Overview	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
Overview [Abstract]
Overview	NOTE 1. OVERVIEW We design, develop and manufacture sequencing systems to help scientists resolve genetically complex problems. Based on our novel Single Molecule, Real-Time (SMRT®) sequencing technology, our products enable: de novo genome assembly to finish genomes in order to more fully identify, annotate and decipher genomic structures; full-length transcript analysis to improve annotations in reference genomes, characterize alternatively spliced isoforms in important gene families, and find novel genes; targeted sequencing to more comprehensively characterize genetic variations; and real-time kinetic information for epigenome characterization. Our technology provides high accuracy, ultra-long reads, uniform coverage and the ability to simultaneously detect epigenetic changes. PacBio® sequencing systems, including consumables and software, provide a simple and fast end-to-end workflow for SMRT sequencing. Our most advanced products offered today include the Sequel instrument and the Sequel SMRT Cell 1M, which together are capable of sequencing up to approximately one million DNA molecules simultaneously. We are continuously developing new products including what we refer to as the SMRT Cell 8M, which is designed to have up to eight times as much throughput capability as the current Sequel SMRT Cell 1M. We anticipate starting beta testing of the SMRT Cell 8M in early 2019 and launching this new product more broadly some months thereafter. The names “Pacific Biosciences,” “PacBio,” “SMRT,” “SMRTbell,” “Sequel” and our logo are our trademarks.

NOTE 1. OVERVIEW

We design, develop and manufacture sequencing systems to help scientists resolve genetically complex problems. Based on our novel Single Molecule, Real-Time (SMRT®) sequencing technology, our products enable: de novo genome assembly to finish genomes in order to more fully identify, annotate and decipher genomic structures; full-length transcript analysis to improve annotations in reference genomes, characterize alternatively spliced isoforms in important gene families, and find novel genes; targeted sequencing to more comprehensively characterize genetic variations; and real-time kinetic information for epigenome characterization. Our technology provides high accuracy, ultra-long reads, uniform coverage and the ability to simultaneously detect epigenetic changes. PacBio® sequencing systems, including consumables and software, provide a simple and fast end-to-end workflow for SMRT sequencing.

Our most advanced products offered today include the Sequel instrument and the Sequel SMRT Cell 1M, which together are capable of sequencing up to approximately one million DNA molecules simultaneously. We are continuously developing new products including what we refer to as the SMRT Cell 8M, which is designed to have up to eight times as much throughput capability as the current Sequel SMRT Cell 1M. We anticipate starting beta testing of the SMRT Cell 8M in early 2019 and launching this new product more broadly some months thereafter.

The names “Pacific Biosciences,” “PacBio,” “SMRT,” “SMRTbell,” “Sequel” and our logo are our trademarks.