Sabine Mai
Director
Services we offer
Equipment
Our facility is equipped with cutting-edge tools to support a wide range of imaging and microscopy applications.
Available equipment
The following equipment is available to assist with your research needs, providing advanced capabilities for image acquisition, analysis, and more.
We have the following items available in our facility:
- ASI GenASIs scanning system
- ASI HyperSpectral Imaging (HiSKY)
- AxioVert 200 live cell system
- Deconvolution system #1
- Deconvolution system #2
- Deconvolution system #3
- Dual Head teaching microscope
- ELYRA super resolution
- Image Analysis
- Image Analysis with artificial intelligence
- MetaSystems scanning with Metafer and ISIS software
- MMI Cellcut Plus Laser Micro Dissection
- Pathology Imaging
Card access
The equipment is protected by card access. Users must first complete training, after which you may request card access. Those without card access will be limited to usage during business hours (9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday to Friday).
Training for users
We provide individual one-on-one training that is specifically designed to the needs of your project on our microscopes. By taking our training courses, you will not only gain a better understanding of microscopy and imaging in general but also perform image acquisition and data analysis on your own shortly after the training.
New users
To gain access to equipment, users must first familiarize themselves with the basic operational procedures of the facility and complete a training session on the specific instruments they will be using. Users are only permitted to access equipment for which they have received proper training.
For safety reasons, all users must adhere to the facility’s operational and safety guidelines. This ensures the proper handling of equipment and helps prevent accidents.
Please note, users must be trained by GCCRD personnel only. Training conducted by fellow lab members is not permitted. If more than three months have passed since your last use of equipment, you must request a brief review to refresh your knowledge before using the equipment again.
Advanced training
We offer two in-depth microscopy workshops each year: a Microscopy Basics session in the fall and an Intermediate/Advanced session in the spring or summer. Both are graduate-level courses, offered through the University of Manitoba, and come with university credit upon completion (course fees apply).
In addition to these workshops, we host a variety of seminars, technology presentations, and application-focused workshops throughout the year. These events are open to all and are offered at no cost.
Support
We continue to provide support and assistance to the users of our facility after training on an as-needed basis. Upon request, we can also provide assisted sample acquisition/data analysis during real experiments, or at assist in the planning of experiments to help produce the best possible results.
Prices
General equipment usage
| System | University of Manitoba | Other Academic Institutions | Industry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Automated epifluorescent microscopes | $25 | $50 | $100 |
| ELYRA | $75 | $100 | $200 |
| Epifluorescent microscopes | $25 | $50 | $100 |
| Live-cell | $25 | $50 | $100 |
| MMI Cellcut Plus | $25 | $50 | $100 |
| Spectral karyotyping | $35 | $70 | $150 |
Image and data analysis
| Service | University of Manitoba | Other Academic Institutions | Industry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Image analysis | $20 | $33 | $50 |
| Data analysis | $20 | $33 | $50 |
Teaching fees
| Service | University of Manitoba | Other Academic Institutions | Industry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teaching on ELYRA | $200 | $400 | $600 |
| Teaching on all other instruments | $100 | $200 | $300 |
Additional information
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.
Guidelines
Equipment care and usage guidelines
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.
Data storage and security
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.
Record keeping
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.
Reporting equipment issues
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.
User responsibilities
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.
Acknowledgment
If research supported by the University of Manitoba Nano Cell Imaging Facility and Genomic Centre for Cancer Research and Diagnosis results in a publication, we kindly request the following acknowledgment be included:
"We thank the NCIF/GCCRD at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, MB, for providing __________ service. ORCID 0000-0002-5797-2201."
This acknowledgment helps ensure proper recognition of the resources and expertise provided by the facility, supporting continued access and funding for our services.
Contact us
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Darryl Dyck
Imaging support
Geonomic Centre for Cancer Research and Diagnosis
745 Bannatyne Avenue
University of Manitoba
Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9 Canada