Talk:Illumina, Inc.

Corrections requested
Hi, I work for Illumina, and would like to request some corrections to this Wikipedia article to improve its accuracy.

I'd like to start by requesting these corrections to the chart in the Acquisition History subsection:

1. "Helix" is a misspelling; the acquisition is Helixis and the date should be 2010. Verification:

2. Solexa, Inc. was acquired in 2007 (not 2008). Verification:

3. Please add Conexio Genomics (Acq 2016). Verification:

4. Please make sure, with the date changes, that everything is in chronological order.

5. Could you possibly remove the words "mergers" and "spin-offs and historical predecessors" at the top of the chart? The only items listed are Illumina's acquisitions (plus the merger that created Solexa, Inc. two years before Illumina acquired Solexa, Inc. -- should that even be in the chart?).

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. TM.at.illumina (talk) 01:06, 8 November 2022 (UTC)

Thank you for implementing most of these, Ptrnext. I will close out this request now. TM.at.illumina (talk) 05:59, 4 December 2022 (UTC)

Corrections to text requested
Hi, I work for Illumina (my COI is declared at the top of this page), and would like to request some corrections to this Wikipedia article to improve its accuracy.

1. Quick fix: In Paragraph 3 (sentence 2) of History section, change the text "Solexa INC" to "Solexa, Inc.".

2. Quick fix: Change Gb to GB ( twice ) in the sentence about Enancio (last sentence of 7th paragraph of History section), per the citation. (Gb means gigabits, and GB means gigabytes.)

3. Medium fix: In the 8th paragraph of the History section, please add the underscored text below and delete the stricken text:
 * On July 5, 2016, Jay Flatley, who had been CEO since 1999, assumed the role of executive chairman of the board of directors. Francis deSouza, who had been president of the company since 2013, took on the additional role of president and chief executive officer, and continues to serve on the Illumina board of directors. [28][self-published source] [29]
 * Please remove the flagged self-published source and add the following two viewable citations:
 * https://timesofsandiego.com/business/2016/03/07/illumina-likes-francis-desouzas-dna-elevating-president-to-ceo/
 * https://www.fiercebiotech.com/biotech/illumina-ilmn-ceo-stepping-down-after-17-years

Wiki markup of corrected text, if that's helpful (you can just copy and replace the entire short paragraph):

On July 5, 2016, Jay Flatley, who had been CEO since 1999, assumed the role of executive chairman of the board of directors. Francis deSouza, who had been president of the company since 2013, took on the additional role of chief executive officer, and continues to serve on the Illumina board of directors.

4. Medium fix:
 * There is a redundancy of text/information in the "Products" and "Flow Cells" sections:
 * The Products section contains this text:

From a single run, the MiSeq generates 30 million reads, the HiSeq generates 3 billion reads, and the NovaSeq generates 13 billion reads.
 * The Flow Cells section contains this text:

In MiSeq sequencers, the flow cell can generate between 1 million and 30 million reads per run. The HiSeq flow cell is larger than that of the MiSeq and has the ability to generate 3 billion reads per run. Lastly, the NovaSeq flow cell is the largest of the three and can generate 13 billion reads per run.
 * Please delete that text from the Flow Cells section, because it is unnecessary, redundant, and uncited.

Thanks very much, and any assistance will be appreciated. TM.at.illumina (talk) 06:06, 4 December 2022 (UTC)


 * I've implemented #1 as-is, and implemented #2 with a minor enhancement (to wikilink the first use of GB to gigabye).


 * With regards to #4, I am not sure I want to fulfil that request as it currently stands for several different reasons. Some brief research suggests that typical read generation per run for the MiSeq is actually considerably lower than the 30 million figures quoted for the MiSeq (e.g. ~22–25 million with v3 kits, or ~15 million with v2 kits), and I'm going to assume this can be extrapolated to the HiSeq/NovaSeq.


 * Additionally, the fact that read output varies so dramatically depending on the kit version used with the sequencer is a really huge factoid that this edit would elide any reference (however indirect) to... I feel that would be rather misleading!


 * There are a number of easily-obtainable/usable refs available for sourcing (corrected) MiSeq reads per run output, e.g. https://www.illumina.com/systems/sequencing-platforms.html — that page also has data for HiSeq/NextSeq that contradicts the data on this page.


 * Now it's possible that the hardware can theoretically achieve the figures on this page, but if the actual reagent kits available for purchase and use right now are incapable of achieving those theoretical max figures just yet, then it would be a disservice to our readers to fail to mention this critical detail.


 * Also, it looks like there are at least five different NextSeq models available, each of which is rated for a significantly different number of max reads per run (ranging from 400 million to 26/52 billion!) — this detail makes our use of a single figure for NextSeq highly suspect at best.


