Advanced BioImaging Facility

The McGill University Life Sciences Complex Advanced BioImaging Facility (ABIF) offers more than a dozen state-of-the-art light microscopy platforms. The ABIF has been in operation since 2005, providing guidance to researchers with their projects from sample preparation to data analysis. With over 35 years of combined microscopy expertise our in-depth training and expert advice will accelerate any light microscopy research project. The facility has expertise in many areas of cellular imaging including, but not limited to, live cell imaging, FRAP, FLIM, FRET, FCS, image correlation spectroscopy, TIRF, spectral imaging, high content screening, cellular image analysis, and custom image analysis. Comprehensive consultations, sample preparation advice, ongoing support, image processing, image analysis and preparation of data for publication all contribute to using researcher’s time effectively, generating high quality quantitative data and elevating research projects to the next level.

THE FOLLOWING ARE THE ABIF'S RULES OF USE FOR OPERATING ANY AND ALL INSTRUMENTS WITHIN THE FACILITY. PLEASE READ ALL THE GUIDELINES LISTED BELOW, SO THAT WE MAY ENSURE A PLEASANT WORKING ENVIRONMENT FOR EVERYONE.

IMPORTANT USER INFORMATION

• Initial training sessions are 2-4 hours
• Charges correspond to time reserved on the online booking calendar. 1hour of booking = 1hr of billing. Our billing policy is built on trust in the personal integrity of our users. Therefore, if you book for 1 hour, but use the microscope for 3 hours, please go back to the system and add a 2hr booking.
• If users do not cancel 24 hours before booking, they will be billed for the time frame that was originally booked
• If a user does not arrive during the first hour of their booking the instrument is considered available for others, but the original user will be billed
• Users will NOT be billed if the equipment is not functioning (please contact a staff member should this happen)
• Each confocal session is limited to one 3 hour session per day, and a limit of 3 sessions per week (9 hours total) within regular working hours (9:00AM - 6:00PM)
• Note - These limitations do not apply outside these regular working hours.
• Images left on the computers for more than one month can be deleted without notice
• Priority will be given in the following order:
• Local Users
• Live Cell Experiments
• McGill Users
• Outside Users

ALL USERS MUST

• Bring a sample similar to the those being used for their project during the first training session to address specific sample issues
• Be trained by a member of the imaging facility staff
• Fill out a project proposal form
• Apply for building access to the appropriate rooms: Building Access Request Form
• Use the online booking system for using ALL of the equipment: Book Microscope
• Cancel all bookings 24 hours in advance of the time booked
• Only work on instruments they have been trained on
• Have Biohazard Level 2 samples approved by the facility staff
• Book an appointment if they require technical assistance

ALL USERS MUST NOT

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• Use any instruments they have not been trained on
• Train other new users – please leave this to the qualified personnel employed by the facility
• Bring samples that are Biohazard Level 3 or higher; they are not allowed in the facility

PLEASE REMEMBER TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE ADVANCED BIOIMAGING FACILITY IN ANY PUBLICATIONS YOU HAVE THAT INCLUDE IMAGES TAKEN IN THE FACILITY.

THESE RULES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE IF DEEMED NECESSARY BY THE FACILITY STAFF.