CTC Core Laboratory ~ Core Services

Click on a service to learn more:

I. Sample Processing, Storage and Shipping

The sample processing core provides standard and refrigerated centrifugation, freezer storage options to –80°, computerized labeling, and assistance with sample packaging for shipping that include:

Routine blood and urine specimen processing and aliquotting
Preparation of slides (smears)
Isolation of buffy-coat
Isolation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs)
Shipping samples to various satellite laboratories
Short and long-term storage of processed samples
Short and Long-tern storage of patient samples for molecular analyses

The Lab uses the following equipment for this core:

Bio-Safety Cabinet class II A/B3
Ambient and Refrigerated Centrifuges
Eppendorf centrifuges
Air-clean 600 PCR work station
Laboratory Data Management System (LDMS) with Brady BMP51 printer
Three -80º C freezers with backup systems
Biomedical freezer -30º C
Refrigerator Micro-centrifuge
Liquid Nitrogen storage system

Sample Processing Area

Storage Area

II. Molecular Analysis

The molecular core offers routine and specialized molecular tests and helps to generate data for present and future grant proposals. The services exist to support the needs of investigators, including:

Isolation and storage of DNA and RNA from blood, PBMCs and tissues
Performance of DNA and RNA based analyses (PCR and reverse transcription-PCR assays and real-time PCR)
Molecular genotyping and mutational analysis using allelic discrimination and other molecular methodologies
New Test Validation as laboratory-developed test (LDTs) for translational studies using CAP/CLIA regulations into a clinical test.

The Lab uses the following equipment for this core:

9700 GeneAmp PCR system
7500 Fast Real-time PCR system
Nano drop system 200
Agilent Bio-analyzer
Fluorchem fragment and image analyzer
The GeneXpert Dx System

Real Time PCR & Image Analyzer

Real-time PCR and Image Analyzer

GeneXpert Dx System

GeneXpert Dx System

Bio-analyzer

Bio-analyzer

III. Biomarker Panels and Protein Expression Profiling by Meso Scale Discovery, Luminex and ELISA

The core develops, validates and executes biochemical assays or panels in support of any pre-clinical, translational and clinical research which includes:

Cancer Biomarkers
Cardiovascular
Cytokine and Chemokine
Immunology
Metabolism/Endocrine
Neuroscience
Toxicity

The Lab used the following equipment for this core:

Meso Scale Discovery (MSD) Meso QuickPlex SQ 120 electro chemiluminescence detection system (Dean's fund)
Bio-plex 200 Luminex multiplex immune assay system (Dean's fund)
Multiplex assay magnetic bead auto-washer
ELISA microplate reader with auto-striper washer

MSD Meso QuickPlexs SQ120

MSD Meso QuickPlex SQ 120

Bio-plex 200 Luminex multiplex system