Microscopy
 
Introduction
Rates
Equipment
Zeiss LSM510 confocal
Zeiss Axio Observer 
Zeiss A1 Fluorescence
Zeiss Mirax Midi Scanner
TissueFAX Scanner
Policies
User Image Gallery
Education
Image Analysis

The mission of Ragon Institute Microscopy is to bring the latest imaging modalities to bear on fundamental molecular and cell biological questions pertaining to infectious diseases.

Microscopy presently utilizes a Zeiss LSM510 confocal microscope, a Zeiss/RPI high-speed multi-channel automated fluorescence imaging system, a Zeiss Axio Observer  manual fluorescence/brightfield microscope with color CCD camera for routine imaging, a Zeiss Mirax Midi slide scanner, and a TissueFAXS slide scanner.

The confocal and RPI imaging systems are housed in BL2+ compliant facilities and equipped for live cell imaging in addition to imaging of fixed preparations.

Microscopy also serves as a resource for addressing the imaging needs of Ragon Institute Members with consultation on a variety of topics related to imaging including imaging applications, experimental design, and sample preparation.

Microscopy is located on the 5th floor of CNY 149 in the Charlestown Navy Yard, Room 5.214E (Infectious Disease Unit). Please use the menu options to the left to learn more about our services.

Prior to using any of the imaging systems, users must first create an account. Please email tdiefenbach@partners.org and include the following information:

your name 
a grant number for billing 
the PI on the grant 
your contact information (building, room number, telephone number) 
information about the samples you wish to image (fixed or live, fluorophores you are using, mounting method) 

There are two prerequisites to using any of Microscopy's microscopes. 

1.   Attendance of one of the regularly scheduled microscopy fundamentals training classes.
2.   Individual training provided on the microscope system you intend to use.

Once these prerequisites have been met, your account will be activated and you may begin booking time online to use the system. Please visit our Policy and Training pages for more information.

Scheduling Instrument Time
Each imaging system has an online calendar to reserve time and may be found at www.schedulebook.com. Users are provided user IDs with passwords for access to online booking once they meet the training requirements. Unassisted imaging may be scheduled through reservation of time using the online calendar. Assisted imaging time is scheduled by contacting Thomas Diefenbach at tdiefenbach@partners.org. Please refer to our Microscopy Policies section for more information on scheduling

For additional information or consultation on imaging, experimental design, and sample preparation, or to reserve a spot for the next training seminar, please contact: 

Thomas J. Diefenbach, Ph. D.
Associate Director, Microscopy 
Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard
149 13th Street, Room 6.620
MGH - EAST 
Charlestown, MA 02129 
Tel: 617-724-7514 
Fax: 617-726-4691 
tdiefenbach@partners.org
Galit Alter, M.D. 
Director, Microscopy 
Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard
Building 149, 13th Street
Charlestown, MA 02129
galter@partners.org