Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I register to use the online system to place requests?
- You’ll find a link to the registration process on our Online Requests page.
- How long will it take to process my samples?
- We aim to process samples as quickly as possible. We have found that the most effective way to do this is to run sequencing and genotyping on allocated days for customers who are not submitting a full plate. There are also deadlines on these days for when samples must be received. If you wish to submit a full plate, this can be done at any time and we aim to process them straight away so the turnaround time is usually less than 24hrs. Please see the Sending Samples page for further information on processing times.
- How do I submit samples?
- Please submit a request form before sending samples. See our Online Requests page for this. There are different options for sending samples depending on whether or not you are based at the University of Otago’s Dunedin campus. Information on where and when to submit samples can be found on our Sending Samples page.
- Why are certain characters not allowed in sample names?
- The computer software that runs the 3730xl does not allow spaces or some other characters. It’s easier for us to restrict characters used than to change them later.
- What tubes do I use for submitting samples?
- If you are submitting fewer than 8 samples you may use individual 0.2ml tubes. More than 8 samples must be submitted in either strip-tubes or part of a 96-well PCR plate.
- How do I label my sample tubes if I’m not submitting a plate?
- Although the online request form refers to samples in the order A01,B01,C01, etc you may label your tubes 1,2,3, etc. As long as the sample names are entered in that order on the form it will be clear to us what it means.
- What concentration/volume is required for sequencing?
- For PCR products we require 1ng/100bp premixed with 3.2pmol primer in a total volume of 5µl and for plasmids we require 150-200ng premixed with 3.2pmol primer in a total of 5µl. Further info on preparing samples for sequencing can be found on our Sequencing Service page.
- Do you purify PCR products/plasmids prior to sequencing?
- No, we require them to be purified by the customer prior to submission. There are various kits and filter plates available for this. Please see our Protocols page for info.
- How will I receive my results?
- You will receive an email with your results attached in a .zip file and a pdf of the analysis report, along with a notification that they will also be available on your personal user section of the website for 30 days.
- Why has my sequencing reaction failed?
- The main reason for a reaction failing completely is insufficient and/or poor quality template and/or primer. There are also a number of other reasons that can lead to poor quality results and details of these can be found on our Troubleshooting page.
- Do you repeat failed reactions free of charge?
- We will only repeat reactions free of charge if we believe an error has occurred during our handling of the sample. We process a positive control with each plate and this gives us a good indication of any potential problems. The only exception to this is if a sample looks like it contains “pull-up” peaks due to overloading. If this occurs we’re happy to dilute the sample and rerun free of charge but we’ll contact you about this if it arises.