Overview
The UCLA BRI Microscopy Cores are available to provide cost-effective service and training in optical microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The Core consists of two laboratory facilities: The Electron Microscopy Laboratory and the Microscopic Techniques Laboratory.
Electron Microscopy Laboratory
The Electron Microscopy Laboratory in the Center for Health Sciences room 63-377 is your go-to for all transmission electron microscopy needs. The Electron Microscopy Laboratory is available to researchers regardless of UCLA affiliation.
The Laboratory houses a JEOL 100CX transmission electron microscope, an RMC Powertome ultramicrotome, an RMC MTX ultramicrotome, a Reichert Ultracut ultramicrotome and ancillary equipment.
The Laboratory provides service, advice, and training in the fixation and embedding of specimens, thin sectioning, gold labeling, negative staining, and light microscopy of plastic-embedded materials. The facility offers advice on appropriate preparatory procedures and other technical matters. See Rates: Electron Microscopy Laboratory for pricing details.
Please contact bricore@ucla.edu for service or more information.
Microscopic Techniques Laboratory
The Microscopic Techniques Laboratory in the SEMEL Institute for Neuroscience room 78-177 houses a diverse range of equipment for the preparation of tissue samples for light microscopy. The facility has setups for paraffin, vibratome and cryostat sectioning as well as plastic embedding and sectioning. The Core can provide these services, and trained users can operate equipment independently. A list of reservable equipment is available in the Equipment and Services Page.
To use the laboratory and its facilities, first-time users must obtain an Investigator Authorization Form from the Microscopic Techniques Laboratory and undergo training. Please contact bricore@ucla.edu for service or more information.
For returning users, the booking site is available to reserve equipment within the UCLA Protected Wi-Fi network.
(Button to http://reserve.bri.ucla.edu/, with text: Make reservations for Core Equipment)
Histology
The Core provides service and training in various histological procedures through an individualized consultation. These include immunohistochemistry, standard stains like H&E or cresyl violet as well as more specialized stains. The laboratory also has a Nikon photomicroscope with a digital camera.
Please contact bricore@ucla.edu for service or more information.
Equipment and Services
Reservable Equipment
Equipment in the Microscopic Techniques Laboratory is available for trained users to use independently. Please see the Rates page for pricing details.
First-time users must obtain an Investigator Authorization Form from the Microscopic Techniques Laboratory. Additionally, an hour of training is required. Please email bricore@ucla.edu to get started.
Returning users can reserve equipment on our booking site:
The booking site is available only through the UCLA Protected Wi-Fi network. Please use a VPN if you are located off-campus.
Leica CM 1950 Cryotome
The Leica CM1950 Cryotome is used to section frozen samples for microscopic analysis. After training, a user will be authorized to independently reserve and operate the equipment.
Leica VT1000S vibratome
The Leica VT1000 vibratome is designed to cut tissues at physiological conditions without freezing or embedding. After training, a user will be authorized to independently reserve and operate the equipment.
Leica RM 2135 & RM 2165 Microtomes
Our microtomes can produce thin sections of paraffin-embedded tissues for optical microscopy. After training, a user will be authorized to independently reserve and operate the equipment.
Services
Electron Microscopy Services
The Electron Microscopy Laboratory is open to researchers regardless of UCLA affiliation. Please see Rates for pricing.
The core can prepare, embed, section and stain your samples for transmission electron microscopy. The core can also image your samples via on a JEOL JEM-100CX TEM. Inquiries are handled on a case-by-case basis through an individualized consultation. Requests for both imaging and sample preparation should be sent to bricore@ucla.edu.
Optical Microscopy Histology Services
The Core facility can assist with your histology needs. Immunostaining and various traditional staining methods are available. Inquiries are handled through a case-by-case consultation. Interested parties should email bricore@ucla.edu for more information.
Rates
Microscopic Techniques Laboratory
Equipment in the Microscopic Techniques Laboratory is available for trained users to use independently.
The booking site is available only through the UCLA Protected Wi-Fi network. Please use a VPN if you are located off-campus.
For first time users, an initial hour of training is required after which equipment can be reserved for use. Please email bricore@ucla.edu to get started.
| SERVICE | Hourly Rate (UCLA) |
Hourly Rate (External)
|
| Cryostat – Core Service | $40.00 | $40.00 |
| Cryostat – Self Service | $21.00 | $28.00 |
| Rotary Microtome – Core Service | $65.00 | $65.00 |
| Rotary Microtome – Self Service | $21.00 | $29.00 |
| Vibratome – Core Service | $40.00 | $40.00 |
| Vibratome – Self Service | $20.00 | $28.00 |
| Nikon Microscope – Core Service | $20.00 | $20.00 |
| Consultation/Training/ Assistance | $65.00 | $65.00 |
Electron Microscopy Laboratory
For the time being, the Electron Microscopy Laboratory is Core Service only. Please email bricore@ucla.edu to request service.
| SERVICE | Hourly Rate (UCLA) |
Hourly Rate (External)
|
| Resin Embedding | $65.00 | $90.00 |
| Sectioning/Staining | $55.00 | $77.00 |
| Electron Microscope | $109.00 | $151.00 |
| Lab Use/Equipment | $14.00 | $19.00 |
| Consultation/Training/ Assistance | $65.00 | $89.00 |
| Glow Discharge | $26.00 | $35.00 |
| Ultramicrotome – Self Service | $20.00 | $20.00 |
Feedback and Suggestions
Would you like to see new equipment, or can we improve our services for you? Feedback is always welcome through our survey:
https://uclahs.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9Bp8FSeh6uVJS0C
For all other comments or concerns, please email bricore@ucla.edu or contact the facility director directly at chunnizhu@mednet.ucla.edu