In Vivo Optical Gene Imaging Facility

The In Vivo Optical Gene Imaging Facility offers UCCC members and other investigators the tools to image biological processes in live experimental animals based on powerful, non-invasive bioluminescence and fluorescence imaging. We use a state-of-the-art Xenogen IVIS200 imaging device that is specifically designed to visualize genetically labeled cells, such as tumor cells, and proteins, such as those that stimulate cancer growth in live animals. It does so by recording light emitted from the genetic labels, such as firefly luciferase, located within the animals.

Requirements for Animal Protocols

All animal studies using using the Xenogen IVIS200 must have an approved animal protocol. Please visit the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee website or Dr. Margaret Turner for more information.

Dr. Fang Li can help you prepare your IACUC submission. She will give you PQ forms for imaging personnel who will be conducting scans.

How to Use the Core

1. Have your animal protocol approved
2. Arrange for instrument training with Dr. Fang Li .
3. Dr. Li will then give you a key card to access the instrument, and assign each user group (PI) a user ID for the computer system attached to the Xenogen system.
4. Request user time via email to Dr. Li.  Please understand that you are not automatically guaranteed you will get the dates and times you request. Please place your request several days in advance to make sure your requested slot is available.
5. We will email you when your request is approved.

Prices (effective 7/1/08)

• Member: $63.35 per hour
• Non-Member: $86.13 per hour

Instrument time

We charge an hourly rate for instrument time:

• UCCC Members: $65 per hour
• Non-members: $80 per hour

D-luciferin

• $25/ml from the facility
• $800/gram directly from Caliper Life Sciences