Usage Policies
New researchers planning to utilize the Biological Magnetic Resonance (BMR) facility should first contact the Facility Manager in order to
establish an account and to become familiar with the BMR facility and its instrumentation.
Standard Guidelines
- In order to operate the Biospec, DRX400 or DRX500 instruments, users need to have experience in magnetic resonance imaging or spectroscopy.
In the absence of such skills the BMR facility can provide training, however users should attend at least one basic NMR course. - If time is of essence, the BMR facility can provide an instrument operator at an hourly rate.
- For larger projects, especially for in-vivo experiments, it is recommended that new users attend the BMR weekly meeting (Tuesday at 1 pm and be prepared to discuss their research objectives).
Operating the Biospec or the DRX400
Users are required to generate an experiment protocol, which would include the type of MR experiment to be conducted and a list of parameters used. A sample protocol is available. The protocol will help to safeguard the instrument from operator errors and will help to guide the user through the experiment.
in-vivo Experiments Utilizing Animals
Users are responsible for generating their own animal protocol, as required by funding agencies. A copy of the protocol needs to be filed in the BMR facility. To acquire preliminary data for a proposal, the facility can provide free access to the instruments for a limited period of time. Researchers who want to take advantage of this provision should arrange to present their project in the weekly Tuesday meeting. For established in-vivo projects, researchers can utilize the BMR facility independently or take advantage of the SWAIR (South West Small Animal Imaging Resource) program, which can facilitate several aspects of an in-vivo project.
Anesthesia Machine
The BMR facility provides anesthesia machines for animals, but it is the responsibility of the users to educate themselves regarding the proper
use, potential hazard and adverse effects of inhalant anesthetics in animal patients. For operating the anesthesia machine, a guideline is
available in the BMR facility. Where users cannot provide their own Veterinarian Technician for handling the animals and for administering
the anesthesia, the BMR facility can provide a Veterinarian Technician at an hourly rate.
High Resolution Spectroscopy on the DRX500
New users should contact the NMR Facility Manager for setting up an account and become familiar with the instrument capabilities available. Although, The BMR facility can provide sample tubes and have a limited selection of solvent material, users are encouraged to bring their sample prepared.
Please see the Protocols Section also.
