UPenn Cell & Developmental Biology

Core Policy

Users of the CDB/CVI Microscopy Core are asked to abide by all rules posted below. Unassisted users should note that their unassisted status may be revoked by the Core director if there is any evidence of repeated mistreatment of Core equipment.

This Core is open to School of Medicine researchers outside the CDB and CVI. However, investigators from these two departments are given priority when it comes to reserving microscope time. During times of heavy usage, the Core director may find it necessary to reserve blocks of time for primary CDB and CVI faculty or to "bump" users for necessary repairs and/or upgrades or to otherwise adjust usage time. Every attempt will be made to do so in consultation with those parties that are affected.

Rules for Microscope Use

1. All microscope sessions must be scheduled through the online scheduling calendar. Assisted/training sessions will be scheduled by Core staff; unassisted users will be given permission to schedule their own sessions. Cancellations should be made in advance. Users who fail to cancel (either by editing the web calendar or notifying the Core director) will be charged for the session anyway.
2. The maximum session length for the Zeiss, Leica, and spinning disk confocals during "prime time" working hours (9 am - 6 pm M-F) is four hours. Users who wish to use one of these microscopes for more than four hours at a time may do so during nights and weekends, or they may seek approval from the Core director to use regular working hours if necessary. As the SEM, Deltavision and Zeiss widefield systems are used much less than these other microscopes, there is no time limit on these scopes.
3. New for spinning disk confocal users: Because of the high demand for long weekday sessions on this microscope, we ask that users be considerate of others in scheduling their time. Only two four-hour "prime time" sessions per user per week should be scheduled in advance. Users who need an entire day will be allowed to reserve the microscope in advance for one full work day per week. Exceptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
4. Each lab may schedule a maximum of four "prime time" sessions per week, assisted, unassisted, or any combination thereof.
5. No food or beverages can be brought into the microscope rooms.
6. The microscope stages and tables must be kept clean - spills or broken slides must be reported to Core staff immediately.
7. Objectives must be treated with respect! In particular, dry and water immersion lenses must not come into contact with oil or mounting medium, and extensive cleaning of objectives beyond gently wiping with lens tissue must not be attempted by any users. If you accidentally get oil or mounting medium on a dry or water-immersion lens, contact Core staff right away so the lens can be cleaned.
8. The default state of the temperature control box around the Deltavision microscope is 37 degrees Celsius. Users who require a lower temperature should consult Core staff about the proper procedure for achieving this. Users who do work at lower temperatures are required to return the box to 37 degrees as soon as they are finished.