There are myriad sequencing services out there, some of which provide incredible accuracy, and lightening fast turn around times.  Here’s a quick review of things to consider when evaluating a company, and A few selected American companies worth looking into.  For international companies, you can go here for a good review.

Things to consider: When you look into your options, price is only one thing you should consider.  Here’s a list of other thing’s you’ll want to ask about.

1. Sequencing Machines - You want to make sure that more up-to-date machines (ABI 3500, 3730, 3130, 3100) are being used.  Some academic centers tend to use older machines, which can reduce read length.
2. Template Specialty/Preference – Some places specialize in shorter templates (plasmids/BACs) while others are better at longer sequences (genomes).  Make sure to ask before you send off your samples.
3. Sample preparation – Sometimes companies or even core facilities will charge extra for preparation steps, if they have to do them on their end.  You can also sometimes decrease the price you’re paying by doing some of the prep work yourself.
4. Price – Both sequencing companies and university sequencing centers don’t make it easy to compare prices because there’s so much variability in terms of preparation, template,
5. Turnaround time – This depends on 2 things: Shipping time, and sequencing time.  For shorter sequences (plasmids, etc), price differences will matter less than location – you wouldn’t want to have your sample spend 3 days in transit for a 5 hour run, just to save $2.00.  But for genomics sequences, since the runs can take many days or even weeks and cost a pretty penny, Location matters less and sequencing time/price both matter more.