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
- Gatan CP3 data sheet | Gatan CP3 manual
- Gatan CP3 and Solarus950 overview by Wiley Analytical Science
Theoretical knowledge
Overview of vitrification for high resolution imaging
- Passmore, L. A., & Russo, C. J. (2016). Specimen Preparation for High-Resolution Cryo-EM. The Resolution Revolution: Recent Advances In cryoEM, 51–86. doi:10.1016/bs.mie.2016.04.011
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