Sample Handling

GSL pricing is based on the assumption that submitted samples can go straight into reactions, requiring little to no manipulation of samples by a technician. Therefore, any samples submitted that do not meet the requirements below will be subjected to a $25 surcharge per sample. If you have questions about our requirements, please contact us before isolating or preparing your samples for submission.

Sample Requirements

Heparin is a powerful PCR inhibitor and co-purifies with DNA. Therefore, DNA extracted from blood stored in Heparin-coated tubes should not be submitted.

1. Buffer: Samples may be suspended in a wide variety of buffers, including 10mM Tris, dH₂O, or Qiagen EB. The most critical requirement is that buffers contain no more than 0.1mM EDTA.
2. Volume & Concentration: Required amounts for various applications can be found in the table below. The most frequent sample-related problem we encounter is low concentration, particularly with dsDNA. Please verify that you are sending enough material before shipping it. The listed sample requirements are nominal, in many cases we can make accomodations for smaller starting amounts. If samples are precious, please contact us prior to submitting.
3. Labware: All samples should be submitted in either 1.5mL centrifuge tubes (24 samples or less) or polypropylene PCR plates (24 samples or more). If submitting in tubes, write the sample number listed on your order sheet on the top of each tube. Other identifiers may be written on the side. Plates should have the project number and sample number range clearly marked, and should be sealed firmly (with something like this).
4. Additional requirements: Requirements specific to each platform are detailed on the appropriate platform pages (linked in the table below).