Frequently asked questions

Yes. Tell us your research question, organism and budget, and we will suggest the most suitable and cost-effective option. See also Which service do I need?

Sanger sequencing reads one DNA fragment at a time (up to about 1,000 bases) — ideal for identifying an isolate or checking a gene. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) reads millions of fragments at once — needed for whole genomes, microbiomes and gene expression.

Next-generation sequencing (Illumina NovaSeq 6000) is done by our partner Novogene in Beijing, China. Human whole exome sequencing is done by our partner Macrogen in Korea. Sanger sequencing and primer synthesis are done by our partner GeneCreate, China. We handle everything for you: checking and shipping your samples, and delivering your data and report. You deal only with us, in Bangladesh.

Yes: bacteria, viruses, fungi, plants, fish, animals, humans and environmental samples. See the full list on the home page.

It depends on the service: for example 20 ng/µL × 20 µL for 16S amplicon sequencing, 20 ng/µL × 50 µL for shotgun metagenomics, and about 400 ng for human exome. See the sample requirements table, or the details on each service page.

Yes, for most services. Cultures, tissue, blood, soil, water, stool and food samples are accepted, and we arrange DNA/RNA extraction. Say so in your quote request.

Send them by Sundarban Courier to its Dhaka EPZ branch, addressed to BD Genomes (01308-222824). Write your name and institution on the package and put a printed copy of the filled sample sheet inside. Message us before sending so we can expect your package.

Sanger sequencing: 8–10 days after shipment; bacterial identification (16S): 2–3 weeks after shipment. Whole genomes: 3–7 weeks; RNA-Seq: 4–5 weeks; microbiome: 5–7 weeks, counted from when samples pass quality control. Exact times are confirmed in your quote.

By bank transfer (Dutch-Bangla Bank or Uttara Bank), bKash, Rocket, Nagad or cheque. See the account details under payment options, and send us the payment screenshot or receipt afterwards. There is no advance payment: pay within one week after you receive and check your data. There are no hidden costs.

By email or a download link. Typical files: AB1 and FASTA for Sanger; FASTQ and a quality report for NGS.

Yes. Data analysis is available with many services, and our manuscript support (now in a pilot for bacterial genome and 16S studies) covers project-based analysis, write-up, journal submission and replies to reviewers, fully online.

We contact you before sequencing and explain the options, such as sending a new sample. For RNA-Seq, a failed sample can be re-extracted and converted to cDNA for BDT 5,000. For all other services, there is no charge for a failed sample.