Policies

Consultation Meeting

An initial consultation meeting is highly recommended for all first time users to discuss your project goals and feasibility.  Please contact Colin Combs (colin.combs@und.edu) or Donna Laturnus, Department of Biomedical Sciences (donna.laturnus@UND.edu) to schedule a consultation meeting.

Training

All users must receive proper training before being permitted access to the laboratory and equipment.  Training is provided by the Core technician.  The length of the training varies with the trainee’s prior experience on the equipment.

Scheduling

Advance reservation using a scheduling calendar is required.  User will gain access to the online scheduling calendar after training approval.  Until users have been fully trained and receive their password to access the on-line scheduler calendar, they are asked to contact the Histology Core technician to schedule training.  Users are responsible for showing up on time for their scheduled session.  Users who are more than 20 minutes late for a session forfeit their time and users on a waiting list will be contacted.

Data storage

All scanned images will be stored on the Histology server NOT more than 15 days after project completion notification. After that, all images will be deleted by core personnel without any further notification.

User Logbook

Each equipment has its own designated logbook, where the following information must be recorded at each session: Date, User, PI, Usage Time, Histology Core supplies used.

Cleaning Up

Users are responsible for keeping the equipment clean and following safety procedures.  Failing to maintain this policy will result in loss of privileges.  Sharps must be disposed of in accordance with UND Lab Safety Policy.

Publication Acknowledgment

UND Core policies require that all facility users acknowledge the histology core facility in any published work that reports data collected and processed using either core equipment or staff assistance.  Acknowledgments can be referenced as: Histological services were provided by the UND Histology Core Facility supported by the NIH/NIGMS awards P20GM113123, U54GM128729, and UND SMHS funds.  The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institute of Heath.

Additionally, employees of the Core who substantially contribute to a research publication should be recognized as any other co-author.  For our continued educational benefit, please send notification of assisted publications to donna.laturnus@UND.edu.

Prior to utilizing the Histology Core equipment and services, all users are required to read and fill out a Usage Core Policy. To download a PDF of the Usage Policy, click on the link provided: Histology Core Usage Policy