Bookitlab Request Submission
When you are ready to ship your samples, please submit a KPIF:PHAGES Imaging request through Bookitlab
- Select “Sign in with Credentials” and log in using your email address and password.
- For password resets, please contact tagided@umbc.edu
- From the dashboard, locate the Requests widget and click “+ Request.”
- Select KPIF:PHAGES Imaging, complete the request form, and submit.
- No additional paperwork is required to be included with your samples.
Sample Preparation
Grids: Please prepare two grids per sample and stain with uranyl acetate. If uranyl acetate cannot be used, Nano-W is recommended as an alternative. Purchasing information and protocols are available upon request. If Uranyless must be used, please also send fixed lysate in addition to prepared grids as backup for publication quality images. Ensure grids are completely dry before placing them in the grid box. Grid boxes may be shipped in a padded mailer.
Lysate: Please provide 50 µL of lysate, either fixed with formaldehyde to a 2% final concentration, or unfixed and collected as freshly as possible. Lysate samples should be submitted in 1.5 mL centrifuge tubes clearly labeled with a sample number. Enter the corresponding number and identifying details in the Bookitlab request form.
- Fixed lysate may be shipped at room temperature in a padded mailer.
- Fresh, unfixed lysate must be shipped in an insulated container with a cold pack and labeled “Keep Refrigerated.”
- Overnight shipping is strongly recommended. At minimum, ensure delivery before the end of the week to avoid weekend delays.
Shipping Instructions
- Do not use USPS/regular mail, as packages are often misdelivered. Please ship using UPS or FedEx, which deliver to UMBC’s centralized warehouse and packages are then transported directly to the Biological Sciences building.
- Add your tracking number to the Bookitlab request or email it directly to tagided@umbc.edu
Shipping Address
Tagide deCarvalho
Warehouse B / Biology
University of Maryland, Baltimore County
1000 Hilltop Circle
Baltimore, MD 21250
Phone: (301) 529-5008