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GRCF Upcoming EventsThe GRCF Biorepository & Cell Center was established in 1989 as a core resource to produce immortalized cell lines from human blood (EBV transformations). Continued success has enabled the lab to open its doors to the Hopkins community at large and to expand its services to include cryogenic storage in an on-site biorepository, bioprocessing such as mammalian cell culture and blood processing and domestic / international bioshipping. In 2013 the GRCF Biorepository & Cell Center proudly received the international recognition of CAP (the College of American Pathologist) Accreditation. This voluntary program demands that a laboratory go well beyond acceptable quality and regulatory compliance measures to help achieve the highest standards of excellence in our services. Our mission in the GRCF Biorepository & Cell Center is to bring high quality, cost effective services to investigators throughout the Johns Hopkins scientific community.
Director of the GRCF and Director of the Biorepository: Melissa V. Olson, Ph.D.
Dr. Melissa Olson, Director of the GRCF and Director of the Biorepository has more than 15 years of cell culture and biorepository experience. She oversees the activities of all the divisions of GRCF. In addition she oversees the GRCF Biorepository staff and ensures that long-term cryogenic storage are handled in a timely and expert manner. In addition, she offers assistance to faculty in the design and implementation of projects involving maintenance or storage of cultured cells.
Director of the Cell Center: Kakali Sarkar, Ph.D.
Dr. Sarkar has more than 20 years of Cell and Molecular Biology experiences. She has been responsible for overseeing Cell Center’s bioprocessing activities across a range of areas including Clinical research support services, cell line expansion and cryopreservation, establishment of cell lines to meet productivity, quality goals and timeliness of the deliverables. She serves as Cell Center’s representative to clinical and basic research scientist to shape solutions according to their project needs. Additionally, she aids faculty for initiating 10X Genomics single cell RNASeq service and to facilitate the workflow through the pipeline.
Biorepository Coordinator: Patrick Catterson
Bioprocessing Expert Staff : Karen Horner
Bioprocessing & Biorepository Staff: Randy Guertin and Jonathan Juba
Location and hours of operation
Hours: Mon - Thurs: 8:30am - 5pm, Same day processing drop off by 2pm
Fri: 8:30am - 4:30pm, Same day processing drop off by 12pm
Service Location: Blalock 1001A
Mailing Address: GRCF Biorepository & Cell Center
Johns Hopkins Medical Institutes
600 N. Wolfe Street
Blalock 1017
Baltimore, MD 21287
General Phone: 410-614-5201
Email Contacts: biorepository@jhmi.edu
bioprocessing@jhmi.edu
bioshipping@jhmi.edu
| Name | Role | Phone | Location | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Melissa Olson, PhD |
Director of the GRCF & Director of the Biorepository
|
410-955-6327
|
mvolson@jhu.edu
|
|
| Patrick Catterson |
Biorepository Coordinator
|
410-955-3320
|
biorepository@jhmi.edu
|
|
| Karen Horner |
Bioprocessing Expert Staff
|
410-955-3320
|
bioprocessing@jhmi.edu
|
|
| Kakali Sarkar |
Director of the Cell Center
|
410-614-5201
|
ksarkar4@jhmi.edu
|
|
| Randy Guertin |
Biorepository & Bioprocessing Staff
|
410-955-3320
|
bioprocessing@jhmi.edu
|
|
| Jonathan Juba |
Biorepository & Bioprocessing Staff
|
410-955-3320
|
bioprocessing@jhmi.edu
|
| Services & Pricing |
| ► 10X Genomics Chromium (3) | |||
| Name | Description | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10X Genomics Chromium Cell Isolation/ Library Preparation External Academy | Inquire | ||
| 10X Genomics Chromium Cell Isolation/ Library Preparation External Academy - greater than 1 | Inquire | ||
| Cell Count / Viability- 10x Genomics Support | Inquire | ||
| ► Biorepository Fees (2) | |||
| Name | Description | Price | |
| Liquid Nitrogen |
LN2 as supplied for the cryocart or other use, charged by the liter |
Inquire | |
| Supplementary Hourly Fee | Inquire | ||
| ► Blood Processing (13) | |||
| Name | Description | Price | |
| A - Lymphocyte Isolation |
