Requesting Lab and Instrument Access
Required Steps for Access
We offer microCT instrument training on a case-by-case manner, usually only reserved for users that expect to utilize the instrument more than a few times. Even if training on the instrument isn't feasible for the project, users are welcome to be present and learn about the technique while staff scan the samples for them. To request training, complete the following tasks:
- Initial project consultation with the Facility Manager
- STARS online safety trainings
- In-person laboratory-specific safety training
- In-person instrument-specific training
- Request key-card access
STARS online safety trainings
The following STARS courses need to be completed via the Stanford Axess Portal.
- EHS-1900: Chemical Safety
- EHS-4200: General Safety
- EHS-2200: Compressed Gases
- EHS-PROG-1755: Radiation Safety
Once completed, PDFs of the certificates of completion need to be sent to the Facility Manager.
In-person laboratory-specific safety training
Once general safety courses are completed, the user must be present for an in-person safety training of the specific hazards and safety protocols within the lab. This training normally takes less than 30 minutes and most often is scheduled immediately before the instrument training.
In-person instrument-specific training
This in-person training is required for unassisted access to the microCT instrument. Unless agreed upon differently, users are usually trained on the microCT instrument with their own samples. This allows the training to be customizable to the user's specific sample type and allows the user to get usable data out of their training. The timing of the training progression will differ between users based on ability and familiarity with the technique, but the overall flow will be the same:
- Initial session (or first few scans of a long session): the staff will walk the user through safety precautions, sample insertion, scan parameter optimization, and scan script preparation; while the user pays attention and takes notes.
- Following sessions (or for the remaining scans of a long initial session): the user will take over control of the system while staff provides guidance.
- Training completion: Once the both the user and staff are confident that the user can operate the instrument safely and effectively, staff will approve the user for unassisted scanning privileges.
Request key-card access
Once all safety and instrument trainings are complete, the user can request key-card access to the room for unassisted use of the microCT instrument. The user can submit the Laboratory Access Request Form to request access. Any submissions submitted before completion of training with the Facility Manager will be denied.