After you have decided on the parameters of your sequencing experiment — read length, single-end vs. paired-end reading, and depth — please follow the following steps to submit your samples and retrieve your results.

Next-generation sequencing sample submission checklist

1. Check sample requirements
2. Prepare samples and documentation
3. Complete the online project submission form
4. Submit your samples
5. Access your data
6. Pick up your samples

Step 1: Check sample requirements

We strive to deliver desired results with all of our services. Our success rate is close to 100% with our total RNA & mRNA services. The preferred sample inputs indicated below are what we would like to receive for standard processing. Please opt for the PREFERRED requirements unless you cannot meet the criteria. If you have samples that are within BELOW MINIMUM requirements, they may still have a chance to produce good results and we gauge this from experience. Please be aware that you will have to try this at your own risk and we will release the data as is, we are not responsible for poor data quality from samples below minimum requirements. The table below indicates our sample input requirements.

Columbia University users can use the Bioanalyzer/TapeStation service in the Molecular Pathology Shared Resource, located in the Lasker Biomedical Research Building, Room 350B.

Step 2: Prepare samples and documentation

Please adhere to the following guidelines when preparing your samples for submission.

Documentation

Download and complete our Sample Form.

If you are submitting a Self-Prepared Library, please fill out our Self-Prepared Library Form.

Send the form(s), along with the PDF of your Bioanalyzer Report, to genome@columbia.edu. 

Label your samples

All samples must be labeled clearly and follow the Columbia Genome Center’s naming convention. If your first name Joe and your PI's first name is Susan, please name your samples SJ001, SJ002, SJ003, etc.

No two projects from the same customer should have identical sample identification numbers. Please ensure that each of your projects uses never-used, unique ID's.

Pack your samples

When packing your samples, use 1.5 mL microcentrifuge tubes. (Use nuclease-free water or DEPC-treated water for RNA.) The tubes must be clean and well labeled.

If you send your samples by FedEx, they must be parafilmed and packed in secondary containers and then in enough dry ice to stay frozen for 72 hours. We reserve the right to return at your cost any sample submissions that are not neatly packaged, labeled correctly, and frozen, or are otherwise confusing.

Step 3: Complete the online project submission form

You must complete this online submission form to submit your project. Samples will only be accepted after this form has been completed. Sample names must comply with the Genome Center's naming convention. (See "Label your samples," above.)

Step 4: Submit your samples

Schedule your drop-off

Please email genome@columbia.edu to schedule your drop-off.

Drop-off and shipping address

Please review the FedEx holiday schedule and the Columbia University Medical Center holiday schedule to make sure that your samples will be delivered without delay.

JP Sulzberger Columbia Genome Center 
Genome Sequencing and Analysis 
Mary Woodard Lasker Biomedical Research Building 
3960 Broadway, Room 208 (entrance on W. 166th St.) 
New York, NY 10032 
Drop-off hours: Monday–Friday, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Package delivery: Monday-Friday, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Contact telephone: 212-305-1464

We welcome US and international clients. Send the FedEx email notifications to: genome@columbia.edu. 

Step 5: Access your data

Once your sequencing is complete you will receive a link via our ticketing system to download your data. The release link is valid for one month. After this time the data will be archived. If you need to access archived data, a $300 fee will be applied to cover the Genome Center's cost to re-release the data.

Step 6: Pick up your samples

At the same time you receive the link to your data, you will also be notified to pick up any remaining sample material from the Columbia Genome Center. We will hold your samples for one week after project completion. Visit our Scheduling page to arrange a time to retrieve your samples. 

Questions?

Please see our Frequently Asked Questions page.