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

For any feedback or questions regarding this article (Illumina Knowledge Article #3305), contact Illumina Technical Support [e-mail].