Penn State College of Medicine’s Genome Sciences Facility has issued updates to its procedures for sample drop-off and equipment use in light of COVID-19.
The following information was provided to facility users.
Dear colleagues,
There is an ongoing conversation on how the genomics core at Penn State College of Medicine is being affected by the evolving situation with COVID-19. At this time, we are trying to keep all services available to you. In order to encourage social distancing, we ask you all to send an email request to GenomeSciences@pennstatehealth.psu.edu for consultations. We will schedule a phone or Zoom meeting as needed.
For QC sample drop-off, nothing changes, with drop-off boxes as usual – RNA in the -20C freezer, DNA in the 4C refrigerator.
For project submission, email GenomeSciences@pennstatehealth.psu.edu before bringing the samples. We are now implementing a modified procedure for submission as follows:
- For RNA, use the same -20C freezer, but drop the samples in the box labeled “RNA project submission box.” We will retrieve them and store them in the -80C freezer as soon as we can. Please label every sample with the project number assigned.
- For DNA, use the 4C refrigerator and drop samples in the box labeled “DNA project submission box.” We will retrieve them and store them in the right location as soon as we can.
We are regularly cleaning open access equipment including Qubit, NanoDrop, centrifuges and the qPCR setup. If you wish to clean these surfaces before your use, we have bleach and ethanol solutions available. If you utilize our open-access equipment, please be respectful of the recommended six feet distancing practice. Staggered staffing will be implemented, and some staff members will be teleworking, so if you have a question for one or all of us, email GenomeSciences@pennstatehealth.psu.edu.
Thank you,
Genome Sciences