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University of Colorado Cancer Center

University of Colorado Cancer Center, A National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center
Optical Imaging Service | University of Colorado Cancer Center
 

Optical Imaging Service


The In Vivo Optical Gene Imaging Facility offers CU Cancer Center 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 the Xenogen IVIS200 must have an approved animal protocol. Please visit the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) or e-mail Mark Douse, PhD at mark.douse@ucdenver.edu.
  • Barbara Frederick, PhD, barbara.frederick@ucdenver.edu, can help you prepare your IVIS section for IACUC protocol submission. She will give you PQ forms for imaging personnel who will be conducting the scans.
  • How to use the Optical Imaging Service:

    1. Have your animal protocol approved.
    2. Arrange for instrument training with Barbara Frederick. 
    3. The campus badging office will then give you a key card to access the instrument. Barbara will assign each user group (PI) a user ID for the computer system attached to the Xenogen system.
    4. Request user time via email to Barbara Frederick. 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:

  • Member: $67.10 per hour
  • Non-Member: $141.29 per hour
  • D-luciferin
  • $25/ml from the facility
  • $800/gram directly from Caliper Life Science