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Baylor NIAID Luminex Core: Facility
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Baylor Institute for Immunology Research (BIIR) is devoted to the translation of basic immunology discoveries (the bench) to the clinical arena (the bedside). The ample institutional resources reflect this focus and are housed within a 44,000 square foot state of the art research facility completed in 1998. All of the equipment needed for the proper handling of human specimens, cell culture and molecular biology are available.
The Luminex facility consists of 1 Bio-Plex Luminex-100 station, computer workstation, vacuum manifold, rapid orbital shaker and associated supplies. Though the equipment has been at the institute for three years as part of a DARPA contract, the Luminex core facility was established as such when BIIR was designated in September 2003 as a NIAID Center for Translational Research on Human Immunology and Biodefense, which contributes some support to core personnel. The facility is staffed by a director and one full time technician who runs samples and processes data at a rate of 8 plates (320 samples) a week. Space has been set aside by the BIIR director to significantly expand the Luminex core facility. The room includes space for a Class II-A B3 biosafety cabinet (6'), an internet connected computer workstation with barcode reader/ printer, TECAN Freedom EVO 200 Robotic Sample Processor (RSP), and Two Bio-Plex Luminex-100 stations. Core space also includes a sink and 1.25 standard lab bench units which is split into two physically and functionally separate areas, the first for sample receipt and the second for sample processing.
The sample reception area includes space for the barcode capable computer workstation for registration of incoming samples and pre-run database logging of sample freezer location. The sample processing area, including the biosafety cabinet, will be used for rack loading of samples and reagents for subsequent robotic dilution and processing. The integration of the robotic sample processing and Luminex analysis stations, form the backbone of the core facility and allow for high-throughput screening of incoming samples with a level of accuracy and reproducibility unattainable with human manipulation. It is the experience of the core, consensus in the field, that pipetting and sample handling errors represent the greatest, consistent limitation of accurate, large volume Luminex sample processing. Nearby space has also been set aside for two -80°C freezers and two 4°C refrigerators for the timely storage of reagents and samples.
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