Sample Submission Guidelines


Sample Extraction

Other than our own sample extraction products, which can be found at www.omegabiotek.com, Omega Bioservices does not recommend any specific product or procedure for extraction and purifying DNA and RNA. Labs should use the methods already in place that successfully provide purified DNA and RNA for other molecular biology applications. If quality issues do arise, we are happy to consult to provide effective solutions for any sample type.

Please note that Omega Bioservices offers a complete line of sample extraction services for any clinical or environmental sample type. Because we understand that quality DNA/RNA in equals quality NGS data out, we prefer to take full control of sample quality from the beginning to the end of the NGS process. We offer very cost-effective pricing on our sample extraction services, especially for large NGS projects. Please contact us for more information.

 

Nucleic Acid Extraction Submission Guidelines

Sample Type Storage Condition* Quantity Recommended Shipment Method
Culture Cell Snap frozen cell pellet > 1×106  cells Dry Ice (O/N Priority Shipping)
Animal Tissue Snap frozen tissue 30~100 mg Dry Ice (O/N Priority Shipping)
Whole Blood Fresh blood in EDTA tube 2 mL Blue Ice
Frozen blood in EDTA tube 4 mL Dry Ice (O/N Priority Shipping)
Frozen blood in PAXgene tube up to 2.5 mL Dry Ice (O/N Priority Shipping)
Frozen blood in Tempus Blood RNA Tube up to 3 mL Dry Ice (O/N Priority Shipping)
Bodily Fluids Snap Frozen plasma / serum 500 µL (gDNA), 500-10,000 uL (cell free DNA) Dry Ice (O/N Priority Shipping)
Plant Snap Frozen (wet tissue) 50 mg (wet tissue) Dry Ice (O/N Priority Shipping) for wet tissue
Room Temperature (dry tissue) 15 mg (dry tissue) Room Temperature for dried tissue
FFPE Room Temperature 4 slides at 10um per slide Room Temperature
2 – 4 curls / tube
Saliva 2~8 ‘C > 1 mL Blue Ice
Stool/Buccal Swabs Snap frozen 30~100 mg Dry Ice (O/N Priority Shipping)
Culture Bacteria 2~8 ‘C up to 1 X 109 cells Blue Ice
Environmental Samples (Soil) Frozen 0.5 – 1 g Dry Ice (O/N Priority Shipping)
Environmental Samples (Water) Frozen >50 mL Dry Ice (O/N Priority Shipping)
* For RNA extraction, we strongly recommend storing the samples immediately in RNA stabilization reagent (RNA-Lock, RNALater, Trizol etc.) to avoid RNA degradation.
## For samples type that not covered in this document, please inquire with our Project Management / Customer Support team at service@omegabioservices.com

 

RNA Submission Guidelines

Sample Type** Input for Lib Prep Recommended Quantity Recommended Concentration Minimum Quantity Minimum Concentration Quality Buffer, Shipment Method
RNA-Seq (poly-A selection, mRNA) Standard input 500 ng > 20 ng/µL 100 ng > 5 ng/µL OD 260/280 >2.0, RIN>7.0

No degradation,

No contamination

RNA in RNase-free water or RNA Stabilization Reagent, Ship with dry ice
Low input 20 ng > 2 ng/µL 10 ng > 0.5 ng/µL
RNA-Seq (ribosomal RNA depleted) Standard input 500 ng > 20 ng/µL 100 ng > 5 ng/µL Recommended DV200>50%; Acceptable DV200>30%

No contamination

Low input 20 ng > 2 ng/µL 10 ng > 0.5 ng/µL
RNA Exome (RNA Access) Standard input 50 ng (Fresh/Frozen Samples) > 5 ng/µL 10 ng > 1 ng/µL Recommended DV200>50%; Acceptable DV200>30%
100 ng (FFPE Samples) > 2 ng/µL 20 ng > 0.5 ng/µL
Small RNA-Seq Standard input 1 ug > 50 ng/µL 200 ng > 20 ng/µL OD 260/280 >2.0, RIN>7.0
Low input 20 ng > 2 ng/µL 2 ng > 0.5 ng/µL
Ultra-Low Input RNA (SMART-Seq v4) Standard input 10 ng RNA or ~1000 intact cells N/A
Low input 1 ng RNA or 10~100 intact cells
Viral RNA-Seq (COVID-Seq) Standard input (viral RNA extract kit) 8.5 uL Viral RNA elution Ct < 30 (from a COVID diagnostic test) N/A
** DNase treatment is required in the RNA isolation procedure for complete DNA removal.
## For samples type that not covered in this document, please inquire with our Project Management / Customer Support team at service@omegabioservices.com

 

