Do fluorescent dye-labeled oligos require special storage and handling?

Yes. Fluorescent dye-labeled oligos are more prone to degradation than unmodified oligos. Their ability to fluoresce will decrease over time. Spin the tube at 1000 rpm for 5 minutes to ensure the oligos are at the bottom of the tube before opening. To ensure high quality, store the oligo dry at -20°C in small aliquots. Note that fluorescent dye-labeled oligos should be stored in the dark as light can slowly degrade the fluorescent moieties. For optimal long-term storage, it is recommended that the labeled oligonucleotides be stored dry at -20°C in the dark. If multiple experiments are planned using the same oligonucleotide, prepare aliquots, lyophilize all aliquots, and store the aliquots at -20°C. Use clean and sterile lab wares for all handlings.