Our rates are established per unit for supplies and per hour for usage of instruments and labor provided by the CEMF. External academic and commercial users are charged an additional 50% and 200% of the internal rates given below, respectively. Time and materials used are recorded in the Facility Billing System (FBS), which generates itemized invoices reflecting the actual costs incurred during use of the facility. Internal UAB users are charged directly and automatically after allowing at least five business days for review of invoices. External users may pay via check or bank transfer.
Services are provided and billed by the CEMF in accordance with NIH policy (NOT-OD-13-053). Notably:
- “All billing and cost recovery must be based on services provided (i.e., after service has been provided and expense has been incurred). Billing in advance of the work or receipt of pre-payment is not allowable.”
- “Rates are charged to internal institutional users on a consistent basis, regardless of funding source(s) consistent with the concept of ‘one service, one rate’”
Any charges for usage of the CEMF are corrected to exclude time or materials lost because of personnel error or instrument failure. Otherwise, we cannot retroactively reduce or discount our rates due to undesirable outcomes. We make every effort to set realistic expectations, act transparently, and provide cost effective services. Upon request, we can recommend project-specific strategies in consideration of funding constraints.
Example usage scenarios:
-
Negative stain sample screening
Negative staining and room temperature imaging (NSEM) of two samples on the Talos to assess suitability for cryo-EM. NSEM is optional but encouraged for protein samples. Vesicles can be readily identified, though staining and drying will distort their sizes and shapes.
Service or Material Rate Quantity Subtotal Talos F200C microscope usage (hourly) $ 45.00 1.5 $ 67.50 Specialist assistance (hourly) $ 60.00 2 $120.00 Continuous film sample grids (each) $ 6.00 4 $ 24.00 $ 211.50 For protein samples, NSEM single-particle data collection and processing can be a cost-effective approach to understanding “low resolution” information about the specimen such as multimeric complex formation, structural variability/flexibility, or the overall shape of the protein.
-
Cryo-EM sample freezing
Plunge-freezing of four grids per sample for cryo-EM screening, data collection, or shipment to an external facility. Four grids per sample allow for some testing of freezing conditions as well as replicates in case any single grid becomes unusable. For biochemically validated specimens conforming to recommended sample conditions, this is typically sufficient for imaging and/or preliminary data collection. For challenging specimens, repetition and optimization of both the sample and freezing conditions will be necessary.
Service or Material Rate Quantity Subtotal Vitrobot Mark IV usage (hourly) $ 50.00 0.75 $ 37.50 Specialist assistance (hourly) $ 60.00 1.5 $ 90.00 Holey film sample grids (each) $ 12.00 8 $96.00 Total: $ 223.50 Overall total: $ 435.00 -
Cryo-EM sample screening or manual imaging
Screening of eight cryo-EM sample grids including identifying ideal conditions and manually imaging. When a selection of publication-quality images is the final objective, manual imaging is typically more extensive and the final step of the cryo-EM workflow.
Service or Material Rate Quantity Subtotal Glacios 2 microscope usage (hourly) $ 60.00 4 $ 240.00 Specialist assistance (hourly) $ 60.00 3.5 $ 210.00 Autogrid clip rings (each) $ 15.00 8 $ 120.00 Total: $ 450.00 Grand total: $ 885.00 -
Cryo-EM data collection
Extended semi-automated imaging of one or more grids for the purpose of single-particle or tomographic reconstruction. These cases are separated because configuration of overnight tilt-series collection will tend to involve significantly more manual review of targeted areas than single-particle data collection.
Single-Particle Data Collection
Service Rate Quantity Subtotal Glacios 2 microscope usage (hourly, capped to 8hrs/day) $ 60.00 20 $ 240.00 Specialist assistance (hourly) $ 60.00 2 $ 120.00 Total: $ 360.00 Grand total: $ 1,245.00
Tilt-Series Data Collection
Service Rate Quantity Subtotal Glacios 2 microscope usage (hourly, capped to 8hrs/day) $ 60.00 20 $ 240.00 Specialist assistance (hourly) $ 60.00 4.5 $ 360.00 Total: $ 480.00 Grand total: $ 1,485.00
-
Complete schedule of UAB internal user fees*
Service Rate Glacios 2 microscope usage (hourly, capped to 8hrs/day) $ 60.00 Talos F200C microscope usage (hourly, capped to 8hrs/day) $ 45.00 Specialist assistance (hourly) $ 60.00 Vitrobot Mark IV usage (hourly) $ 50.00 Individual user training (daily) $ 500.00 Small group (2-3) user training (daily per person) $ 350.00
Material Rate Autogrid clip rings (each) $ 15.00 UltrAuFoil gold sample grids (each) $ 20.00 Holey film sample grids (each) $ 12.00 Continuous film sample grids (each) $ 6.00 VitroEase buffer kit (uL of stock used) $ 1.00
Note: External academic and commercial users are charged an additional 50% and 200%, respectively.