Sample Submission
For new sample submissions it can ne beneficial to discuss the experiment, goals and expectations and we encourage users to arrange, ahead of time, an appointment for an in-person or Zoom meeting.
Prior to drop-of a sample/project we ask that a submission form is filled out.
For proteomics samples use: Proteomics Submission Form.
For internal metabolomics samples use: Metabolomics submission form.
Internal projects are charged using a PTAEO (account) number which much be shared at sample submissions. External projects are charged using PO numbers which must be generated based on cost estimates shared by the Center.
All samples arriving at the Center are labelled with a unique identifier. Internal users can follow the progress of a sample analysis request here. When contacting the Center regarding past analyses, please refer to the MS number.
As of February 2023, the median turn-around time for mass spec based analysis is 11 days with an average of 24 days but processing time is project dependent.
All samples received at the PRC will be labelled with a unique identifier.
- For a user opting to ship/mail samples, please use our mailing address and share tracking number if available.
How to order/arrange your samples
Nano-LC systems (very often used in proteomics) are difficult to fully clean/clear after each injection because of the low flow and 2-digit micrometer columns. Therefore, when sample amounts are high or if some peptides are particular hydrophobic, carry-over is a possibility. Carry-over refers to the detection of a molecule from the previous injection. For nano-LC carry-over can be as high as 5%. For higher flow LC (>100 uL/min) this is much less of a problem. To minimize potential carry-over for proteomics samples we ask that you consider the order of injection. For example:
- Analyze control before treatment IF you expect specific proteins or PTMs to only be present after treatment.
- When comparing isoforms separated by SDS-PAGE, analyze the lower bands before the higher bands.
- When amounts are very different between samples, analyze in order of increasing amounts.
At times the order can be difficult to decide and the PRC team will be able to help you.