Biochemistry lab

The biochemistry laboratory provides a broad range of scientific clinical chemistry analytical support to SCDR. Biochemistry lab participates and contributes to scientific research by performing clinical biochemistry, basic laboratory techniques and biomarker research in the field of diabetes and its complications. High performance microplate multimode reader facility allows the qualitative and quantitative detection of analytes from biological samples using microplate-based absorbance assay including ELISA methodology (Zenthy 3100 microplate multi-mode detector, Anthos 2020 microplate reader, Biochrom; Absorbance microplate reader, Bio-Tek). A fully automated open system immunoanalyzer provides high quality assay performance (EVOLIS-Twin-Plus system, BIO-RAD). The most advanced biochip array analyzer facility serves as a platform to develop innovative strategies for performing sensitive, accurate and precise biomarker analysis (Evidence, Randox, UK). Basic clinical chemistry (clinical chemistry analyzer, Daytona, Randox ) and hematology analysis facility (Auto hematology analyzer, Mindray) provide analytical support to ongoing basic research. All these equipment is well supported by different type of centrifuges, incubators, sample mixer and storage (-20°C and -80°C freezers) system.

Pharmaceutical lab

The pharmaceutical lab has the state of the art high-performance liquid chromatography system with a UV detector (Dionex Ultimate 3000, USA), digital viscometer, (Brookfield, USA), automated 8 vessel tablet dissolution apparatus coupled with UV spectrophotometer (USP grade), (Logan, USA), advanced single tablet punch (GMP grade) (Vanguard, USA), and double chamber tabletop laboratory freeze dryer (Christ, Germany).  All the machines are supported well by various sample preparation apparatuses such as hotplates, stirrers, pH meters, centrifuges, ball mill, deep freezer, hot air oven, water baths, and ultrasonic baths. The lab provides facility for training the students with various techniques and instrumentation.

Genetics lab

Genetic laboratory applies the latest technologies to understand how genes are inherited, expressed, regulated and their biochemical mechanisms. Genetic lab facilities include molecular Genetics analysis, (From DNA extraction to DNA sequencing and Genotyping), metagenomes techniques and analysis. Genetics lab is equipped with DNA isolation, purification and quantification set-up (Including Promega Maxuel-16 automated system), ion torrent DNA sequencing facility (Ion proton/PGM platforms), and complete molecular genetics set-up (Including PCR systems and Bio-Rad gel documentation system). Full bioinformatics analysis server (Genomatix genome analyzer) is also available.

Microbiology lab

Microbiology lab provides facility for both molecular and traditional microbiological analyses. Basic traditional microbiological culturing, identification and antimicrobial resistance characterization set-up (Including Vitek-2 system and BioMerieux PREVI® COLOR GRAM) are also available in microbiology lab.

Bio-specimen storage facility

The center has a separate  facility to store different types of biological samples (blood, serum, plasma, urine) from all Institutional Review Board (IRB) approved research projects. It follows ethics regulations set by National Committee for Bioethics (NCBE) and College of Medicine, King Saud University regarding the storage of biological samples. This facility has different types of freezer and cold store rooms with continuous temperature monitoring systems.