
Genomics Core Facilities in Tanzania
Engineering Excellence & Technical Support
Genomics Core Facilities solutions for Research & Discovery (R&D). High-standard technical execution following OEM protocols and local regulatory frameworks.
Advanced Sequencing Capabilities
Our state-of-the-art genomics core facilities are equipped with next-generation sequencing (NGS) platforms, including Illumina NovaSeq and Oxford Nanopore technologies. This enables high-throughput, accurate, and comprehensive genomic analyses for diverse research applications, from whole-genome sequencing to targeted gene panels and RNA sequencing.
Integrated Bioinformatics Pipeline
We provide a robust and user-friendly bioinformatics pipeline for rapid and efficient data processing and analysis. Our services include raw data QC, alignment, variant calling, gene expression quantification, and advanced statistical analyses, empowering researchers to extract meaningful biological insights from their genomic data.
Expert Consultation & Training
Our dedicated team of genomics scientists and bioinformaticians offers expert consultation services to assist with experimental design, sample preparation, data interpretation, and troubleshooting. We also provide comprehensive training workshops to empower researchers with the skills and knowledge to effectively utilize our genomics resources.
What Is Genomics Core Facilities In Tanzania?
Genomics Core Facilities in Tanzania represent specialized service centers equipped with advanced instrumentation and expertise to provide comprehensive genomic services. These facilities leverage cutting-edge technologies for DNA/RNA sequencing, genotyping, bioinformatics analysis, and related molecular biology techniques. Their primary objective is to democratize access to high-throughput genomic technologies and analytical capabilities, fostering research and development across various sectors within Tanzania and the broader East African region. These cores act as critical infrastructure, enabling researchers, clinicians, and industry professionals to conduct complex genomic investigations that would otherwise be cost-prohibitive or technically inaccessible at an individual level.
| Stakeholder Group | Needs Addressed | Typical Use Cases |
|---|---|---|
| Academic Researchers (Universities, Research Institutes) | Access to advanced sequencing and genotyping technologies, expert bioinformatics support for hypothesis-driven research, grant-funded projects, and manuscript publication. | Disease gene discovery (infectious and non-communicable diseases), population genetics studies, transcriptomic profiling of disease states, agricultural breeding programs, evolutionary biology research, microbiome analysis. |
| Healthcare Providers (Hospitals, Diagnostic Laboratories) | Clinical diagnostics, personalized medicine initiatives, pathogen surveillance and outbreak investigations, pharmacogenomics studies. | Diagnosis of rare genetic disorders, identification of cancer mutations for targeted therapy, rapid identification of infectious agents, antimicrobial resistance profiling, carrier screening. |
| Agricultural Sector (Seed Companies, Government Agencies) | Crop and livestock improvement, disease resistance studies, trait discovery, genetic resource characterization. | Marker-assisted selection (MAS) for desirable traits, identification of genes for drought tolerance or disease resistance in crops, genetic diversity assessment of livestock breeds, development of improved crop varieties. |
| Conservation Biologists and Wildlife Management | Understanding biodiversity, population structure, conservation genomics, wildlife forensics. | Species identification, genetic diversity assessment for endangered species, population connectivity studies, tracing illegal wildlife trade, species recovery programs. |
| Public Health Agencies and Government Bodies | Disease surveillance, outbreak response, public health policy informed by genomic data, national health initiatives. | Tracking the spread of infectious diseases (e.g., COVID-19, malaria), identifying novel pathogens, assessing population susceptibility to diseases, monitoring vaccine efficacy at a genomic level. |
| Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Companies (Emerging) | Drug discovery, target validation, development of diagnostic kits, biomarker identification. | Identifying potential drug targets through transcriptomic studies, developing genetic tests for disease predisposition or treatment response, validating gene function in disease models. |
Key Services Offered by Genomics Core Facilities
- Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) platforms: Including whole-genome sequencing (WGS), whole-exome sequencing (WES), RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq), ChIP-Seq, and amplicon sequencing.
