Learning how to use TIRF/SD microscope takes about half a day. And it gives only basic basic information (how the microscope works, how to turn it on/off, how to acquire a simple one-color movie). Usually we start at 9:00 and finish around 13:00-14:00.
For this introduction you will need a live sample (HeLa/Cos7 cells plated on 25 mm round coverglasses and transfected with Rab6-GFP (for TIRF) or EB3-GFP (for SD).
The introduction consists of:
PART 1 (1.5-2 hours long)
general rules and safety
how to switch the system
what is what
which button controls what
PART 2 (~1 hour long)
how to assemble the coverglass with the cells to the imaging chamber (optional)
how to place the sample on the microscope
how to get focused
how to get image on the screen
how to control TIRF; safety
how to use the software (basics), and what are the critical parameters to get nice image
Part 3 (~1 hour long)
practicing
Part 4 (~20 min long)
how to finish the imaging session and switch off the system
All mentioned above is for simple one color imaging only. If you will need extra modalities (more then one color imaging, FRAP, etc) it will require small extra appointments.Â
As you can see, the introduction is quite long and complex, so it doesn't make any sense to request it long before you will start using the microscope.