Core Facilities and Platforms

StemCore Laboratories

StemCore Laboratories

On this page:

Overview

 

Quality control is essential for successful downstream applications. Our QC/QA service ensures your samples meet the requirements for sequencing, single-cell analysis, and other genomics workflows. We provide fragment analysis with RIN scores, concentration measurement, and cell viability assessment.
 


 

Equipment

Agilent Fragment Analyzer

  • DNA and RNA fragment size analysis

  • RNA Integrity Number (RIN) scoring

  • Full fragment size distribution profiles

Qubit 3.0 Fluorometer

  • Precise DNA and RNA concentration measurement
     

Luna FL Cell Counter

  • Automated cell counting with viability assessment

  • PI and thiazole orange staining for live/dead discrimination
     

SERVICES

Fragment Analysis

We provide a range of kits for different sample concentrations and applications:

  • RNA Analysis:

    • Standard sensitivity RNA Kit (5-500 ng/µL)

    • High sensitivity RNA Kit (50-5000 pg/µL)

    • RNA Quality Number (RQN) scoring via PROSize software

  • DNA Analysis:

    • Standard sensitivity Fragment Kit (5-100 ng/µL)

    • High sensitivity Fragment Kit (50-5000 pg/µL)

  • Genomic DNA Analysis:

    • Standard sensitivity Genomic DNA Kit (5-200 ng/µL)

    • High sensitivity Genomic DNA Kit (50-5000 pg/µL)

Full profile reports showing fragment size distribution and quality assessment for downstream workflows (NGS, single-cell, etc.)

Nucleic Acid Quantification (Qubit)

  • Accurate DNA and RNA concentration measurement
  • Essential for proper sample input into sequencing reactions
     

Cell Counting (Luna FL)

  • Total cell counts
  • Live cell counts (PI/thiazole orange discrimination)
  • Viability assessment for single-cell workflows
  • Ensures appropriate targeting of viable cells
StemCore

SAMPLE REQUIREMENTS
 

Sample Format:

  • 1.5 mL microfuge tube
  • Label with black indelible ink: sample name and requestor initials
  • Label must match request form exactly

Volume Required:

  • Fragment Analyzer only: 3 µL
  • Qubit only: 2 µL
  • Fragment Analyzer + Qubit: 5 µL
  • Cell Counting: Performed in person at facility

Storage/Shipping:

  • RNA samples must be shipped on dry ice
  • Label packages as "Perishable"
  • Include completed request form
     

WORKFLOW
 

Local Researchers (Fragment Analysis & Qubit):

  1. Submit request via Idea Elan Infinity (https://secure17.ideaelan.com/uOttawa/Public/applogin.aspx)
  2. Drop off samples Monday-Friday, 9:00am - 4:00pm at StemCore (Room 5132, CCW)
  3. Samples processed first-come, first-served
  4. Results within 2 working days via email (.pdf report)

External Researchers (Fragment Analysis & Qubit):

  1. External Researchers (Fragment Analysis & Qubit):
  2. Email request to ksheikheleslamy@ohri.ca before shipping

  3. Ship via FedEx or Purolator to:
      
      Attention: Katayoun Sheikheleslamy
      StemCore Laboratories
      Ottawa Hospital Research Institute
      Sprott Center for Stem Cell Research
      Room 5132, Critical Care Wing
      501 Smyth Road
      Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1H 8L6

     

  4. Include ethics approval forms if applicable
  5. Results within 2 working days of receipt
     

Cell Counting:

  • Performed in person at StemCore facility
  • Contact Caroline or Katayoun to schedule

Note: Samples are not kept for long-term storage.

PRICING
 

ServiceInternal (OHRI/uO)External AcademicGovernmentIndustry
Fragment Analysis$21$23$27$31
Nucleic Acid Quantification$5$6$7$8
Cell Counting$5`$5#5$5

Note: QC services are often included as part of comprehensive workflow packages (NGS, single-cell analysis, etc.)
 

GETTING STARTED
 

  • Contact:
    • Caroline Vergette, NGS Specialist - cvergette@ohri.ca
    • Katayoun Sheikheleslamy, Single Cell & Spatial Biology Specialist - ksheikheleslamy@ohri.ca