- Genotyping services: Such as SNP arrays, microsatellite analysis, and fragment analysis.
- Library preparation: For various sequencing applications, including paired-end, mate-pair, and single-cell libraries.
- Bioinformatics and data analysis: Including raw data processing, variant calling, transcriptome assembly, differential gene expression analysis, and phylogenetic analysis.
- Genomic DNA and RNA extraction and quality control.
- Consultation and training: Providing expert guidance on experimental design, protocol optimization, and data interpretation.
- Access to specialized instrumentation: Such as qPCR machines, fragment analyzers, and high-performance computing clusters.
Who Needs Genomics Core Facilities In Tanzania?
Genomics core facilities are essential for advancing scientific research and innovation in Tanzania. They provide access to cutting-edge technologies and expertise that are often too expensive or complex for individual labs to maintain. These facilities play a crucial role in enabling researchers to conduct sophisticated genomic analyses, leading to breakthroughs in various fields, including medicine, agriculture, conservation, and public health. By centralizing resources and expertise, genomics core facilities democratize access to advanced technologies, foster collaboration, and accelerate the pace of discovery.
| Customer Type | Relevant Departments/Disciplines | Key Needs/Applications | Potential Impact | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Academic and Research Institutions (Universities, Research Institutes) | Genetics, Genomics, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences, Infectious Diseases, Public Health, Plant Science, Animal Science, Biodiversity and Conservation | Gene sequencing (whole genome, exome, transcriptome), genotyping, gene expression analysis, epigenomics, metagenomics, bioinformatics support, training workshops | Discovery of novel genes and pathways, understanding disease mechanisms, developing new diagnostics and therapeutics, improving crop yields, breeding disease-resistant livestock, characterizing biodiversity | Government Ministries and Public Health Laboratories | Ministry of Health, Ministry of Agriculture, Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH), National Health Laboratory Quality Assurance and Training Centre (NHLQATC), Veterinary Laboratories | Pathogen surveillance and characterization (e.g., for infectious diseases like malaria, HIV, COVID-19, emerging zoonoses), antimicrobial resistance profiling, food safety testing, agricultural pest and disease identification, genomic epidemiology | Enhanced public health response, early detection of outbreaks, improved disease control strategies, reduced economic losses from agricultural threats, policy development based on scientific evidence | Healthcare and Medical Centers (Hospitals, Clinics) | Clinical Genetics, Oncology, Infectious Diseases, Pathology, Pediatrics, Pharmacology | Diagnostic genomics (e.g., inherited disorders, cancer predisposition, pharmacogenomics), pathogen identification and strain typing, personalized medicine initiatives | Improved patient diagnosis and management, tailored treatment plans, reduced adverse drug reactions, enhanced understanding of local disease burden | Agricultural Research and Development Organizations | Crop breeding, animal husbandry, plant pathology, entomology, soil science | Genomic selection for crop improvement (yield, stress tolerance, nutritional value), marker-assisted selection in livestock, identification of pests and diseases, soil microbiome analysis | Development of climate-resilient crops and livestock, increased food security, sustainable agricultural practices, reduced reliance on chemical inputs | Conservation and Environmental Agencies | Wildlife biology, ecology, forestry, fisheries, environmental science | Population genetics for endangered species, genetic diversity assessment, species identification and barcoding, monitoring of environmental contaminants, eDNA analysis | Effective conservation strategies, management of wildlife populations, sustainable resource management, understanding ecosystem health, combating illegal wildlife trade | Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Companies (emerging) | Drug discovery, vaccine development, diagnostics development | Target identification, biomarker discovery, preclinical research, quality control | Development of novel diagnostics and therapeutics relevant to local health challenges, fostering a local biotech industry |
Target Customers and Departments for Genomics Core Facilities in Tanzania
- Academic and Research Institutions
- Healthcare and Medical Centers
- Agricultural Research and Development Organizations
- Conservation and Environmental Agencies
- Government Ministries and Public Health Laboratories
- Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Companies (emerging)
- Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in health and environment
Genomics Core Facilities Process In Tanzania
Genomics core facilities play a crucial role in advancing research and diagnostics in Tanzania. The typical workflow, from an initial inquiry to the final execution of genomic services, involves several key stages. This process is designed to ensure clear communication, efficient sample handling, high-quality data generation, and timely delivery of results to researchers and clinicians. Understanding this workflow is essential for anyone seeking to utilize these valuable resources.
