Upload probes directly to Agilent Manufacturing (Express Array)

You can use the Express Array feature to upload a file of probes directly to Agilent Manufacturing. Agilent processes the probe file and creates a microarray design for which you can then request a quote. You can also buy the microarray from the Agilent Online Store through eArray. This feature bypasses many of the steps and decisions that are part other array design methods in eArray. Express Array is available for the Expression, CGH, and ChIP application types. You can upload files in the MINIMAL and COMPLETE probe file formats. See Probe file formats and requirements for uploading.

Click the Workspace tab. Express Array is not available within collaborations.
Set the application type to Expression, CGH, or ChIP.
Click Microarray > Express Array.

A new pane appears.
In Select Species, select the desired species, then click Next.

A new pane appears.
Provide the following details. All are required, unless otherwise noted.

Detail	Instructions/Details
Microarray Parameter Details
Array Name	Type a name for the array. eArray uses this name to reference the new array. eArray also creates a probe group of the same name that contains all of your uploaded probes.
Description	(Optional) Type additional information that will help to later identify the array.
Design Format	Select the desired design format from the list. Make sure the design format can accommodate the number of probes in your uploaded file and the required control grid. The design format defines the number and arrangement of features on the array. For formats with two or more groups of features, each group of features is a replicate of the others. For example, the 2 X 105K format contains two groups of features on a single glass microarray slide that each contain approximately 105,000 features. The maximum number of distinct probes this design format can accommodate (including the control grid) is approximately 105,000. A control grid appropriate for your design and application type appears in Control Grid. To see details about the design format, click Show Details. To see details about the control grid, click the name of the control grid.
Upload Microarray File Details
Upload File	The location of the file of probes to be uploaded. Click Browse. A dialog box appears. Select the desired file, then click Open. The location of the file appears in Upload File.
File Format	The column content of your file. eArray accepts MINIMAL and COMPLETE probe file formats. See Probe file formats and requirements for uploading. Select the appropriate file format.
File Type	Select one of these options: MS-EXCEL – Microsoft Excel (.xls) format. TDT – Tab-delimited text format. (.tdt or .txt files) Note:* If you use Microsoft Excel 2007 to create the file, save the file as an Excel 97-2003 workbook. This saves the file in the required *.xls format.

Click Next.

eArray displays the details you provided and the first few lines of your probe file.
Below each column of probe data, select the label that best identifies the contents of the column. If a column does not match any of the labels, select Ignore. You must use each label exactly once, except Ignore, which you can use any number of times.
If the first row of your probe file contains column headings, mark My uploaded file contains column headings. Otherwise, eArray treats the column headings as actual probe information. eArray does not interpret the meaning of column headings.
Click Upload.

A message warns you that you are about to submit the design information directly to manufacturing without the opportunity to review it.
Click OK.

eArray uploads and validates the file. If the file contains no errors, eArray creates design files, sends them to Agilent Manufacturing, and adds the array design to your default folder. It also creates a probe group that contains the uploaded probes, and sends you a success e-mail.

If eArray finds errors in your file, you receive an e-mail with an attachment that lists the rows in the file with errors. The attachment highlights the specific values that did not pass validation.