Frequently Asked Questions

• 17a-OH-Progesterone – Human, Mouse and Rat – ALPCO, ELISA
• ACTH – Human – Immulite, Automated Chemiluminescence
• AMH – Human – ANSH, ELISA
• AMH – Mouse and Rat – ANSH, ELISA
• Androstenedione – Human – ALPCO, ELISA
• Corticosterone – Mouse and Rat – MP Biomedicals, RIA
• Cortisol, Serum – Human – Immulite, Automated Chemiluminescence
• C-Peptide – Human – Immulite, Automated Chemiluminescence
• CRP: High Sensitivity – Human – Immulite, Automated Chemiluminescence
• DHEA – Human – ALPCO, ELISA
• DHEA-SO4 – Human – Immulite, Automated Chemiluminescence
• Estradiol – Human – MP Biomedicals, RIA
• Estradiol – Mouse and Rat / Cell Culture Media / Tissue Homogenate – ALPCO, ELISA
• Free T4 – Human – Immulite, Automated Chemiluminescence
• FSH – Human – Immulite, Automated Chemiluminescence
• FSH – Mouse and Rat – IN-HOUSE, RIA
  • part of Multiplex LH/FSH, Flow Cytometry
  • Ultra-Sensitive FSH IN-HOUSE, ELISA
• Glucose – Human, Mouse and Rat – Analox, Glucose Oxidase
• Growth Hormone – Human – Immulite, Automated Chemiluminescence
• HCG – Human – Immulite, Automated Chemiluminescence
• IGF-1 – Human – Immulite, Automated Chemiluminescence
• Inhibin-A – Human – ANSH, ELISA
• Inhibin-A –Mouse and Rat – ANSH, ELISA
• Inhibin-B – Human – ANSH, ELISA
• Inhibin-B –Mouse and Rat – ANSH, ELISA
• Insulin – Human – Immulite, Automated Chemiluminescence
• Insulin – Mouse and Rat – EMD Millipore, ELISA
• Kisspeptin – Human – BMA Biomedicals, ELISA
• LH – Human – Immulite, Automated Chemiluminescence
• LH – Mouse and Rat – IN-HOUSE, RIA
  • part of Multiplex LH/FSH, Flow Cytometry
  • Ultra-Sensitive LH IN-HOUSE, ELISA
• Progesterone – Human – Immulite, Automated Chemiluminescence
• Progesterone – Mouse and Rat / Cell Culture Media / TissueHomogenate –  IBL, ELISA
• Prolactin – Human – Immulite, Automated Chemiluminescence
• SHBG – Human – Immulite, Automated Chemiluminescence
• Testosterone – Human – Immulite, Automated Chemiluminescence
• Testosterone – Mouse and Rat / Cell Culture Media / Tissue
  Homogenate – IBL, ELISA
• TSH – Human – Immulite, Automated Chemiluminescence

Characterizations for other species will need to be discussed with the Director of the Core, Dr. Dan Haisenleder, 434-982-3675 or 434-243-6683.

A B-User is an investigator that is associated with one of the Fertility and Infertility Branch (FIB) supported centers. There is a list of the FIB supported centers on this website. A C-User is an investigator that is not associated with one of the FIB supported centers. When you complete and submit the Financial Data Form, you will identify yourself to us as either a B-User or a C-User.

Singlet testing means the sample is run in one tube or well. You receive a single result. Duplicate testing means the sample is run in two tubes or wells. The two results are averaged and the %CV is calculated for the two results.

The prices listed on the website are singlet prices. If you order duplicate testing, multiply the singlet price by two.

On the available test menu, minimum sample volumes for singlet and duplicate testing are listed. If you want to order more than one test on a particular sample, you need to make sure there is enough sample volume provided to pipette all tests ordered. For example, if you are ordering 3 tests in singlet on the same sample and each test has a singlet minimum volume of 60 uL, then the tube should have a minimum volume of 180 uL. If sample volume is going to be an issue, please prioritize the order of testing. In addition, please alert us on the request form as to whether the samples can be diluted if necessary.

