The G4™: At the Core of Fast, Flexible Sequencing
August 22, 2023
“Here are my samples to be sequenced. When will I receive results?”
Sound familiar? If you work in a core lab, you likely get asked that question every day. But there’s not a simple answer. If your lab uses traditional sequencing platforms with large flow cells, you likely batch samples to make each sequencing run cost-effective. It may take days or weeks for you to collect enough samples to process, leaving researchers waiting for results.
What would it look like for your workflows, turnaround times, and customers if you could start new sequencing runs on the same instrument, every day?
The G4 Sequencing Platform is designed for faster and more flexible sequencing. With different flow cell sizes, customizable run configurations, and faster run times, core labs can sequence smaller batches on a regular schedule, while keeping sequencing costs low.
Manage the Workload, Lane by Lane
The G4’s unique flow cell design is ideal for managing multiple sequencing projects at once. With the flexibility to run 1 to 4 flow cells in parallel, you can select the number and size of flow cells that fit your sample set—no need to batch samples to fill a large flow cell. Each flow cell also contains 4 individually addressable lanes enabling you to run multiple experiments in parallel with physical separation between sample sets (Figure 1).
The extra layer of flexibility to run samples lane by lane enables you to reduce waste and maximize cost-efficiency, resulting in your ability to offer scalable pricing. Costs for sequencing on the G4 are approximately $200/lane, each of which can generate 100 million reads.
Figure 1. Three flow cells shown, each with 4 individually addressable lanes. Sample sets can be sequenced by flow cell (bottom), across multiple lanes (middle), or by individual lane for smaller projects (top).
Start Sequencing Runs–Daily
The G4 simplifies project management. With the G4’s faster run times and flow cell flexibility, sequencing runs can be started more frequently compared to other competitor systems in the market. Regardless of application or configuration, you can start a new sequencing run every day since all runs are completed in less than 24 hours (Figure 2). Core labs are now able to set consistent, daily start times to simplify workflows and shorten turnaround times.
Figure 2. Regardless of application, every run on the G4 can be completed in less than 24 hours, enabling labs to start daily sequencing runs on a set schedule. More frequent sequencing runs shorten sample turnaround times.
Weekly Workflow
Sample volumes and applications can vary from week to week in any given core lab. When these labs are forced to batch samples, it can be difficult to predict sample turnaround times. Some weeks it may only take 1 or 2 days to fill a large-capacity flow cell but at other times it could take 2 weeks or longer. With the flexibility of the G4, you can run both small or large sample sets, enabling you to run samples every day without raising costs due to wasted reagents and capacity.
In Figure 3, we show what a week of on demand sequencing with the G4 might look like. On Monday, you may need 4 flow cells to sequence the 5 projects submitted. If you only get a few samples on Tuesday? No problem—just select a single flow cell with a smaller capacity. Maximize efficiency, reduce waste, and keep costs consistent by selecting the flow cell capacity and configuration you need to match your sample volumes.
Figure 3. Run up to 4 independent flow cells (16 individual lanes) each day, or 80 independent experiments per week with the G4.
The G4 was intentionally designed to provide fast , flexible, and cost-effective sequencing. Discover what on-demand sequencing with the G4 could do for your core lab workflows.
Contact us to request a quote or schedule time with a member of the Singular Genomics team to learn more about the unique capabilities of the G4 Sequencing Platform.
