How to submit samples
In brief
Fill out the sample submission sheet, send it to us, wait for our feedback, and only bring samples to CCG after you received our confirmation.
In detail
Download the latest sample submission sheet depending on your sample type:
Once you have downloaded the sheet, select the correct application tab (sheet in the excel file) and fill out all the relevant information (all blue fields should be filled out). For most application it is mandatory, that you at least provide information about volume and concentration of your samples. If your samples exceed the max. concentration specified, dilute the samples to the given concentration range. Then send us the sample submission sheet (see contact information below) and any additional information (gel picture, Bioanalyzer report etc.) requested and wait for our feedback. Only after you received our confirmation, samples can be brought/send to CCG.
The sample submission sheet also contains the sample requirements for the different applications. These apply if sample material is not limited. We ask for more material then is used as input in the library preparation to account for discrepancies in sample concentration, QC measurements and backup material for repeats. If your samples don´t meet all requirements, nevertheless fill out the sheet and contact us. We will come back to you with possible low input protocol options.
Most short-read protocols are somewhat tolerant for lower OD values. Therefore, we usually accept samples with lower OD values. Still, low 260/280 and 260/230 OD values can indicate contamination that potentially can inhibit library preparation and sequencing. When submitting samples with suboptimal OD values be aware that this may affect performance of your samples.
Once you received our confirmation, that the sample submission sheet is okay, you can bring your samples to CCG. This is possible Monday-Friday from 9 am to 1 pm. Make sure that your samples are either in 1.5ml save-lock tubes or 96-well plates. We do not accept PCR stripes. Use 96-well plates when submitting more than 48 samples and make sure to normalize samples to the same volume and concentration. Make also sure to properly seal plates with foil that does not get detached during transport or freezing/thawing. Plates and foil can be provided by CCG upon request. In 96-well plates samples must be ordered in columns (sample 1 in well A1, sample 2 in B1, sample 3 in C1 and so on) and not in rows (A1, A2, A3…).
When submitting samples in tubes, label these on the lid with the number according to the order in the sample submission sheet and on the lid and on the side with the sample name (exact same spelling as in the sample submission sheet). Use max. 10 letters as sample name.
Samples can also be sent to CCG. We recommend to use a courier. Send RNA samples and all plates on dry ice. Other samples can be sent on RT or with cool pads. Do not use water ice for transport. Do not wrap tubes in parafilm. Make sure to properly pack tubes in small bags or boxes inside the shipping box. Give us a short notice on the day of the actual shipment.
Once your samples have been received you will get a confirmation per mail with our internal project ID. Indicate this project ID in inquiries.
Contact
Regarding all DNA based NGS workflows please contact: ccg-dna
uni-koeln.de
Regarding all RNA based NGS workflows please contact: ccg-rnauni-koeln.de
Regarding all single cell workflows please contact: ccg-singlecelluni-koeln.de