The cost varies with number of templates submitted, the number of distinct primers to be used, the type of sequencing chemistry requested, and whether or not RUSH service is requested.

1. If sequencing of exactly 95 sample templates is requested in a single order, AND templates are provided in a single 96-well plate* or in 12 PCR strip tubes (8/strip) with strip caps* (a sequencing standard will be run in the one empty well), AND the Big Dye terminator chemistry with dITP is requested, AND and all templates are sequenced with the same primer (any number of primers can be used as long as all templates are sequenced with all primers), AND all templates are submitted at the time that the order is placed, AND the template names are provided to the Facility in an electronic (i.e., E-mail or diskette) format (in addition to the standard hard copy form), then the cost per sequencing reaction is $7.⁰⁰. This cost includes the sequencing reaction, electrophoretic fractionation, and transfer of data to a computer file. If you submit any number greater than 95 templates in a single order, then the cost of sequencing the individual templates beyond 95 (or any multiples thereof) is $8.⁰⁰, as long as there are no more than 95 templates in a single plate and all templates are placed so as to minimize the number of columns whose wells contain templates and all templates are sequenced with the same primer(s). For example, the cost of sequencing 96 templates would be (95 X $7 + 1 X $8). The cost of 125 templates would be (95 X $7 + 30 X $8). (If you are not sure of the instructions, ask!)
   
   
2. If greater than or equal to 48 sequencing reactions are requested in a single order, AND templates are provided in a single 96-well plate* or the minimum number of PCR strip tubes (8/strip) with strip caps*, AND templates are placed in sample wells so as to minimize the number of columns whose wells contain template (to facilitate transfer with an 8-channel pipettor), AND the Big Dye terminator chemistry with dITP is requested, AND the number of primers is two or less, AND templates are grouped in columns on the microtiter plate by primer to be used, AND all templates are submitted at the time that the order is placed, AND the template names are provided to the Facility in an electronic (i.e., E-mail or diskette) format (in addition to the standard hard copy form), then the cost per sequencing reaction is $8.⁰⁰. This cost includes the sequencing reaction, electrophoretic fractionation, and transfer of data to a computer file. (If you are not sure of the instructions for distributing templates across the microtiter wells, ask!)
   
   
3. If the conditions in parts 1,2 are not met, then the cost of sequencing Big-Dye-terminator-with dITP reactions in one direction is $12.^00.
   
   
4. The cost for Big-Dye-terminator-with-dGTP reactions is $14.⁰⁰ per reaction; there is no volume discount for this type of reaction.
   
   
5. The cost for dRhodamine-terminator reactions is $16.⁰⁰ per reaction; there is no volume discount for this type of reaction.
   
   
6. Frequently, template sequencing is completed within six working days, but this is subject to variation and is determined by the number of samples previously submitted. For a limited number of samples, the DNA Sequencing Facility will provide a special RUSH service for Big-Dye-terminator reactions. With this service, results will be provided within 72 hours (excluding weekends and University holidays) of receipt of template(s). The cost per sequencing reaction is $21.⁰⁰ for reactions with dITP or dGTP. There is no RUSH service for dRhodamine reactions. Please check by E-mail (dnaseq@umbi.umd.edu) with the DNA Sequencing Facility before submitting RUSH samples.
   
   
7. If you wish the DNA Sequencing Facility to retrieve your lost data, you must provide the following information: 1) user name, 2) PI name, 3) date order was placed, and 4) sample name. For sequences retrieved within 30 days of order completion, the cost is $5.⁰⁰ for up to 10 sequences and $0.⁵⁰ for each additional sequence. For sequences retrieved after 30 days of order completion, the cost is $5.⁰⁰ for up to 5 sequences and $1.⁰⁰ for each additional sequence. Retrieved data will be placed on a user-provided, IBM-formatted diskette. (See also item8 below.)
   
   
8. The cost of a hard copy chromatogram is an additional $1.⁰⁰ per sequencing reaction.
   
   
9. Accepted forms of payment are by Internal Service Request (= ISR, USM only), credit card (anywhere), and check (anywhere). Neither Electronic Fund Transfers (= EFT) nor Blanket Purchase Orders are accepted. Prices are subject to change. For further questions about billing, contact the CBR business office (phone: 301-405-1581).
   
   * Relatively cheap 96-well PCR plates plus seal-plate film can be purchased in bulk from MED Supply Partners (www.medsupplypartners.com). PCR plate, 96-well, full-skirt 25/cs, product no.: 01-627PCR, ~$45.⁵⁰ 2.0ml seal-plate film, polypro, sterile, 100/pk, ~$33.⁰⁰ OR AlumaSeal II, seal-plate film, 100/pk, ~$44.⁰⁰. Strip tubes and caps can be purchased from Fisher Scientific. 0.2mL microcentrifuge 8-tube strips without caps, 125/pk, cat. no. 05-407-2A, ~$94.¹⁶. 8-cap strips for 0.2mL microcentrigure tubes, 300/pk, cat. no. 05-407-4A, ~$83.⁰¹.

Further billing instructions: For those with University accounts, charges will be billed to the FRS number indicated on the Request-for-Services form. For those paying by credit card, orders must be preauthorized and signed by the cardholder. Signed authorizations can be sent by FAX directly to the DNA Facility at (301) 314-7140. Charges will be billed to the credit card as incurred, and an invoice itemizing the charges will be sent to the cardholder. Sequencing charges will appear on the credit card statement under the vendor "CBR Laboratory Services." To assist you with tracking orders, a billing reference field has been added to the order form.