Lymphocyte isolation and cryopreservation. Lymphocyte separation. Cell count. Viability determination. Cryopreservation of whole blood (1ml). Cryopreservation of 1-4 vials (@5x10E6 each) of non-transformed lymphocytes @5x10E6cells.Database entry for all aliquots. |
Inquire | |
| B - (A) + Transformation |
Fresh WB Transformation and T25 flask. Lymphocyte separation. Cell count. Viability determination. Cryopreservation of whole blood (1ml). Cryopreservation of 1-4 vials (@5x10E6 each) of non-transformed lymphocytes @5x10E6cells. Transformation of fresh lymphocytes with Epstein-Barr virus.Cryopreservation of 2 vial of (transformed) lymphoblasts @5x10E6cells. Database entry for all aliquotes. Allow 4 weeks for completion. |
Inquire | |
| C - (B) + Additional Vials and Hold |
Fresh WB Transformation and hold. Lymphocyte separation. Cell count. Viability determination. Cryopreservation of whole blood (1ml). Cryopreservation of 1-4 vials (@5x10E6 each) of non-transformed lymphocytes @5x10E6 cells. Transformation of fresh lymphocytes with Epstein-Barr virus. Cryopreservation of 4 vials (transformed) lymphoblasts @5x10E6 cells. Database entry for all aliquots. Allow4-5 weeks for completion. |
Inquire | |
| D - (B) + Bulk |
Fresh WB Transformation with bulk growth. Lymphocyte separation. Cell count.Viability determination. Cryopreservation of whole blood (1ml). Cryopresarvation of 1-4 vials (@5x10E6 each) of non-transformed lymphocytes @5x10E6cells.Transformation of fresh lymphocytes with Epstein-Barr virus. Bulk growth (1x10E8) of transformed cells. Cryopreservation of 4 vials of (transformed) lymphoblasts @5x10E6 cells. Database entry for all aliquots. Allow 6-8 weeks for completion. |
Inquire | |
| E - Plasma Isolation (3 aliquots) |
Isolation and cryopreservation of plasma. Plasma is separated by centrifugation, recovered in a sterile manner. Cryopreservation of 3 vials (0.5 -1 ml/vial) and banked at -80C (additional storage charges apply). Database entry for all aliquotes. |
Inquire | |
| F - Sera Isolation (3 aliquots) |
Isolation and cryopreservation of sera. Sera is separated by centrifugation, recovered in a sterile manner.Cryopreservation of 3 vials (0.5 -1 ml/vial) and banked at -80C (additional storage charges apply). Database entry for all aliquots. |
Inquire | |
| G - Initial Growth + Transformation |
Thaw and transformation of lymphocytes w/EBV. Culture to 5x106 cells/ml, suitable for cryopreservation of 2 vial transformed lymphocytes. Allow 4 weeks for completion. |
Inquire | |
| H - (G) + Additional Vials & Hold |
All services listed in (G), plus 2 additional cryopreserved vials of transformed lymphocytes (at 5x106 cells/ml) (Total 4). Allow 4-5 weeks for completion. |
Inquire | |
| I - (G) + Bulk |
All service in (E), plus culture to 1x108 cells/ml suitable for DNA analysis (cell pellet). Allow 6-8 weeks for completion. |
Inquire | |
| J - T25 Flask + Replacement vial |
Culture suitable for T25 pick up and cryopreservation of 1 replacement vial (@ 5x10^6 cells/ml). Allow 3-5 for completion. |
Inquire | |
| K - Bulk + Replacement vial |
Culture to 1x108 cells/ml suitable for DNA analysis (cell pellet) and cryopreservation of 1 replacement vial (@5x10^6 cells/ml). Allow 2-3 weeks for completion. |
Inquire | |
| WB Aliquoting |
Alliquoting of Whole Blood- per sample. |
Inquire | |
| Monocyte Isolation |
Monocyte isolation and cryopreservation. Lymphocyte & Monocyte separation. Cell count. Viability determination. Cryopreservation of whole blood (1ml). Cryopreservation of 1-4 vials (@5x10E6 each) of non-transformed monocytes @5x10E6cells. Database entry for all aliquots |
Inquire | |
| ► Cell Culture (22) | |||
| Name | Description | Price | |
| Cell Line Distribution Expand &CryoPreserve |
5 x 10^6 cells/vial cryopreserved |
Inquire | |
| Contamination Culture Test |
Growth of culture for 14 days with visual inspection of contamination |
Inquire | |
| Fresh Cell Culture Aliquots |
Aliquoting of cells, sera/plasma or other biological agents (per aliquot) |
Inquire | |
| Fresh Tissue: Fibroblast Establishment |
Establish primary cells from skin biopsy. Prepare frozen stocks @ 5x10E6 cells each of established cell lines. |
Inquire | |
| Frozen Cell Line: Expansion & Pellet Preparation |
