Probe Selection
Affymetrix will then begin probe selection (if necessary based on design). When complete, Affymetrix will send you a Design Proposal describing the results of probe selection or to confirm the list of probe sets that you have submitted.

Affymetrix Chip Design selects probes by using the same proven algorithm used to design GeneChip catalog arrays. Every possible probe is selected and ranked, and the best possible probe set is chosen to represent your gene sequences.

Design Proposal
A summary of probe selection with probe set quality scores is detailed in the Design Proposal, which you can expect to receive one to two weeks from submission of your Design Files.

You will then be asked to review the Design Proposal and make decisions about which probe sets you would like to include on your array (Please refer to the GeneChip CustomExpress™ Array Design Guide for a detailed description of what information is provided in the Design Proposal).

Once you have reviewed and accepted the Design Proposal, Affymetrix will design your photolithographic masks and manufacture your arrays.

PLEASE NOTE: You must approve the Design Proposal before Affymetrix can begin the manufacturing process.

Design Complete
Upon completing the mask design, we will send you a “Design Complete” message. This message signifies that chip design is complete and your arrays will be manufactured, quality control tested, and shipped to you. No changes to your design can be made at this time. We send these series of communications so you are aware of the status of your array as it moves through the design process.