| Stage | Description | Key Activities | Responsible Parties |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inquiry and Consultation | The initial contact point where potential users express interest in genomic services. | Contacting the core facility via email or phone; Initial discussion of research needs; Clarification of available services and pricing. | Researcher/Clinician, Core Facility Staff (e.g., Facility Manager, Scientific Officer) |
| Project Scoping and Planning | Detailed discussion to define the specific research question and experimental design. | In-depth consultation on experimental design; Defining sample requirements (type, quantity, quality); Estimating timelines and costs; Developing a formal project proposal or agreement. | Researcher/Clinician, Core Facility Staff (e.g., Bioinformatics Specialist, Technical Staff) |
| Sample Submission and Quality Control | The physical submission of biological samples to the core facility. | Sample collection and processing by the user; Proper labeling and packaging according to core facility guidelines; Submission forms completion; Incoming sample QC (e.g., DNA/RNA concentration, purity, integrity assessment). | Researcher/Clinician, Core Facility Staff (e.g., Sample Handling Technician) |
| Library Preparation | Converting the biological samples into a format suitable for sequencing or genotyping platforms. | DNA/RNA extraction (if not done by user); Fragmentation; End-repair and A-tailing; Adapter ligation; Amplification; Library pooling. | Core Facility Staff (e.g., Molecular Biologist, Library Prep Specialist) |
| Sequencing/Genotyping | The actual generation of raw genomic data using specialized instruments. | Loading libraries onto the sequencer/genotyping instrument; Running the instrument; Data generation. | Core Facility Staff (e.g., Sequencing Specialist, Instrument Operator) |
| Data Processing and Analysis | Converting raw instrument output into usable genomic data and performing initial analyses. | Base calling and quality filtering; Alignment to a reference genome (for sequencing); Variant calling (for sequencing); Genotype calling (for genotyping); Basic statistical analysis; Quality assessment of raw data. | Core Facility Staff (e.g., Bioinformatics Specialist, Data Analyst) |
| Data Delivery and Reporting | Providing the processed data and a summary of the findings to the researcher. | Data formatting and organization; Generation of a project report (including methods, results, and interpretations); Secure data transfer (e.g., via cloud storage, secure server). | Core Facility Staff (e.g., Bioinformatics Specialist, Project Manager) |
| Post-Analysis Support | Ongoing assistance and consultation after data delivery. | Clarification of data and reports; Troubleshooting of downstream analyses; Collaboration on manuscript preparation; Advice on future experimental designs. | Core Facility Staff (e.g., Bioinformatics Specialist, Scientific Advisor) |
Genomics Core Facilities Workflow in Tanzania
- Inquiry and Consultation
- Project Scoping and Planning
- Sample Submission and Quality Control
- Library Preparation
- Sequencing/Genotyping
- Data Processing and Analysis
- Data Delivery and Reporting
- Post-Analysis Support
Genomics Core Facilities Cost In Tanzania
Genomics core facilities in Tanzania are essential for advancing research in areas like agriculture, infectious disease, and biodiversity. However, the cost of accessing these services can be a significant barrier for many researchers and institutions. Pricing is influenced by a variety of factors, ranging from the specific technology used to the operational overhead of the facility. Understanding these pricing dynamics is crucial for effective budget planning and resource allocation.
