Frequently Asked Questions
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1. I have a project that requires in vivo animal imaging. How do I get approval to image mice?
IACUC protocol approval is needed prior to starting animal imaging projects. Animal protocols need to be linked to the appropriate SAIF IACUC number, and a brief description of the imaging should be provided. Specific information about locations and reagents can be directed to the SAIF manager. If you are a first-time facility user, an account form should be submitted to the core.
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2. I have students who would like to image animals in the SAIF. What steps do they need to take to start imaging?
UAB personnel and students need to be trained before imaging in the SAIF. Training verification forms needs to be submitted for each person who will image.
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3. Can I image on all of the imaging lab equipment?
The IVIS Lumina is available to all trained users. Independent imaging on magnetic or nuclear instrumentation is addressed on a case by case basis.
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4. I’ve completed all of the training. Why doesn’t my badge allow me access to the imaging facility?
Badge access is approved by Animal Resources. ARP Operations Manager, Samm Bartee, verifies your IACUC and SAIF training status prior to approval.
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5. I have a few other colleagues who would like to see the facility. Can they come with me?
Visitors are allowed to the facility only by approval from the Core Director. The facility does provide tours to groups of similar interests.
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6. I have access and approval to use the imaging facility. How do I schedule my imaging appointments?
An imaging calendar link will be provided to you upon successful training and appropriate facility documentation.
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7. I have to image my animals late at night for a time point. What are the facility hours?
Facility access is available 24 hours a day. Please note that during non-business hours it may be difficult to contact core personnel if there are technical difficulties.
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8. My animals are in a different building and I don’t have a way to safely transport them to the imaging facility. How will I be able to image them?
We encourage you to use the ARP animal transport service, which is free of charge. This is the safest way to transport your animals on campus. The SAIF has holding rooms for animal cages in each location.
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9. I have imaged in the facility before, but now I have a new boss. Can I still image in the facility?
We welcome previous users happily. We request an updated training form so we know who your new PI is. If it has been a few years since you imaged, we encourage you to watch the training video or request a training session from the facility staff.
Citation
***All images and data acquired at this facility must be cited in the Acknowledgements by referencing UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center’s Core support grant P30CA013148***
Training
- All users must have all appropriate regulatory training (IACUC, Radiation Safety, OH&S).
- All users must be trained on the instrument(s) prior to gaining access to the imaging facility.
- Refresher training is available for all users, upon request.
Reserving Time
- Users must schedule imaging time – including weekends - on the online calendar prior to using the instrument. Time is available on a first come, first serve basis.
- Users must cancel/adjust appointments 24 hours prior to imaging time or be charged 1 hour of imaging.
- Calendar appointments should include PI name and users who will be present to assist with imaging.
Facility Use
- Users are allowed to use the facility following receipt of signed documentation.
- Account numbers are required for billing purposes.
- Users are expected to maintain the cleanliness in the facility. Any bedding and trash are expected to be picked up by the user.
- Users are expected to let the Core facility know when instruments are not working properly or if possibly hazardous conditions are noted.
- Users are expected to respect other users’ space and time.
- Users are responsible for their own materials. Empty mouse cages, carcasses, and trash are not to be stored in the facility.
- NO food or drink is allowed in the facility.
- Users must sign in to a log in book when using the instrument. Include the user name, PI name, and IACUC number if applicable.
Safety
- Users are expected to dispose of hazards correctly.
- Users who use radioactivity are expected to properly dispose of unused doses.
- Users who use radioactivity are expected to perform surveys after radioactive use.
- Any radioactive spills are to be cleaned up by the user.
Investigator Responsibilities
- The PI is responsible for the experimental design and IACUC approval.
- The PI is responsible for animal transport and proper animal labeling. This must be communicated to the Core staff.
- The PI is responsible for coordinating his/her personnel performing the imaging. If the PI personnel are not available and assistance is needed from Core personnel, the PI must contact Sharon Samuel. Please note that scheduling with Core personnel adds labor costs and may change scheduling times.
- The PI is responsible for his/her own data analysis, unless otherwise specified.