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Integrated Genomics Cores

Rigor & Reproducibility

Rigor & Reproducibility — High-Throughput Sequencing Facility (HTSF) 

At the High-Throughput Sequencing Facility (HTSF) we are committed to upholding the highest standards of scientific rigor and reproducibility in all sequencing and related services we provide. Rigor and reproducibility are foundational principles in biomedical research, required in NIH grant applications and progress reports and critical for generating reliable, unbiased data from high-throughput sequencing experiments.  

Project Consultation & Experimental Design 

  • Early engagement: Investigators are encouraged to consult with HTSF staff during the experimental planning phase to discuss study design, sample requirements, sequencing strategies, and analysis expectations.  
  • Data analysis planning: HTSF recommends involving a statistician when designing experiments that require power analysis or complex comparisons to ensure adequate statistical rigor. The HTSF partners with BARC 

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) & Documentation 

  • Written protocols: All sequencing and library preparation workflows at HTSF follow documented SOPs that describe detailed procedural steps.  
  • Quality management: HTSF maintains QA/QC policies and operational documentation ensuring the consistent application of best practices throughout service delivery.  

Instrumentation & Laboratory Practices 

  • Well-maintained systems: Sequencing instruments and ancillary equipment are routinely serviced and calibrated per vendor recommendations to minimize technical variability and ensure consistent performance.  
  • Sample handling: HTSF follows rigorous sample handling protocols to preserve sample integrity from submission through library preparation and sequencing.  
  • Traceability: All procedural steps linking raw materials to final sequence data are tracked to allow retrospective review and reproducibility.  

Data Quality Control & Reporting 

  • QC checkpoints: At key stages (e.g., nucleic acid quality, library preparation metrics, sequencing output), HTSF performs standardized quality control assessments to verify performance and flag issues early.  
  • Transparent reporting: Final data deliverables include essential QC metrics and run summaries so that end users and reviewers can evaluate data quality and interpret results accordingly.  
  • Data storage: Sequencing data and associated metadata are managed and archived according to institutional best practices, enabling long-term access and reproducibility.  

Training & Expertise 

  • Technical training: HTSF personnel are trained to follow SOPs precisely and are continually updated on evolving technologies and best practices to ensure scientific rigor.  
  • Client support: HTSF staff provide guidance to investigators on sequencing methods, limitations, and interpretation to facilitate proper application and reporting of data in publications and grants.  

Documentation for Grants & Publications 

  • Template language: Investigators may use HTSF’s Rigor and Reproducibility guidelines and sample wording in NIH grant applications and progress reports to satisfy NIH rigor and transparency requirements.  
  • Acknowledgement: In publications and presentations, please acknowledge HTSF appropriately to credit the facility’s contribution to data generation. Your acknowledgement enables us to track successfully completed projects and obtain the financial support that we need to continue to offer essential services to our customers. The following language can be used: 
  • High throughput sequencing was performed by the UNC Integrated Genomics Cores (RRID SCR_022620), which is supported in part by the School of Medicine Office of Research and funding from a Lineberger Cancer Center Support Grant (3P30CA016086-49S1) and the University Cancer Research Fund.