For the benefit of new users, this is how the core functions. Please take a few moments to carefully read this document.

MODES OF INTERACTION

I.) Training – We will train you how to do routine operations required for your lab.

II.) Collaboration – We will work together on projects of mutual scientific interest.

III.) Service – We will provide our services for infrequent operations required by your lab.

RULES UNDER WHICH THE FACILITY OPERATES

1.) Work is only taken in hand after discussion with a core staff member. First complete a MICROSCOPY ORDER FORM (available here online or in the wall slots EM suite, room 214). There are three categories of core work: histology, light microscopy (including, immunostaining, confocal, digital) and electron microscopy. Discuss the projected work with a member of the core to decide on the mode of interaction, practical details, and deadlines.

The Recharge Account Number and Signature Authorization is required before work can be taken in hand.

For service work, the date establishes the priority.

2.) After your work request is accepted, constructive discussions with the technical staff are welcomed. The Core staff are professionals who will do excellent work in a timely manner. Core staff will deal with service work in the order in which it is received. If you wish your work to be done ahead of someone else's, please negotiate with that person directly. Once you have agreed on a priority change, inform the head of the core of the change. He/she will then instruct the core staff to make the change.

3.) All specimens, protocols, reports, negatives (except EM), digital image files and prints will be returned to you for safekeeping when the work is completed. We will call you to come and collect and sign them off. Remember, archiving these materials and accessing them for later work is your responsibility.

4.) Each batch of work will have an identifying number, e.g. 2000.0122DD. This unique number, essential for tracking purposes, encodes the date the work was taken in hand, and the Principal Investigator involved.

5.) All EM negatives will remain in the unit - this is valuable primary material for which we take responsibility.

6.) Whenever possible we will train you or your Research Assistant (RA) in the necessary preparative and microscopy techniques.

7.) Specimens will only be accepted when handed to a member of the microscopy core who will check to see that they are clearly identified, accompanied by a written work order. Core members are not responsible for unannounced specimens left on the bench or put into refrigerators.

8.) Changes or additions to projected work will usually require a fresh order/invoice. Try to plan ahead and work in organized batches.

9.) Each and every single specimen submitted must have a unique identification name or number which cannot be confused with existing materials. This is the client’s responsibility. Core staff will return unprocessed, material that is not clearly identified.

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