Consultation

Users of the Atlantic Microarray Facility (AMF) are encouraged to consult with the researchers and technicians of the facility prior to ordering. The purpose of this consultation is to assist users with microarray experimental design in order to maximize the usefulness, relevance and validity of their acquired microarray data. Staff at the facility will offer guidance and assist users with the experimental design process.

Important questions to consider before embarking in experimental design:

1. What is the aim of the experiment?
2. What are the specific questions being asked?
3. What are the most important comparisons?
4. How will these comparisons be made?
5. What controls are planned?
6. What methods will be used to verify the microarray results?
7. What type of downstream data analysis is appropriate?

With answers to these questions in-hand, the AMF staff can offer guidance to the user concerning experimental design, sample replication and sample size.