SAI General Policies

Compliance

Users are responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable NYUAD policies, including those set by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC), the Controlled Substance Program, and the Radiation or Laser Safety Program. Prior to conducting any imaging procedures, users must provide the core staff with a copy of their approved IACUC protocol, and if applicable, an approved Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) protocol. For additional details, please refer to the section Required documentation.

Failure to comply with SAI policies, rules, and procedures may result in temporary suspension of booking privileges.

Anesthesia

Each imaging station within the core is equipped with an isoflurane anesthesia system. Imaging sessions are conducted with animals anesthetized using isoflurane, unless an alternative method is specifically requested and scientifically justified. Users are required to supply their own isoflurane bottles for imaging sessions and must adhere to NYUAD guidelines governing the use of Controlled Substances. Training on the operation of the anesthesia system is included as part of the mandatory imaging user training. Activated charcoal canisters must be weighed prior to the use of the anesthesia system. Following each session, users must turn off the oxygen supply valve and anesthesia vaporizer, and flush the system to ensure safe and proper maintenance.

SAI facility hygiene guidelines

Surface and equipment decontamination

Users are responsible for maintaining cleanliness and organization within the Small Animal Imaging Laboratory. All work areas, the anesthesia induction chamber, and any equipment or accessories that come into contact with animals must be cleaned and disinfected after imaging procedures. Direct spraying of disinfectant inside imaging equipment is strictly prohibited; instead, all surfaces should be gently wiped using a tissue saturated with MB-10 solution. The only exception is the imaging stage of the IVIS Spectrum, which must be cleaned using 70% ethanol.

Post-use equipment standby

Users are responsible for ensuring that all equipment is returned to its original standby mode after use. This includes recapping cameras when applicable, closing imaging chambers or lids, properly shutting down acquisition software, securing system components, and returning all accessories to their designated storage locations. These steps help maintain equipment integrity, prolong system lifespan, and ensure readiness for the next user.

Material storage and sample containment

To maintain a clean and controlled environment, users must minimize the number of items brought into the Small Animal Imaging facility. Live animal cages must remain closed and be sprayed with MB-10 solution before being returned to the vivarium. External samples must be sealed in appropriate containers and disinfected with MB-10 solution prior to exiting the room. All materials belonging to research teams must be stored in the designated transparent containers located inside the cupboard, clearly labeled with the team’s name. No items should be left on laboratory benches, imaging stations, or computer desks at any time.

Animal transfer to husbandry room

The SAI room is considered a “dirty” area relative to the rest of the vivarium. To prevent cross-contamination, the following decontamination procedures must be followed:

  • Before returning animal cages to the vivarium husbandry room using a trolley, spray each cage thoroughly with MB-10 disinfectant solution.

  • When entering the vivarium corridor from the SAI room, either spray your gloves with MB-10 solution or replace them with a fresh pair. Additionally, wear an extra pair of shoe covers.

SAI resource management

Scheduling

The Small Animal Imaging (SAI) facility uses the CTP booking system for centralized scheduling and management of imaging resources. All core users are required to utilize this system to reserve equipment prior to accessing services. To schedule an experiment in the SAI lab, visit https://corelabs.abudhabi.nyu.edu/, navigate to the Reservations section, select Schedule, and from the upper drop-down menu choose “Biomedical Imaging”, then book the appropriate resource. For additional details, please refer to the section SAI Study Scheduling.

Data storage

Research data is available in the shared SAI folder, organized by individual researcher names. For access permissions, please contact maylis.boitet@nyu.edu. Access to subfolders is restricted based on user credentials. Users are encouraged to reorganize their data in accordance with their specific study to facilitate efficient data retrieval. All users are strongly encouraged to maintain their own backups.

Data processing workstation

A dedicated CTP processing workstation is available for users to conduct data analysis. Users can directly access their data from the shared SAI folder on this common workstation. For remote access or to book the workstation, please contact maylis.boitet@nyu.edu. When using the shared workstation, users are advised not to save their data on the local hard drive, as files may be altered or deleted by other users. Instead, users are encouraged to store their data on secure platforms such as their NYU Box, Google Drive, or their private SAI shared subfolder.

SAI common operational protocols

SOPs related to the use of the Small Animal Imaging Facility are available upon request https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/folders/10Mrd5s5YVrqCtkFf7_kbNnTHHV3EQ2zO. The available documents include:

  • SOP outlining general facility policies

  • SOP for the transfer of rodents

  • SOP for the transfer of external materials

  • accessing common processing workstation

  • accessing shared SAI folder