> 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/iscan/microarray-iscan-faq-list/000008643.md).

# Can a single AutoLoader/iScan run contain multiple types of BeadChips?

TheAutoLoader supports mixed BeadChip types within the same scanning run, and different BeadChip types can be loaded together in the same carrier.

Each BeadChip is processed independently during scanning. The iScan system identifies the BeadChip type using the BeadChip barcode and automatically retrieves the appropriate DMAP file from the local DMAP repository. The system then uses the Sentrix Descriptor File (.sdf) contained within the corresponding DMAP folder to determine the scan parameters required for that specific BeadChip before scanning begins.

Because scan settings are determined individually for each BeadChip, multiple BeadChip types can be scanned together in the same AutoLoader run or carrier.

**Example**

A single AutoLoader run can contain a mixture of BeadChip types, such as:

* 10 MethylationEPIC BeadChips
* 10 Global Screening Array (GSA) BeadChips
* 10 CytoSNP-850K BeadChips

In this scenario, all thirty BeadChips can be loaded and scanned together in the same AutoLoader run. The system automatically recognizes each BeadChip type and applies the appropriate scanning parameters for each individual BeadChip. Separate runs are not required.

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| *For any feedback or questions regarding this article (Illumina Knowledge Article #8643), contact Illumina Technical Support* [*techsupport@illumina.com*](mailto:techsupport@illumina.com?subject=Question%2FFeedback%20Regarding%20Illumina%20Knowledge%20Article%20#000008643%20-%20Microarray%20\&body=Dear%20Illumina%20Technical%20Support,%0D%0A%0D%0A)*.* |


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