Nano Cell Imaging Facility and Genomic Centre for Cancer Research and Diagnosis

Labour fees: Technician: $35 per hour, highly qualified personnel: $50 per hour.

Taxes: All prices are subject to applicable taxes.

Long timelapse experiments: If you plan to run long timelapse experiments on the live-cell system, please contact us. We may be able to offer a reduced rate for these experiments.

Proper care and usage of equipment are crucial for maintaining optimal functionality and ensuring high-quality results. Adhering to the following guidelines will help extend equipment lifespan and facilitate prompt resolution of any issues:

Workstation etiquette

Respectful and efficient use of shared workspaces ensures a productive environment for all users. Please follow these practices:

• Turn off bulbs, microscopes, computers, and power bars after use, unless another user is waiting.
• Do not move parts between microscopes or remove files from computers unless they are your own.

Microscope care

• Ensure all objectives are cleaned properly after use with the lens paper and cleaner provided. 
• Always cover microscopes with the blue Zeiss cover when finished. 
• Do not move or exchange parts between microscopes.
• Do not remove any components.

Bulb warm-up and cool-down

• X-Cite illumination burners: A 90-second warm-up and a 5-minute cool-down are sufficient.

To ensure data security and proper management, files should not be stored on the hard drives of individual workstations. Users are responsible for backing up their data to external storage media (e.g., external hard drive, USB stick, etc.).

The use of GCCRD computers for personal purposes, such as checking email or downloading software, is strictly prohibited.

All users must record the following after using the workstations:

• Name
• Type of use (imaging/analysis)
• Bulb hours
• Project
• Supervisor's name

This applies to all analysis stations in the computer room.

If you notice any issues with equipment, please follow these steps to ensure prompt resolution and prevent further damage:

Notify staff immediately

If bulb hours are high (80 hours for the AttoArc, 1400 hours for the X-Cite) or if the light is flickering.

Report malfunctions

Any issues with instruments or light sources should be reported right away to avoid permanent damage.

If no staff are available

Document the issue in the problem log for follow-up.

These guidelines will be reviewed during training. Users who violate the rules may face a loss of privileges as determined by facility personnel and the user committee. Adherence is essential to protect the valuable equipment and maintain controlled access.