Template:FAQ/Requests

iGEM HQ and the iGEM Registry no longer prepares and ships part and component requests to teams and labs.
Information related to part and component requests on the Registry and other iGEM pages is either deprecated or kept for archival purposes.

We encourage our iGEM teams to use our sponsor synthesis offers to synthesize the samples you need, or to find them through the iGEM distribution kits, if available.


How do I request a part?

You must be a member of a current iGEM Team or Lab to request parts.

Short answer: contact hq (at) igem . org with...

  • Subject: "Part Request: [Your Team/Lab's Name]."
  • Part Name (BBa...)
  • Plasmid Backbone (as documented on the Get This Part page)
  • Sample Location: source plate and well
  • Quality Control Results: sequence and gel results (if available)

Please see the Requesting Parts help page for more information


What are the costs associated with a part request?

As a registered iGEM team or lab, iGEM HQ covers the costs associated with material, labor, and shipping part requests.

However, iGEM does not cover any customs fees incurred when shipping to your country.

Please see the Requesting Parts help page for more information


How long will it take to get my request?

Once a request is made you should be contacted by iGEM HQ within two business days. Your request will then be entered into our request queue.

Shipping times will depend on location, but you will receive a confirmation email with a tracking number for your request.

Please see the Requesting Parts help page for more information. If you've submitted a request you can check on its progress in the request queue.


How are part requests sent?

We send out part requests as agar stabs (LB agar). The shelf life of these are short, so it is best to plate from the stab as soon as possible. Part requests are not sent on ice.

Unfortunately, at this time we cannot accommodate specific preparation for requests. This includes providing requests as miniprepped DNA, PCR product, etc.

Please see the Requesting Parts help page for more information


What E. coli strain will the part sample be in?

We store and ship our samples in NEB 10-beta cells.


Can I request a specific E. coli strain?

The Registry does not maintain any E. coli strains, aside from NEB 10b.


Can I choose the plasmid backbone for the part I'm requesting? I want BBa______ in pSB______.

You may find a part that has multiple samples in different plasmid backbones. If so, feel free to request a specific sample (be sure to pick the sample with the best quality control!).

However, if a part sample does not yet exist in the backbone of your choice, we are currently unable to transfer it to your preferred backbone.


Can I request primers for sequencing or PCR?

The Registry does not make or send primers by request.


Is there a limit to how many parts I can request?

Currently, there are no limits on how many parts can be requested, and how many separate requests can be made.

However, before making a request, please consider all of the parts that your group needs. We prefer bundling part requests together rather than receiving several small requests, as this cuts down shipping costs and improves efficiency.

Please see the Requesting Parts help page for more information