The 1995 study conducted by this Committee to evaluate oligonucleotide synthesis has been completed. Laboratories that participated in the study should receive evaluation packets from the Committee in late November. These packets will include capillary electrophoresis results showing oligonucleotide purity. In addition, the 25-base oligonucleotides synthesized as part of this study were tested as sequencing primers, and the sequence fluorogram obtained with that oligonucleotide will be sent. Tables showing the relative rankings of samples submitted by study participants (identified by an anonymous code) will be included. Full results of this study will be presented at ABRF '96: Biomolecular Techniques.
The Committee will have one or two openings in 1996, and we would like members to volunteer for these openings. Members interested in joining the Committee should have some experience in either DNA sequencing or oligo-nucleotide synthesis. In addition, familiarity with other techniques involving nucleic acids such as PCR, genetic analysis, genomics, computer analysis, mass spectrometry, chromatography, or RNA is helpful but not essential. No previous ABRF committee experience is required. Committee activities are conducted by monthly conference calls, and travel is not necessary. In keeping with the ABRF's interim policy on research committee membership and conflict of interest (ABRF News, Sept. 1995), employees of commercial firms that supply equipment or services to biomolecular resource facilities are not eligible. Interested members should forward a brief description of their interests and current position to Gregory Buck, Dept. of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University (Tel: (804) 828-2318, Fax: (804) 828-9946).
Return to the The ABRF Home Page