Staff-Run Sequencing

Users must have an LS DIV Domain account and must register for a Sequencing Account before submitting samples.

Reservations and Costs

All sample slots must be reserved on the web signup page prior to submission. Samples that haven’t been scheduled will not be loaded.

Reservations are accepted in increments of 8 samples, also referred to as a slot (1 slot = 8 samples). We offer a discounted price of for full plates (96 samples = 12 slots). This discount will be applied automatically when you reserve 12 slots at one time. See our full price list.

Sample Labeling and Submission

Samples may be submitted in 0.2ml tubes or plates. Please use a plate that is compatible with the sequencer (for example, VWR part #83009-676). The samples can be capped, parafilmed or scotch taped to prevent evaporation and spills. Taped or parafilmed tubes are preferred. We do not suggest wrapping the tubes into aluminum foil as it is a problem to unwrap them. The length of exposure to light will not significantly diminish the signal.

Each submitted strip tube or plate must be clearly labeled so that the order of samples and domain account name of the user are legible. Label strip tubes with the first 4 letters of your account name as indicated below. Also label the first and last tube in a strip with the sample number. Please always label the tubes and not the caps. The caps will be removed upon placement in the machine and the proper orientation can be lost.

Samples must be dropped off at the Sequencing Facility (NWL room B239) before 5pm of the loading day.

Data Retrieval

Sequence data from each sample are in a proprietary-format file containing a four-color electropherogram. The files also contain various information regarding the strength of the signal, sequence data in text format, etc. Once the samples have been analyzed, the resulting data files are transferred to the user’s folder.

Usually, the sequenced data will be put in your folder by 11am. This folder is only a temporary storage place – please move the data to your own permanent storage within 24 hours of receiving it. Data left in users' folders longer than 30 days will automatically be deleted.

Getting your files from the server:

This method can only be used from a computer in Northwest, Biolabs, Fairchild, or Bauer.

PC:
Go to Start, Run and type \\rcfs1.rc.fas.harvard.edu\dna
Drag your files from this folder to your local drive
Verify that the local copies of the files are readable.

Mac:

This only works for OS X 10.3.9 and above.
Hit Apple-K and enter smb://rcfs1.rc.fas.harvard.edu
Select the DNA folder, log in and open your subfolder.
A server volume icon with Microsoft’s logo should appear on your desktop.
Double-click to open it, and drag your sequencing files to your local drive.
Verify that the local copies of the files are readable

Getting your files by HTTPS or FTPS:

This method can be used from any computer with an internet connection.
You will need to use your Active Directory (RC) username and password to authenticate.

HTTPS:

Point your web browser to https://data.rc.fas.harvard.edu
Log in using the format domain\username and your password.
Open your subfolder and click on files to open or save them.
This will only allow you to open/save a single file at a time.

FTPS:

Use an FTP client such as CoreFTP (freeware).
Under Site Manager, enter the following parameters:
Host: data.rc.fas.harvard.edu
Enter your username and password in the proper fields.
Port: 990
Connection: FTPS (SSL DIRECT)
Click "Connect".
Browse for your data in the folder in the lower right field.
Browse for the desired destination on in the lower left field.
Drag files from the right hand field to the left hand field to copy them from the data folder to your computer.