Cell culture expansion of established cell line, cryopreservation of replacement vial @5e6 cells/ml and Cell Pellet Preparation. Culture to 10e8 cells suitable for DNA analysis. |
Inquire | |
| Frozen Cell Line: Adherent Roller Bottle |
Growth of an established adherent cell line in a 1 liter roller bottle |
Inquire | |
| Frozen Cell Line: Adherent T150 / T175 |
Growth of an established adherent cell line in a T150/T175 flask |
Inquire | |
| Frozen Cell Line: Adherent T25 |
Growth of an established adherent cell line in a T25 flask |
Inquire | |
| Frozen Cell Line: Adherent T75 |
Growth of an established adherent cell line in a T75 flask |
Inquire | |
| Frozen Cell Line: Expansion |
Growth of established cell lines in tissue culture flasks. Price per vial |
Inquire | |
| Frozen Cell Line: Suspension Roller Bottle |
Growth of an established suspension cell line in a 1 liter roller bottle |
Inquire | |
| Frozen Cell Line: Suspension T25 |
Growth of established suspension cell lines in T25 flask |
Inquire | |
| Frozen Cell Line: Suspension T300 |
Growth of established suspension cell line in a T300 flask |
Inquire | |
| Frozen Cell Line: Suspension T75 |
Growth of established suspension cell lines in a T75 flask |
Inquire | |
| Frozen LCL: Replacement Trans & 10e8 Pellet |
Subsequent bulk growth. Bulk growth (1x10E8 cells) of a transformed established cell line. Cryopreservation of cell pellet or 20 vials of transformed lymphoblasts. Allow approximately 2-3 weeks for completion. |
Inquire | |
| Frozen LCL: Replacement Trans & Flask |
Subsequent growth. T25 flask (5x10E6 cells) of a transformed cell line. Allow approximately 3-5 days for completion. (Replacement of initial vial) |
Inquire | |
| Frozen PBMC: Transformation 2 vials and/or Flask |
Subsequent transformation and T25 flask. Transformation of frozen lymphocytes with Epstein-Barr virus. Cryopreservation of 2 vial of (transformed) lymphoblasts @5x10E6 cells. Database entry for all aliquots. Allow 4 weeks for completion. |
Inquire | |
| Frozen PBMC: Transformation 4 vials and 10e8 Pellet |
Subsequent transformation with bulk growth. Transformation of cryopreserved lymphocytes with Epstein-Barr virus.Bulk growth (1x10E8) of transformed. Cryopreservation of 4 vials of (transformed) lymphoblasts @5x10E6 cells. Database entry for all aliquotes. Allow approximately 6-8 weeks for completion. |
Inquire | |
| Frozen PBMC: Transformation 4 vials and/or Flask. |
Subsequent transformation and hold. Transformation of frozen lymphocyteswith Epstein-Barr virus. Cryopreservation of 4 vials of (transformed) lymphoblasts @5x10E6 cells. Database entry for all aliquots. Allow 4-5weeks for completion. |
Inquire | |
| Frozen Trans: Cell Pellet |
Preparation of cell pellet (100,000,000 cells) |
Inquire | |
| Frozen Trans: Frozen Re-stock |
Prepare frozen stocks @ 5x10E6 cells each of established cell lines. |
Inquire | |
| Preparation of Cryopreserved vial |
Cryopreservation of cells (already expanded) for storage in LN2/ vial |
Inquire | |
| ► Cells for Distribution (4) | |||
| Name | Description | Price | |
| Cell Line Distribution Start Up |
Less than 5/month expected |
Inquire | |
| Cell Line Distribution Start up |
Less than 10 / month |
Inquire | |
| Cell Line Distribution Start up |
Less than 20/month |
Inquire | |
| Minimum New Cell Line Deposit |
Cell line deposit: 5 lines, no distribution |
Inquire | |
| ► Fees (7) | |||
| Name | Description | Price | |
| Frozen Cell Line: Attempt Fail Fee |
FAIL Attempt for expansion after three attempts at service request completion are made (or less if requested by researcher) |
Inquire | |
| Supplementary Hourly Fee | Inquire | ||
| Start-up Supplies Fee |
Supplies needed for modified protocol |
Inquire | |
| Fresh WB: Attempt Fail Fee |
FAIL Attempt for Transformation after three attempts are made (or less if requested by researcher) to complete transformation. |
Inquire | |
| Incoming Specimen Contamination |
Specimen contaminated upon receipt |
Inquire | |
| Specialized Processing Fee |
Defined dates and times for patient sample processing: including technician monitoring of critical processing time points, refrigerated centrifuge, and aliquoting on ice with snap freezing.