• Results for RIAs are scanned and attached to an e-mail.
• Results for assays run on the Immulite and for ELISAs are sent in an Excel format as an attachment in an e-mail.

When samples are shipped by FedEx, Priority, Overnight they will be delivered to a delivery hub approximately by noon (inclement weather can affect air travel). The package(s) will be signed for by someone at the delivery hub. The package(s) will be delivered to the lab generally between 3 PM and 4 PM

If samples are shipped on Thursday for Friday delivery there is always the chance that something may go wrong – i.e. weather affecting flights, etc. As a general rule, no one is in the lab over the weekend. Samples shipped Thursday for Friday delivery that are not delivered on Friday usually show up in the lab on Monday – no dry ice left and samples thawed.

When an investigator wants to ship samples on a Monday, a call or e-mail on the Friday beforehand allows the lab staff to “schedule” the delivery for Tuesday (ship Monday for Tuesday delivery). The investigator’s name is hand written on the calendar for Tuesday. When the FedEx shipment is delivered on Tuesday, the list of “scheduled” deliveries is compared to what is actually delivered. If an investigator’s scheduled samples do not arrive, the investigator will be contacted and asked to start the tracking process. One day advance notice of intent to ship is sufficient.

Having the samples sequentially numbered helps us be more efficient checking the samples in when they arrive, lining the samples up in preparation for pipetting, and identifying the samples for data reduction. Sequential numbering does not always have to start at the number 1. Example: shipment #1 could be samples #1 through #30 and shipment #2 could be samples #31 through #60. If you have your own identifying information on the samples from the experiment, please create a table that cross references sequential numbers to your experiment identifiers. Please send a copy of this table with the samples and keep a copy for your records. Remember to label the samples with the sequential number using a Sharpie marker or adhesive dots that can be used with dry ice. See example of a cross referencing table below:

Yes, it matters. Please do not ship samples in plastic bags. It is very common for the dry ice to cause the plastic to split, allowing samples to mix in with the dry ice. We ask that investigators ship samples in a fiberboard box with removable insert or a plastic box with permanent insert.

No, there is no “rush” charge available. If you know you are working on a tight deadline, please plan sample shipment accordingly. It is also helpful if you let us know on the request form if you are on a tight deadline and we will try to accommodate accordingly.

For Mouse and Rat FSH and LH IN-HOUSE Assays: approximately every 4 weeks we iodinate FSH and LH which are used for both the Mouse and Rat assays. Generally, the first two weeks after the iodination, both
FSH and LH assays are run. When you can expect your results depends on when your samples arrive in relation to the iodination and how many samples are already in the queue. On average, you can expect results within 4 to 6 weeks.

For most RIA, ELISA and Immulite assays, depending on the arrival of your samples in relation to the number of samples already in the queue and availability of kits, you can expect your results within 3 to 4 weeks.

Multiplex LH/FSH testing is done less frequently. We try to batch the samples to be as cost effective as we can to keep the cost to you as reasonable as possible. When you can expect your results depends on when your samples arrive in relation to how many samples are already in
the queue. On average, you can expect results within 4 to 6 weeks.

Go to the “Methods” section of this website to view kit information listed by manufacturer. For “inhouse” procedures (MRLHS, MRFSH, USMRFSH and USMRLH), read a brief description of the required reagents.

After all testing is completed on a batch of samples, they are held for approximately one additional month, then discarded. Freezer space is precious.

Yes. We can ship your samples back to you. On the request form, under “Special Instructions” state that you want the samples returned to you. Provide both a shipping address and a FedEx Account number.

Each ELISA assay has a unique set of standards and controls which take up (on average) 18 to 22 of the 96 wells on a plate. The remaining wells are used for unknown samples. If you send in more samples than will fit on one ELISA plate, we need to know how to “split the samples across plates”. Always write this information on the request form under the “Special Instructions” section. Below is a chart with the number of available wells: