TPPC Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When is TPPC closed?

A: TPPC is open 24/7 and staffed 9 AM – 5 PM on weekdays. TPPC follows the TAMU holiday schedule for days off. 

Q: Where can I find the full list of services TPPC offers? 

A: Please visit Services and Shared Workspaces

NOTE: Services will be performed by staff from the beginning to the end. For shared workspace, you can either conduct the experiment on your own or request it to be conducted by staff for an extra fee. 

Q: How long does a service request take? 

A: It will depend on scheduling and reagent availability, but in general, 

• For Chemistry analysis with DxC 700 AU, Tissue processing with ASP300S, Staining with Spectra Stainer
  • If the sample is dropped off in the morning, results or pickup will be ready that afternoon 
  • If the sample is dropped off in the afternoon, results or pickup will likely be ready the next day in the afternoon 

• Cryosection with Leica CM 1950 depends on sample quantity; please contact TPPC@tamu.edu for estimates. 

Q: How do I request service or reserve shared workspace? 
A: For service requests: 

1. Create a valid iLab account:
   • Go to Texas A&M Preclinical Phenotyping Core iLab
   • Sign-up with TAMU or your institution’s credentials. 
   • Click the three-bar icon located in the upper left corner, to the left of the Agilent Cross Lab logo. 
   • Go to Manage Groups/My Groups. 
   • If your lab group is not listed under “My Groups,” click Request Group Access and follow the on-screen instructions. 
   • PI or Lab/Group Manager can accept your membership request and add a funding source. Instructions for PI/Manager here

2. Download the request forms: 
   • Blood and urine chemistry analysis with DxC 700 AU *link to download request form; file can be found in wordpress* 
   • Tissue processing with Leica ASP300S *link to download request form; file can be found in wordpress* 
   • Cryosection with Leica CM 1950 *link to download request form; file can be found in wordpress*. Leica CM 1950 Cryostat is also available for shared workspace. 
   • Slide Staining with Leica HistoCore Spectra Stainer and cover slipper 

3. Email the completed request form to TPPC@tamu.edu or TPPC staff to schedule the request. 

A: For Shared Workspaces: 

1. Confirm your AUP – All behavioral tests conducted in TPPC should be listed in your Animal Use Protocol (AUP) 

2. Create a valid iLab account: 
   • Go to Texas A&M Preclinical Phenotyping Core iLab
   • Sign-up with TAMU or your institution’s credentials. 
   • Click the three-bar icon located in the upper left corner, to the left of the Agilent Cross Lab logo. 
   • Go to Manage Groups/My Groups. 
   • If your lab group is not listed under “My Groups,” click Request Group Access and follow the on-screen instructions. 
   • PI or Lab/Group Manager can accept your membership request and add a funding source. Instructions for PI/Manager here

3. Get trained – Get a trained user status by either completing the training offered by TPPC or skipping the training if you already have experience using the instrument. Email TPPC@tamu.edu or TPPC staff to schedule training. 

4. Building access – Request building access by emailing to TPPC@tamu.edu if you are interested in using shared workspace in LARR. Shared workspace in REYN does not require building access if the reservation is between 8 AM to 5 PM on weekdays. If you are interested in using REYN shared workspace after hours or during the weekends, please also email TPPC@tamu.edu for further information. 

5. Schedule your reservation – Once your iLab account is set as a trained user, please go to Texas A&M Preclinical Phenotyping Core iLab and click Schedule Equipment tab to create reservations. 

Q: I would like to use Shared Workspace, but I have no experience using it before. Do you offer training? 

A: TPPC offers free training to all instruments listed under Shared Workspace. Please contact TPPC@tamu.edu with when you would like to schedule the training. TPPC is open for training from 9 AM to 5 PM on weekdays.