Product FAQ
There is conflicting information on the product page and the databases linked
The product information we provide on our site is carefully prepared and checked against protein and gene databases related to the research target, which are sourced from the likes of UniProt, among other sources. Although we aim to keep this information as up to date as possible, we offer no guarantee that the information provided on our product pages is accurately conveyed against those external sources.
The antibody I’m interested in is not listed for my intended application
We often have more than one antibody for a particular target in our catalogue, to meet the needs of a wider range of applications and attributes. We recommend choosing an antibody that is listed for the application you intend to work with. Where an application is not listed, we cannot guarantee the performance of the product and do not advise purchasing it. There is an exemption to this in the Antibody Validation Project.
Can I try the antibody in an unlisted application through the Antibody Validation Project?
If an antibody is available through the Antibody Validation Project, you are welcome to test it in your desired application, regardless of the prescribed applications. This will not affect your refund claim upon returning your results and review.
The product has my desired application listed, but there is no validation data on the product page for my intended application. How can I be sure the antibody will work as expected?
We are regularly updating product information and improving the listings for each of our antibodies, but we do not always have full product validation for certain applications. In this case, we recommend contacting our team directly to see if there is any new data available. If the image is still not available, the application listed will be covered by our service guarantee.
What is the antibody’s immunogen sequence?
We have decided to protect this information by not publishing it on our website. However, some of these sequences may be made available on request, and we would advise contacting our support team for further information.
When is the shelf-life of the products I have ordered?
Unless otherwise specified, our products have a 1-year shelf-life from the time of dispatch. Please store your products according to the specifications on their product sheet upon receipt. Our service guarantee will cover post-sales support for the product up until the expiry date, after which we cannot guarantee product performance.
What is the concentration of my antibody/protein?
Concentrations vary across our product range. Please refer to the product label or data sheet for these details.
Is it possible to get the antibody with custom formulation?
We are able to remove glycerol, sodium azide, or BSA from a selection of our antibodies when a minimum bulk quantity is ordered. Please submit your request to order@stjohnslabs.com, or alternatively call +44 (0) 208 223 3081 and we will assist with your query as best as possible.
Do you offer custom antibody production services?
We do not offer custom antibody design at this time, but we can carry out conjugation of bulk antibody quantities for a wide selection of our products. If you are interested in bulk production, please email order@stjohnslabs.com.
Which antibody host species will give the best results?
Choose your antibodies according to the combination of primary and secondary antibody you will need. As a general rule, choosing a secondary antibody that targets the same species as that of the primary antibody host is favorable.
Example: The primary antibody is produced in mouse, so the secondary antibody should be anti-mouse.
What sizes or formats do your products come in?
Our antibodies are typically offered either by the amount of antibody (in micrograms) or by a volume (microliters, mililiters, etc) as well as larger bulk formats upon request. We aim to include the concentrations where we can, but for items which are listed by volume concentrations may vary between batches. Many proteins are available either lyophilized (dry powder) or in a ready-to-use liquid format. Trial-size antibodies (e.g., 20 µg) are also available for new targets—please check the product page for exact quantities.
Do you offer bulk-pricing or academic discounts?
Yes. For bulk orders (quantities over 1 mg for antibodies or over 10 mg for proteins), please contact our sales team at order@stjohnslabs.com. Academic institutions and nonprofit labs may qualify for additional discounts—please provide your institutional information when requesting a quote.
What are your shipping options and estimated delivery times?
We ship internationally with DHL and Fedex priority services. All orders are dispatched on gel ice packs, with insulated packaging. From the point of dispatch most deliveries can be expected as follows:
- UK & Western Europe: 1-2 business days.
- USA & Eastern Europe: 2-4 business days.
How should I store my antibody/protein upon receipt?
• Antibodies: Store at 4°C for short-term use (up to two weeks). For long-term storage (>2 weeks), aliquot and keep at –20 °C for those contained in 50% Glycerol (avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles).
• Lyophilized Proteins: Store at –20 °C. Reconstitute immediately before use according to the recommended buffer (see “Reconstitution Protocol” below).
• Liquid Proteins: Store at –80 °C or –20 °C (depending on formulation). Always check the product sheet for exact recommendations.
Can I request a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) or MSDS?
Yes, please email us for CoA. MSDS and datasheets can be obtained directly from the product webpage. If you do not see the document online, email support@stjohnslabs.com and specify the catalog number, and we will send you a PDF copy.
How do I cite your product in a publication?
Use the following format for reproducibility:
“[Product Name], [Clone Name] (Catalog # [STJXXXXX], St John’s Laboratory Ltd.)”
Can I get a sample or trial size before committing to full-size purchase?
Trial-size antibodies (20 µg or 20 µL) are available for many targets, and can be found directly on the product page. Unfortunately, if it is not listed on the product page, we will not be able to supply a trial size option.
Do you offer custom conjugation (e.g., to FITC, HRP, biotin)?
We can conjugate bulk antibody quantities to a variety of labels (FITC, Alexa Fluor®, HRP, biotin, etc.). At least 1 mg would be required for custom conjugation, and this varies per product. Contact support@stjohnslabs.com with your requirements (label, fluorophore ratio, buffer preferences), and we will advise you on a quote and estimated turnaround time.
What buffer formulation does my antibody/protein come in?
Many antibodies are supplied in PBS containing Glycerol, with traces of Sodium Azide. Some formulations include 0.1% BSA for enhanced stability - always check the website or data sheet. Many proteins are shipped lyophilized, but if you require a different buffer (e.g., phosphate-free, HEPES), please request a custom formulation when placing your order.
Are there any handling precautions or hazardous reagents used during product preparation?
The majority of our products are non-hazardous for transport. Please follow the guidance on the MSDS, which lists any hazardous reagents used and specific handling instructions.
Does the antibody/protein cross-react with homologs from other species?
Species reactivity is indicated on each product page under “Reactivity & Cross-Reactivity.” Commonly tested species include human, mouse, rat, and pig. If you require cross-reactivity data for an untested species (e.g., zebrafish, chicken), contact our technical team at support@stjohnslabs.com—we may be able to provide unpublished data or suggest a closely related clone.
Can I request a custom buffer formulation or a carrier protein other than BSA?
Yes. For bulk orders (≥ 1 mg), we can supply antibodies or proteins in custom buffers (e.g. carrier-free/BSA-free, without preservative, etc). Please specify the desired buffer composition and carrier when emailing order@stjohnslabs.com.
What is the expected dynamic range or sensitivity of this ELISA/CLIA kit?
Each kit’s dynamic range and sensitivity are listed on the product page:
Check “Kit Specifications” on the product page for exact performance data, including intra- and inter-assay CVs.
Do you provide technical support or troubleshooting guides if I run into issues?
Yes. Our technical-support team is available Monday–Friday, 9am – 5pm GMT.
• Email: support@stjohnslabs.com
• Tel: +44 (0) 208 223 3081
We also maintain an online repository of troubleshooting tips and step-by-step protocols accessible via the “Resources” link on our website.
How do I track my order once it’s been dispatched?
Once your order ships, you will receive an email with the courier name and tracking number. You can also log in to your account, click “Order History,” and view the tracking status directly in our portal. If you do not receive a tracking email within 5-7 days of purchase, please email order@stjohnslabs.com with your order number.
Is there a recommended supplier for secondary antibodies or blocking reagents?
While we offer a wide range of secondary antibodies and blocking buffers ourselves, we sometimes recommend complementary products from leading brands for specialised applications.