Nucleic Acid Extraction Core
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Frequently asked questions

 

How do I set up an initial consultation?

To set up an initial consultation, contact Beth Virlee, technical coordinator for blood and buccal samples, at (414) 955-2523. Initial consultations are not charged. When needed, directors or collaborators can meet with you to discuss methodological details of the core and how its services can best meet your needs.

A consultation with Alexandra Lerch-Gaggl, PhD, scientific director, Pediatric BioBank and Analytical Tissue Core, is highly recommended prior to submission of tissues for DNA extraction purposes.

 

How should my samples be submitted?

Please use these guidelines when submitting your samples:

  • Whole Blood: Use either EDTA or ACD A vacutainer tubes.
  • Buccal Swabs: Use Isohelixª SK-2 swabs only. For maximum DNA recovery, submit three swabs per patient.
  • Saliva: Use Oragene TM OG-500 kits.
  • Tissue: Consult Alexandra Lerch-Gaggl, PhD.

To ensure maximum nucleic acid recovery, avoid submitting samples known to have problems listed on the Deficiency/Corrective Action Code sheet.

 

How do I drop off my samples?

Samples can be dropped off with a completed requisition form between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at the Pediatric Translational Research Unit, located at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin on the fourth floor of the center tower.

If you need to drop off samples before or after those times, contact the Pediatric TRU to make arrangements.

 

Where is the Nucleic Acid Extraction Core located?

The core is located on the fourth floor of Children's Research Institute, next to the Histology and Imaging cores. Access to the facility is restricted. From 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., you can access the building using the central connector located in the Medical College of Wisconsin. Take the elevators to the fourth floor and use the phone to call the core:

  • Dial extension 2523.
  • If there is no answer, call the alternative number given in the voice message.

 

Will my entire specimen be processed?

Yes, the entire specimen received will be processed. If the investigator wishes to retain part of the specimen and not have it processed for DNA extraction, contact the core prior to sample submission to discuss available options. If the specimen is larger than the maximum amount that can be processed for one DNA extraction, the core may need to run multiple extraction assays in order to process the entire specimen.

 

How long with it take to process my samples?

Processed specimens and DNA samples will be ready for pick-up in the Pediatric Translational Research Unit within one week of the drop-off date. If less than one-week turnaround time is requested, contact Beth Virlee, technical coordinator, at (414) 955-2523, before dropping off your samples.

 

How does the billing work?

All users of the core will be individually invoiced. Invoices are generated monthly (electronically or hard copy). It is expected that all invoices be paid within 30 days. Sign, date and fill in account details on original invoice and return to Eric Jukkala, CRI C4495. If you have questions, call (414) 955-2241 for details.

 

What are the fees?

Learn more about our fees here.