# What is the maximum cell size that can be captured in Illumina Single Cell kits?

**What is the maximum cell size that can be captured in Illumina Single Cell kits?**

The exact upper limit for cell size has not been fully established at this time; however, Illumina Single Cell kits have successfully captured cells up to 60 µm diameter in size.

* For cells ≥ 60 µm, reducing the cell input number may improve capture efficiency and minimize background noise.
* For cells > 80 µm, isolating nuclei and using nuclei as input instead of whole cells is recommended.

See the following resources for nuclei preparation best practices for Illumina Single Cell:

[Best practices for using Illumina Single Cell Nuclei Isolation Kits for Illumina Single Cell kits](https://knowledge.illumina.com/library-preparation/illumina-single-cell-rna-prep/library-preparation-illumina-single-cell-rna-prep-reference_material-list/000009450)

[Best Practices for Nuclei Isolation with alternative nuclei isolation protocols for Illumina Single Cell](https://knowledge.illumina.com/library-preparation/illumina-single-cell-rna-prep/library-preparation-illumina-single-cell-rna-prep-reference_material-list/000009451)

These recommendations help to optimize capture efficiency in addition to minimizing background noise and maximizing sequencing data quality.

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