Research and laboratory capabilities
The techniques we work with, and how they fit together into a workflow.
Core capability areas
- Molecular biology
- Nucleic-acid handling, amplification and verification, combined into coherent experimental workflows.
- PCR and RT-PCR
- Assay set-up with replicates and controls, and review of amplification data and quality indicators.
- Cell-based assays
- Plate-based and cell-culture experiments that measure biological responses, planned with controls.
- Protein purification
- Purification and analysis workflows that take a crude sample toward a characterised preparation.
- Electrophoresis
- Gel-based separation of proteins and nucleic acids, with documented imaging and interpretation.
- Experimental workflows
- Protocols defined in advance, with controls, replicates and records kept as the work proceeds.
- Laboratory research support
- Procedures, technical assistance and methodology guidance for research and project work.
Laboratory workflow
Every project follows the same path from material in to interpreted result out.
Sample
Receipt, handling and documentation of the material to be analysed.
Molecular analysis
Extraction, amplification, purification or assay set-up using the right molecular method.
Experimental workflow
Defined protocols with controls and replicates, recorded as the work proceeds.
Data
Raw outputs gathered and organised: amplification curves, gel images, plate readings.
Interpretation
Results reviewed against controls and the question being asked, with limits stated.
Reading the data
In a real-time PCR run, each sample produces an amplification curve. The cycle at which a curve crosses the detection threshold, read alongside the controls, is what we interpret and report, together with the limits of what the run can show.