The number of samples that can be multiplexed on the Ion 530 Chip will vary depending on whether automated or manual library preparation is used. If using automated library preparation, 32 somatic samples or 32 germline samples can be multiplexed on the Ion 530 Chip. If using manual library preparation, up to 96 germline samples can be multiplexed on the Ion 530 Chip. This is because of the available Ion Xpress Barcodes.