Illumina Microarray Core Pricing

Arrays

Array pricing is based upon array design and the number of samples to be hybridized. Each Illumina gene expression slide has multiple arrays and is designed to use multiple samples. For example, the Human-6 v2 slide has six copies of a >46,000-probe array. The slide costs $960. If only one sample is applied, then the per sample array cost is $960 (this does not include labeling and service costs). If six samples are applied, then the per sample array cost is $160. The reason for this is that slides can only be used one time. Samples are loaded into chambers that isolate each array on the slide. These chambers are attached to the slide when it is purchased and removed for washing and scanning. Once the chambers have been removed, they can't be re-attached and unused arrays on a slide can't be hybridized later. So, a slide can only be used once, regardless of the number of samples applied for that use.

It is possible to combine samples from multiple projects onto one slide, but this may not be an option when a deadline exists for completing a data set.

Prices may change to reflect changes in the cost of arrays from Illumina.

Expression Analysis

Sample labeling includes one round of amplification. The price for reagents for labeling one sample is $25. Labeling requires between 250 and 500 ng of total RNA. We also request an additional 1 ug for QC. A $100 core services fee is also charged for each sample. The purpose of this charge is to offset service contracts, labor, incidental core costs, database development and management, software development, and data preprocessing.

Bioanalysis

Total RNA is checked for integrity using an Agilent Bioanalyzer. This service is only applied to samples submitted as part of an Illumina Core gene expression study. Price per sample is $5.

Custom Genotype Analysis

Currently the Illumina Core is capable of performing custom genotyping using the Illumina GoldenGate assay. Custom genotyping is performed in 96-well plates using a 96-sensor matrix. We can examine up to 1536 SNPs per assay. Because the assay is performed in a 96 well format, custom genotyping is most cost effective in multiples of 96 samples.

Costs for reagents and supplies for a custom genotyping experiment can be estimated using the Illumina Genotyping Worksheet, which can be downloaded by clicking here. Select the "BeadStation Custom Project" tab at the bottom of the page. To estimate the cost for Illumina consumables for a project, fill in values for the variables - number of SNPs to interogate, number of samples to process -and the spreadsheet will provide an estimate. For custom genotyping, select the "Array Matrix Format" option. Please note: one can order 96 SNPs for a project and pay for 96. Because of the Illumina pricing structure, if one wants to use an SNP count between 96 and 384, one must pay for 384 SNPs. In practice this means that the cost per SNP for SNP numbers between 96 and 384 is quite high. For example, one can order 192 SNPs, but one pays for 384 SNPs. For projects with more than 384 SNPs, pricing is in 96-SNP increments.

In addition to the charges from this worksheet, the IMC will include a charge of $2 per sample core service fee to cover labor and incidental expenses. This price will increase in the near future.

Remember that the costs determined by this calculation are estimates - there may be changes in basic pricing that need to be accounted for. Please contact the Illumina Core for more information.