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Manual Plunge Freezer

Category: Sample preparation
Sub-category: Cryogenic work

Plunge freezing and instrument certification for the manual plunge freezer.

Knowledge of the workflow

Safety

Specific safety SOPs for this merit badge.

Relevant SDS (Safety Data Sheets)

Vendor product information

Sample preparation equipment for electron microscopy – Cryoplunge 3 with GentleBlot for cryoEM

Theoretical knowledge

Overview of vitrification for high resolution imaging

Center specific guidelines

N/A

A pass/fail test

The knowledge assessment test primarily covering a safety quiz will be given and may be updated regularly. If a user has earned the merit badge and policies have been updated, then an updated information sheet would have to be reviewed ahead of doing cryogenic work at the center.

Center staff training

The workflow demonstration should be scheduled with center staff through the NCCAT User Office or your appointed user coordinator.

Center staff training

The workflow demonstration should be scheduled with center staff through the NCCAT User Office or your appointed user coordinator.

Supervised and unsupervised practice by the user

Center staff will assist in arranging dedicated time slots for access to the necessary equipment. Registered users will be issued scheduler accounts through the NCCAT User Office.

Two (2) separate center staff observing your proficiency at separate times

Center staff will assist in arranging dedicated time slots for access to the necessary equipment. Appointments may be made through the NCCAT User Office.

Additional information:

Recertification period

  • Sample preparation merit badges for cryogenic work are valid for ~6mo.
  • Recertification (to maintain active status) would entail demonstrating proper use and care in front of a center staff member.

Furthering your knowledge

General background on plunge freezing