DNA Extraction
The facility offers genomic DNA extraction from whole blood, buffy coat, packed cells, cell lysate, mouthwash, and cultured cells. The automated DNA extraction process is performed using the Autopure LS from Gentra Systems. This instrument produces high quality and large molecular weight genomic DNA suitable for Southern blotting, PCR, sequencing, archival storage, and a variety of other applications.
Sample Preparation:
Blood Related Samples
If possible, collect blood in EDTA to reduce DNA degradation. However, other anticoagulants such ACD(citrate) and CPDA may also be used successfully. Heparin may be used but is not recommended.
The amount of DNA isolated from a blood sample is highly dependent on the number of white blood cells present in the sample and the blood storage conditions. On average, 350ug of DNA is isolated from 10ml of fresh blood sample.. Samples frozen at -80°C typically exhibit a 15% decrease in DNA yield. For best results, the blood should be stored at 4°C for less than 5 days or be frozen at -80°C on the same day.
Whole Blood
For short term storage, keep the freshly drawn blood samples at 4°C for less than 5 days. For best results, the samples should be delivered to the core 1-4 days after collection.
For long term storage, blood samples should be stored at -80°C soon after collection.
The core facility does not recommend storing blood samples at -20°C for any length of time. Blood storage at this temperature for as little as 3 days results in decreased DNA yield. Storage at this temperature for 2-4 weeks results in half the yield as the same sample stored at -80°C.
Buffy Coats
Prepare the buffy coat and store the sample at 4°C.
The buffy coat and white blood cell pellets can be stored frozen at -80°C prior to processing.
Packed Cells
It is recommended to use 1-5 or 5.1-10ml initial blood volume. Packed cell can be stored at 4°C for up to 5 days prior to processing or stored at -80°C.
Cell Lysates
Cell Lysates can be prepared manually by the investigator or automatically at the Core. Store the cell lysate at room temperature until used.
Buccal Cells
Collect buccal cells in10ml of Original Mint Scope Mouthwash. This sample is stable at room temperature for 7 days.
Cultured Cells
The instrument can extract DNA from 20-150 million cells. Keep pelleted culture cells on ice until use or store at -80°C.
Order Submission:
Please submit the completed order form found here to genomics-core@cgm.northwestern.edu. Please include your chart string or PO number in the email.
Sample Submission:
Please submit samples in secure tubes with clear labels or barcodes and specify volume of each sample (1-5ml or 5-10ml). These label should be able to withstand -80C temperatures.
Freeze samples prior to packing, and ship with sufficient dry ice to ensure they remain frozen. This is to avoid the possibility of cross-contamination or degradation. We cannot accept samples for any study that have thawed or were not shipped frozen.
We recommend that you completely fill the shipping container with dry ice to minimize air space. We also recommend that you pack samples in cardboard freezer boxes placed in large plastic bags to protect samples from dry ice, and use dry ice pellets rather than blocks to avoid damage during shipment.
Include a packing list containing sample IDs, sample type, cell count (if applicable) and box number and position. Please forward an electronic version of this packing list as well so we can have a copy for our records. If necessary, also include any special instructions for the handling of your samples.
There are several ways you may send your samples to the Core.
If you are from Northwestern and are on the Chicago campus, you can bring your samples directly to the facility:
Ward 9-144
303 E Chicago Ave
Chicago IL 60611
Samples brought directly to the Core in refrigerator in DNA Extraction room. Please drop off samples directly to a technician at the Core if they need to be stored at -80°C.
If you are from Northwestern and are on the Evanston campus, you can drop your samples off at one of the two courier locations in the Hogan Building, 2205 Tech Drive:
- Hogan 2-100, BMBCB administrative office
- Hogan 4-150
The couriers pick up the samples every morning and we receive them in the afternoon.
If you are not on Northwestern's campus, please send your samples through an independent carrier such as FedEdx or UPS.
Our mailing address:
Genomics Core
303 E Chicago Ave
Ward 9-144
Chicago IL 60611
Prior to shipping, please contact a technician to schedule delivery. At the time of shipping, please send an email notification with your express mail tracking number. This will allow us to watch for your shipment. We prefer that samples are sent overnight on Monday or Tuesday so that we can guarantee someone is here to accept them. We will notify you when your shipment is received.
Turnaround Time:
Turnaround time varies with the size of your project. Please contact us for more information.
Results:
The Core will deliver aliquots of your samples after extraction in 1.5ml RNAse-free microcentrifuge tubes labeled with the PI name, extraction date, and sample ID unless requested otherwise. If you require different tubes, please provide these and the necessary labels.
