Genotyping Services
Asuragen’s genotyping services provide broad utility for your research in cancer
and developmental disorders, including tools for studying gross and small chromosomal
aberrations. Options are available for genome-wide and targeted analysis of gene
copy number variation (CNV), single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and loss-of-heterozygosity
(LOH). Combine Genotyping services with services for mRNA and microRNA profiling
for a comprehensive analysis of genetic aberrations and changes in gene expression.
Agilent’s microarray-based comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) technology is
a powerful solution to your research in cancer and developmental disorders. By comparing
two differentially labeled genomic DNA samples on a high density oligonucleotide
array, one can identify and characterize DNA copy number variations across the genome.
Asuragen is a certified service provider for Agilent’s integrated aCGH solution
that includes products for human, mouse or rat analysis. Select from a range of
different assay resolutions to meet the needs of your project. Asuragen will provide
a detailed analysis and quality control report derived from Agilent’s powerful analytics
software.
Whether you're studying somatic events in tumor samples or germline changes in children
with congenital disease, GeneChip® SNP arrays provide the coverage and sensitivity
required to identify gross and small chromosomal abnormalities in your samples.
Method and Staff Qualification
The Asuragen Services team has been profiling nucleic acids since the advent of
modern gene expression profiling methods in the mid-1990s. We have experience with
a wide range of sample types, labeling methods, hybridization and washing protocols,
scanning platforms, normalization schemes, and data analysis. Any new profiling
technology or new operator at Asuragen Services must demonstrate quality performance
based on objective, quantitative measures before either is put in service for client
GLP projects. In the case of genotyping, Asuragen measures the following parameters
against established benchmarks prior to release of a new GLP protocol:
- Sensitivity
- Specificity
- Linear range, dynamic range, or range of quantitation
- Reproducibility
When new team members join the analysis team, they are provided hands-on training
with Asuragen-provided test materials. After their training period, data from a
qualification set of samples is evaluated on each operator before they are considered
“qualified” and allowed to process client samples. Operator metrics are tracked
daily, with appropriate contingencies in the event QC metrics fall below specified
levels. We are proud of our team members and they are proud of the work they do
on your studies.
Quality Control
No matter how robust the downstream processes, good data is dependent on sample
quality; consequently, accurate measurement of sample quality is essential before
deciding if a sample merits further analysis. All DNA samples prepared by Asuragen
Services are routinely qualified by spectrophotometry with the NanoDrop spectrophotometer and gel electrophoresis. Due
to the partially degraded nature of DNA from FFPE tissues, special quality control
measurements are used.
Regardless of the downstream application, detailed QC reports including nucleic
acid concentration and purity are provided on each sample. For FFPE samples, concentration
and QC pass/fail information is provided. If a sample does not pass a recommended
QC metric for analysis, you will be contacted promptly to discuss possible solutions.
These may include replacing the sample or re-isolating the DNA, excluding the sample
from further analysis, or proceeding at-risk.
Yield:
Nucleic acid yield is primarily dependent on the tissue type and mass (or volume)
but is often affected by disease status, chemical treatment, media, preservatives,
and tissue handling.
Integrity:
Although DNA is routinely stable in most sample types, formalin fixation does lead
to partial DNA degradation in FFPE samples. For this reason, Asuragen offers a wide
variety of services compatible with RNA and DNA from FFPE.
Asuragen’s rigorous procedures enable Asuragen to be the only service provider to
offer a Data Quality Guarantee:
If, for any reason, a qualified sample does not pass our process control specifications,
we will re-run the sample at no additional charge.
Read more about our
commitment to the best possible data quality, and our contributions to in-process
controls and standardization.
Sample Handling and Processing
All samples are received and entered into the analysis queue under a controlled
SOP to confirm package/sample integrity, appropriate shipping conditions (frozen
samples/dry ice, as appropriate), and individual confirmation of sample identity
against the shipping manifest and electronic
sample submission form and
instructions.
Turn-around Time
Most projects are completed in one to two weeks. If you have a critical time requirement,
we can often meet your need for no additional charge.
Read more about our commitment to prompt turn-around times.
Additional Services Available
Requirements for Genotyping Services
Sample Input Requirements for the services listed above are found in the Sample Submission Form and Shipping Instructions.