Serology and Diagnostics
High Throughput Facility
University of Ottawa
High Throughput Serology Assays
(and More)
Our mainstay is the detection and measurement of antibodies in blood samples. We also provide viral pathogen molecular diagnostics, fee-for-service dried blood spot processing, and support for grant writing or manuscript preparation.
Assay Development and Design
Need to design a new assay? Our team welcomes opportunities to develop new serological assays. We are uniquely situated to adapt protocols to the high throughput platform. Assay development for respiratory synctical virus and influenza is underway. If you have a large cohort you wish to assess for anti-viral immunoglobulins, contact us about running assays on our automated platform in order to make the most of your samples.
ELISA-Based Serology
Assay | SARS-CoV-2 Antigens | Isotypes | Sample Types | Sample Dilutions | Data Provided |
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ELISA | Spike Receptor Binding Domain of Spike Nucleocapsid | IgG IgA IgM IgG subtypes* | Serum Plasma Dried Blood Spot | 1-3 | IgG titers in WHO-calibrated IU IgG, IgA, IgM titers Seroprevalence Calls |
Neutralization* | Ancestral Delta Omicron (BA.1, BA.4/BA.5, XBB.1.5, EG.5, JN.1) | N/A | Serum Plasma Dried Blood Spot | 1 or 5 | Single Point % Inhibition Multi-point ID50 |
* currently on SARS-CoV-2 Spike only
Includes:
Sample Handling
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Thorough sample receiving and quality control processes to verify samples have arrived in good order
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Documented plating and tracking of biosamples
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In-house punching of dried blood spot samples
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Secure, short-term storage in dedicated 4°C, -20°C and -80°C space​
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Sample quality assessment and quality reporting
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Data Management
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Longitudinal data normalization
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Data analysis and quality control
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Report seroprevalence estimates and titer measurements
Molecular Diagnostics
Our facility is equipped with real-time and automated digital droplet PCR platforms, and can develop molecular diagnostics for detection of various pathogens
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To date, we have assayed more than 9,000 samples for SARS-CoV-2 infections
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Automated liquid handlers can be equipped for high throughput RNA extraction and PCR setup
Dried Blood Spot Processing
Need assistance with processing dried blood spots for your own assay? Our expert team can assist.
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Our flexible platform allows:
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Multiple punches per well
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Duplicate plate punching
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3mm or 6mm sized punch discs
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Sample tracking
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Packaging and return of punched samples in a sealed 96-well plate
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QC of sample integrity and quantity
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(Optional) Return of punching images
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Collecting dried blood spots? Talk to our team to learn how to optimize collection methods in order to minimize sample loss and wastage.
How We Can Help
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Need help writing a grant? Our scientific expertise can support development of study objectives
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- Need to define sample handling collect, ship or store samples? We can provide operational consulting to optimize project logistics
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Need help with figures and data presentation? We will assist with additional data analysis, interpretation and visualization
Assays In Development
RSV Fusion and Nucleocapsid antibody detection
Influenza A antibody detection
Influenza A molecular testing
