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We are Changing to Serve you Better...
Starting on Monday, December 3rd, 2007 several changes will take place at the Core:
Changes taking effect
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We are moving into a new Sample Tracking System for DNA Sequencing.
That will change how you place your on line order and how you retrieve results.
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2. |
We are changing the tubes and plates required for submitting samples to the facility. We will not accept any other kind of tube or plate.
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3. |
We are moving requests for Genomics and Genotyping services on line. Contact Mike for details. |
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We are updating our web site and combining the DNA Sequencing and Genomics Core sites. The effort is ongoing and new content will be added frequently.
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Why the Changes?
- We want to simplify the way you submit sample information and also give you more tools for reviewing, analyzing and keeping track of your DNA sequences. The new system has several new features that will please most users, particularly when reviewing results.
- The new tubes and plates will allow us to work faster, with fewer mistakes and take advantage of automation. We are giving users more time to submit samples in the morning
(see new times) and eventually we hope to also lower the prices for sequencing services.
New online System - UTAH FINCH
Logging In
Most users should be able to log in using the same old name and password.
If you have problems call Helaman: 581-4736.
Brand new users please read the new accounts page.
Once logged in, there will be clear instructions on how to use the new submission forms.
Go to our Login page for access to the new site.
Billing Account Information
The billing information has also been imported from the old system.
Your Project or Activity number will be listed on the order form.
Retrieving Sequencing Data
Utah Finch will also be the place where you review and download your sequences.
You will be able to use any downstream software you like to work on your sequences.
The System also has integration with FinchTV and has other tools for reviewing the data.
New Tubes and Plates for Submitting Samples
Plates
Willl be needed for requests with more than 32 samples. To facilitate robotics and minimize error we have decided to standardize: full-skirt 96-well PCR plate from Axygen. You can buy them from us.
IF you have recently purchase the old type of plates exclusively to use for sequencing submissions, we can exchange those for the new kind.
Purchasing Supplies
You will need to purchase the correct tubes and/or plates. The Core lab will stock those items and make it available to all users. Users may also buy them directly from the vendor. The will post that informatin on the Supplies page soon.
Go the Lab Supply page for purchasing instructions.
Go to DNA Sequencing page for instructions on how to use the new tubes and plates.
Common Questions about the changes
- Are you making these changes to save money?
Not really. We just want to provide faster and better services and increase our capacity. It will save us some time...I guess time is money.
- Why do you want a minimum of 10ul from now on?
We want to standardize volumes for robotics and avoid dropouts.
- How do we label the new tubes? Do we have to use the Tough-tags?
Yes, please, and do use the Tough-tags for now. We need every tube labeled to avoid switches. Writing directly on the tube often gets smeared and lab tape is too thick. Taping your order numbers on top of the tubes is a good idea! We are looking into barcoding the tubes in the near future to facilitate the labeling thing.
- Do I have to leave the tubes with the rack?
No, we have racks at the Core dropboxes. You can just leave the tubes there and keep the rack, you will need it.
- Is anything changing on the billing side?
No. Accounts will be billed the same way, and the billing contact person will receive the usuall monthly detail billing report.
- What do we do with our old plates?
If you bought them exclusively for the Sequencing we'll trade them in. We'll trust you on that.
- What will happen to our old sequences?
They'll still be available for download from the old site. We encourage you to back up those files. New orders will be retrieve directly from the new Site. See the Login page.
- The Primer, DNA Vol and DNA Conc columns are empty on the new printout, is that a problem?
No, you are already adding the primer to the sample name. That way it will show up in your sequence file name. The other stuff we don't need, we assume you are bringing us the concentrations and volumes we requested.
- Why do I get an "Update Order Status Form" page when I try to delete an order?
That page is for you to email yourself or anybody else you want to inform about the order deletion (you don't need to email the Core). We see it as a bug, really. Just click "Update Status" to substantiate the deletion and move on!
- Do I have to use FinchTV?
No. You can use whatever you used before. Please not that our current version of Sequencher does not work well with the new Mac OS 10.5.
- REDOS: a few of my samples are not posted! What happened?
On this system, samples we choose to redo will only be posted after the redos are done. We will be changing this feature in the future so that we can post the "before and after" chromatograms.
- REDO requests: Can I request for the Core to repeat samples if I don't like the results?
Yes. We hope that will not be necessary most of the time. We try to catch problems before we release the data, but we will take a second look at your sequences upon your request, and redo samples if there are any questions from our end of the process. We will not redo samples that have obvious problems with contamination, primers or concentration. In any case we want to work with you and help you to get good sequences on a regular basis!
- EMAIL: When will I get emails from the system?
You will get an email from the system when samples are posted. You will also get an email when redos are posted, if any.
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