended storage temperature (listed on the tube).
* Store bead stock tube upright so that the beads are always submerged in buffer.

**Bead handling:**

* Pipette bead suspensions slowly.
* Before use, allow the beads to come to room temperature.
* Immediately before use, vortex the beads until they are well dispersed. The color of the liquid must appear homogeneous. Vortex throughout protocol as necessary to keep homogeneous.
* Do not overdry the beads prior to elution.

**Bead washing:**

* Use the specified magnetic stand for the plate.
* Do not agitate the plate while it is on the magnetic stand.
* Do not disturb the bead pellet.
* Dispense liquid so that beads on the side of the wells remain wet.
* Keep the plate on the magnetic stand until the instructions specify to remove it.
* If beads adhere to the side or top of a 96-well plate, centrifuge at 280 x g for 3 seconds, then pipette to resuspend.
* If beads are aspirated into pipette tips, dispense back to the plate on the magnetic stand, and wait until the liquid is clear (\~2 minutes).

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