Services and Fees
Using the Cell Imaging Core
Interested researchers should contact the core directly (cicore@ualberta.ca). Novice users will need to book a training session prior to instrument access and use. Training is currently free for internal UofA users and $50/hr for external users. In addition to training and access, we offer guidance to all investigators and graduate students in experimental design, development of protocols and post-acquisition image analysis.
Services
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Comprehensive hands-on training for each piece of equipment.
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Troubleshooting experimental design.
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Regular theoretical courses.
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Assistance with development and optimization of techniques and methods.
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Assistance with antibody selection.
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Software for image processing, interrogation visualization and analysis (Fiji, Volocity, Imaris).
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Software training and image analysis assistance.
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Consistent instrumentation quality control.
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Organizing vendor talks and training sessions to keep users on the cutting edge of available reagents, analysis tools, and instrumentation.
Fees
Effective Septemebr 1, 2023, a new user fee structure will be adopted for users of the Cell Imaging Core. Please review the Internal Memo (only accessible to those signed into their UofA accounts).
| Equipment/service | U of A users ($/hr) |
External users ($/hr) |
| Digital microscopes (widefield fluorescence) | $12.00 | $25.00 |
| Confocal fluorescence microscopes | $18.00 | $38.00 |
| Whole Slide Scanner | $13.00 | $25.00 |
| Super resolution | $30.00* | $60.00 |
| Transmission electron microscope (user-operated)** | $50.00 | $70.00 |
| Transmission electron microscope (assisted)** | $80.00 | $120.00 |
| Focused ion beam scanning electron microscope*** | UofA Fees | Please contact |
| Image analysis | No charge | $15.00 |
*Hourly rate for peak hours (Monday - Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.). The evening and weekend rate for UofA users is $20/hr.
** Sample preparation additional and starts at $25/sample for internal users and $50/sample for external users.
***The Focused Ion Beam Scanning Electron Microscope (FIB SEM) has multiple modes and pricing depends on type of imaging (with or without FIB source). To discuss your project and get more information on pricing, please submit a PPMS order request for a "Focused Ion Beam Scanning Electron Microscopy Project". If you have any questions, please contact the core (cicore@ualberta.ca).
The Cell Imaging Core is also adopting an academic cap on high-volume research group of the core instruments for imaging. Details are explained in the internal memo. If you have questions about this, please contact Colleen Sunderland.