A Simple Method of Bead Counting for Next Generation DNA Sequencing

Current methods of counting micron size beads (microshperes) for next generation DNA sequencing procedures either require use of expensive equipment and/or employ manual counting that may lead to variation of results among different users. This work presents the use of micro-capillary as a mean for efficiently counting beads used in different procedures where their number is important. The method employs taking the Known number of beads in micro-capillary through capillary action and packing them with the help of centrifugal force to make reference scale. Same procedure is used for unknown sample and compared to the reference scale. This counter provides bead count with comparable accuracy, ease, and is time and cost efficient. Moreover, the beads used for counting can be reused which is unlikely in other methods.