College of Engineering › Biomedical Engineering › Research › bioshare › BioShare: Access and Fees

Facilities Access

After receiving training and permission to use facilities within BioShare, swipe access must be requested before entering BioShare independently. Swipe access requests must be sent from the associated PI(s) via email to Misti West. In order to request swipe access, the following criteria must first be met:

Ensure the following trainings are completed and up-to-date in BioRAFT:
Lab Safety

Hazardous Waste

BioSafety

Bloodborne Pathogens
Have a completed and approved Work Alone Form
If relevant: Have approved Particularly Hazardous Substance (PHS) forms
Have demonstrated competency on the instrument(s) that the user plans to use and received training and permission to use the instrument(s) independently.

It is important to note that undergraduate students may never work alone with any hazardous substance or process (including BSL-2) without the direct supervision of a sponsor even with a completed Work Alone Form. Undergraduates and Non-BME laboratory guests are granted business hours swipe access (M-F 8a-5p) unless otherwise requested. The PI(s) of undergraduates or non-BME laboratory guests may request weekend or after-hour swipe access for a given period, but it is not granted indefinitely. Laboratory guests may also access the lab following the BME Escort Rule, if accompanied by a BME sponsor at all times. If accessing the lab under the BME Escort Rule, training and permission is still required before using any BioShare equipment independently.

For individuals that already have swipe access to the facilities, training and permission to use instrument(s) in BioShare is still required. Access to individual instruments included in BioShare is managed via Google Calendar or FOM calendar access (Microscopy Suite).

Microscopy Equipment Suite

BioShare contains two categories of microscopy equipment with different fee structures: Advanced Imaging Suite and Imaging Suite. The Advanced Imaging Suite includes the Nikon A1MP Multiphoton/Confocal Microscope. The Imaging Suite includes the Nikon AXR Inverted Confocal, PALM/STORM, and Widefield microscopes.

All microscopy instruments are charged at peak (8am-5pm weekdays), off-peak (5pm-8am weekdays, all-day weekends/holidays), training, and assisted rates.

To gain independent access to any of the microscopy equipment, users must receive training and demonstrate competency on the instrument. The length of training depends upon the complexity of equipment, usage needs, and user experience. All internal users are charged at the same rate, with the PI’s department providing a subsidy of the difference between the internal and subsidized rate for their personnel through 6/30/26 to allow for planning and budgeting.

Training sessions are scheduled upon request by contacting Garrett Struble. All microscopy users must have a Facilities Online Manager (FOM) account with granted permission to book time on BioShare microscopy equipment.

Suite Subscriptions

BioShare offers two subscription-based equipment suites: Analytical Suite and Support Suite. Each subscription grants all members of a participating laboratory unlimited access to the equipment included in the selected suite, for an annual fee billed as twelve monthly installments. Access to equipment included in the suites is also available at the assisted hourly rate(s) for non-subscribers.

Training sessions or assistance on non-microscopy instruments are available upon request by contacting Misti West or Garrett Struble. The length of training depends upon the complexity of equipment, usage needs, and trainee experience. Access and booking of non-microscopy equipment is managed through Google Calendars. All internal users are charged at the same rate, with the PI’s department providing a subsidy of the difference between the internal and subsidized rate for their personnel through 6/30/26 to allow for planning and budgeting.

Consumables Recharge Center List

Consumables may be purchased from the BME Supply Room recharge center by using the computer kiosk in Scott Hall 3100 or via this form. Users fill out the form independently, with the ability to submit both recharge requests (in-stock consumables) and order requests (sent to BME procurement).

Users may fill liquid nitrogen dewars using the available tanks in Scott Hall 3112A. All users who handle liquid nitrogen must follow the Safe Handling Procedures for Cryogenic Materials (section 5b) and liquid nitrogen Transfer (section 5c) as outlined in CMU Environmental Health and Safety Croygens Guidelines. All required PPE, dispensing hoses, and cryogenic buckets are available in Scott Hall 3112.

For 200-Proof Ethanol refills, contact Garrett Struble or Misti West. Users must provide an account string and empty plastic bottles (HDPE) with an ethanol label. Lead time on ethanol refills varies depending on quantity requested and available supply.