Q: How do I request arrays from your facility, and how much do they cost?
A: The arrays are requested by filling out the online order form. It will be emailed to a person responsible for filling the order, and sent out to end-user labs via FEDEX. You will receive notification of mailing once the FEDEX is sent. If arrays are backordered, you also will be notified.
The cost per array is $32.50 for a double array slide. This cost includes the slide cost, the labor-derived costs to print, QC and distribute the arrays.
Q: How many arrays can I request?
A: Up to 40 arrays per end-user PI per month can be ordered.
Q: How long will it take to fill my order?
A: Time to fill an order should be two working days.
Q: I have many questions, who should I contact?
A: For technical questions you may contact:
Seth D. Crosby, MD
e-mail: scrosby@wustl.edu
phone: 314-286-1452
Q: What is the size of the printed area of the array?
A: 54 mm x 18 mm
Q: How should I isolate my RNA for use in a microarray experiment?
A: We recommend using Trizol for extraction of RNA.
Q: How do I evaluate my RNA quality?
Spectrophotometric Analysis:
A small amount of your sample should be assayed with a spectrophotometer. The OD 260/280 ratio should be close to 2.00 and indicate a high percentage of ribonucleotide.
Electrophoretic Analysis:
To assess the integrity of your total RNA, it should be tested with the Agilent Technologies 2100 Bioanalyzer Lab-on-a-chip system. This assay is similar to gel electrophoresis in concept, but it is cleaner, more efficient, and only requires a very small amount of sample.
Q: How are the arrays shipped?
A: Arrays are shipped in slide boxes and the boxes are wrapped in Parafilm so they are airtight.
Q: How should the slides be stored?
A: Store arrays spotted on MWG slides in a desiccator, preferably a vacuum dessicator, at ambient temperature (20-27°C). Alternatively, arrays can be stored in pouches that have been sealed under vacuum or that contain clean nitrogen gas. If stored under these conditions, arrays are expected to perform well for 6 months after manufacture. Improper storage of the slides may cause high or uneven background.
Q: Can the customers use their own protocols?
A: Yes. We also provide recommended protocols that have worked best in our hands. These are found on the web site (http://genome.wustl.edu/projects/celegans/microarray/).
Q: What is the amount of oligo printed in each spot?
A: The estimated amount of immobilized oligo is about 50 fmol/spot.
Q: Can the arrays be re-used?
A: No, the arrays are for a single hybridization experiment only.
Q: How were the oligos designed?
A: See the description of design on the General Announcement page of this site. For additional questions contact Tamara Doering (doering@wustl.edu).
Q: To whom can I provide feedback on performance aspects of the arrays?
A: There is a website-based user feedback page, found here where initial feedback reports can be written. Appropriate topics here include suggestions for improvements to the arrays, concerns about the performance of the arrays or certain elements (probes), and other comments on design, performance, etc.
