There are several things to be kept in mind when trying to calculate what your microscope usage might cost.

Realize that good microscopy can take a fair amount of time. Microscopy is not just sitting down and snapping some pictures. It is an integral part of the research project, often requiring sophisticated techniques and serious planning. It may take a user some time to get a particular imaging project working. Thought should be put into precisely what questions the lab wants answered, and should discuss with the manager how this can be accomplished.

A typical user of the FV1000 confocal microscope must receive a basic training (~$250), and may use the system a few hours a week (another ~$150/wk). This can add up to $700 by the end of the month, which is extremely cheap for facility usage. This is also very inexpensive compared to purchasing and managing your own instrumentation. Our instruments are kept in good working order, with professional technical assistance and consultation available during business hours.

Much of the work done in the facility involves live cell or live animal work. Time-lapse can be a convenient way of acquiring a large amount of data from single or multiple points. A typical 8-10 hour time-lapse experiment equals $128-160 for core members and $256-320 for non-members, assuming they don't need assistance. Assistance adds $30/hr. Some work may require significant supervision in the initial stages of experimental design. A typical user of the 2-photon system performing an overnight experiment a few times a month may spend ~$750. Some of our major use laboratories spend upwards of $2000 per month in the facility.

Training and usage is an inexpensive option if you plan to use the equipment often. To save money, multiple people (2-3) can be trained at one time. However, infrequent users may spend a lot of time trying to remember how to use a system, and resultant images may be less than desirable. In this case, paying for technical assistance may seem a worthwhile alternative.

Technical training and assistance is also available for our software packages.

If you have any further questions, please contact. - Jennifer Meerloo