HISTOLOGY SHARED RESOURCE

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Equipment and Shared Resource

What equipment is available?
The shared resource includes four (4) microtomes, two (2) Cryostats, (1) freezing vibratome, one (1) tissue processing system, a staining hood, and additional standard histology equipment.

User Access and Training

Is training mandatory prior to equipment use?
Yes. All users are required to complete an initial training session conducted by Histology Shared Resource staff (María Domínguez) prior to independent use.

What is the policy after initial training?
Following completion of the initial training session, users are expected to operate equipment independently and assume full responsibility for their procedures.

How is equipment scheduled?
Each instrument is assigned a monthly paper wall calendar for scheduling, posted in the laboratory. Users are required to plan their reservations in advance, ideally several days ahead, and must sign up at least one (1) week prior to use. Reservations are made directly on the posted calendar and must include the user’s name and Principal Investigator (PI) laboratory name.

What if I can no longer use my reserved time?

Scheduling rules

• Users may reserve the number of hours they need, if availability allows.
• Scheduling must consider that there are two cryostats, 4 microtomes available for shared use.
• Reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Users are expected to plan and reserve only the time they intend to use.
• Cancellations must be made with sufficient notice so that other users can access the schedule.
• No holding of unnecessary or overlapping time slots is permitted.

Is there a fee for using the shared resource?
The Histology Shared Resource is provided at no cost to laboratories in the Department of Neurological Surgery and The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis.

Are supplies provided by the facility?
No. Users are responsible for providing all required consumables and supplies for their experiments.

Can laboratories from other departments besides the Department of Neurological Surgery use Histology Shared Resource?
No, the Histology Shared Resource is limited only to laboratories in the Department of Neurological Surgery and The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis.

User Responsibilities and Policies

What are user responsibilities?
Users are responsible for adhering to all facility policies, including proper equipment operation, maintaining a clean workspace, and following established protocols.

What is the policy on equipment misuse or damage?
All equipment issues must be reported immediately. Failure to comply with facility policies may result in suspension or revocation of access.

Contact

Who should be contacted for additional information?
For questions regarding training, access, or services, please contact María Domínguez, Histology Shared Resource.