Skip to main content
What can we help you find?

Policies

TEM image of mouse hepatocytes from liver sections. Scale bar =  1 micrometer. Sample prepared and imaged by Dr. Joseph Szule.

Biosafety requirements and rules

  • Selected rooms in the Image Analysis Laboratory (IAL) have been approved as BL-2 laboratory spaces.
    • In order to be able to bring the BL-2 material to the IAL, you MUST list the IAL facility and room number in the investigator’s IBC permit, in Section F, Agent Use and Storage Locations.
    • The investigator is required to send a copy of the IBC permit listing the relevant IAL laboratory room and the BL2 organisms to Dr. Robert Burghardt at rburghardt@cvm.tamu.edu before bringing the BL-2 samples.
  • All users must follow the rules posted when using the BL-2 labs in the IAL.
    • This applies even to those users that do not work with samples requiring an IBC permit.

Procedures for scheduling and use of microscopy services and instrumentation

  • Please register in iLabs for scheduling and billing at https://tamu.corefacilities.org/service_center/show_external/4876.
  • For the first-time use of:
  • Microscopes may be checked out by one of the core facility staff for the desired application and operated by trained individuals.
  • Each investigator using fluorescence facilities is responsible for the design and analysis of their experiments.
  • Core facility staff may provide experimental design and data analysis support based on normal collaborative research agreements.
  • Scheduling any fluorescence imaging equipment may be done up to, but not exceeding four weeks in advance.
  • A maximum of four hours per day per user during regular business peak hours (8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.) may be scheduled in advance.
    • If no one else has signed up, the machine may be used until the next scheduled user arrives.
  • To avoid being charged for the scheduled use of a microscope, a notice of cancellation must be received during regular business hours on the day prior to an appointment.
  • Data should be moved from each instrument to each user’s preferred storage media at the end of each imaging session.
    • The IAL is not responsible for data that is left on the instrument for more than one week.

Equipment Checkout

  • All new optical and electron microscopes and other major equipment users are required to demonstrate competency instruments they wish to operate.
  • Users who have qualified on instruments elsewhere must be instructed and certified for IAL equipment prior to checkout.
  • Users must be able to assess the working condition of an instrument, and they will be held responsible for informing IAL staff if an instrument isn’t performing properly.

Operator Responsibilities

  • All microscopes are maintained in a ready state by IAL staff, permitting users to sign-up for instruments during business hours.
  • Written logs are maintained for each machine, with lamp hours and any other issues recorded.

Billing

  • Use of instruments incur user fees, which are posted annually.
  • Users MUST have an account number on file prior to using the IAL.
  • Separate charges are billed for consumable supplies, technical support, and staff-assisted projects.
  • Invoices are prepared monthly.

Safety

  • All users of the IAL are responsible for the safe utilization of instrumentation.
  • Electrical and chemical hazards, as well as hazards associated with the utilization of high-vacuum instruments, exist.
  • No biohazardous material may be brought into the laboratory unless procedures for their use and disposal have been approved and all IAL staff are properly informed of potential hazards.
  • A handbook of safety procedures and a Texas A&M University Hazardous Waste Disposal Manual are located at the laboratory’s entrance.
    • Users of the laboratory are obligated to use proper safety procedures and are expected to both read and understand the contents of these documents.
  • Material Data Safety Sheets are maintained on all chemicals used in the laboratory.
  • Contact an IAL staff member for manuals.

Publication Acknowledgment

  • Please include the core name and RRID in the acknowledgment section for publications containing data or analysis generated in the facility.
    • For example: “The authors acknowledge the assistance of the Image Analysis Laboratory, Texas A&M Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. RRID: SCR_022479″

IAL Staff Members