> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://knowledge.illumina.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://knowledge.illumina.com/microarray/general/microarray-general-faq-list/000007091.md).
# Infinium BeadChips Shelf Life and Expiration Timeline
In general, Infinium BeadChips have an expiration period of 12 or 18 months from the date of manufacture, depending on the specific BeadChip type. The most accurate expiration date for each BeadChip is indicated on the product packaging and should be verified prior to use.
To ensure optimal performance and reproducibility, BeadChips should be used before the stated expiration date. Using BeadChips beyond the validated shelf life may result in compromised assay performance, reduced data quality, or failed runs. Additionally, it is essential that BeadChips are stored under the recommended conditions outlined in the product documentation throughout the entire shelf life.
**Table 1.** Infinium BeadChip Types and Validated Shelf Life.
| Infinium BeadChip Type | Shelf Life/Expiration Timeline |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | ---------------------------------- |
| Standard Shelf Life (12 months) | |
| HD, LCG, XT | 12 months from date of manufacture |
| LCG+PGx | 12 months from date of manufacture |
| EX Genotyping, EX Methylation, EX+PGx | 12 months from date of manufacture |
| Custom Infinium HTS Methylation | 12 months from date of manufacture |
| Extended Shelf Life (18 months) | |
| HTS\* | 18 months from date of manufacture |
| Multiple 8-sample and 12-sample BeadChips\*\* | |
| Bovine DNA Analysis BeadChip | 18 months from date of manufacture |
| Infinium All of US Array-8 | 18 months from date of manufacture |
| Infinium Global Diversity Array-8 | 18 months from date of manufacture |
| Infinium Global Diversity Array with Carrier Screening-8 v2.0 | 18 months from date of manufacture |
| Infinium Global Diversity Array with Cytogenetics-8 v1.0 | 18 months from date of manufacture |
| Infinium Global Diversity Array with Carrier Screening and Cytogenetics-8 v2.0 | 18 months from date of manufacture |
| Infinium Global Diversity Array with Polygenic Risk Score Content-8 v1.0 | 18 months from date of manufacture |
| Infinium CytoSNP-850K v1.4 | 18 months from date of manufacture |
| Infinium MethylationEPIC v2.0 | 18 months from date of manufacture |
| Infinium Mouse Methylation BeadChip | 18 months from date of manufacture |
\*Effective for Infinium HTS BeadChips manufactured after 01 July 2022.
\*\*Effective for Infinium BeadChips (8-sample and 12-sample formats) manufactured from Q4 2024 onward.
Illumina retains DMAP files for all Infinium BeadChips for 24 months from the date of manufacture. As BeadChip shelf life varies between 12 or 18 months depending on the product type, DMAP files are available for an additional 12 months or 6 months beyond the expiration date, respectively. To mitigate the risk of losing access to the DMAP files, users should download and securely store DMAP files prior to the expiration date indicated on the product label. For further details, refer to the article [DMAP File Availability and Retention Policy for Infinium Arrays](/microarray/general/microarray-general-reference_material-list/000005602.md).
**Notes:**
* The expiration timelines listed apply to both commercial and custom arrays.
* Infinium reagents may have different expiration dates than the Associated BeadChips. Always verify each component individually before use.
* Illumina guarantees that all Research Use Only (RUO) products are shipped with a minimum remaining shelf life of three (3) months from the date of shipment.
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| *For any feedback or questions regarding this article (Illumina Knowledge Article #7091), contact Illumina Technical Support* [*techsupport@illumina.com*](mailto:techsupport@illumina.com?subject=Question%2FFeedback%20Regarding%20Illumina%20Knowledge%20Article%20#000005602%20-%20Microarray%20\&body=Dear%20Illumina%20Technical%20Support,%0D%0A%0D%0A)*.* |
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