Sustainable Laboratory Certified Labs

The Michigan Medical Genetics Laboratories (MMGL), a part of Pediatric Genetics, is a comprehensive CLIAcertified clinical genetics testing laboratory that provides state of the art clinical testing and Research & Development for genetic diseases including those associated with birth defects, chromosomal and structural abnormalities, autism, intellectual disability, and inborn errors of metabolism (newborn screen). There are two separate MMGL sections: the Biochemical Genetics Laboratory and the Molecular Genetics Laboratory. MMGL develops, validates, and performs various clinical assays, including DNA sequencing, SNP chromosomal microarrays, relative-quantitative PCR, methylation sensitive PCR, multiplex PCR, fragment analysis by capillary electrophoresis, and Multiplex Ligation-Dependent Probe Amplification (MLPA) to detect the underlying causes for genetic diseases. Identification of the genetic aberrations facilitates clinical diagnosis, management, and accurate genetic counseling.
“OCS discovered that MMGL was working on replacing the hazardous chemical Ethidium bromide with a non-hazardous alternative, Gel-Red, for visualizing DNA in agarose gels and invited our lab to participate in the Sustainable Labs program. Working with OCS on becoming certified was an easy and rewarding process. Sustainability is not difficult, but it does take creative thinking, commitment, and persistence. ” Todd Ackley, Laboratory Manager

It is a clinical cytogenetics laboratory within the department of pathology. Samples of blood, bone marrow, amniotic fluid, tumors etc. are being cultured for the purpose of analyzing chromosome abnormalities of constitutional or oncology related disease. Culture media are used to grow cells in flasks/tubes in incubators. Methanol and acetic acid as well as a hypotonic solution is used in the harvesting process that takes place in a chemical fume hood. This lab also performs other procedures such as FISH and special stain work involving other chemicals.

“It has been wonderful to work with such knowledgeable staff from OCS and Recycle Ann Arbor. With their help, we have enhanced our recycling efforts to create a culture of sustainability in our lab. We can all breathe a little easier knowing that most of our waste is being recycled rather than going into the trash. We maintain a bulletin board and a reference binder with information on ways to reduce waste, reduce energy use, and recycle that is updated weekly. It has been a fun and informative experience for all of us.” Margaret Rayer, Safety Liaison and Beth Cox, Supervisor.

Experimental research activities directed at understanding cytokine networks that are operative in a variety of inflammatory reactions and host defenses represent the major investigative directions in this laboratory. In addition, the Biology of cytokines is also studied in the context of an in vitro cellular and molecular approach, as well as in the context of acute and chronic experimental in vivo models of inflammation.

"This is a great program to promote sustainability in our labs at U-M and we enjoyed working with the staff of OCS. It was mutually beneficial to both of us. Let’s make Blue go" Holly Evanoff, Lab Coordinator
 

Fallahi Lab is interested in experimental and computational approaches to develop a quantitative and system-level understanding of oncogenic signaling and therapeutic mechanisms in human tumors, multiplex biochemical measurement, single-cell analysis, and multi-scale and network level modeling.  Our ultimate goal is to help developing precision medicine in cancer treatment via improving how drugs are used to treat individual cancer patients.  We employ molecular biology and cell culture techniques in our work and use the supporting equipment.  Waste generated is disposed of following EHS guidelines.

“The Fallahi Lab has begun with all the sustainability aspects in place. We are in full compliance with the UM Environmental Health and Safety guidelines. We regularly check ChEM Reuse program database for our material needs and practice sustainable purchasing. We follow reuse and recycling as per Planet Blue recommendations. We follow the “Shut the sash + be safe” in fume hood maintenance. Lights, computers and major appliances are turned off at the end of the day. We look forward to maintaining this lab as sustainable as possible!  Mohan Manikkam, Lab Manager