The number of assays per library depends on a number of factors including the probe density of your library, the size of your target region, the number of probes in the library, and the FISH protocol. Generally we recommend starting with 10pmol of labeled probes per standard FISH slide and then modifying the input amount based on the initial results.

The latest recommended protocols for both labeled and immortal probe libraries can be found in the Resources tab, but in general, myTags in situ hybridization libraries are compatible with most FISH protocols. Please contact us for specific recommendations.

We can often accommodate customer-designed probes into the myTags labeling framework. Please contact us for recommendations on the design parameters and other information before designing your probe sequences.

Yes, we can synthesize immortal probe libraries that can be labeled using the Oligopaints labeling method. Please note these probe libraries are not compatible with the standard myTags labeling protocol due to sequence requirements of the Oligopaints method.

We generally ask for up to 3-4 weeks after an order is placed to ship myTags libraries.

We recommend using the myTags labeling protocol with myTags immortal libraries for perfroming the labeling process in your own lab. If you would like to use a different protocol, one of our scientists would be happy to provide assistance to ensure success.

Probes are available in 2 configurations to detect both the positive (+) strand and negative (-) strand sequences:

Positive (+) strand probes– SARS-CoV-2 is a class IV RNA virus with an ssRNA genome (positive strand). The probes to detect the (+) strand will hybridize to full-length genomic (+) strand RNA as well as subgenomic (+) strand RNAs made during replication.

Negative (-) strand probes– Detection of the (-) strand is a hallmark of active viral replication. The probes to detect the (-) strand will hybridize to the full-length (-) strand as well as subgenomic (-) strand RNAs. In experimental applications where viral infection is not controlled, additional confirmation of SARS-CoV-2 presence via PCR is recommended.

NOTE: The positive (+) and negative (-) strand probes are not designed to be used in the same hybridization experiment. If co-hybridization is required for your experimental design, please contact us for a customized probe solution.

myTags Expert SARS-CoV-2 probes are available two ready-to-use formats:

  • Immortal probes that are ready to be coupled with your preferred tag(s)
  • Labeled probes with Alexa-488, ATTO-550, or ATTO-647N fluorescent tags. For experiments that need a brighter signal, the 3X fluorescent tag upgrade is recommended, which can aid detection of lower cellular viral RNA concentrations at earlier experimental time points.

We offer complementary myTags Custom (F)ISH probe bioinformatic design service using our proprietary design algorithms for most types of (F)ISH projects. Please contact us with a brief description of your project, including the name of your study species, genomic coordinates, and any additional information.

Our experts will apply our advanced proprietary probe design algorithms to craft a custom probe design for your targeting needs, for any organism or application. Our scientific team has decades of experience designing custom probes for a wide variety of applications, including multi- or single locus/gene localization, chromosome painting, chromosomal indexing/barcoding, haplotyping, and more.

Only the highest specificity regions with minimal background noise and cross-reactivity for premium performance in any downstream experimental application would be selected for the probe design.

And with our transparent and straightforward scientific communication process, you always have full control and ownership over the oligo sequences for each and every myTags Custom probeset.

cytogenetics process

Generally we recommend probe densities between 3-10 probes per kilobase for target regions larger than 50kb. For target regions between 10-50kb, probe densities should be on the higher end of that range, and we may recommend using multiple fluorophores per probe to boost the signal.