 * IMO the article needs some major revision to explain that NextSeq is a series and differentiate the max reads per run figures into one for each major NextSeq model or model group (preferably also mentioning kit version and/or use of dual cells where applicable).


 * I'd link some additional refs to show even more nuance, but I've spent probably 10x the time I intended to spend on this already and really need to get back to my IRL responsibilities for a bit now. Garzfoth (talk) 13:21, 4 December 2022 (UTC)


 * Thank you very much for your extensive research and time and input on this, Garzfoth! I agree that the "reads per run" issues and details need to be clarified and updated before proceeding on that edit-request. I may see if I can find and provide more factual relevant details and citations that would apply in those descriptions.


 * Meanwhile, I'm wondering if you took a look at request #3 above -- namely, adding the fact that deSouza was already president of the company when he was made CEO. When you have time, would you mind implementing that fix? I will provide the straight wiki markup below so you can just copy and replace that short paragraph:


 * On July 5, 2016, Jay Flatley, who had been CEO since 1999, assumed the role of executive chairman of the board of directors. Francis deSouza, who had been president of the company since 2013, took on the additional role of chief executive officer, and continues to serve on the Illumina board of directors.


 * If you can spare a couple of minutes and implement that, it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again very much for your time. TM.at.illumina (talk) 01:08, 6 December 2022 (UTC)

Corrections and updates requested
Hello, I work for Illumina (COI declared above), and would like to request some corrections and additions to this Wikipedia article to improve its accuracy.

1. Infobox: Please add six relevant currently missing products to the Products list: NovaSeq X, COVIDSeq , VeriSeq , DRAGEN , Illumina Connected Analytics , TruSight Oncology 500 , so that the Products info reads:

NovaSeq 6000, NovaSeq X, HiSeq X, HiSeq 4000, MiSeq, MiSeqDx, MiniSeq, iSeq 100, NextSeq 550, NextSeq 550Dx, NextSeq 1000, NextSeq 2000, iScan, COVIDSeq, VeriSeq, DRAGEN, Illumina Connected Analytics, TruSight Oncology 500

(Please note that I have corrected the spacing and placement order of NextSeq 1000 and NextSeq 2000.)

2. Lead: Please add ", and it serves more than 140 countries. " to the end of the first sentence.

3. History: If possible, please add the following as a new paragraph at the end:

In September 2022, Illumina launched the NovaSeq X and NovaSeq X Plus, its fastest and most cost-efficient sequencing machines thus far, which cut the cost for a full human genome sequencing to $200, while providing a readout at twice the speed of its previous models. The NovaSeq X Plus can sequence 20,000 genomes per year, compared to 7,500 per year of Illumina's previous machines. The series includes redeveloped reagents, dyes, and polymerases that are three times more accurate than previous kits and do not require cold-chain shipment.

4. Products: Please replace the outdated and rather garbled second paragraph with the rewrite below, which is updated and clearer. I have updated and cited each of the reads-per-run (and the three "most popular" sequencers), and clarified the currently most relevant points about Illumina machines from that 2019 30-minute iBiology video which is the original citation for this paragraph:

Three of the most popular Illumina sequencers are the MiSeq, NextSeq, and NovaSeq. Depending on the kit used, the MiSeq Series can generate up to 25 million reads per run. With dual flow cells, the NextSeq 2000 can generate up to 2.4 billion single reads per run and the NovaSeq X Series can generate up to 52 billion single reads per run. Illumina uses next-generation sequencing, which is far faster and more efficient than traditional Sanger sequencing. Illumina sequencers perform short-read sequencing, and are image based, utilizing Illumina dye sequencing. This technology has a higher accuracy than long-read sequencing.

Thank you very much for any and all assistance. @TM.at.illumina (talk) 06:46, 8 February 2023 (UTC)
 * Yellow check.svg Partly done: Hi. I didn't implement your first request given infoboxes shouldn't be a depository of all products ever manufactured. Perhaps we should just include those that have the most coverage - I'd have to look into this. Regarding the last two paragraphs, they were heavily copy edited for two main reasons: most of these claims are not substantiated by independent sourcing, and the use of ad-like language. PK650 (talk) 23:02, 11 February 2023 (UTC)

Hello, PK650, and thanks very much for your help with, and analysis of, that.

I agree that the infobox should not contain redundant products -- all of the model numbers should be eliminated completely. I have removed all of the model numbers and repetitions. This reduces the number of items from 18 in the current infobox to 12 in the request below. I've also supplied some sample verifications of the items from independent reliable sources. Could you look at the new list below and implement it if you see fit?

