Update available for COVID19: Recommendations for operating Imaging Core Facilities... by German BioImaging and Microscope cleaning protocols from companies

[Roland Nitschke]

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Dear all,

GermanBioImaging (GerBI-GMB, Society for Microscopy and Image Analysis) has improved and updated the "Recommendations for operating Imaging Core Facilities in a research environment during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic".

This document is now finalized and endorsed by DGE, German Society for Electron Microscopy; DGZ, German Society for Cell Biology; and DGfZ, German Society for Cytometry). You can get more information athttps://www.gerbi-gmb.de/Corona  

or directly download the PDF version of the recommendations here

https://www.gerbi-gmb.de/sites/default/files/2020-04/GerBI-GMB_Corona_Recomm_2020-01-04.pdf

In parallel I have asked the big four microscope companies (Nikon, Leica, Olympus and Zeiss) for " Cleaning of  microscopes in Corona times and compatibility of cleaning procedures and fluids with microscope parts".

There was fast response from all of them, that they are or will work on it. Now there is already a Leica webpage

https://www.leica-microsystems.com/science-lab/how-to-sanitize-a-microscope

and I made an optimized PDF extract from the website. This PDF is available on the MIAP webpage https://miap.eu here:

https://miap.eu/get/Leica-Corona

and on the GermanBioImaging webpage its coming soon, too.

I will keep you informed, when we have similar informations from the other companies.

These informations should help us when reopening core facilities or to continue working in a saver environment.

Best regards

Roland

Dr. Roland Nitschke Albert-Ludwigs University Freiburg Life Imaging
Center (LIC) in ZBSA Microscopy and Image Analysis Platform (MIAP)
Habsburgerstr.49 79104 Freiburg Germany e-mail:
[hidden email] <mailto:[hidden email]>
phone: [phone] fax: [phone] web LIC:
https://miap.eu/miap-units/life-imaging-center-lic/ web MIAP:
https://miap.eu <https://miap.eu/>

[Cedric Espenel-2]

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Hi Roland,

Thank you for all these great ressources! I was actually wondering if you or anyone has put some thought on how to train users on the usage of microscopes? When labs start to reopen (at least where they are close) we will probably have to follow some rules, like staying 6 feets away from each other and, the one on one at the microscope might not be an option for sometime…

Best,
Cedric

---------------------------------------------------------------
Cédric Espenel, Ph.D.  • R&D Scientist Engineer
Manager • Bioimage Analyst • Shriram Cell Science Imaging Facility
443 Via Ortega,  Shriram Center, Room B023, Stanford, CA 94305
650.498.7409
Cell Sciences Imaging Facility |  iLab

[Cammer, Michael-2]

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I have put thought into how to train users on the usage of microscopes.


I do not see how to train users without a give and take at the instruments with up close demonstrations and observations, passing the equipment back and forth, etc.  It's the assignment we had in seventh grade to write a protocol how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich; there was always an essential detail another classmate needed that had been left out, and in the end, without extensive prior knowledge, the protocol was insufficient.  And in this case, to extend the metaphor, the microscope is a sandwich making machine, but some people need Nutella and other need BLT and others want a Reuben, but they have brought thick rye bread with seeds instead of the #1.5 thin sliced seedless rye required by the instrument.   The safety video at the shooting range is really helpful, I'd insist necessary, but until you handle the 22 and the AR-15, fire them, and get feedback from the trainer, you don't have a clue how they handle.


Also, the instruments have been squeezed into the smallest spaces possible with HVAC of varying behaviors.


In setting up new safety protocols,  we should not forget that science is based in empirical study as well as hypothesis.  We are currently in a phase where hypotheses are running wild without much evidence.  We need to test these hypotheses.  A lot of good ideas have been floated here regarding cleaning and isolation, but we don't really know to what extent they are effective (maybe we need more) or even needed (maybe we don't need them).  An example is guidelines in the U.S. this week (which are different than last week) regarding masks.  Certainly I am happy to wear masks in enclosed public spaces (i.e. stores) even though it is not clear yet what covid paths of transmission are.  That these masks, many of them made at home of varying fits and of different materials, will protect us is (a good) hypothesis.  But wearing them is a lot easier than overhauling an entire manner of microscope training, which seems to me like teaching people to drive by telling them what to do over a cell phone mounted on the dashboard.


If we're going to make dramatic changes, let's have them based in science, like the rigorous sample preps and image quality that we espouse.