| Service Type | Typical Technology | Estimated Price Range (TZS) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| DNA/RNA Extraction | Manual or Automated Kits | 50,000 - 200,000 per sample | Varies by sample type and kit used |
| PCR Genotyping | Standard PCR | 75,000 - 250,000 per sample (for a few markers) | Cost-effective for small-scale targeted analysis |
| Sanger Sequencing | Sanger Sequencer | 100,000 - 300,000 per amplicon | Ideal for sequencing single genes or PCR products |
| Targeted Sequencing (Gene Panels) | Illumina MiSeq/iSeq | 500,000 - 2,000,000 per sample | Depends on panel size and sequencing depth |
| Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) - Low Coverage | Illumina (e.g., MiSeq, HiSeq) | 2,000,000 - 8,000,000 per sample | For general genome-wide surveys |
| Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) - High Coverage | Illumina (e.g., NovaSeq) | 5,000,000 - 25,000,000+ per sample | For in-depth variant analysis, de novo assembly |
| Whole Exome Sequencing (WES) | Illumina (e.g., NovaSeq) | 3,000,000 - 15,000,000 per sample | Focuses on protein-coding regions |
| RNA Sequencing (RNA-Seq) - Transcriptome Profiling | Illumina (e.g., MiSeq, NovaSeq) | 1,000,000 - 10,000,000+ per sample | Depends on sequencing depth and multiplexing |
| Long-Read Sequencing (e.g., PacBio, Nanopore) | PacBio Sequel II, Oxford Nanopore | 10,000,000 - 50,000,000+ per project | Used for complex genomes, structural variants, phasing |
| Basic Bioinformatics Analysis | Standard pipelines | 200,000 - 1,000,000 per project | Includes quality control, alignment, basic variant calling |
| Advanced Bioinformatics Analysis | Custom pipelines, complex analysis | 1,000,000 - 10,000,000+ per project | De novo assembly, annotation, population genetics, etc. |
Factors Influencing Genomics Core Facility Costs in Tanzania
- Type of Genomic Service: Different services have vastly different costs. For example, whole-genome sequencing is significantly more expensive than targeted gene sequencing or genotyping. PCR-based assays are generally the most affordable.
- Sequencing Technology & Platform: The specific sequencing platform used (e.g., Illumina NovaSeq, PacBio Sequel II, Oxford Nanopore) has a direct impact on per-base cost and throughput, influencing overall project pricing. Older or lower-throughput technologies might be cheaper for smaller projects but less cost-effective for large-scale studies.
- Library Preparation: The complexity and number of samples dictate the cost of library preparation. Kits, reagents, and labor associated with preparing DNA/RNA for sequencing are a substantial component of the overall price.
- Sample Type and Quality: The type of sample (e.g., blood, tissue, plant material, environmental DNA) can affect extraction and library preparation costs. Poor quality or low DNA yield may require additional processing steps, increasing expenses.
- Reagent and Consumable Costs: The price of reagents, enzymes, kits, sequencing cartridges, and other consumables are major cost drivers, often fluctuating based on global supply and demand, and import duties in Tanzania.
- Labor and Expertise: The cost of skilled personnel, including bioinformaticians, molecular biologists, and technicians, who perform sample processing, sequencing, and initial data analysis, is factored into service pricing.
- Instrument Maintenance and Depreciation: Core facilities incur significant costs for purchasing, maintaining, and upgrading expensive sequencing instruments. These overheads are amortized across the services provided.
- Bioinformatics and Data Analysis: The level of data analysis required (e.g., raw data output, variant calling, transcriptome assembly, phylogenetic analysis) can greatly impact the final cost. Complex bioinformatics pipelines demand specialized software and highly trained personnel.
- Facility Overhead: This includes costs such as electricity, rent, water, laboratory supplies, administrative support, and waste disposal, which are all factored into the pricing structure.
- Institutional Subsidies and Funding: Some core facilities may be subsidized by their parent institutions, leading to lower prices for internal users. External users or those without such subsidies will generally face higher costs.
- Volume and Scale: Larger projects or long-term service agreements can sometimes benefit from volume discounts, making them more cost-effective per sample or per run.
