Instruments and Services

The Nebraska Biobank utilizes liquid handling robots, plate readers, as well as extraction machines to offer researchers as many services as possible. The biobank staff has knowledge and expertise in many areas including sample management, molecular extractions, and other wet lab bench work. The Nebraska Biobank also offers wet lab space in which investigators can process specimens.

Biorepository

The biobank offers deidentified Serum, Plasma, and Whole Blood samples to researchers within the University of Nebraska System. The repository utilizes liquid handling robots, Tecan Freedom Evo 100 and 200, to confirm subject consent and sample aliquoting.

DNA/RNA Isolation

Utilizing an automated extraction instrument, the KingFisher Flex, the biobank can extract DNA and RNA from a variety of sample types including whole blood, saliva, soil, and tissue. The lab staff has years of DNA/RNA isolation experience to ensure proper isolation.

PBMC Isolation

Utilizing the lab skills of the staff, the biobank is able to offer PBMC isolations. This procedure is done by hand and not on a machine.

(-80°C) Freezer Storage

The biobank offers sample management services for researchers on campus. The biobank owns multiple (-80°C) freezers in which we can rent space to researchers. These freezers are on alarm and monitored 24/7. The biobank staff will take care of any freezer issues that arise to ensure integrity of the samples.

Sample Management

Sample management is a large burden for many researchers. This service takes the weight off the researcher and their staff. The biobank will keep a running inventory in which the researcher has access. This biobank will label any vials that need labeled and store them at the appropriate temperature until the researchers requests them.

Wet Lab Support

The biobank staff are skilled in many laboratory techniques. This allows for the staff to support researchers without wet lab space in which to conduct research. The biobank supports many clinical trials with this service as well as academic research on campus.

Shared Resource Laboratory

This core operated by the Nebraska Biobank offers wet lab space to researchers that do not currently have any. This laboratory contains basic wet lab equipment including pipettes, a centrifuge, and a biosafety hood.