FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Questions asked frequently about the Facility and its services
General questions
General questions that are not microscopy or cytometry specific- Who can use the Microscopy and Cytometry Facility?
- Our services are available to all Penn State departments on all campuses and to researchers outside the University.
- How do I get started?
- Three simple steps.
- How does billing work?
- Billing rates vary according to the instrumentation. There is no charge for consultation on techniques, experimental design or subsequent data analysis.
- Money-saving tips
- How do I make the most of the time spent in the facility?
- What training is required?
- It depends on what you want to do. We offer training on equipment use and sample preparation. Various University safety courses are also recommended or required.
- How long do experiments usually take?
- It depends on the type and number of samples you want to analyze.
- What happens to our data once we've finished an experiment?
- It's your data; you should take it with you and archive it in multiple places. The facility keeps temporary copies depending on whether its flow cytometry or microscopy data.
- I'm writing a manuscript/grant. Where can I find...
- Information about the company and model for the equipment? Citations for the protocols I used?
- Laboratory safety, what do I need to know?
- What do I have to know about safety issues in the Microscopy and Cytometry Facility? Where can I find more information about safety?
- Radioactive materials, should I be concerned?
- Are any radioactive materials used in the Facility? How should I handle it? What training should I receive before being authorized to handle uranium?
- Can you suggest any books or links?
- Here are some microscopy references, and links to other websites.
Other questions
Other questions about procedures, and additional information regarding the services provided- What does a general sample preparation protocol for electron microscopy look like?
- Here are four examples of preparation protocols: for TEM and SEM of animal tissue, and for TEM and SEM of plant tissue.
- How do I plan for a sort?
- Pre-sort prep... clumps, tubes, cell concentration, controls, temperature
- Where do I get the FlowJo software?
- Instructions on how to get the FlowJo software and register your computer to get a license.
- Where do I get the Fluoview software?
- Instructions on how to get the Fluoview software