- Project Complexity and Customization: Highly specialized or custom projects that deviate from standard service offerings will likely incur higher costs due to the increased planning, optimization, and execution time required.
Affordable Genomics Core Facilities Options
Accessing cutting-edge genomics technologies and expertise can be a significant investment. Fortunately, numerous affordable genomics core facilities and strategic approaches exist to make these services accessible to a wider range of researchers and institutions. This document outlines options for affordable genomics core facilities, focusing on the concept of value bundles and detailing various cost-saving strategies.
| Cost-Saving Strategy | Description | Implementation Example |
|---|---|---|
| Shared Resources and Collaborative Cores | Institutions pooling resources to establish shared core facilities, reducing individual institutional investment and increasing equipment utilization. | A university consortium establishes a central genomics core serving multiple departments and affiliated research institutes. |
| Tiered Service Levels | Offering different levels of service, from basic sample processing and sequencing to comprehensive data analysis and interpretation, allowing users to select based on budget and expertise. | A core offers a 'sequencing only' option versus a 'sequencing + basic alignment and variant calling' option. |
| Bulk Purchasing and Discount Programs | Core facilities negotiating volume discounts with reagent and instrument vendors, passing savings onto users. | A core orders large quantities of Illumina sequencing reagents to secure a lower per-lane cost. |
| Standardized Workflows and Protocols | Adopting standardized library preparation and sequencing protocols to improve efficiency, reduce errors, and minimize reagent waste. | Using automated liquid handlers for library preparation to ensure consistency and speed. |
| In-house Expertise vs. Outsourcing | Balancing in-house capabilities with outsourcing specific complex analyses or specialized services to external providers. | A core facility performs all library preparation and sequencing but outsources advanced bioinformatics analysis for rare disease cohorts. |
| Grant Support and Internal Funding | Leveraging institutional grants, service contracts, or internal funding to subsidize core facility operations and reduce per-user costs. | An institution allocates a portion of its research infrastructure budget to support the genomics core. |
| Training and Self-Service Options | Providing training for researchers to perform certain aspects of sample preparation or basic data analysis themselves, reducing labor costs for the core. | A core offers workshops on DNA extraction and library normalization, allowing users to bring prepped libraries. |
| Consortium and Multi-institutional Agreements | Formal agreements between institutions to share access to a core facility, often with preferential pricing for consortium members. | A hospital system and a nearby university collaborate on a shared cancer genomics core. |
| Focus on Specific Technologies | Specializing in particular genomics platforms or applications where the core can achieve high throughput and expertise, driving down costs for those services. | A core facility is optimized for high-throughput single-cell RNA-Seq due to significant investment in that technology. |
| Flexible Pricing Models | Offering per-sample pricing, project-based pricing, or subscription models to accommodate different research scales and budgets. | A core offers a discounted rate for projects exceeding a certain number of samples. |
Value Bundles in Genomics Core Facilities
- {"title":"What are Value Bundles?","description":"Value bundles are pre-packaged service offerings that combine multiple genomics assays or workflows at a reduced price compared to purchasing each service individually. They are designed to provide researchers with a comprehensive solution for common research needs while offering cost efficiencies."}
- {"title":"Benefits of Value Bundles","description":"Bundles often include: a set of library preparation kits, sequencing on a specific platform, and basic data analysis. They simplify ordering, streamline workflows, and leverage economies of scale for the core facility, leading to lower per-sample costs for the user."}
- {"title":"Types of Value Bundles","description":"Common bundles include: Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) packages, Whole Exome Sequencing (WES) packages, RNA-Seq (whole transcriptome) bundles, Chip-Seq bundles, targeted sequencing panels, and single-cell genomics packages. Many facilities offer tiered bundles based on data output, read depth, or analytical complexity."}
- {"title":"Customizable Bundles","description":"Some core facilities offer customizable bundles where researchers can select specific components to tailor the package to their project requirements, providing flexibility and further cost optimization."}
Verified Providers In Tanzania
In the Tanzanian healthcare landscape, identifying truly reliable and high-quality medical providers is paramount for individuals seeking effective and trustworthy care. Franance Health stands out as a leading organization dedicated to ensuring that its network of healthcare facilities and practitioners meet rigorous standards of excellence. This commitment to verification makes Franance Health a superior choice for patients in Tanzania.