Michael Cammer, Sr Research Scientist, DART Microscopy Laboratory

NYU Langone Health, 540 First Avenue, SK2 Microscopy Suite, New York, NY  10016

[hidden email]<mailto:[hidden email]>  http://nyulmc.org/micros  http://microscopynotes.com/

Voice direct only, no text or messages:  1-914-309-3270 and 1-646-501-0567



________________________________
From: Confocal Microscopy List <[hidden email]> on behalf of Cedric Espenel <[hidden email]>
Sent: Monday, April 6, 2020 5:48:22 PM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: Update available for COVID19: Recommendations for operating Imaging Core Facilities... by German BioImaging and Microscope cleaning protocols from companies

[EXTERNAL]

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Post images on https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.imgur.com&d=DwIFaQ&c=j5oPpO0eBH1iio48DtsedeElZfc04rx3ExJHeIIZuCs&r=hUBj2D5n6oKThx2L01qn8IORZb5f-ruLVXPmQ1zQNnM&m=ow4tSiMxP-yicEo7L7iC-_l5gTlilWMJXXTqoZyr0Yg&s=sQVyGxMalmf9rcxtW-S2_yKXrLtkvZFmAKmSfMla2OA&e=  and include the link in your posting.
*****

Hi Roland,

Thank you for all these great ressources! I was actually wondering if you or anyone has put some thought on how to train users on the usage of microscopes? When labs start to reopen (at least where they are close) we will probably have to follow some rules, like staying 6 feets away from each other and, the one on one at the microscope might not be an option for sometime…

Best,
Cedric

---------------------------------------------------------------
Cédric Espenel, Ph.D.  • R&D Scientist Engineer
Manager • Bioimage Analyst • Shriram Cell Science Imaging Facility
443 Via Ortega,  Shriram Center, Room B023, Stanford, CA 94305
650.498.7409
Cell Sciences Imaging Facility |  iLab

[Jacqueline Ross]

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Hi Michael,

I agree with you. We are just starting to discuss what a return to our facility might look like. I am currently taking my cue from the German BioImaging group and microscope cleaning protocols we are discussing but also from the clinical teachers at our institution. In my opinion, if they only train when wearing PPE (learners also wearing PPE), then we should do the same.

I can't imagine teaching someone how to use a microscope remotely at this stage as I simply haven't had enough practise to be able to do it well and it wouldn't be safe for the microscopes. I often have to give advice on specimen preparation as well and part of training involves building that relationship with the user.

I am comfortable with authorised users (already trained) using our systems when we first return with occasional support from us if needed (we can keep the 2 metre social distance) but training new users requires a lot of thought. We are potential conduits of transmission so we need to remember that we are not only protecting ourselves but others.

Kind regards,

Jacqui

-----Original Message-----
From: Confocal Microscopy List <[hidden email]> On Behalf Of Cammer, Michael
Sent: Wednesday, April 8, 2020 7:41 AM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: Update available for COVID19: Recommendations for operating Imaging Core Facilities... by German BioImaging and Microscope cleaning protocols from companies

*****
To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting.
*****

I have put thought into how to train users on the usage of microscopes.


I do not see how to train users without a give and take at the instruments with up close demonstrations and observations, passing the equipment back and forth, etc.  It's the assignment we had in seventh grade to write a protocol how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich; there was always an essential detail another classmate needed that had been left out, and in the end, without extensive prior knowledge, the protocol was insufficient.  And in this case, to extend the metaphor, the microscope is a sandwich making machine, but some people need Nutella and other need BLT and others want a Reuben, but they have brought thick rye bread with seeds instead of the #1.5 thin sliced seedless rye required by the instrument.   The safety video at the shooting range is really helpful, I'd insist necessary, but until you handle the 22 and the AR-15, fire them, and get feedback from the trainer, you don't have a clue how they handle.


Also, the instruments have been squeezed into the smallest spaces possible with HVAC of varying behaviors.


In setting up new safety protocols,  we should not forget that science is based in empirical study as well as hypothesis.  We are currently in a phase where hypotheses are running wild without much evidence.  We need to test these hypotheses.  A lot of good ideas have been floated here regarding cleaning and isolation, but we don't really know to what extent they are effective (maybe we need more) or even needed (maybe we don't need them).  An example is guidelines in the U.S. this week (which are different than last week) regarding masks.  Certainly I am happy to wear masks in enclosed public spaces (i.e. stores) even though it is not clear yet what covid paths of transmission are.  That these masks, many of them made at home of varying fits and of different materials, will protect us is (a good) hypothesis.  But wearing them is a lot easier than overhauling an entire manner of microscope training, which seems to me like teaching people to drive by telling them what to do over a cell phone mounted on the dashboard.


If we're going to make dramatic changes, let's have them based in science, like the rigorous sample preps and image quality that we espouse.


