1. Login to the LabLink page. (if you do not have a LabLink account, you will need to create one. Please see instructions in accordion menu below)
  2. Go to the “Resource Materials” tab.
  3. Download and fill out the template for the service you are requesting. (Note: WGS and Shotgun templates are the same. 16S and qPCR templates are the same.)
    1. You must fill out the template first or you will not be able to submit your project.
    2. DO NOT add any COLUMNS, COMMAS, or DASHES, or your submission will not go through.
    3. Sample IDs must match labels on tubes. Note: experimental sample name column is available for your personal IDs
    4. Sample IDs have a character limit of 10. NO special characters except underscores (_)
  4. Save your template
  5. Go back to the LabLink page (Note: make sure you are on the “Projects” tab).
  6. Press the “Create” button in the top right corner.
  7. Fill out all required fields on the form and press “Continue”.
  8. Press the “Browse Document” button and select your completed template from step 3.
  9. Skip the “Upload Additional Documents” step.
  10. Review all details of your project, and check all boxes in the disclaimer at the bottom of the form. Press “Submit Project” when you are ready.
  1. Go to the LabLink page.
  2. Click “Request for a User ID”.
  3. Fill out all required fields on the form and press “Request User ID”.

Within 24 hours, you will receive email approval for your ID requests. Once approved, you may submit your samples

For any problems with creating your account, please contact Shannon Hocker.
  • Human Stool Samples:
    • Samples must be freshly obtained and stored at 4°C for less than 24 hours before transferring to a -80°C freezer
    • Recommended sample amount: approx. 250mg
  • Mouse Fecal:
    • Samples must be collected fresh (not from mouse bedding) and stored at -80°C until submission
    • Recommended sample amount: 1-2 pellets
  • Mouse Cecal:
    • Samples must be collected appropriately and stored at -80°C until submission
    • No recommended sample amount
  • Bacterial Isolates:
    • Centrifuged pellets must be stored at -80°C until submission
    • No recommended sample amount
    • For transcriptomics, bacterial pellets must be flash-frozen and stored at -80°C until submission
  • Other:

Internal Users:

Samples should be dropped off at KCBD 4th Floor, 900 E 57th Street, Chicago IL 60637. As you get off the elevator and exit the elevator bank, turn left, then left at the first door.  There are signs posted.  The sample submission freezer, pictured above, is located next to the service elevator.  Place your submission on one of the top 3 shelves.

External Users:

Please contact Victoria Burgo for shipping instructions.