|
Inquire | |
| Consultation Fee |
Individual consultation/lab or biosafety cabinet cleaning available by appointment. We are available to help with various cell culture issues and/or problems. Fees are based on hourly rates. |
Inquire | |
| ► Fluidigm C1 (3) | |||
| Name | Description | Price | |
| DNA -IFC Single Cell Genomics |
Cell quantitation, loading & QC imaging using Fluidigms C1. Includes: stPreAmp IFC, DNA IFC (size specific), cell counts and size measurements, tube control, images of wells |
Inquire | |
| mRNA-IFC Single Cell Genomics |
Cell quantitation, loading & QC imaging using Fluidigms C1. E Includes: stPreAmp IFC, mRNA IFC (size specific), cell counts and size measurements, tube control, images of wells |
Inquire | |
| qPCR- IFC Single Cell Genomics |
Cell quantitation, loading & QC imaging using Fluidigms C1. Includes: stPreAmp IFC (size specific), cell counts and size measurements, tube control, images of wells |
Inquire | |
| ► Outside Services (4) | |||
| Name | Description | Price | |
| RNA Isolation |
Isolation of RNA from cultured cells by FAF |
Inquire | |
| Mycoplasma Test |
Mycoplasm Test after completion |
Inquire | |
| DNA Isolation |
DNA Isolation by FAF |
Inquire | |
| C1 Product Qauntitation by PicoGreen |
PicoGreen as assessed in FAF core. |
Inquire | |
| ► Repository Support Services (5) | |||
| Name | Description | Price | |
| 9 x 9 Cryo Storage Box |
Purchase of a 9 x 9 Cryo Storage Box, suitable for long term storage. |
Inquire | |
| Envelope + Dry Ice |
Purchase of Envelope + Dry Ice for Customer Biospecimen Transport |
Inquire | |
| Specimen Transfer Fee |
Administrative form fee for transfer of sample aliquots from Originating Principal Investigator to a recipient PI (JHMI or outside). |
Inquire | |
| Labeling Printing |
Generation of labels based on File |
Inquire | |
| CryoCart Rental (per 1 hour) |
User and PI must sign CryoCart/Cryogenic Liquids User Responsibility Agreement prior to use of CryoCart. |
Inquire | |
| ► Shipment Box (3) | |||
| Name | Description | Price | |
| Small Foam Shipping Box |
Package UN3373 Small 6lb Box 11"x9"x7" Please email biorepository@jhmi.edu to inquire about purchasing |
Inquire | |
| Medium Foam Shipping Box |
Package UN3373 Medium 20lb Box 14"x14"14" Please email biorepository@jhmi.edu to inquire about purchasing |
Inquire | |
| Large Foam Shipping Box |
Package UN3373 Large 60lb Box 24"x16"x16" Please email biorepository@jhmi.edu to inquire about purchasing |
Inquire | |
| ► Shipment Dry Ice (4) | |||
| Name | Description | Price | |
| 6lb Dry Ice |
6lb Dry Ice |
Inquire | |
| 20lb Dry Ice |
20lb Dry Ice |
Inquire | |
| 60lb Dry Ice |
60lb Dry Ice |
Inquire | |
| Dry Ice (by the pound) |
Use Dry Ice Request Form at top of page for purchasing Dry Ice_per 1 pound |
Inquire | |
| ► Shipping Charges (3) | |||
| Name | Description | Price | |
| FedEx Shipping |
FedEx Charges |
Inquire | |
| Biospecimen Shipment Service |
Shipment of biological specimens not stored within the biorepository. |
Inquire | |
| WorldCourier Shipping |
WorldCourier Charges |
Inquire | |
| ► Storage (5) | |||
| Name | Description | Price | |
| Annual Cryogenic Storage - Vial Rate |
Yearly Storage per vial July 1- June 30 coverage Total charge initiated in July for investigators with less than 500 samples. |
Inquire | |
| Quarterly Cryogenic Storage - Vial Rate |
Quarterly storage per vial For Investigators with >500 samples |
Inquire | |
| Specimen Retrieval |
Sample Retrieval. Removing 1 vial from the liquid nitrogen freezer or minus 80 freezer. |
Inquire | |
| Specimen Disposal |
Disposal with Certificate of Discard |
Inquire | |
| Blood Spot Storage |
Cost per card |
Inquire | |
