Ancient DNA Lab                               Post-PCR Lab

 
Ancient DNA Facility at SFU

 

 

The product of two and a half years of planning and construction, the Ancient DNA Facility at Simon Fraser University commenced operations in March of 2003.   This facility consists of two laboratories: the Ancient DNA Lab and the Post-PCR Lab. 

  

Ancient DNA Lab 

 

The Ancient DNA Lab is situated in the Department of Archaeology. This was an ideal location to build an ancient DNA lab because it had never been exposed to DNA extraction or PCR amplification, and contaminations could be effectively controlled.

 

The Ancient DNA Lab is composed of three sample rooms surrounding a central common room. The separate sample rooms are for bone preparation, DNA extraction and PCR setup respectively.  The central common room is used for ‘common’ activities.  Although all sample rooms can be accessed from the common room, researcher and sample generally use the following path through the rooms:  bone preparation, DNA extraction and PCR setup. 

 

The lab as a whole is equipped with a UV filtered ventilation system and positive airflow.  Each sample room has a dedicated set of equipment and bench UV lights.  Researchers are required to wear coverall lab suits when entering and working in each sample room.  

  

Post-PCR Lab

 

The Post-PCR Lab is located in another building. The Ancient DNA Lab and the Post-PCR Lab have been deliberately located in two separate buildings with separate ventilation systems to prevent any contamination of the Ancient DNA Lab by the Post-PCR Lab (see their locations on the campus below).

 

Although contamination inside the Post-PCR Lab is not a concern for ancient DNA work, a protocol is still set up requiring researchers to maintain a set of clothes and a lab coat specifically for this lab to prevent PCR products from being brought out of the lab. Lab notes and lab data such as electrophoresis are only accessible via computer communication. Items that must leave the lab are carefully packed.


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