Sample Quality Control
Standard Operating Procedures
The Genomics Core Facility provides quality control services for total RNA, mRNA and DNA samples. Quality control tests include sample quantification and checking the RNA/DNA integrity.
Quantification
There are two instruments used for quantification of samples, Spectrophotometer and Nanodrop.
Spectrophotometer
This instrument is used for quantification of RNA/DNA samples. There is no charge for this service.
Nanodrop
This instrument (NanoDrop ND-1000) is used to quantify RNA/DNA samples with low concentrations. There is a $4.00 charge per sample for this service.
Quality
Quality is determined by using an Agilent 2100 Bioanlyzer. The starting sample for any array experiment must be extremely pure with minimal degradation.
How to Submit Samples for Quality Control Tests
- Samples must be submitted with a minimum volume of 4 µl.
- All samples submitted to the MCF through LIMS are given a core ID that is used to track the samples through the whole process. User must record the Core IDs generated by the LIMS when he/she submits samples using the LIMS. Each sample tube delivered to the MCF must be clearly labeled with Core IDs only. Samples submitted without Core IDs will not be accepted.
- Quality control aliquots should be prepared and frozen at the same time as the ones that will be used for Affymetrix platforms.
- Core techs will pass or fail samples based on quantity and quality.
Note: If a sample fails QC, but user would like to proceed with Affymetrix Platforms, please contact Dr. Mini Kapoor at mkapoor@mdanderson.org.
Data Retrieval
After completion of the QC request, data are emailed to the users (will be accessible via LIMS in the near future). The user is responsible for downloading and installing the Agilent 2100 Expert (available free at Agilent Technologies) in order to open the QC data files.