Submitting protein samples contained in SDS-PAGE gel slices
Submitting gel slices containing protein bands for identification is very easy. Please take a minute to read the following instructions:
1. Whenever possible, take a picture of the gel before cutting out gel slices. On the picture, clearly mark the bands or spots of interest that will be cut out from the gel.
2. Cut out the bands using clean tools (scalpels, Pasteur pipettes, etc.) on a clean, dust-free surface. Whenever possible, the gel slices should be no larger than 2x5 mm. Please cut closely, removing "empty" regions around the band.
3. Place the gel slices in plain 1.5 ml non-lubricated Eppendorf tubes (open a new package of tubes to minimize keratin contamination). Please remove any excess liquid from the tubes. Label the tubes.
4. Fill out the sample submission form. Please make sure that the sample identification number or name on the tubes matches the number or name on the sample submission form. When filling out the price column in the sample submission form, please refer to our price list.
5. Mail the tubes containing samples along with sample submission form and the image of the gel to the address below. Gel slices can be mailed in a regular padded envelope without ice if shipped by overnight mail.
Please download the gel slice sample submission form in PDF format here.
Sorry, we do not accept radioactive samples.
Submitting protein samples in solution
If you are planning to submit protein samples in solution, please email or call us at 913-522-7611 to discuss your project prior to preparing and sending the samples.
Protein solutions should not contain any detergents or denaturing agents. Please complete the buffer composition section of the sample submission form as accurately as possible. Protein solutions should be shipped on dry ice.
Please download the sample submission form for proteins in solution here.
Sorry, we do not accept radioactive samples.
Minimizing keratin contamination
Unless the samples were prepared in a keratin-free environment, it is almost impossible to avoid keratin contamination, but this can be minimized by using the following precautions:
-Use reagents of good quality (low-grade SDS often contains large amounts of keratin).
-Pre-clean all equipment used for running and staining the gel to eliminate any dust.
-Handle the gel with gloves.
-Use freshly opened packages of Eppendorf tubes and pipette tips to minimize dust contamination.
Midwest Bio Services, LLC
6520 W. 110th Street Suite 100
Overland Park, KS 66211
(913) 522-7611