Genomic DNA Submission Guidelines

Sample Type** Input for Lib Prep Recommended Quantity Recommended dsDNA Concentration Minimum Quantity Minimum Concentration Quality Buffer, Shipment Method
Whole Genome Sequencing(Large Genome) Standard input 100 ng  > 2.5 ng/µL 25 ng > 2 ng/µL OD 260/280: 1.8~2.0; DIN>8.0
No degradation,
No contamination
Elution Buffer or DNase-free Water, Ship with dry ice
Low input 10 ng  > 1 ng/µL 5ng > 0.5 ng/µL
PCR-free Prep 5 ng >50 ng/uL 2 ug > 20 ng/µL
Whole Genome Sequencing(Small Genome) Standard input 50 ng  > 2.5 ng/µL 10 ng > 1 ng/µL Recommended DIN>6.0; Acceptable DIN>5.0
No degradation,
No contamination
Low input 10 ng  > 1 ng/µL 2.5ng > 0.5 ng/µL
PCR-free Prep 2 ng >25 ng/uL 1 ug > 10 ng/µL
Whole Exome Sequencing(Illumina Exome Panel, 45Mb) Standard input 100 ng  > 10 ng/µL 50 ng > 5 ng/µL OD 260/280: 1.8~2.0, DIN>7.0; FFPE DNA compatible
No degradation,
No contamination
Low input 25 ng  > 2 ng/µL 10 ng > 1 ng/µL
Whole Exome Sequencing (Agilent All Exon V8, 35.1 Mb) Standard input 3 ug  > 25 ng/µL 1.5 ug > 10 ng/µL OD 260/280: 1.8~2.0, DIN>7.0
No degradation,
No contamination
Low input 200 ng  > 10 ng/µL 100 ng > 5 ng/µL
Targeted Metagenomics (16S/ITS rRNA) Standard input 20 ng  > 2 ng/µL 12.5 ng > 1 ng/µL Recommended DIN>7.0; Acceptable DIN>5.0
Low input 5 ng  > 0.5 ng/µL 2.5 ng > 0.2 ng/µL
Targeted Cancer Genomic Panels Amplicon-based Kit 20 ng  > 2 ng/µL 10 ng > 1 ng/µL Recommended DIN>7.0; Acceptable DIN>5.0
Enrichment-based Kit 50 ng  > 5 ng/µL 25 ng > 2 ng/µL
Targeted Disease Focused/Custom Panels Amplicon-based Kit 20 ng  > 2 ng/µL 10 ng > 1 ng/µL Recommended DIN>7.0; Acceptable DIN>5.0
Enrichment-based Kit 50 ng  > 5 ng/µL 25 ng > 2 ng/µL
Library for Sequencing only Standard input >15 uL > 10 nM >10 uL >4 nM Single peak in the tape trace, without adapter/primer dimer
## For samples type that not covered in this document, please inquire with our Project Management / Customer Support team at service@omegabioservices.com

 

Shipping Guidelines

  1. Write sample names at the top and the side of each tube with black permanent marker. Sample names on the tube must match with Sample Submission Form. Sample name must begin with alphabet and in maximum of 16 alphanumeric characters or underscore. Failure to follow instructions may delay sample processing.
  2. To avoid crushing by dry ice or other packing materials, we highly recommend placing the sample tubes in a container such as a 50ml tube or other type of sample box (for example, Cryo Freezer Box). Cotton or absorbent papers can be used to prevent tubes from moving inside the container.
  3. Seal the tubes (with Parafilm) and plates (Aluminum Plate Seal) to prevent leakage, sample evaporation, and cross-well contamination. Omega Bioservices is not responsible for leakage or damage of samples during shipment.
  4. Please refer to your quotation/submission guidelines for the sample requirements. Any sample failing to follow the sample requirements may risk processing delays. Omega Bioservices will dispose of or destroy the Material and any intermediate products after 60 days post-completion of the Service. Omega Bioservices doesn’t return samples unless both parties reach an agreement before the project starts.
  5. DNA can be shipped in several forms depending on the customer needs. We have received and successfully worked with DNA shipped in the following manners: dried out in the DNA binding columns/Eppendorf tubes/plates, spotted on filter paper, suspended in the Elution Buffer, water or TE buffer, and shipped at either ambient temperature, cold packs, ice, or dry ice.
  6. RNA is best shipped on dry ice; however, RNA can also be shipped at ambient temperature when suspended in our E.Z.N.A. RNA Transport buffer. This is beneficial for our international customers that might anticipate a delay in the shipping process.
  7. For international shipping, non-biohazard declaration will be required. For specific samples type, like plant, a special import permit will be required and will take 4- 8 weeks for USDA processing.
  8. Please enclose the Sample Submission Form with the project ID and a copy of the signed quote in your shipment to avoid delay of your orders. On the Sample Submission Form, please notate the storage/transportation buffer used for the shipment (if applicable.)
  9. An electronic copy of the Sample Submission Form, ESSF (formatted as an Excel file) must be sent to the project manager before shipping samples; samples that arrive without ESSF may be delayed for processing. Samples should be shipped to:

ATTN: Sample Receiving

Omega Bioservices

1420 Oakbrook Dr

Norcross GA 30093-2243

Phone contact is: +1 404-665-2166

Email: service@omegabioservices.com

 

  1. Alert the project manager >/=24hr before shipping the samples and send the tracking number once it has been generated. Once received, the project manager will inform you of the arrival condition and whether documentation is needed.
  2. Omega Bioservices highly recommends that you choose FedEx priority overnight or international express shipping. and please schedule shipments to arrive between Monday and Thursday. Please avoid weekend or holiday delivery.
  3. Omega Bioservices does not currently accept any samples above biosafety level 2. Omega Bioservices reserves the right to accept or reject the submission of any Infectious Sample at its sole discretion. Any > BSL 2 Infectious Sample submitted shall be immediately destroyed or returned.
  4. Unless otherwise specified, clients are responsible for all shipping charges.
  5. Omega Bioservices workflows and guidelines are subjects to change without notice.