Frequently Asked
Questions

How do I get started?

Get in touch with our team and we'll help you design your study. Email us at cmr.services@qut.edu.au or reach Liang Fang directly at l7.fang@qut.edu.au — we typically respond within one business day.

Do I need to know exactly what service I need before contacting you?

Not at all. We offer a free scientific consultation to help you define your sequencing strategy — including platform choice, depth, and costs. Just reach out and we'll guide you from there.

How long does sequencing take?

Long-read Oxford Nanopore (ONT) results are typically delivered within 7 days. Short-read Illumina projects — both DNA and RNA — take 4–6 weeks depending on sample volume and service type.

Can you accommodate urgent or time-sensitive projects?

Yes — please mention your deadline when you get in touch. We will do our best to accommodate urgent requests and can advise on the fastest available option for your project.

What sample types do you accept?

We accept DNA, RNA, tissue, and environmental samples across a wide range of organisms including human, mouse, plant, yeast, bacteria, and complex microbial communities. Contact us to confirm compatibility before shipping.

Do you offer DNA/RNA extraction?

Yes — extraction is part of our one-stop service. We handle the entire pipeline from sample receipt through to interpretable genomics results.

How should I ship my samples?

We will provide detailed submission guidelines after your initial consultation, including temperature requirements, packaging, and courier instructions for your specific sample type.

Is bioinformatics analysis included?

Yes — analysis is included or available as an add-on for all services. We tailor pipelines to your research questions and databases, from standard workflows through to fully custom solutions.

Which databases do you analyse against?

We routinely work with SILVA, GTDB, NCBI RefSeq, UniRef, and other leading reference databases. If your project requires a specific database or custom reference, we can accommodate that.

Will I receive raw data as well as processed results?

Yes. All projects include delivery of raw sequencing data alongside processed outputs and analysis reports via our secure data portal.

How much does sequencing cost?

Pricing depends on the service type, sequencing depth, and sample count. We provide a tailored quote after a free consultation — no obligation.

Do you offer discounts for large projects or ongoing collaborations?

Yes — we offer flexible pricing for high-volume projects and long-term research partnerships. Get in touch to discuss what works best for your group.