This request is for a Biorad QX200 Droplet Digital PCR System which will function as a multiuser instrument in a core facility at the Mountain Home Medical Center. The system will significantly enhance the research of major users who are conducting VA funded research and multiple minor users. While this instrument will primarily be used for VA funded research, instrument time will also be provided to new investigators and investigators seeking to obtain preliminary data for submission of VA grants. The Mountain Home VA Medical Center currently has no digital droplet PCR instrument, and currently relies upon commercial assays. Our investigators access biorepositories with precious samples that must be handled expeditiously and explored maximally. VA researchers are not a priority for these assays and the charges for commercial assays are steep. We are clearly at the point where our current approach does not meet the needs of VA funded investigators, with multiple VA Merit- and DOD-funded studies relying on precise gene expression assays. There are no other droplet digital PCR systems for use within a 200 mile radius of our VA. Therefore, this application addresses a significant research need. The Mountain Home VA has a strong institutional commitment to the acquisition and maintenance of the instrument. A 500 sq. ft. room that functions as a core facility for VA researchers has been allocated to house this system. Provisions have been made to underwrite the service contract once the initial warranty period has expired. An advisory committee has been established. A doctoral level scientist, with experience in gene expression technology, will supervise the facility with the assistance of an experienced research technician. This instrument will significantly improve the research efforts at Mountain Home VA aimed at improving veterans? health.
This request is for a Biorad QX200 Droplet Digital PCR System which will function as a multiuser instrument in a core facility at the Mountain Home VA Medical Center. This new instrument will afford our researchers the ability to bring their basic, clinical and translational science to a new level and will significantly and meaningfully enhance immunologic research related to key clinical infectious and immunologic disease states fundamental to veterans? health.
