Skip to main content

Dietrich School Scientific Stockroom

 

The Dietrich School Scientific Stockroom (DSSS) opened on May 20, 2015, consolidating the former Biological Sciences, Chemistry, and Physics stockrooms—along with the Excise Tax Free Ethanol Program—into a single, centrally managed resource. University-owned and operated, the Stockroom is supported by Unity Lab Services for inventory management. Our catalog is continually expanded with new suppliers and products, and we offer flexible purchasing options, including individual units for customers with limited storage needs. We are committed to helping researchers and lab staff make the most of their budgets. Orders may be picked up at our location in Chevron Science Center, or delivered to your building usually by the next business day.

Why order from the DSS Stockroom?

The Dietrich School Scientific Stockroom (DSSS) is an internal University of Pittsburgh supplier—meaning purchases are interdepartmental charges exempt from indirect cost rates under most grant conditions (OMB Circular A-21).

Key Benefits

  • Aggregate savings of 20–25% over standard list pricing
  • Over 1,800 of the most frequently purchased scientific consumables, chemicals, and office/janitorial supplies in stock
  • Same-day pickup available for orders approved before 4:30 PM; next-day delivery on most items
  • Subcode 6088 purchases are exempt from indirect cost (overhead) fees on sponsored project awards
  • No restocking or return fees.

Browse Our Inventory

(This search function includes all of the items currently listed in our inventory. Some items may be discontinued or no longer available for purchase. Please contact stockroom@pitt.edu to confirm.)

Downloadable catalogs

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the punchout look like Fisher Scientific’s?

The DSSS operates with inventory management support from Unity Lab Services (ThermoFisher). The PantherExpress punchout is integrated with Fisher’s ULS system, which is why the interface mirrors the Fisher Scientific punchout. You are still ordering from the DSSS.

What subcode must I use?

Always use subcode 6088 (Interdepartmental Non-Overhead Bearing Supplies). Requisitions using any other subcode are automatically rejected by PantherExpress.

To activate a new account with the 6088 subcode, email: accountrequests@cfo.pitt.edu with the full 32-digit account number. Activation takes 60–90 minutes.

Can I mix DSSS items with items from other suppliers in one cart?

No. Because of the 6088 subcode restriction, DSSS items must be checked out in their own cart. Mixing suppliers will cause your order to fail. Every supplier requires a separate shopping cart.

How do I order dry ice or liquid nitrogen?

These are self-service items—obtain the product first, then pay.

  1. Go to the cryogen storage center and safely collect what you need (bring PPE and appropriate containers).
  2. Log in to PantherExpress, open the DSSS punchout, and select the *Cryogenics (N2, CO2) Self Service hotlist.
  3. Enter the quantity obtained in whole pounds—round up half-pounds—and submit.
Can I have items delivered?

Most items can be delivered by Pitt drivers (the University’s preferred method). A handling fee applies and appears on your purchase order. Dry ice, liquid nitrogen, high-pressure gas cylinders (Safety Net), and 20-liter acetone refills cannot be delivered.

How do I pick up instead of receiving delivery?

After your cart is returned to PantherExpress, click on Delivery Fee: United States under Supplier Details and change it to Chevron: United States (or Langley Station: United States). The handling fee will drop to $0. Note: once an order is submitted as a delivery, the handling fee cannot be refunded.

I can’t find an item I previously ordered. What should I do?

Enter the old DSSS part number in the Rapid Order by Catalog Number field to locate the current catalog number. You may also keyword-search or browse the Company Lists hotlists. Contact the stockroom at stockroom@pitt.edu for further assistance.

Can I add a note to my order?

Internal notes (visible to account approvers and department buyers only) may be added. Do not use external notes—they signal an error and will delay your order.

How do I return an item?

Complete a Return Request Form or email your to stockroom@pitt.edu. Do not return items without written authorization. No restocking or return shipping fees are charged. Returns are processed within one week of receipt, and credit appears on your next ledger report. The original purchasing account must be credited.

Are DSSS purchases subject to indirect cost rates on grants?

Not under most circumstances. The DSSS is classified as a Specialized Service Center under OMB Circular A-21. Purchases charged to subcode 6088 are exempt from indirect cost rates on Modified Total Direct Costs (MTDC) for all entity 05 federal and non-federal sponsored project awards.

 

    Additional information

    Return Policy

    Returns are accepted under most circumstances; see the conditions below. To initiate a return, submit the DSS eReturn Request Form. Do not return items without authorization. A stockroom representative will contact you with approval and specific return instructions.

