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Cornell University

Femto/Fragment Analyzer

Step 1: Prepare your samples

Check your sample concentrations

To confirm the quality of you DNA, RNA or NGS library, we offer two systems: the Femto Pulse and the Fragment Analyzer. Before placing your order, you must estimate the concentration for your samples. We will process your samples differently depending on their concentration.
For accurate quantification, we recommend using a Qubit or other intercalating dye system.

Femto Pulse

This instrument is suited if you are submitting either high molecular weight DNA, or DNA or RNA at very low concentration (0.3pg/uL - 30pg/uL).

Fragment Analyzer

If your sample concentration is above 30pg/uL, your QC will be best achieved with the Fragment Analyzer.

  • For sample concentration < 5 ng/uL: we will run high-sensitivity* analyses.
  • For 5 ng/uL < sample concentration < 200 ng/uL, we will run standard sensitivity* analyses.
  • For sample concentration > 200 ng/uL, please dilute your sample prior to submitting it.
Note on high-sensitivity vs. standard sensitivity mode: High-sensitivity refers to the concentration of nucleic acid submitted, not the sensitivity of the results or the precision of the measurement. High-sensitivity analyses for concentrations above 5ng/uL do not improve QC results.

Volume requirements

We ask you to provide at least 5 uL of sample with a concentration lower than 200 ng/uL. If you cannot provide 5uL, please consult with the Genomics Facility before submitting your sample.

Vial requirements

We accept samples in tubes or plates.

  • Tubes: any tube larger than a 200uL PCR tube, preferably 500uL screw cap vials from VWR (catalog # 16466-052) or USA Scientific (catalog # 1405-9700, 1405-9706, and 1450-9799).

  • Plates: any PCR-style 96-well plates (i.e. not with a flat or round bottom).

Step 2: Place an order online

It is imperative that you place the order online before sending or bring us the samples.
http://www.biotech.cornell.edu/brc/genomics-facility

Step 3: Drop-off or mail your samples

You can drop off your order on the sample submission cart located in the atrium of the Biotechnology Building on the Ithaca campus, from 8AM to 4PM, Monday through Friday.

You can also mail your samples at the following address:

Genomics Facility
160A Biotechnology Building
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY 14853

We recommend that you use either FedEx or UPS for mailing. Avoid USPS because USPS packages are not delivered directly to the lab. Please note that there is no delivery on Saturday, Sunday and holidays.

Please cushion and seal your samples well before mailing, we have received numerous broken tubes.

Step 4: Download and analyze your results

If you are not sure how to read or interpret your results, you can visit our Fragment Analyzer Result Interpretation page.