Michael Cammer, Sr Research Scientist, DART Microscopy Laboratory

NYU Langone Health, 540 First Avenue, SK2 Microscopy Suite, New York, NY  10016

[hidden email]<mailto:[hidden email]>  http://nyulmc.org/micros  http://microscopynotes.com/

Voice direct only, no text or messages:  1-914-309-3270 and 1-646-501-0567



________________________________
From: Confocal Microscopy List <[hidden email]> on behalf of Cedric Espenel <[hidden email]>
Sent: Monday, April 6, 2020 5:48:22 PM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: Update available for COVID19: Recommendations for operating Imaging Core Facilities... by German BioImaging and Microscope cleaning protocols from companies

[EXTERNAL]

*****
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Post images on https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.imgur.com&d=DwIFaQ&c=j5oPpO0eBH1iio48DtsedeElZfc04rx3ExJHeIIZuCs&r=hUBj2D5n6oKThx2L01qn8IORZb5f-ruLVXPmQ1zQNnM&m=ow4tSiMxP-yicEo7L7iC-_l5gTlilWMJXXTqoZyr0Yg&s=sQVyGxMalmf9rcxtW-S2_yKXrLtkvZFmAKmSfMla2OA&e=  and include the link in your posting.
*****

Hi Roland,

Thank you for all these great ressources! I was actually wondering if you or anyone has put some thought on how to train users on the usage of microscopes? When labs start to reopen (at least where they are close) we will probably have to follow some rules, like staying 6 feets away from each other and, the one on one at the microscope might not be an option for sometime.

Best,
Cedric

---------------------------------------------------------------
Cédric Espenel, Ph.D.  . R&D Scientist Engineer
Manager . Bioimage Analyst . Shriram Cell Science Imaging Facility
443 Via Ortega,  Shriram Center, Room B023, Stanford, CA 94305
650.498.7409
Cell Sciences Imaging Facility |  iLab

[TSwayne]

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Writing from NYC, I'm very interested in prudent and science-based best practices for re-opening our core in the months ahead.

We normally do a few trainings every week, but one-on-one training involves way too much back-and-forth to maintain proper distance and sanitation.  I also think that training someone remotely (me at home, them at the microscope) is impossible.

So I am wondering if we should begin to offer something I've always avoided -- doing imaging as a service. The main barrier to this has been the need for constant user input on "good" areas of interest and "good" images. Perhaps we could apply our newfound videoconferencing expertise to bring the *user* into the room remotely, so they could see the computer screen and tell us if we are choosing the right area and capturing the right detail.  Has anyone tried this?

Thanks, and be well, all.

Theresa


--
CONFOCAL CORE CUSTOMERS: Please email both Laura (elm2157) and Theresa (tcs6) for the fastest response.
------------------------------------
Theresa Swayne, Ph.D.
Associate Research Scientist
Manager, Confocal and Specialized Microscopy Shared Resource <http://hiccc.columbia.edu/research/sharedresources/confocal>
 
Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center
Columbia University Irving Medical Center
Lasker Biomedical Research Building
3960 Broadway, Room 320
New York, NY 10032
Office: 212-342-3604
Mobile: [phone]
[hidden email]
 

 

On 4/7/20, 5:56 PM, "Confocal Microscopy List on behalf of Jacqueline Ross" <[hidden email] on behalf of [hidden email]> wrote:

    *****
   
    Hi Michael,
   
    I agree with you. We are just starting to discuss what a return to our facility might look like. I am currently taking my cue from the German BioImaging group and microscope cleaning protocols we are discussing but also from the clinical teachers at our institution. In my opinion, if they only train when wearing PPE (learners also wearing PPE), then we should do the same.
   
    I can't imagine teaching someone how to use a microscope remotely at this stage as I simply haven't had enough practise to be able to do it well and it wouldn't be safe for the microscopes. I often have to give advice on specimen preparation as well and part of training involves building that relationship with the user.
   
    I am comfortable with authorised users (already trained) using our systems when we first return with occasional support from us if needed (we can keep the 2 metre social distance) but training new users requires a lot of thought. We are potential conduits of transmission so we need to remember that we are not only protecting ourselves but others.
   
    Kind regards,
   
    Jacqui
   
 

[Alison J. North]

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Hey Theresa!

I have been thinking along exactly the same lines just across the city from you (good to hear your virtual voice and know you are OK!).🙂  I have offered myself as a temporary microscopy technician to any of the researchers working on COVID-19 who are not yet trained on the systems.  We do not normally perform service work, but these are special circumstances, and we will not be charging for my time, just the regular hourly instrument rates.

For the users working on COVID-19 who are already trained, we are writing out practical guides for each instrument and we have installed Teamviewer on the instruments so that the staff can provide remote assistance via the VPN.  We are all having to work this out as we go and it is great to see everybody's ideas popping up on the listserver and elsewhere.  I am immensely grateful for the quick and proactive work German BioImaging did in coming out with their guidelines - those are super helpful.  And ironically, having felt for the past few years that I was very behind the times in having my facility subdivided into individual microscope rooms, instead of a large, flexible space divided with curtains (which seems to be more popular nowadays), my luddite lab is definitely advantageous for social distancing!  As long as we stick to the rule of only one person per microscope room, and all of the recommended cleaning precautions (inluding arriving with pre-wiped and non-hazardous samples!), I think we should be able to get on with a fair bit of COVID research.