    Items not accepted for return:

    • Frozen or refrigerated items returned more than 1 hour after delivery
    • Opened chemicals or chemicals not in original packaging
    • Opened sterile products (if only the outer package has been opened, exceptions may apply; opened inner packaging is not accepted under any circumstances)
    • Expired materials (soon-to-expire materials will be evaluated case by case)
    • Products with a broken manufacturer or supplier seal
    • Products not in like-new, re-sellable condition (evaluated upon return)
    • Items not in original packaging or original purchase unit of measure
    • Items purchased more than 30 calendar days ago

    Items that were incorrectly shipped or do not fall into any of the above categories are eligible for return.

    Return process:

    1. Submit the DSS eReturn Request Form to stockroom@pitt.edu.
    2. Wait for written authorization before returning anything. Items returned without authorization will not be accepted.
    3. Do not write on the outer box — the product must be re-sellable.
    4. Once approved, a return notification page will be emailed to you. Print it and affix it to the item.
    5. Bring the item to your building's receiving area (the same location where DSS deliveries arrive). If you originally picked up your order, you will need to physically return the item to 326 Chevron Science Center.

    Credit: Returns are processed within one week of receipt. Credit will appear on your next ledger report and must be applied to the original purchasing account. If your original account is closed, contact your account administrator.

    There are no restocking or return shipping fees.

    Chemical Tracking Procedure

    All chemicals purchased through the DSSS are barcoded and entered into the stockroom's chemical inventory database (iRIMS). This tracking system applies to all Dietrich School customers. The stockroom logs each container upon receipt; your responsibility begins when you pick up or receive your order.

    When a chemical container is emptied or removed from use:

    1. Peel the barcode label off the container.
    2. Affix it to a Barcode Sticker Sheet (available free at 326 Chevron Science Center).
    3. Write your name or research group, room number, and building on the sheet in case any barcodes become illegible.
    4. Return completed sheets to the stockroom at 326 Chevron Science Center, or send them via Campus Mail to DSS Stockroom, 326 Chevron Science Center, 219 Parkman Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213.

    This removes the container from the active chemical inventory without requiring you to bring the physical container to the stockroom.

    Note: Completing this process does not replace your obligation to follow proper chemical waste disposal procedures. A disposal record of your chemicals is maintained separately.

    Barcode Sticker Sheets are available at the stockroom front desk. If your sheet is full, return it and pick up a new one.

    Ethanol

    Ethanol is ordered through the DSSS punchout in PantherExpress using the Ethanol / Ethyl Alcohol Hotlist. Delivery is available and is the University's preferred method. Ethanol cannot be bundled with dry ice, liquid nitrogen, gas cylinders, or 20-liter acetone refills, but can be delivered alongside most other stockroom items.

    Available products:

    Catalog # Description Unit
    200G1000 200 Proof — Plastic gallon bottle Each (cases of 4)
    200C5000 200 Proof — 5-gallon cubitainer Each
    200PP0125 200 Proof — Plastic pint Each (cases of 24)
    200PG0125 200 Proof — Glass pint Each (cases of 24)
    200GMP0125 200 Proof — Glass, molecular biology grade Each
    190G1000 190 Proof — Plastic gallon bottle Each (cases of 4)
    190C5000 190 Proof — 5-gallon cubitainer Each

    200 Proof is 100% ethanol. 190 Proof is a 95% ethanol / 5% water solution. The molecular biology grade (200GMP0125) is intended for DNA/RNA extraction and precipitation; for most other applications the standard 200 Proof products are appropriate.

    Tax-free status: The University of Pittsburgh holds a federal Industrial Alcohol User Permit issued by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), which allows ethanol to be purchased free of federal excise tax for research and teaching purposes. This is why ethanol must be purchased through the DSSS rather than directly from an outside vendor — only permit holders may withdraw tax-free alcohol, and the University's permit covers purchases made through the stockroom.

    Storage: Ethanol must be stored in a UL/FM-approved Flammable Material Storage Cabinet labeled "FLAMMABLE — KEEP FIRE AWAY." The storage area must be locked when unattended. Purchase only what you expect to use in the near future; consult the University Safety Manual (Fire Safety section) for quantity limits.

    Transporting ethanol: All containers greater than 100 mL must be carried in a secondary container (e.g., a bucket) capable of containing spills. It is a DOT violation to transport ethanol in a personal vehicle without proper training and documentation. Use the freight elevator in Chevron Science Center when transporting ethanol.

