10x Single Cell Sequencing

Uncovering Cellular Diversity to Advance Clinical and Translational Research

Single cell sequencing is a next-generation sequencing method enabling in-depth characterization of biomolecules by uncovering genetic expression at single cell resolution. It has advantages over conventional bulk sequencing in its ability to detect rare cell types, uncover tumor heterogeneity, trace lineages, discover drug-resistant cell populations, and characterize complex cell populations such as immune cells in peripheral blood. IQVIA Laboratories utilizes leading technologies such as the 10x Genomics® Chromium™ and Illumina® NovaSeq™ platforms. We can meet your sequencing needs with our extensive services spanning the clinical research continuum combined with our global laboratory network and expert support team

10xgenomics-certified

IQVIA offers processing for the following sample types:

Cryopreserved PBMCs
Cryopreserved BMMCs
Fixed single-cell suspensions
Fresh frozen tissues (snap-frozen and OCT embedded)
Formalin-Fixed, Paraffin-Embedded (FFPE)
Single-nucleus suspensions

IQVIA offers processing for the following sample types:

Cryopreserved PBMCs
Cryopreserved BMMCs
Fixed single-cell suspensions
Fresh frozen tissues (snap-frozen and OCT embedded)
Formalin-Fixed, Paraffin-Embedded (FFPE)
Single-nucleus suspensions

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Single-Cell RNA-Seq

Profile over 10,000 cells per sample with our single cell RNA sequencing assay. Our assay provides 3ʹ or 5' digital gene expression using the Chromium microfluidic platform. Cryopreserved samples are thawed and prepared into single cell suspensions before loading into the Chromium instrument.

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Single-Cell Immune Repertoire – TCR & BCR Profiling

Expand on the information gathered from single cell processing with our immune repertoire assay. Target full-length paired T-cell receptor or B-cell immunoglobulin (Ig) transcripts, including isotypes and T-cell receptor α/β.

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Cite-Seq

Incorporate cell surface protein detection and antigen specificity analysis in conjunction with gene expression and immune repertoire profiling with our surface protein profiling assay.

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Single-Nucleus RNA-Seq

Interrogate difficult to dissociate cell types and uncover complex heterogeneity with our single-nucleus assay. Use FFPE tissue to faithfully capture RNA expression by circumventing transcriptional changes induced by traditional dissociation.

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Flex single-cell RNA-Seq for FFPE

Discover cellular insights and obtain gene expression data from challenging sample types, such as FFPE. Enhance sample processing efficiency by batching fixed cell suspensions, and reduce sequencing requirements utilizing the targeted probe based chemistry.

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Supporting Studies Around the World

Our centralized scientific and operational oversight combined with our global laboratory footprint enables comprehensive, large-scale trial support. Expeditious delivery from your clinical site to one of our central labs is essential for maintaining the integrity of your samples. We can transport samples from almost anywhere in the world within a 24-48hr timeframe.

Request a Quote

Request a quote today to discover how single cell sequencing with IQVIA can advance your research.

Ship Your Samples

Our global central laboratory network enables testing at a single site.

Get Your Results

Obtain in-depth data to understand gene expression, cell surface markers, immune cell repertoire, and much more.

Technology You Can Trust

Our assay acquires single cell resolution by partitioning individual cells into nano-liter gel beads where they undergo reverse transcription and cellular barcoding followed by library preparation and sequencing. Our validated sample handling procedures ensure reliable chain of custody.

samples

Sample Preparation & Assessment

We carefully thaw your samples using our automated, temperature-controlled thaws for cryopreserved PBMCs, reducing the risk of operator variability, over thawing, and contamination. We also utilize high-throughput, automated cell counting and laminar flow cell washing protocols to reduce variability and enhance retention and viability.

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Library Construction

Each cell is partitioned into nanoliter-scale Gel Beads-in-Emulsion (GEMs) and uniquely barcoded, allowing for labeling and profiling of individual cells. Multiple libraries can be constructed from a single sample, generating multiple readouts that can be linked back to the same single cell.

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Sequencing

Prepared libraries are sequenced on Illumina® NovaSeq™ to enable high throughput, rapid, and deep sequencing for each cell.

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Bioinformatics Analysis and Delivery

Rapid analysis of samples is enabled by robust computational architecture, a mature standard analysis pipeline, and a dedicated team of bioinformaticists. Upon request, an experienced data analytics team is available to consult on your research objectives and enable deep exploration of project data.

What is single cell sequencing?

Single cell sequencing is a next generation sequencing method involving single cell isolation, transcriptome characterization, and sequencing library generation. Single cell sequencing uncovers heterogeneity at a high resolution by revealing cellular gene expression, quantity, and diversity in a sample.

What advantages does single cell sequencing have over traditional methods?

The main difference between single cell sequencing and traditional methods of bulk sequencing, qPCR, and flow cytometry is that single cell sequencing allows for characterization of heterogenous samples by profiling the whole transcriptome at a single-cell resolution. Our 96-throughput library preparation capability is a 12-fold increase over traditional methods. Single cell is often used in conjunction with traditional methods to obtain a comprehensive understanding of samples.

What controls do you have in place to limit variability?

We have automated various methods in our workflow to decrease variability. We automate temperature-controlled thaws to replace manual water baths, high-throughput cell counting to obtain objective percent viability and counting, and laminar flow cell washing to reduce manipulation and stress from traditional centrifugation methods. Additionally, we remove dead cells which, if left unaddressed, cause imperfect results and missed sequencing targets.

What data do I receive at the end of the experiment?

Core Deliverables

Per Sample Files

FASTQ
BAM
10x HTML QC
Cluster CSVs indicating cluster for each cell
Differential expression CSVs corresponding to each cluster CSV
Principal Components Analysis CSVs
tSNE projections CSV for the coordinates of each cell
Raw and filtered feature barcode matrices containing cell UMI counts and gene annotation files (H5 and MTX)
cloupe file for visualization and analysis in Loupe browser
Compressed h5 files for use in different analysis programs
Table containing one record per cellular barcode providing a prediction of dead cell status, multiplet status

Batch files

Web Summary Report: contains summary of sequencing, alignment, estimated cells, dead cells, multiplets, and human cell type frequencies annotated using SingleR (exploratory)

TCR/BCR Data Files

Heavy and Light Chain Clonotypes (BCR)
Paired Clonotypes (TCR)
Contig and Consensus sequences
Metrics Summary

Can I customize the assay to fit my specific research needs?

Yes! We understand that no two research projects are exactly alike. We work with you to understand your particular research needs, and our team provides cost-effective recommendations to accomplish your goals. Contact our team today for more information about custom assay development and specialized bioinformatics support.

Where can I find answers to other frequently asked questions?

You can find additional answers on our General Genomics FAQ webpage.

Bioinformatics Services

Analysis solutions for insights from genomic data

Custom Assay Development

Custom laboratory assay and custom analysis design

Next Generation Sequencing Services

Global Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) Services

Immune Landscape Signatures

Gene expression and analysis services for the detection of Immune Landscape Signatures attributable to 38 key immune cell subtypes, individual genes, and ratios

Flow Cytometry Services

Unique high parameter flow cytometry services implemented with customizable solutions are designed to meet clinical trial needs across the globe

Biomarker Services

Expertise, experience, and tools for an optimized biomarker strategy throughout your product’s development life cycle

TCR Immune Repertoire Sequencing

Our DNA based T-cell receptor βeta (TCRβ) sequencing assay allows for a comprehensive characterization of the adaptive immune response through measurement of clonal dynamics and interrogation of clonal populations to a sensitivity of 10-6