Small Animal Imaging

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Instruments

User Fees and Policies

Users must be trained before any access to the instrument is given. This is summarized in the table below. After providing documentation of IACUC approval for their work, the user must complete an initial introduction to the instrument administered by Mr. Sastra or the technician. They must then complete an in depth training program including both theory and practical portions. Following these training sessions, the user must complete two imaging sessions in which they operate the instrument under supervision. Finally, the user must pass a practical test administered by Mr. Sastra or the technician, demonstrating competency to use the instrument safely without supervision.

A key component of the user training program is a focus on infection control procedures. Shared small animal imaging instruments pose a significant risk of cross contamination in the event of a disease outbreak within the animal facility. To minimize this risk, the users will be trained to disinfect the instruments both before and after use. Failure to adhere to these procedures will result in retraining in the first instance, and suspension of instrument access after repeated infractions.

Step	Description
1	Obtain access to the animal facility barrier at the HICCC by completing the requisite training. Access therefore requires an IACUC approved protocol, training in the safe and humane handling of animals, and barrier specific training.
2	Complete an introductory demonstration of basic operation and capabilities of the instrument given by an SAISA technician or manager.
3	Complete in depth training on the IVIS provided by an SAISAR technician or manager. The in depth training will consist of theory section in which the basic principles of ultrasound imaging are taught, followed by a detailed practical teaching session.
4	After initial training, the User must complete two imaging sessions in which the user operates the instrument under supervision. Additional imaging sessions will be performed as needed.
5	The user must pass a practical test, administered by the SAISR technician or manager. At this time, access to the scheduling calendar will be granted.

Reservations

Use of the instruments is available 24 hours a day/7 days a week. Appointments may be made through the online calendar.

User Policies

Each ultrasound and/or IVIS spectrum user provide a Columbia account number for billing.
User passwords must be obtained prior to using the analyzers. Individuals are required to save their data to a flash drive since computer storage space is limited. Staff routinely delete all files.
Users who cancel an appointment less than 24-hours in advance are subject to the full charge of the scheduled time.

User Fees

Equipment/Service	Price
General
Small Animal Imaging Consultants	Free (provide advice on imaging technologies and experimental design.
Vevo 2100 Ultrasound Instrument
Introductory Session	Free (intro to the technology, demonstration of instrument potential)
Training Session (per hr)	80 (provide training on the use of the Vevo 2100; required for unassisted use
Assisted use (per hr)	80 (use of the instrument with technical assistance)
Unassisted use (per hr)	65 (unsupervised use of the Vevo 2100)
Analysis, unassisted	Free (use of the workstation to analyze 2D, 3D, and contrast ultrasound data)
Analysis, assisted (per hr)	15 (training and assistance in the use of the analysis software)
Purchase of microbubbles	tbd (at cost purchase of microbubble reagents for contrast ultrasound)
IVIS Spectrum Bioluminescence Instrument
Introductory session	Free (intro to the technology, demonstration of instrumental potential)
Training Session (per hr)	55 (required for unassisted use)
Assisted use (per hr)	55 (Use with technical assistance)
Unassisted use (per hr)	40 (Unsupervised use of the IVIS spectrum)
Purchase of luminol	tbd (at cost purchase of luminol, enabling bulk discounts)