The Imaging Suite is a purpose-built facility. It contains microscopes capable of experiments ranging from basic microscopy of cells or tissues to complex imaging, including: 3-dimensional reconstructions, live cell imaging, imaging of multiple fluorescent dyes or a combination of them.

The facility is run and managed by Dr Andrew Hibbert who provides full training to all microscope users. This training is provided via a bespoke online course, detailing the theory and practice of using each system, followed by supervised use of the equipment.

RVC staff and students can access more detailed information about the Imaging Suite and our training resources in our Learn site.

Equipment and Capabilities

Currently, the following equipment and capabilities are to be found within our Imaging Suite:

Confocal microscopy

Confocal microscopes eliminate out of focus light to image fluorescent dyes in a thin "optical slice", as though a very thin section of your sample had been cut out. By stacking these slices on top of each other three-dimensional reconstructions of your cells or tissues can be created. We have a Leica SP8 confocal microscope in the facility and are able to image all commonly used dyes.

Live imaging

Long-term imaging of living cells requires an inverted microscope which can be run at 37°C with a supply of humidified 5% CO₂. We have this capability on a Leica DMI6000 microscope and the Leica SP8 confocal microscope. For faster fluorescence imaging the confocal microscope is also fitted with a Hamamatsu Flash 4.0 camera.

Motorised microscopes

Motorisation allows automated imaging of multiple locations within a sample or creation of large montages. Both confocal/live imaging microscopes described above are motorised. For imaging of samples on glass slides, we also have a fully motorised upright microscope, the Nikon Eclipse Ni-E. This is fitted with a dual mode camera and can image using bright field, fluorescence, reflected and polarised light modes.

Routine microscopes

We have a range of routine microscopes to image using fluorescence or in colour (or unstained samples) and can hold samples in dishes or on glass slides.

Image analysis

We have a range of software packages for the manipulation and quantitation of the images you collect in the Suite. Dr Hibbert is experienced in the use of all these programs and available to provide any assistance necessary with presenting or quantifying images.

Other RVC “Imaging” Facilities

The RVC has a wide range of other facilities which can be described as “Imaging”, including:

• The diagnostic imaging service
• Histology and cytology services 
• The micro CT
• FACS machines and flow cytometers
• Digital histology/pathology slide scanning

Further Information and Contact

If you require any further details of any of the equipment capabilities then please contact
Dr Andrew Hibbert
Imaging Suite manager
CBS Department
Royal Veterinary College
Royal College Street
London
NW1 0TU

Tel: 020 7468 5257 or e-mail ahibbert@rvc.ac.uk