| Aspect of Verification | Franance Health's Standard | Benefit to Patients |
|---|---|---|
| Professional Qualifications | Mandatory verification of licenses, degrees, and certifications from recognized institutions. | Ensures treatment is delivered by competent and legally recognized medical professionals. |
| Clinical Experience | Assessment of practical experience and specialization in relevant medical fields. | Provides access to doctors and facilities with proven track records in specific areas of medicine. |
| Quality of Care | Evaluation of adherence to national and international quality and safety protocols. | Guarantees a safe and effective healthcare environment with reduced risk of medical errors. |
| Infrastructure and Equipment | Verification of facilities and medical equipment to meet necessary standards for diagnosis and treatment. | Ensures access to appropriate diagnostic tools and treatment technologies for accurate care. |
| Patient Satisfaction and Feedback | Ongoing monitoring of patient feedback and satisfaction levels. | Promotes a patient-centered approach and continuous improvement in service delivery. |
Why Franance Health is the Best Choice for Verified Providers in Tanzania:
- Rigorous Credentialing Process: Franance Health implements a multi-stage credentialing process that scrutinizes each healthcare provider and facility. This includes verifying medical licenses, certifications, educational background, and clinical experience. This meticulous approach ensures that only qualified and competent professionals become part of their network.
- Commitment to Quality Standards: Beyond basic qualifications, Franance Health assesses providers based on their adherence to established quality of care benchmarks. This involves evaluating patient safety protocols, infection control measures, and the availability of appropriate medical equipment and technology.
- Patient-Centric Approach: Franance Health prioritizes the patient experience. Their verified providers are expected to demonstrate excellent communication skills, empathy, and a dedication to patient-centered care. This means focusing on individual needs and ensuring clear, understandable explanations of diagnoses and treatment plans.
- Continuous Monitoring and Evaluation: The verification process is not a one-time event. Franance Health actively monitors the performance and ongoing compliance of its network providers. This includes gathering patient feedback and conducting periodic reviews to maintain the highest standards of care and address any emerging concerns.
- Access to Specialized Care: Through their verified network, Franance Health facilitates access to a wide range of medical specializations, from general practice to complex surgical procedures. Patients can be confident that they are being referred to experts who are well-equipped to handle their specific health needs.
- Transparency and Trust: By clearly outlining their verification criteria and maintaining a transparent process, Franance Health builds trust with its members. Patients can feel assured that the providers they access through Franance Health have been thoroughly vetted and meet the highest standards of medical practice.
- Improved Health Outcomes: Ultimately, the rigorous verification process undertaken by Franance Health contributes to better health outcomes for patients. By connecting individuals with demonstrably qualified and quality-focused providers, the likelihood of successful treatment and positive recovery is significantly enhanced.
Scope Of Work For Genomics Core Facilities
This document outlines the Scope of Work (SOW) for Genomics Core Facilities, detailing the technical deliverables and standard specifications for various genomics services. It aims to provide a clear framework for service provision, quality control, and expected outcomes. The SOW covers a range of services including sample preparation, library construction, sequencing, and data analysis, with specific technical requirements and quality standards defined for each.
