Overview

The Central Ligand Assay Satellite Services (CLASS) laboratory is a unit of the Department of Epidemiology at the University of Michigan’s School of Public Health. Our purpose is to offer comprehensive support for clinical research projects throughout the entire process of gathering samples, storing them, and coordinating the assay of the desired analytes. We offer collection kit designs tailor-made to your research study, with tubes and components labeled clearly with barcoded labels and unique sample IDs. Once collected, samples can be processed and stored in one of our 51 on-site ultra-low freezers or in our liquid nitrogen freezer, where their temperatures will be monitored 24/7. When all of the samples are collected, we can complete any combination of 40 different routine assays on them. We currently offer testing using ELISA plates, an open channel chemistry analyzer, and a coagulation analyzer. Over the past 20 years the CLASS lab has performed more than 1.25 million individual assays, tracked more than a million samples, and produced more than one hundred thousand collection kits. You can be assured your samples are safe with us.

Goals and Philosophy

The CLASS Laboratory uses state-of-the-science, reliable, precise, and cost-effective analytical methods that minimize variability, provide long-term sample and assay stability, and maximize assay reliability. We incorporate internal quality assurance procedures that minimize error and variability as assessed by rigorous quality control procedures.

We have developed, and employ, electronic data handling systems and analysis procedures that provide increased efficiencies, reduce labor costs, eliminate manual operations to reduce the possibility of errors, and preserve assay and analysis data.

We use sample labeling and handling systems that ensure positive identification of sample and result while maintaining the integrity of the sample. Samples are handled in ways that maximize preservation of all residual sample; and aliquots of unused samples destined for storage are handled in ways that maximize their value to future studies. We ensure that the confidentiality of samples submitted to the laboratory is maintained.