What is LongTrace?
LongTrace is a DNA sequencing trace re-processing software system that can reduce the errors rate and improve the read length of ABI sequencing traces by up to 30%. LongTrace can be used with any trace collected on an ABI 3730, 3730xl, 3100 or 3130 DNA sequencer.
The KB v1.2 and LongTrace derived base and quality calls from a ABI3130xl 50cm trace. A. The original KB base called before LongTrace processing. B. The same trace after LongTrace processing. Note that the trace region shown is from base 1260 to 1285.
Common questions asked about LongTrace
How do I use LongTrace?
How much does LongTrace FTP cost?
How much does LongTrace:Box system cost?
Can I try LongTrace for free?
Who is using LongTrace?
How do I purchase LongTrace processing units?
Will you charge me for traces not improved by LongTrace?
Will you keep my traces?
How does LongTrace work?
Is the read length improvement real?
I want to know more about LongTrace?
Answers
How do I use LongTrace?
There are three ways to use LongTrace. The first (and simplest) is to use the free version of LongTrace which is designed for users with only a few traces to process, or for users how wish to see what LongTrace does. This provides exactly the same quality improvement, however, it is limited to processing only 10 traces per day per person.
If you need to process more traces then you will need to register for the high volume FTP LongTrace service. Once registered you will need to purchase a number of LongTrace processing from our secure online store, or establish a standing account with us. You will be provided with a ftp account on our server which you can upload your traces to using any ftp program. Once your traces have been processed by the LongTrace service we send you an an email. You then need to log in to your ftp account once again and download the improved traces.
The third way is to use our standalone LongTrace system, LongTrace:Box. This is a full hardware/software system that you can install at your facility to run LongTrace locally. The LongTrace:Box system is ideal for those users with a large numbers of traces to process, or for customers with privacy concerns. For more information on LongTrace:Box please visit the LongTrace:Box overview page.
If you want to visually compare the read length improvements offered by LongTrace processing we recommend using a trace viewing application like ABI's Sequencing Analysis or Chromas.
How much does LongTrace FTP cost?
The LongTrace services are sold on a per trace basis, however, we do not charge you unless the LongTrace service improves your trace by at least 25 Q20+ bases. With the recent change in our processing infrastructure we have been able to reduce our costs by around 25% and pass these saving on to our users. The current prices for the LongTrace ftp trace processing service are:
| 100 LongTrace processings | $0.30 per trace | |
| 500 LongTrace processings | $0.26 per trace | |
| 2,000 LongTrace processing | $0.24 per trace | |
| 10,000 LongTrace processings | $0.20 per traces | |
| 25,000+ LongTrace processings | Please contact |
How much does the LongTrace:Box system cost?
The monthly lease prices for the LongTrace:Box systems are: $800 for the 5000 trace per month system, $1100 for the 10,000 trace per month system, and $2000 for the 25,000 per month traces system. The major pricing difference between the LongTrace:Box free standing DNA sequencing system and the ftp based system is that the box system does not come with any quality improvement guarantees. To make up for this the system is significantly cheaper on a per trace basis. We also offer additional discounts on the LongTrace:Box system for customers with long term contracts and/or higher processing volumes.
Can I try LongTrace for free?
Yes. We offer a free web-based version of LongTrace. You do not need to register to use this version. The processing of the free LongTrace service is exactly the same as the FTP and LongTrace:Box systems. The only significant difference is the free service will process the traces even if the increase is less than 25 bases, something the ftp service does not do as standard. The only limitation with the free version is you are limited to processing only 10 traces per day.
Who is using LongTrace?
There are a large number of both individuals and DNA sequencing facilities using LongTrace, unfortunately, our privacy policy prevents us from naming them without their express permission. The following facilities are happy for us to mention that they are using LongTrace:
If you are user of LongTrace and would like to added to this list please contact us.
How do I purchase LongTrace?
To purchase LongTrace Processing Units please visit our secure online shop. If expect to be processing over 5000 traces per month please as we offer very significant discounts for larger standing orders.
To purchase the LongTrace:Box system please for a quote.
Will you charge me for traces not improved by LongTrace?
No. We automatically check the read length of each trace file processed by LongTrace and only charge you for traces that are improved by at least 25 Q20+ bases. This means that you can upload complete traces folders without concern for being charged for failed DNA sequencing reactions. This guarantee does not apply to the LongTrace:Box system.
Will you keep my traces?
No. We have a very strict privacy policy regarding your data (please see our privacy policy for more details). We will never release your data to others, in fact, we will not examine your traces ourselves except with your written permission.
How does LongTrace work?
LongTrace is the result of five years of R&D at Nucleics into improving DNA sequencing quality. While developing products like the CounterTrace DNA sequencing system and CounterTrace II DNA sequencing system we have learnt a great deal about how to best process the raw data in DNA sequencing traces. The algorithms that we have developed is what allows the LongTrace DNA sequencing service to extract more usable bases from each trace. For more information please about what LongTrace can do and how it can be used please visit the LongTrace sequencing service overview page.
Is the read length improvement real?
Yes. We have extensive validated LongTrace against large data sets generated from multiple large DNA sequencing centers to ensure that the base call quality provided by LongTrace processing is equivalent to that provided by ABI's KB processing. For more detail on trace processing and base caller validation please visit our technical support page.
I want to know more about LongTrace
Please visit the LongTrace DNA sequencing overview page or the LongTrace FAQ page. If you have any further questions please contact our with your questions.