For infobox:

Change:


 * NovaSeq 6000, NovaSeq X, HiSeq X, HiSeq 4000, MiSeq, MiSeqDx, MiniSeq, iSeq 100, NextSeq 550, NextSeq 550Dx, NextSeq 1000, NextSeq 2000, iScan, COVIDSeq, VeriSeq, DRAGEN, Illumina Connected Analytics, TruSight Oncology 500

Change to:


 * NovaSeq, HiSeq, MiSeq, MiniSeq, iSeq, NextSeq, iScan, COVIDSeq, VeriSeq, DRAGEN, Illumina Connected Analytics, TruSight Oncology

Below are some verification links (sample mentions in reliable independent sources):


 * NovaSeq, HiSeq , MiSeq , MiniSeq , iSeq, NextSeq , iScan , COVIDSeq , VeriSeq , DRAGEN , Illumina Connected Analytics , TruSight Oncology { }

In addition, now that you cleaned up the reads-per-run information in the "DNA sequencing" subsection of the article, I'd like to mention the fact that the text below in the "Flow cells" section of the article is completely redundant, unnecessary, and outdated. The paragraph would make a lot more sense without it. Could you please remove this text, and also remove the unnecessary words "(MiSeq, HiSeq, and NovaSeq)" from the section title?

In MiSeq sequencers, the flow cell can generate between 1 million and 30 million reads per run. The HiSeq flow cell is larger than that of the MiSeq and has the ability to generate 3 billion reads per run. Lastly, the NovaSeq flow cell is the largest of the three and can generate 13 billion reads per run.

Thank you very much in advance for any time you might be willing to spend on this. TM.at.illumina (talk) 16:13, 24 March 2023 (UTC)
 * This has been addressed. Thank you, PK650 (talk) 00:43, 25 March 2023 (UTC)

Corrections and updates
Hi, I work for Illumina (COI declared above), and would like to request some corrections and updates to this Wikipedia article to improve its accuracy.

1. Lead: Please change "140 countries" to "155 countries" and change citation to this:

2. Lead, paragraph 2: Please update the first sentence by adding "and to $200 by late 2022", so that the sentence reads [NOTE: The Wired citation is the same used in the History section for the same info]: Illumina's technology had purportedly reduced the cost of sequencing a human genome to $1000 by 2014, and to $200 by late 2022.

3. History: Please replace the incorrect paragraph 8 (which begins "On July 5, 2016") with the following:

On July 5, 2016, Jay Flatley, who had been CEO since 1999, assumed the role of executive chairman of the board of directors. Francis deSouza, who had been president of the company since 2013, took on the additional role of CEO.

4. History: Between the last two paragraphs, please insert the following paragraph:

In September 2023, Agilent Technologies' senior vice president Jacob Thaysen was appointed CEO.

Thanks very much for any help! TM.at.illumina (talk) 01:04, 8 November 2023 (UTC)

TM.at.illumina (talk) 01:04, 8 November 2023 (UTC)

Reply 7-NOV-2023
Regards, Spintendo  02:59, 8 November 2023 (UTC)
 * 1) ✅ The number of countries was changed.
 * 2) ❌ The information concerning the $200 claim was not added because the sentence  contains a reference which was not included on the talk page.
 * 3) ✅ In the History section, both requested paragraphs were updated.


 * Thanks very much, . I wasn't sure how to indicate the actual citation for request #2, because it is a named reference already used in the body text, namely:


 * So here is my request again, if you could please reassess it:

Lead, paragraph 2: Please update the first sentence by adding "and to $200 by late 2022", so that the sentence reads [NOTE: The Wired citation is the same used in the History section for the same info]: Illumina's technology had purportedly reduced the cost of sequencing a human genome to $1000 by 2014, and to $200 by late 2022.


 * Thanks, TM.at.illumina (talk) 05:29, 8 November 2023 (UTC)
 * Thank you for providing these clarifications on the references, it's much appreciated. As I'm reading these source references however, I'm concerned with what I see as the company possibly using these claim statements to make some sort of point to scientists and researchers regarding the economy of using the subject company's DNA sequencing technology over its competitors. To prevent this, Wikipedia usually prohibits content from explicitly making claims involving the mentioning of a monetary price — either as the final purchase price of an item, or through the relative monetary savings achieved by using one product rather than another (WP:NOTCATALOG). I think that last part would apply here, so I'm inclined to remove the claim statement altogether. Regards,  Spintendo  08:50, 8 November 2023 (UTC)
 * Taking a look at the article, there were a few more instances where the subject company's technology was discussed in terms of monetary values. These have all been omitted. The article should avoid making claims concerning the monetary value of its products and services, because those claims could be seen as promotional in nature. Regards, Spintendo  09:13, 8 November 2023 (UTC)
 * OK, I understand. Thank you again for your time and assistance. TM.at.illumina (talk) 00:31, 10 November 2023 (UTC)