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Q?
How am I billed for my polyclonal antiserum production services?
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A.
We will send you an invoice at the time the service is performed. Your purchase order should be an open P.O. to allow for the monthly draws.
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Q?
What if the animal dies before my protocol is completed?
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A.
Due to a possible stress induced in some animals by immunization and bleeding we cannot guarantee that the animal will live to complete your protocol. Triple J Farms cannot replace animals at no charge or refund fees paid for animals that die prior to completion of your protocol.
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Q?
When do I receive the serum?
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A.
The plasma or serum is shipped to you the Monday following each bleeding week by an overnight courier.
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Q?
When should I expect to see antibody?
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A.
The first post-immunization serum sample should contain antibody to your antigen; however, the titer may be low. The second and third immunizations should show an increase in antibody titer. Some immunizations do not produce antibody in that particular host.
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Q?
How should I send my antigen(s)?
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A.
Your antigen(s) is best sent by an overnight courier (e.g. FedEx, United Parcel Service). Along with your antigen please send a completed photocopy of the Custom Antiserum Service Protocol Information Sheet (page 15).
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Q?
How long will the protocol last?
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A.
The protocol will last until you inform us to stop or the animal dies. You must inform us in writing exactly when you want the animal(s) taken off lease.
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Q?
How are the immunizations given to the animal?
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A.
The antigen is mixed with Freund’s adjuvant (complete or incomplete) and injected subcutaneously at multiple sites.
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Q?
How many animals should I use?
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A.
It is always best to immunize two or more animals on each antigen due to the genetic variability in response to your antigen or the unexpected death of an animal.
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Q?
In what form and volume should the antigen be supplied?
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A.
The antigen can be sent lyophilized or in liquid form in .5 to 1.0 ml volumes. The antigen should be sent in individual dose vials.
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Q?
How much antigen is required?
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A.
We suggest 100-300 µg of antigen for each immunization for each animal. For peptide immunogens we suggest 100 µg of peptide coupled to an equivalent amount of carrier protein.
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Q?
What is the recommended immunization & bleeding protocol for polyclonal antiserum production?
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A.
The customer may supply a specific protocol or Triple J Farms can recommend a protocol. The following is an example of a standard protocol:
- Day 0 Pre Bleed (Optional) Antigen Immunization (1)
- Day 21 Antigen Immunization (2)
- Day 42 Antigen Immunization (3)
- Day 63 Antigen Immunization (4)
- Day 75 Test Bleeding
When your antigen is received, a copy of the protocol will be sent to you for your records. Please review this protocol. If you find any discrepancies in the protocol, or at any time fail to receive your antiserum, please contact us immediately.
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Q?
What types of antigens can be injected?
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A.
We can immunize animals with native proteins, GST-fusion proteins, peptides, carbohydrates or any other compound of viral, fungal or microbial origin. However, no biohazardous material can be accepted. We recommend the use of Freund’s Adjuvant, but will accommodate any requirements that you may have for specialized adjuvants.
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Q?
Does Triple J Farms have an Animal Welfare Assurance with National Institute of Health (NIH)?
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A.
Yes, The Division of Assurances, Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW) has approved and given Triple J Farms the Assurance identification #A4335-01.
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Q?
Does Triple J Farms have an Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC)?
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A.
Yes, Triple J Farms has an active IACUC that meets twice yearly and reviews and approves all polyclonal antiserum production protocols.
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Q?
Does Triple J Farms have a USDA number?
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A.
Yes. Triple J Farms is a registered Research Facility with the USDA under the Animal Welfare Act and holds Registration Number 91-R-0054.
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