| Service Area | Technical Deliverable | Standard Specification / QC Metric | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sample Preparation & QC | DNA/RNA quantity and quality report | A260/A280 ratio: 1.8-2.1 (DNA); 1.9-2.2 (RNA); DNA integrity (RIN > 7 for most applications); RNA integrity (RIN > 8 for most applications) | Concentration and purity are critical for downstream library preparation. |
| Library Construction (e.g., Illumina) | Library DNA concentration and size distribution | Concentration > 10 nM (post-purification); Peak insert size within specified range (e.g., 300-500 bp for paired-end, 150-200 bp for single-end); Library yield meeting project requirements | Library quality directly impacts sequencing efficiency and data quality. |
| Library Construction (e.g., PacBio) | SMRTbell library concentration and expected insert size | Concentration > 5 nM (post-purification); Expected insert size distribution as per application (e.g., >10 kb for HiFi long reads) | Specific requirements for long-read library preparation. |
| NGS Sequencing (Illumina) | Raw sequencing data (FASTQ files) | Minimum sequencing depth/coverage as per project requirements (e.g., 30x for WGS, 100-200x for exome, 50-100M reads for RNA-Seq); Raw read quality (Phred score > Q30 for >80% bases) | Platform-specific metrics (e.g., cluster density, read length accuracy) will be monitored. |
| NGS Sequencing (PacBio) | Raw sequencing data (BAM/FASTA/FASTQ files) | HiFi read accuracy > 99.9%; Sufficient read length for intended application (e.g., >10 kb for structural variant detection) | Data quality metrics for long-read sequencing. |
| Data Analysis (Basic) | Quality Control report of raw sequencing data | Per-base quality score distribution, adapter content analysis, duplication rate, GC content distribution | Tools like FastQC, MultiQC will be utilized. |
| Data Analysis (Basic) | Aligned reads (BAM/SAM files) and variant calls (VCF files) for WGS/Exome | Alignment quality metrics (e.g., mapping rate > 95%), variant call quality metrics (e.g., Ti/Tv ratio, SNP/indel distribution) | Standard bioinformatics pipelines will be employed. |
| Data Analysis (Basic) | Normalized gene expression counts/TPM values for RNA-Seq | Number of genes detected, distribution of expression levels, correlation between replicates (if applicable) | Downstream analysis requires appropriate normalization. |
| Data Delivery | Organized and well-documented data package | Data organized by sample/project, inclusion of metadata, README files explaining data format and analysis steps | Secure and timely data transfer methods (e.g., FTP, cloud storage). |
Key Genomics Services Covered
- Sample Preparation and QC
- Library Construction for Various Applications (e.g., Whole Genome Sequencing, RNA-Seq, ChIP-Seq)
- Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) Platform Utilization
- Data Generation and Raw Data Delivery
- Basic Data Analysis and Quality Assessment
- Bioinformatics Support and Consultation
Service Level Agreement For Genomics Core Facilities
This Service Level Agreement (SLA) outlines the response times and uptime guarantees for the Genomics Core Facilities. It aims to ensure consistent and reliable access to our services for all users.
| Service Category | Response Time Target | Uptime Guarantee | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instrument Scheduling Inquiries | Within 4 business hours | N/A | For questions regarding instrument availability and booking procedures. |
| Technical Support (Hardware/Software) | Within 8 business hours | 95% | For issues affecting instrument operation or core facility software. |
| Data Access/Retrieval | Within 24 business hours | 98% | For requests related to accessing processed or raw data stored by the core. |
| Computational Resource Availability | N/A | 99% | Applies to shared computing clusters and servers used for data analysis. |
| New Project Consultation | Within 2 business days | N/A | For initial discussions about project scope, experimental design, and feasibility. |
| Assisted Data Analysis | Within 3 business days (initial response) | N/A | For requests requiring guidance or direct assistance with data analysis pipelines. Follow-up times will vary by complexity. |
Key Service Commitments
- Response times are measured from the initial contact or submission of a request.
- Uptime guarantees apply to the availability of core facility instruments and computational resources.
- Exclusions to uptime guarantees include scheduled maintenance, planned upgrades, and events beyond the direct control of the Genomics Core Facilities (force majeure).
- User-induced issues or delays in providing necessary information may impact response times and are not covered by this SLA.
- Communication regarding planned downtime will be provided with at least 48 hours' notice.
Frequently Asked Questions

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