Policies
Training Policy - IMC:
Prior to any microscope use, there are mandatory training sessions (always one-on-one, no samples required, no exceptions), usually the indicated sessions below are enough, however users can ask for more training time and/or IMC staff can suggest additional training if user is not comfortable on using the microscopes alone:
Instrument specific training workflow:
- For Nikon A1, Cytivia DV and OMX, Olympus IX83: a 1hr theory zoom session followed by 2x 1.5h practical sessions
- For Cytation 5: the time of training depends on the user needs, could be 15 minutes for plate reader functions or ~1h for complex experiments
- For Yokogawa CV8000: prior to training, consultation on assay design, plate format etc is mandatory. Training is hands-on and requires own samples, usually it is minimum of 1h. the number of times needed will depend on user needs.
- For Nikon CiL: 1x session of ~30min
- For Incucyte S3: no training available, the IMC staff is responsible for scheduling and putting plates in the machine. User can be trained to use the software for acquisition and analysis upon request.
Any trained user who has not operated an instrument within the last 6 months is required to take a refresher training session (anywhere from 30 mins to 1 hour) that will demonstrate the amount of information the user still remembers. If the user is deemed insufficiently proficient, an extended training session will be scheduled.
Reservations Policy - IMC:
Reservations and Billing are in 15 minutes increments and everything is performed through iLabs.
For untrained users: untrained users need to contact the IMC directly to either schedule assisted imaging sessions (hourly cost: instrument + staff time) or training.
For trained users: Trained users have access to the iLabs calendars for the instruments they are trained on. They can reserve any time between 8:30 am and 5:30pm Mon-Fri.
For independent users: Independent users (defined as proficient users that do not need assistance and are frequent core users) can request after hour badge access that allows them to reserve time 24/7
Cancellation Policy - IMC:
Cancellation of a reservation must occur at least 4 hours before the reservation start time or user will be charged for the length of the appointment. Alternatively, if a replacement is found to fill the time slot, such as a lab mate/coworker, then reservation time can be switched over. Please email Fabio (stossi@bcm.edu) ahead of time to allow the reservation to be switched or deleted.
Data Processing, Transferring and Storage - IMC:
The IMC is NOT responsible for your data and their storage. You can transfer/store data in the following ways: BCM BOX or ONEDRIVE, personal hard drive, or a server that you have access to.
As some of the instruments (i.e., OMX, DV) require image processing you have the following options: 1) process data during your session, 2) batch process at the end of the day at no extra charge if no one is scheduled on the machine (this will be on a first come first serve basis). Please allow time for data transfer at the end of your session; if you ask IMC personnel, we will move it for you at the end of the day.
Data files should NOT be stored on the local hard drives. We will move data/delete off the machines when they are more than two weeks old and space is needed for optimal instrument usage. For large data experiments (plate scans or long-term live imaging) be prepared to provide Tb drives for moving the raw data off the instruments asap.
Objectives Damage/Misuse:
If you do not seal your coverslips properly and use an oil objective, you will be required to go through a refresher training before further use of the instrument. Please be ready to show your slides if we ask to check them. We want to ensure the slides are properly sealed to avoid any damage to our objectives. If you get oil and/or mounting media onto an air objective, either from unclean slides or using oil directly on the air objective, you will be required to go through a refresher training before further use of the instrument. If you get oil on an air objective, DO NOT attempt to clean it off yourself. At no time should you touch the objective with any type of cleaner!! If you scratch an objective lens, you will be required to go through a refresher training before further use of the instrument. Continual incidents will require a full re-training (2X 2 hours) before further use of the instrument, PIs will be notified and decisions made about utilization of equipment unsupervised.