Core Policies

  • UTILIZING CORE SERVICES

    All Core services begin with an initial inquiry and quote with estimated costs. For some services, like sequencing in the Illumina HiSeq 2500, a Submission Form must be filled. This form contains sample information, contact information, and an account number to bill. Upon completion of service, user’s account is invoiced for the appropriate amount

  • PAYMENT

    Once the service has been provided, an invoice is generated using the FBS system. With this automated invoicing system, all invoices are processed on the 18th of each month, and the PI will receive an email with details. Then, the PI’s account is automatically charged. With FBS, requisition forms and/or POs are no longer needed.

  • SAMPLE STORAGE

    There is no specific policy about samples or libraries storage. Usually these are stored in the freezer, but old samples may be discarded at Core’s personnel discretion. If you want to keep your sample and/or library, please tell us when you bring it, and make sure to come pick it up after the service is done.

  • EXTERNAL USERS

    Researchers outside USC are also welcome to use our services. To compensate for overhead expenses, we are required to charge a fee of 15% to all external academic users. In the case of industry users, the external fee is 63%.

  • DATA TRANSFER

    There are several ways to transfer the sequencing data. Please contact the Core personnel to figure out what is the best option in your case.

  • DATA STORAGE

    For obvious reasons, we highly recommend that you make backup copies of the sequencing data. That said, the Illumina sequencer is connected to the USC Digital Repository, where all data is transferred in real time during the sequencing run, and then stored in the Isilon File Server Storage (rapid access) for 6 months. After 6 months, the data is transferred to the Tape Preservation Storage (not-so-rapid access) for up to 2 years. After 2 years, no warranty is given that the data will be stored. If you want to keep all raw data from your run, please contact the Core personnel.