    New lab locations: If your laboratory is new or has moved, notify the stockroom at stockroom@pitt.edu. Under the University's federal permit, all locations where ethanol is stored and used must be registered.

    Safety Data Sheet: SDS and technical information for ethanol are available directly from the manufacturer, Decon Labs.

    Gas Cylinders

    Ordering High-Pressure Gases from Matheson

    Matheson is available as a Hosted Catalog supplier in PantherExpress and delivers to Chevron Science Center Monday through Friday. Ordering lead times:

    • Standard gases: Orders submitted by 1:00 PM Monday–Thursday arrive the next business day. Friday orders are delivered Monday.
    • Specialty gases: 1–2 business day turnaround after order placement.
    • Liquid helium: Must be ordered before noon on Monday for Thursday delivery.
    • Liquid nitrogen: 1–2 business days after order placement.

    To limit cylinder accumulation in the building, please order only what you need for approximately one week. If your work regularly requires larger quantities, include a brief explanation in the Internal Notes field on your PantherExpress order. Include your research group's Matheson customer number in the External Notes field.

    Emergency Gas Cylinders — Safety Net (Chevron)

    The DSSS, in partnership with Matheson, maintains a small emergency supply of nitrogen, argon, and helium cylinders in the Cylinder Safety Net cage on the 2nd floor of Chevron Science Center, just inside the loading dock garage doors.

    The Safety Net is for emergencies only — situations where running out of gas would negatively impact ongoing research and cannot wait until the next business day. It is not a substitute for routine Matheson orders. Orders through the DSSS punchout for Safety Net gases are limited to 1 cylinder per order.

    To use the Safety Net:

    1. Go to the cylinder cage on the 2nd floor of Chevron, just inside the loading dock doors.
    2. The lock combination is listed in the Stockroom Gas Cylinder Safety Net Hotlist title on the DSSS punchout.
    3. Enter the combination on the bottom of the lock and push in on the bottom to open it.
    4. Obtain the cylinder you need.
    5. On the clipboard attached to the cage, log your name, research group, email address, PantherExpress requisition number, and the barcode from the cylinder.
    6. Use a cylinder cart and the freight elevator to transport the cylinder to your lab. Lock the cage when finished.
    7. In PantherExpress, open the DSSS punchout and submit a separate order for the cylinder. Do not add other stockroom items to this order.
    8. In the Internal Notes field, state the reason for the emergency order.

    Returning Empty Cylinders

    Before returning an empty cylinder to the floor's chained EMPTY/RETURN containment area:

    • Write "EMPTY" or "MT" in chalk on the cylinder, or attach a tag with that notation, or
    • Include an External Note on your next PantherExpress gas order referencing the cylinder(s) to be picked up.

    Gas Cylinders and Delivery

    High-pressure gas cylinders cannot be delivered by Pitt drivers. For routine gas needs, order directly from Matheson in PantherExpress. The Safety Net is for emergencies only.

     

    Cryogenics

    Dry ice and liquid nitrogen are available for self-service at the cryogen storage center in Chevron Science Center. These items cannot be delivered — they evaporate and require insulated containers that make next-day shipping impractical.

    To obtain dry ice or liquid nitrogen:

    1. Bring appropriate Personal Protective Equipment and suitable insulated containers for your cryogens.
    2. Go to the cryogen storage area and withdraw the amount you need.
    3. Secure the storage area and return to your lab.
    4. Log in to PantherExpress and open the DSSS punchout. Place an order for the quantity you obtained. Purchase is required.
    5. If you do not have PantherExpress access, note the quantity obtained and have your department buyer submit the order on your behalf.

    Your PantherExpress order will be approved by your account approver by the next business day. The order confirmation you receive is for your records — you have already collected your product.

    Alternative suppliers for bulk or delivered cryogens:

    • Dry ice: Pittsburgh Dry Ice is a University contracted supplier available in PantherExpress.
    • Liquid nitrogen and liquid helium: Pitt Cryogenics is an internal University supplier available in PantherExpress. Matheson is also a contracted supplier for liquid nitrogen.

    Pricing

    Prices for dry ice and liquid nitrogen are reviewed and updated annually regularly. Because cryogens naturally evaporate during storage, the per-unit price includes product lost between purchase and sale — the total cost of cryogen purchased is divided by the total quantity sold, with a standard stockroom markup applied. Prices may vary year to year depending on supplier costs and evaporation rates. Current prices are visible in the DSSS punchout on PantherExpress.

    Use of cryogens without purchase will result in an increased price, and can severely affect their availability and affordability for everyone.

     

    Forms