RNA Quality Control
High quality RNA samples should be used for microarray experiments. The core facility uses the 2100 Bioanalyzer from Agilent to evaluate the quality of RNA in a using less than 200ng of RNA. Results are usually available within two working days. The facility run the samples and charges per chip. Nano chips can take up to 12 RNA samples and Pico chips can take up to 11 samples.
Sample Preparation:
Please submit samples in 0.5ml or 1.5ml tubes, NOT PCR tubes. For all samples, please indicate your elution or re-suspention media.
The Core charges for this service by the chip, using either Nano or Pico chips. Sample concentration requirements vary with the type of chip used.
Nano chips can accommodate up to 12 RNA samples. The concentration of samples using the Nano chip must be between 50ng/µl- 200ng/µl. A dilution will be made and charged to your account for any samples greater than 200ng/µl. Volume should be at least 4 µl.
Pico chips can accommodate up to 11 samples. The concentration of samples using the Pico chip must be between 0.5ng/µl – 49ng/µl. A dilution will be made and charged to your account for any samples greater than 2ng/µl. Volume should be at least 4 µl.
For Small RNA check, concentration must be between 25ng/µl-75ng/µl in nuclease free water. Volume should be at least 4µl.
We can measure the concentration of your samples for a small charge.
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 your email.
Sample Submission:
Please label each sample individually with a barcoded label able to withstand -80C temperatures. If you do not have a barcoded label, please ensure that each sample has a label that is legible and firmly affixed to the sample.
Please 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.
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
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:
Results are generally delivered within 2-3 business days.
Results:
After the service is complete, you will receive a username and password to view your results on our server.
Results will be delivered as a PDF file with the quality of their samples, including an electropherogram, gel image, and the samples' RIN's (RNA Integrity Numbers).
