FAQ
Do you perform service XYZ?
We are always working on new projects and optimizing workflows, so our list of services offered is always changing. Please reach out to us at genomics@dal.ca to see what we can do for you!
How do I submit my samples to the Genomics CORE?
If you're a local user you can just walk over to the lab (LSRI-N109) and drop off your samples.
If you're not local please reach out to us at Genomics@Dal.ca and we will walk you through the sample submission process.
Do you offer bioinformatic and data analysis services?
We do! Please reach out to us at genomics@dal.ca to discuss your potential options regarding general data analysis and extended reporting/analysis options.
Do you take international samples?
Yes we do, you can contact us at Genomics@Dal.ca to arrange shipping.
What does service XYZ cost?
Every project is different, we have carefully curated cost-models that are always changing based on the fluctuating costs of reagents and the designs of different types of experiments. Please reach out to us at Genomics@Dal.ca for accurate costing of your project or if you are just curious, or you need the information for a grant proposal.
Do you perform DNA/RNA Extractions?
We do. We can extract from many sample types including but not limited to :-
- Saliva
- Tissue (Fresh or frozen)
- FFPE blocks
- Blood (whole and buffy coat)
- Cultured cells in Trizol
What read depth do I need for RNA-Seq?
This is a tough question, and varies from project to project. It's common to start at the low end if you're new to RNA-Seq. Once we make your library it can be run multiple times to add more reads as needed with just a new flow cell being purchased. Here's a rough guide to how many reads per sample you might need.
| Million reads/sample | |
| 1-5M | miRNA-Seq or Small RNA Analysis. |
| 3M | Targeted RNA Expression. |
| 5-25M | Gene Expression profiling for quick snapshot of highly expressed genes. |
| 30-60M | Global gene Expression profiling with some alternative splicing. |
| 100-200M | In-depth transcriptome for looking for new transcripts. |
How long should my reads be for RNA-Seq?
Here's a rough guide to read length
Gene expression / RNA Profiling – Quantifying the coding transcriptome typically requires a short single read (often 50–75 bp) to minimize reading across splice junctions while counting all RNAs in the pool.
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Transcriptome Analysis – Novel transcriptome assembly and annotation projects tend to benefit from longer, paired-end reads (such as 2 x 50 bp or 2 x 150 bp) to enable more complete coverage of the transcripts and identification of novel variants or splice sites. Paired-end reads are required to get information from both 5’ and 3’ ends of RNA species with stranded RNA-Seq library preparation kits.
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Small RNA Analysis – Due to the short length of small RNA, a single read (usually a 50 bp read) typically covers the entire sequence. A read length of 50 bp sequences most small RNAs, plus enough of the adapter to be accurately identified and trimmed during data analysis.
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What depth of sequencing do I need for an exome?
Read depth is determined by the number of samples loaded onto a single flow cell. Each flow cell has a set amount of nucleotides, and they can be divided by the number of samples. For example you could run 12 samples at 30X or 4 samples at 90X on the same flow cell.
You might use 30X to maximise samples on a flow cell and lower the cost per sample, whereas you might want 100X if you're looking for rare variants.
You can contact us at Genomics@Dal.ca and we'll work with you to maximize the numbers of samples you can run.
Can I book equipment in the Genomics Core?
Yes you can. The CORES facilities operate as fee-for-service and use DalMedix online application for scheduling and billing equipment usage.
Principal Investigators with Dal funding accounts can find more information on how to register in Internal Users ReadMe document and all other users including Dal PI wanting to use external accounts please refer to External Users ReadMe document.
Please complete the form and email it to Cores.
Do you run libraries prepared outside the Genomics Core lab?
Yes we do. You can send us your pre-prepared library, we'll do a QC check and load onto our Illumina NextSeq 2000.