Aliquoting Directions
Samples for extraction MUST be shipped in MARS’ supplied 2mL bead beating tubes with barcoded labels attached.
To obtain 2mL bead beating tubes and barcoded printed labels, call (860)-486-1417 or contact us .
We will need a list of sample ID names to print barcoded labels for you, which we will then send with the bead beating tubes.
Once you receive your labels and tubes:
DNA extraction is very sensitive to excess material. Do not put more the 0.2g or 200ul same in the bead beating tubes or the extraction will likely fail. If you send less than 0.2g/200ul, you will get less DNA. If you send more than 0.2g/200ul, you will likely get NO DNA. Too much sample = failed extraction.
Place 0.1-0.2 g sample into the 2mL tube containing beads. We extract the sample exactly as you send it, please send NO MORE THAN 0.2 g (200 mg) of sample.
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- For small fecal pellets (such as mouse), 1 pellet is sufficient.
- For medium fecal pellets (such as rat), 0.5 pellet is sufficient.
- For large fecal pellets (such as rabbit), <0.5 pellet is sufficient.
For liquid/pipettable samples, submit no more than 200μL.
As a general rule-of-thumb, do not submit all of the sample that you have!
Make sure that the sample tubes have been properly closed and the barcoded label is firmly attached around the tube. Please note common label placement issues below:
Wrapping label around ridged collar can lead to label damage in processing.
Be sure label does not overlap barcode, making it unscannable.
Packing Directions
- All raw samples submissions should be shipped on dry ice or freezer packs that you’ve frozen at -80 in a styrofoam container. Make sure to have excess ice as samples can get stuck in transit longer than anticipated.
- Place samples in dry ice/ice packs and top with more. Fill the excess space between the dry ice and the lid with paper or packing materials to minimize movement within the styrofoam.
- Ship samples at the beginning of the week (Monday or Tuesday) and do not ship over a US holiday weekend.
- Place the styrofoam container into a larger shipping box. Pack the box as needed with packing materials to secure the styrofoam container within the box.
- Seal the cardboard box with tape.
Shipping guide based on Earth Microbiome Project Shipping Guide.