# Best practices for handling magnetic beads used with Illumina RNA library preparation kits

**Best practices for handling magnetic beads include the following. Some recommendations are only relevant to certain bead types used in library preparation.**

* Bring beads to room temperature before use
* Verify use of correct bead type/tube
* Vortex beads thoroughly to fully resuspend
* Use recommended plates and magnetic stand
* Carefully pipette up and down to minimize sample loss
* Use freshly prepared 80% ethanol, when called for
* Fully remove/dry ethanol prior to subsequent steps; residual ethanol may interfere with downstream steps
* Do not disturb pellet with pipette during elution, unless otherwise specified
* Do not allow beads to overdry
* Do not freeze beads which require 4°C storage; always store beads according to official recommendations

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