Sample Submission

Orders and Estimates

We use the Stratocore PPMS platform to collect billing information.  We ask new users to create an account and collect the information we need in the process.  This process is only to collect information and you will NOT be able to log into PPMS afterwards*.  Please direct requests for estimates and confirmation of orders to NTC staff via email.

 * Only HMS cores whose users need physical access to the core sponsor external users for a Harvard ID which is necessary to login to PPMS after account creation *

NTC Account Request Page

Instructions for PPMS Account Creation

After you have reviewed and approved your estimate, let us know and we will place the order for you in our system.

Review User Agreement

Please review our terms of service and return a signed copy of the appropriate user agreement via email.  Academic and Non-profit agreements may be signed informally by the user themselves or their PI.  Commercial agreements must be legally signed by both parties.

>>> Please review the agreement

Submitting Samples

Option 1:  Drop-off (local users)

Please email us to arrange a time to drop off your samples.  The core is located in the HMS C-building room 307.  Users with Harvard IDs can bring samples directly to our lab.  For other local users, we can meet you outside the HMS-C / TMEC connector security entrance on the Quad side.  Please see the map below.

NTC Location

Before dropping off samples please review the following:

  1. Have you approved the project estimate?
  2. Have you submitted an electronic copy of your sample manifest and cell count information?
  3. Are your tubes clearly labeled?
  4. Have you arranged a dropoff time?

Unexpected lab visitors can be disruptive to our work. We ask that users come to the core only at their scheduled drop-off time. The core cannot take responsibility for samples left without notice.

Packaging Instructions

  1. Pack samples in a styrofoam box with enough dry ice to last several hours.
    1. If submitting more than ~8 samples, it's helpful for us if the samples are organized in a box
  2. Label the package with your name.
  3. Please call the lab 617-432-1361 when you're outside and core staff will meet you either at our lab or outside as arranged.
  4. We'll store your samples in our -80C freezer and put your project in our construction queue

Option 2:  Shipping

Please let us know when you plan to ship your package and provide us with the tracking number.  Pack with plenty of dry ice and ship overnight.  We suggest shipments be sent on Mondays or Tuesdays to ensure packages are not in transit close to a weekend.  In winter months, storms can delay shipping so please check the weather in advance and avoid shipping if there is a major storm.  

General Shipping Tips
  • Pack samples with plenty of dry ice.  
  • Ship via overnight service.
  • Ship Mon-Wed to avoid the risk of the shipment getting delayed over the weekend.
  • Please let us know the package is coming and send us the tracking number or have the carrier send us status updates.
International Shipping Tips
  • Customs delays can occur unpredictably.  Check your paperwork carefully before consiging your package for shipment and call the company later to confirm.
  • Let us know the tracking information as soon as you have it in case we need to contact the local offices of the carrier.
  • Biotech/Pharma logistics services, which will refresh dry ice en route, are the surest way to ship samples safely but they are extremely expensive to use.

 

Ship to the address below:

Nascent Transcriptomics Core
Harvard Medical School
240 Longwood Ave.
C-Building, Room 307
Boston, MA 02115
617-432-1361