AHSC Microscopy - Laser Scanning Confocal Microscopy

This resource is housed at the AHSC Microscopy Facility located in LSN410. We offer three types of service for Confocal Microscopy.

All services begin with an initial meeting with the AHSC Confocal Microscopy Manager. Please contact Doug Cromey 520-626-2824, to discuss your microscopy needs.

Assisted Use - Users should contact the facility manager to schedule time for the manager to operate the instrument and image the user's samples. Users need to be aware that samples stained with UV excited dyes (e.g., DAPI or Hoechst) can only be imaged using the multiphoton laser. All persons present in the confocal room when the multiphoton laser (class IV) is in operation are required to have completed laser safety training and the appropriate paperwork must be on file with both UA Radiation Control and the facility.

Unassisted Use - After completing the required training session, you may operate the microscope on your own. The training includes the successful completion of the Laser Radiation Protection Course (through the Radiation Control Office).

Training - We provide hands-on training to effectively operate the microscope. This three session (3 hours each) training program is designed to help you optimize the system for your type of samples. This training is required to be allowed to operate the instrument as an unassisted user. Laser Radiation Protection Course certification requirement is part of the training.

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Rates

Effective: 10/01/2008 These rates are for the Arizona Universities. For external pricing, please contact the ARL Business Office (520-621-4064).

2-Photon	$40.00
2-Photon Training	$54.00
Assisted 2-Photon	$86.00
Assisted Time	$78.00
Confocal Time	$32.00
Training	$46.00
Consultation/Special Labor	$46.00

External customers: External rates plus an additional 9.89% Administrative Service Charge will be assessed.

Please take the time to view the Confocal Microscopy Service Policies.

SCHEDULE the Zeiss Confocal Microscope
(Trained Users Only)

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About the Zeiss Confocal Microscope At the AHSC Facility

Zeiss LSM 510 META NLO

Upright Axioplan 2 imaging microscope with a motorized XY scanning stage and a META scanning module capable of analyzing spectral signals from UV to NIR. Objectives include 10X dry, 25X multi-immersion, 40X dipping lens for visualizing samples in culture media, 40X and 100X oil immersion, and a 63X water immersion objective. Available excitation laser lines include: 457, 477, 488, 514, 543, and 633 nm. The Coherent MIRA900 2-photon laser is tunable from 700-950 nm.

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Confocal Microscopy Policies

The Confocal Imaging microscope is available to all researchers in the AZ state university system as well as researchers in public and private sectors. Because this is a shared facility and investigators are dependent on this resource to complete their work, all users must follow the stated guidelines. Failure to comply could result in denying access.

All perspective users must first meet with Doug Cromey, 626-2824, cromey@arizona.edu.

All users are required to complete a training program before they can access the microscope on their own. This 3-part, approximately 9 hour training will consist of a theoretical section, and two practical sessions. Users will receive a CD containing a copy of the facility policy, user manuals, free software, and large number of other resources.

Users will need to provide a 6-digit FRS account number for billing purposes.

All users of the facility are required to have successfully completed a LASER RADIATION PROTECTION COURSE, given by the University of Arizona Radiation Control Office. That office oversees Federal and Arizona State regulations for the proper use and handling of instruments that generate radiation. A "Radiation Worker Data Sheet" (RC-088), must be completed, signed by Doug Cromey and submitted to Radiation Control Office 10 days before the start of the class. Radiation control does not accept forms that have scanned or faxed signatures.

Schedule of classes: See Radiation Control Office Schedule
Required form: RC-88