COVID-19 / SARS-CoV-2 Research Sequencing

At its highest level, sequencing of the COVID-19 virus can be used to identify the clade or strain of each sample. Whole genome sequencing of COVID-19 samples gives researchers a higher precision tool by reporting the whole virus sequence and uncovering variants that are not reported at the clade/strain level. These sequences and variants can be used to elucidate viral progression through an outbreak or answer questions asked by investigators working on the tracking and treatment of infection. Investigators will be provided with the raw sequence data as well as quality reports, clade identification, consensus sequence and lists of variants for each sample, with rapid turnaround time. For more information, please contact our platform leaders.

The GSC's technology platform is a high-throughput, large-scale DNA and RNA sequencing and analysis facility that has been designed to maximize analytical capacity, diversity, efficiency, scalability and flexibility. The platform is one of the largest of its type in Canada and is well recognized internationally.

Learn more about the sequencing services offered by the GSC.

Sequencing Services

The GSC offers a variety of sequencing services to meet your research needs, including:

  • Nucleic acid extraction
  • Library construction
  • DNA and RNA sequencing

For sample submission information and to learn more about working with the GSC, please see our User Guides below.

Technology Platform

Our sequencing suite is equipped with:

  • Illumina NovaSeq 6000
  • Illumina HiSeqX
  • Illumina NextSeq500
  • Illumina MiSeq
  • Oxford Nanopore MinION
  • Oxford Nanopore PromethION
  • MGI DNBSEQ-G400

Learn more about our Technology Platforms.

Contact Us

Questions?

Check out our FAQ or contact our Platform Leaders directly.

Interested in our sequencing services?

Fill out a Service Request Form.

Getting startedInterested in working with the GSC?

Learn more about working with the GSC by downloading our Getting Started User Guide which includes:

  • Workflow
  • Service requests
  • Statements of Work (SOWs)
  • Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)
  • Sample submission & tracking
  • Accessing your data
  • Alignments
  • Terms of Service
  • Acknowledgement Policy

GSC Sequencing User Guides

Our DNA, RNA, Constructed Libraries, Cells, Bodily Fluids and Metagenome User Guides below contain all of the information you need to prepare and submit samples for sequencing at the GSC, including:

  • Sample types and formats accepted
  • Minimum sample requirements
  • Online sample submission guides
  • Sample courier and drop-off information

Note: Tissue samples are currently not supported by our online submissions portal. Submission instructions will be provided to you. 

DNA Samples

DNA Samples

RNA Samples

RNA Samples

Constructed Libraries

Constructed Libraries

Bodily Fluids

Bodily Fluids

Cells

Cells

Metagenomes

Metagenomes

 

Indicates required field
Thank you for your interest in our Collaborative Services. For us to provide you with information most suitable for your work, please fill out the form below with your contact details, a brief description of your project and which of the services you are interested in.
Are you affiliated with BC Cancer?
Which products are you interested in:
Sequencing
Bioinformatics
Proteomics
Canada’s Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre at BC Cancer is committed to protecting and respecting your privacy. We only use your personal information to provide the services you request from us. From time to time, we would like to contact you about our research and services, as well as other related content that may be of interest to you. We do not share your contact information with any third parties, and you may unsubscribe from our communications at any time. We comply with the Provincial Health Services Authority’s (PHSA) Privacy Policy. By clicking submit below, you consent to allow Canada’s Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre to store and process the personal information submitted above to provide you the content requested.
Back to top