Sample Submission

The Facility Online Manager (FOM) at provides a comprehensive web-based solution for scheduling and managing shared research instruments and facilities across campus. This centralized system allows researchers to efficiently coordinate access to laboratory resources, streamlining the reservation process and maximizing equipment utilization.

You will need a FOM account to submit your service request. 

• Internal (OSU) users will log in to FOM with their Ohio State name.# credentials and select "Click here to continue" on the welcome page. They will then fill out the profile information, including department and supervisor. A valid requisition must be added to their account. 
• External (non-OSU) users will fill out this survey to obtain their sponsored guest account. The FOM profile will then be created by CCIC staff. Once notified, they will log in to FOM with their sponsored guest account (name.# credentials)
• A MSP/PSR user guide is available at to guide users through creating a FOM account and the sample submission process.

We have a guide to walk you through the complete submission process, including where to find the service request form. 

Issues? Contact fom-admin@osu.edu. 

Now, submit the Electronic Service Request Form:

• Contact us for guidance on service selection and coordination of sample drop-off
• Please coordinate with MSP staff for all biological samples
• Deliver samples with service request form to:
  • Room 250, Biomedical Research Tower, 460 W 12th Ave, Columbus, OH 43210
  • Hours: 9AM-4PM weekdays
  • If delivering in person, bring Buck ID for building access or sign in at the security desk

Please contact us before submission. Different classes of molecules need to be handled and prepared differently than others, the more we know about your system, the better the data. 

• Preferred format for nominal or accurate mass: Neat or dried samples (microgram quantities)
• Remove salts, buffers, and surfactants before submission
  • It is advised to dialyze the sample into nanopure or at least distilled water before submission
  • We have several de-salting techniques for proteins and oligonucleotides available in our facility
• Electrospray and MALDI samples are prepared in Methanol, Acetonitrile, water, THF, chloroform. We will acidify the sample with acetic or formic acid unless you indicate the sample is acid sensitive.
• Prohibited solvents: Benzene, toluene, DMSO, DMF
• For biological samples please consult with MSP staff prior to submission
  • All samples submitted from cultured human cells are required to provide a copy of their cell line registration paperwork. Non-human cell lines (mouse, e coli, etc.) are excluded from this.
• We cannot accept radioactive or hazardous materials

Many common laboratory chemicals used in biochemical and molecular biology research can significantly interfere with mass spectrometry experiments causing signal loss and can contaminate the instruments. The two biggest culprits are PEG and keratin.

Polyethyleneglycol (PEG) 

PEG is everywhere! It is strongly ionized by ESI or MALDI, and can swamp out signal from the analyte of interest. PEG has a common repeat of 44 Da in mass spectrum. Many detergents contain PEG including dish‐washing soaps. Triton X‐ 100, Tween, NP‐40 are pegylated detergents and should be avoided. Removal of PEG for small molecules is very difficult and the best approach is to just avoid it (see tips below).  Trace amounts of PEG can ruin a mass spec experiment.

• Glassware previously used to make buffers can be contaminated with PEG. Keep glassware used for buffers separate from non‐buffer making glassware. 
• Dish wash soap contains PEG. Either do not use or rinse glassware with very hot water followed by an organic solvent rinse (like IPA). 
• Use only HPLC grade solvents 
• Do not store organic solvents in plastic tubes. PEG contaminates can leach out of plastic tubes. Use new glass bottles or disposable glass scintillation vials (with Teflon lids) 
• We recommend Eppendorf brand microcentrifuge tubes. 
• Avoid siliconized surfaces or plastic ware. We observe polysiloxanes (repeat of 76 Da).

Keratin 

Keratin is a common protein contaminate. Keratin originates from skin and hair but is present in dust in the lab. 

• Any surface in the lab including glassware, reagents, chemicals exposed to the lab atmosphere for more than a few minutes will be contaminated with enough keratin to be detected by mass spectrometry sequencing. Wash everything with organic solvent (IPA) before use and keep everything covered with foil, or in sealed plastic bags or bottle caps. Anything left to dry at the side of the sink is contaminated with keratin. 
• SDS‐PAGE – We strongly recommend that you use pre‐cast gels (NuPAGE from Invitrogen) and use ready made buffers, loading dye etc. However, if using premade buffers, take care not to contaminate your buffer stock with contaminated pipettes.
• Gel tanks are a common source of keratin contamination, wash well before use. 
• Communal lab chemicals (loading buffer, lab buffers etc) are the most common sources of keratin. Do not use – make fresh every time
• Always wear gloves and change them frequently. If you answer the phone or pick up a pen with your gloves on, your gloves are more than likely now contaminated. 
• Working in a laminar flow hood will help minimize dust and keratin.
• When staining your gel cover the tray with foil at all times. Be sure to wash the staining dish well (rinse with IPA) 

• When submitting multiple samples, fill out only one service request form in FOM and attach all sample information in a separate document. Do not submit multiple forms.
• Only submit service requests when you are ready to submit/send samples.
• Unused samples will be discarded unless pickup requested
• Results delivered electronically
• Turnaround times range depending on sample load, instrument availability, and analysis type