Training, however, is undoubtedly going to bring new challenges.  I think that we will need to use a combination of approaches.  For certain of our systems, such as our Zeiss CellDiscoverer 7, my staff believe that remote training WILL actually be quite possible, using a combination of written guidelines (which they have drafted) and Teamviewer sessions via the VPN.  (We have to stick behind the VPN for most systems for security reasons, since the microscopes don't have antiviral software installed.)  For others, maybe we will need to make brief videos showing the different hardware components, and the procedures for turning on, shutting down, and taking slides on and off etc. - but once within the software, again, written guides and Teamviewer sessions might suffice.

If we (the staff) do perform remote assisted imaging, there will obviously need to be initial discussions regarding what kind of areas they are looking to image, and expected appearance of the cells, with some remoting back and forth at first to see if we are on the right track etc.  And on the bright side, perhaps imaging by unbiased staff will provide us with a way to enure unbiased results!  We can actually image a variety of cells, instead of just the brightest ones that the users so often insist on imaging (i.e. the overexpressors), ha ha.

Finally, I will confess that I would feel safer myself if I knew that I am the only person ever using a certain microscope - then less stringent cleaning would be required etc.  So I am considering, for example, having the trained users using the confocals and the CD7, while I (and staff members, once they are back at work) might each be in charge of one more specialized microscope (e.g. the super-resolution systems), and at least temporarily, the only current user on that system.

This is a really important discussion and I look forward to hearing from other people as to how they intend to address these challenges.
Thanks for your thoughts and stay well!
🖖
Alison

________________________________
From: Confocal Microscopy List <[hidden email]> on behalf of Swayne, Theresa C. <[hidden email]>
Sent: Wednesday, April 8, 2020 1:12 PM
To: [hidden email] <[hidden email]>
Subject: Re: Update available for COVID19: Recommendations for operating Imaging Core Facilities... by German BioImaging and Microscope cleaning protocols from companies

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Writing from NYC, I'm very interested in prudent and science-based best practices for re-opening our core in the months ahead.

We normally do a few trainings every week, but one-on-one training involves way too much back-and-forth to maintain proper distance and sanitation.  I also think that training someone remotely (me at home, them at the microscope) is impossible.

So I am wondering if we should begin to offer something I've always avoided -- doing imaging as a service. The main barrier to this has been the need for constant user input on "good" areas of interest and "good" images. Perhaps we could apply our newfound videoconferencing expertise to bring the *user* into the room remotely, so they could see the computer screen and tell us if we are choosing the right area and capturing the right detail.  Has anyone tried this?

Thanks, and be well, all.

Theresa


--
CONFOCAL CORE CUSTOMERS: Please email both Laura (elm2157) and Theresa (tcs6) for the fastest response.
------------------------------------
Theresa Swayne, Ph.D.
Associate Research Scientist
Manager, Confocal and Specialized Microscopy Shared Resource <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__hiccc.columbia.edu_research_sharedresources_confocal&d=DwIGaQ&c=JeTkUgVztGMmhKYjxsy2rfoWYibK1YmxXez1G3oNStg&r=RBx0-WJrAO5vwSOLNmFbqYvikvIZS5ns3-USwvMOuLo&m=EAA_VEujpR5NQ969N5uNXVKwHoOuj-d0b_IC5psG-Rw&s=gLAQdTVb3AjfwUN01wHcup3Lkwx1_ZJc6RmC4g9UizQ&e= >

Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center
Columbia University Irving Medical Center
Lasker Biomedical Research Building
3960 Broadway, Room 320
New York, NY 10032
Office: 212-342-3604
Mobile: [phone]
[hidden email]




On 4/7/20, 5:56 PM, "Confocal Microscopy List on behalf of Jacqueline Ross" <[hidden email] on behalf of [hidden email]> wrote:

    *****

    Hi Michael,

    I agree with you. We are just starting to discuss what a return to our facility might look like. I am currently taking my cue from the German BioImaging group and microscope cleaning protocols we are discussing but also from the clinical teachers at our institution. In my opinion, if they only train when wearing PPE (learners also wearing PPE), then we should do the same.

    I can't imagine teaching someone how to use a microscope remotely at this stage as I simply haven't had enough practise to be able to do it well and it wouldn't be safe for the microscopes. I often have to give advice on specimen preparation as well and part of training involves building that relationship with the user.

    I am comfortable with authorised users (already trained) using our systems when we first return with occasional support from us if needed (we can keep the 2 metre social distance) but training new users requires a lot of thought. We are potential conduits of transmission so we need to remember that we are not only protecting ourselves but others.

    Kind regards,

    Jacqui