DNA Sequencing Core Scores High Marks in Cancer Center Survey

In Summer 2005, the UM Comprehensive Cancer Center sent out a survey to its members and asked them to rate the various UMCCC-supported Core facilities in three different categories: quality, timeliness and pricing. In each of these categories, the DNA Sequencing Core was very highly regarded by our clients. In two of the three categories, more than half of the respondents gave us 'Outstanding' marks, the highest possible rating!

Thank you very much to our clients and supporters for your positive evaluations.

Here is a summary of the results: (showing only the DNA Sequencing Core's scores)

Usage

Never

Weekly

Monthly

Every 3-4
Months

Yearly

Total

DNA Sequencing

68

44

25

9

11

157

There were 89 respondents who indicated that they used the Core at least yearly.

Quality

Poor

Below
Average

Average

Good

Outstanding

Total

DNA Sequencing

1

2

4

30

52

89

Of the 89 respondents who indicated that they used the Core at least yearly, more than half of them rated us as 'Outstanding' in terms of quality.

We are constantly working to improve the quality of the data we produce. Based on national quality-control exercises performed by the Association of Biomedical Research Facilities, our facility rates as among the best.

Timeliness

Poor

Below
Average

Average

Good

Outstanding

Total

DNA Sequencing

1

1

6

27

54

89

In timeliness, more than half the respondents again rated us as 'Outstanding'.

This is another area in which we constantly strive to improve. After a poor record in the late 90's, we have excelled in recent years. Very few normal-priority samples take more than 2 business days now. It is important to note, too, that our price for next-day RUSH sequencing is in fact cheaper than many other cores' regular price! Consider using RUSH if you need your sequence faster.

Pricing

Extremely
Expensive

Fair

Average

Inexpensive

Extremely
Inexpensive

Total

DNA Sequencing

1

2

16

36

34

89

Our ratings, while quite good, were not as stellar here, which is puzzling:

We are in fact the most inexpensive Core facility in the country, and possibly in the world. Out of more than 60 institutions I monitor, we have the lowest recharge rate of all. Only recently have two other sites even been able to match the price we have offered for the last 2 years! Watch us, though, for new announcements soon!

Obviously there is still work to do, since at least one person is clearly highly displeased with the Core and gave us the lowest possible marks in all categories. Although those responses are not in the mainstream, I take them seriously. There is potentially a problem with the Core that should be addressed, or at least a serious problem with someone's perception of us.

I am always available for consultation and troubleshooting. I hope Core clients always feel free to contact me if they have concerns about Core operations. We strive to maximize data quality and read-length and to minimize errors, cost and hassle.

Robert H. Lyons, Ph.D., Director
UM DNA Sequencing Core