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Liggins Institute - Analytical Capabilities
The Liggins Institute is a Large Scale Research Institute within The University of Auckland. We are a research
intensive organisation with a vast array of capabilities to support biomedical and clinical research. In addition to
running clinical trials, we also operate a very well-equipped research laboratory to analyse a wide range of samples
generated by these trials. We can offer both industry-proven mechanised assays (using Roche analysers), as well
as cutting edge specialised analyses utilising mass spectrometry and genomics platforms.
Our laboratory analyses only research-generated samples, and we can measure large volumes of samples in
uninterrupted batches, thus decreasing the impact of processing variation. The breadth of analyses available also
means that we can usually perform all required assays on site.
We have skilled and experienced technicians capable of undertaking complex assays such as magnetic bead
multiplex plate assays, and developing assays for new compounds or to screen for potential biomarkers.
COBAS / Roche Analysers
The Institute owns a c311 Clinical Chemistry Analyser and an e411 Immunology Analyser. These analysers run
the same tests as hospital and diagnostic medical labs, the list of which is extensive (available on request). Some
of these tests are run routinely and we have kits in stock (see list below); others can be purchased for specific
projects as required.
c311 Clinical Chemistry Analyser
Electrolytes: Sodium, Potassium, Chloride
Total Protein
Urea
Glucose
HDL Cholesterol
LDL Cholesterol
Triglycerides
ALP
ALT
AST
GGT
Lipase
Calcium
Albumin
HsCRP
HbA1c
APO-A
APO-B
Magnesium
LDH
e411 Immunology Analyser
Insulin
Cortisol
Homocysteine
ACTH
T3
T4
Progesterone
Ferritin
Crosslaps
P1NP
Estradiol
SHBG
Cholesterol
Bilirubin
Lipoprotein
Creatinine kinase
Fructosamine
Creatinine
Paracetamol
Haptoglobin
Uric Acid
Magpix Multiplex Reader
The Magpix Multiplex reader measures specific proteins via a magnetic antibody technique. It’s key advantage is
the ability to measure large numbers of related compounds from a small sample volume in one microplate, e.g.,
10-20 cytokines, adipokines, and all IGF-1 binding proteins. There is a wide range of kits available across a
variety of species and from several suppliers, and we can advise on which to use. We have an experienced
technician who specializes in these multiplex assays, which removes the cost associated with ‘novice’ attempts.
We are also able to do ELISA microplate assays.
Liquid Chromatography Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometers (LCMSMS)
Our triple quad LCMSMS capability revolves around established techniques (e.g., steroid measurement) and the
development of new methods on request. We have two machines (TSQ Quantum Ultra and a new Thermo
Quantiva) designed for targeted analysis of known compounds in complex mixtures (e.g., plasma). These
machines have a 1500m/z upper limit and so are specifically designed for the measurement of both naturally
occurring and synthetically produced small molecules. Recently we have managed to automate parts of our
sample preparation procedures allowing for a higher throughput, which enables us to analyse large sample sets
more easily.
Q-Exactive High resolution quadrupole / orbitrap mass spectrometer
In addition to targeted analysis via the triple quads we also have a Q-Exactive for (mainly) untargeted metabolic
profiling. This machine allows researchers to see the entire ‘forest’ of compounds in a sample and compare
variations across treatments or subject groups. This technology is used extensively across the world by
researchers looking for biomarkers in biological samples (plasma, CSF, stool, hair etc.). A typical run will reveal
over 400 different compounds across a variety of classes, many of which can be positively identified.
Ultra High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (UPLC) system.
We have a long established UPLC method for the measurement of physiological amino acids from a variety of
fluids. This is based on the Waters Accutag method and results utilising it have been published in a large number
of journal articles. We are currently transferring this method onto our LCMSMS which will increase the number of
quantifiable compounds from 24 to 40.
In addition to established techniques we have the capability to develop new methods either from scratch or from
publications. We have two technical staff members who run both the LCMSMS and UPLC equipment, with
extensive experience developing new methods on both platforms.
Genomics and DNA Sequencing
The Liggins Institute hosts the Grafton Genomics facility. Within this facility is a Sequenom and Ion Torrent NGS
sequencer for sequencing for DNA, RNA and miRNA. This equipment can do genotyping (SNP analysis), exome
sequencing, transcriptome sequencing (RNA), and can also detect changes in methylation patterns. The facility
provides a complete genomics service from sample extraction to primer design and then through to data
presentation.
Costings and Quotations
The Liggins Institute is uniquely suited to analysing samples from research projects of all sizes. This can be
especially useful for situations where a small amount of technical expertise is required but the project or
researcher don’t have sufficient funds to employ a technician to do the work.
For more information, please email Eric Thorstensne, lab manager ([email protected]). Please
send him brief summary of your requirements so he can provide you with a quoted price and an expected
analysis time-frame. Similarly, if you need a quote for a grant, Eric can also readily provide these details.
Below is some indicative per sample costs for non-commercial projects (excl. GST):
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Glucose, Cholesterol, Triglycerides, HDL, LDL $11.20 (all 5 at once)
ALP, ALT, AST and GGT $7.40
Insulin $14.20
Amino acids (physiological) $45
Metabolic profiling $54 (extra $20 for sample preparation if required)
ELISA’s $350 (+ kit cost)
Multiplex Assays $600-700 (+ kit cost)
Steroid profile $30
Costs may vary depending on the sample type and the number of analytes.
Prices for assay development or new analyte quantitation are quoted on a case-by-case basis.
Genomics work is highly researcher specific and is costed on request.