Training

New users must complete training before using the system. Training can be requested by contacting facility staff. Only facility staff may train users. A training fee of $300 per person will include two 3-hour sessions of training/practice and additional on-call assistance until a practical test is passed. The training process consists of the following procedures:

Registration

1. Submit Principal Investigator forms and index number
• Training or Assisted Imaging Registration Form
• Grant Acknowledgement Form
2. Submit signed trainee form
• Trainee and Project Form
3. Setup access to confocal server through FS_Domain Account
• A FS-mail domain account will allow users to access the confocal system and the CGRB server on which databases can be transferred and archived.
• Contact Steve Drake with information from the Confocal CGRB- Server Access form to set up access to CGRB server.
4. Read files about confocal
• "Confocal Usage Policy" "Instrument Care Policy", " LSM Config Guide", "Guided tour for LSM 510 and Meta". We recommend printing and bringing 'Guided Tour' to the training session.
5. Submit overview worksheet on the reading
• Obtain worksheet from staff
6. Prepare samples
• Trainee must bring well-prepared samples to be imaged to the training session. Training sessions are geared toward individual samples. Time slots allocated for training do not allow for sample preparation. If users would like to view samples ahead of time on the confocal system to make sure they are working, contact staff to schedule a session.
7. Training session reserved once index number and forms are submitted

Confocal Training

Confocal training consists of:

1. Two 3-hour basic training sessions (max. of 2 people per session)
   • First three-hour session may be combined with one other person for overview of system.
   • Second three-hour session recommended to be an individual session for practice and covering techniques related to your project.
2. Practice sessions with on-call assistance at peak usage rate
   • The number of practice sessions will be determined by individual needs and the amount of time needed to learn specific techniques
3. A practical test
   • Demonstrate knowledge of basic subjects and procedures covered in training
   • Basic Certification
   • After Hours Certification

Advanced Techniques and Image Analysis

• Advanced training on topics such as setting new filter set configurations, the META detector, FRET, FRAP, physiological chamber use, or MultTime software is charged at the assisted imaging rate.
• Read "Guided Tour Emission Fingerprinting" for understanding more advanced techniques in using the meta detector.