Sequencing Frequently Asked Questions

How do I order sequencing reactions from BioServe?

Our fax order form can be downloaded from our website, and the completed form faxed to us at 301-470-2333. After your order is placed, please send the samples to:

 

BioServe Biotechnologies, Ltd.
Suite 207
9000 Virginia Manor Road
Beltsville, MD 20705

 

If you are in the greater Washington, DC metro area, you may be eligible for our free local courier service. Call us at 301-470-3362 for further details on the area covered by our courier. No sequencing reactions will be performed until BioServe has a completed order form including the purchasing information.

What amounts of DNA and primer are required for the sequencing reactions?

For each sequencing reaction, customers should send 2 µg of template DNA and at least 20 pmoles of primer in a final volume of 20 µl. If you are sequencing with a universal primer or if BioServe has your sequencing primer, the tube should only contain 2 µg of template in a total volume of 19 µl. BioServe will add 1 µl (containing 20 pmol) of primer.

What type of sequencing is available?

BioServe offers "quick look" sequencing, direct sequencing of PCR products and gene walks.

What quality control is performed for sequencing reactions?

A control sequencing reaction is performed with each set of customer samples. The template is PGEM with a M13 primer. The quality of the control sequencing chromatogram (available upon request at no cost) is used to evaluate the quality of the overall reactions. If a sequencing reaction is of poor quality, but the quality of the control sequence is good, the reactions will be billed.

How will I receive my sequencing data?

Once the sequencing reactions are complete, hard copies of the sequence chromatograms, text versions of the sequence, and a electronic text copy of the sequence can be provided. There is an extra charge for delivery of hard copies of the sequence chromatogram if sent by overnight courier.

Can BioServe prepare sequencing templates? What is the recommended method for template preparation?

Currently, we are not preparing sequencing templates. If you choose to prepare your own template, we recommend using a commercially available kit such as Qiagen MINI-Prep or Promega Wizard mini-prep system. The purity of the DNA template directly influences the quality of your DNA sequences.