Rates
Overview
The University Imaging Centers (UIC) is open to investigators and projects of members of the University of Minnesota community as well as external academic institutions and industry.
UMN Base and Supported Rates:
Effective June 1, 2025
Investigators with a formal appointment in one or more of the following colleges will be charged UMN Supported rates. Qualifying investigators will be responsible for 75% of the base rate, with the remaining 25% covered by support funds provided by the college. Investigators with appointments in multiple colleges will receive 25% support per college. Collaborations involving multiple investigators are billed based on the appointment of the investigator associated with the activity in iLab.
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Medical School
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College of Biological Sciences
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College of Science & Engineering
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College of Pharmacy
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College of Education and Human Development
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School of Dentistry
Additionally, the following departments have provided service agreement support to further reduce the costs to their investigators on select instruments:
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Department of Integrative Biology & Physiology (IBP) - IVIS Spectrum (FY26-FY27)
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Department of Surgery - G8 PET/CT (FY26)
Departmental support is funded annually at the beginning of the fiscal year and available on a first-come, first-serve basis until support funds are exhausted. Support does not carry over to the next fiscal year.
Support is automatically applied in iLab when reserving equipment or requesting services. Poster printing services are not eligible for use of support funds.
The UIC is committed to supporting all University of Minnesota research. Researchers that are not affiliated with a unit providing rate support are still welcome to request training and services, which remain available at the UMN Base rates.
Business Hour & After Hour Instrument Pricing:
The UIC offers a 25% discount to UMN researchers on most instrument rates outside of regular business hours.
- Business Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- After Hours: Monday-Friday, 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 a.m., and all day Saturday and Sunday.
Holidays do not impact the application of business hours or after hours rates.
To protect both users and equipment, only trained users who have demonstrated independent proficiency in operating equipment will be granted after hours access.
Rates
The rates listed below reflect the costs UMN investigators will be charged for using UIC equipment and services, depending on whether they qualify for UMN Base or UMN Supported rates. Supported rates listed assume appointment in one qualifying college resulting in 25% support.
Instruments
Block Scheduling:
The Nikon C2+, Nikon Ti-E, Zeiss Spinning Disk, and Zeiss Widefield & TIRF are bookable in 4 hour blocks.
Incucyte SX5 Live Cell Imaging:
The Incucyte SX5 rates are applied in 24 hour increments and are reduced for each continuous 24 hours up to day 6+. The rates posted represent the hourly rate for the day. E.g. $6.67/hour for 24 hours = $160.08 for day 1.
Multi-day collection example: 1 plate - 72 hour (3 day) experiment: $160.08 (Day 1) + $124.8 (Day 2) + $102.72 (Day 3) = $387.60
| Category | Instrument | Location | Rate Unit | Business Hours | After Hours | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UMN Base | UMN Supported | UMN Base | UMN Supported | ||||
| Optical Microscopy | Nikon AX R w/NSPARC | CCRB | Hourly | $93.36 | $70.00 | $70.00 | $52.50 |
| Optical Microscopy | Nikon AX R | Jackson Hall | Hourly | $73.37 | $55.00 | $55.00 | $41.25 |
| Optical Microscopy | Nikon AX R | Snyder Hall | Hourly | $53.38 | $40.00 | $40.00 | $30.00 |
| Optical Microscopy | Nikon A1Rsi HD w/SIM | Jackson Hall | Hourly | $73.37 | $55.00 | $55.00 | $41.25 |
| Optical Microscopy | Nikon A1R MP HD | Jackson Hall | Hourly | $86.60 | $65.00 | $65.00 | $48.75 |
| Optical Microscopy | Leica Stellaris 8 | WMBB | Hourly | $53.38 | $40.00 | $40.00 | $30.00 |
| Optical Microscopy | Nikon C2+ | CCRB | Hourly | $10.00 | $7.50 | $10.00 | $7.50 |
| Optical Microscopy | Nikon A1si | Snyder Hall | Hourly | $36.64 | $27.50 | $27.50 | $20.63 |
| Optical Microscopy | Nikon Ti-E | CCRB | Hourly | $10.00 | $7.50 | $10.00 | $7.50 |
| Optical Microscopy | Zeiss Spinning Disk | Jackson Hall | Hourly | $10.00 | $7.50 | $10.00 | $7.50 |
| Optical Microscopy | Leica LMD6500 | CCRB | Hourly | $20.00 | $15.00 | $20.00 | $15.00 |
| Optical Microscopy | Zeiss Widefield & TIRF | Jackson Hall | Hourly | $10.00 | $7.50 | $10.00 | $7.50 |
| Optical Microscopy | Incucyte SX5 Day 1 | Jackson Hall | Hourly | $6.67 | $5.00 | $6.67 | $5.00 |
| Optical Microscopy | Incucyte SX5 Day 2 | Jackson Hall | Hourly | $5.20 | $3.90 | $5.20 | $3.90 |
| Optical Microscopy | Incucyte SX5 Day 3 | Jackson Hall | Hourly | $4.28 | $3.21 | $4.28 | $3.21 |
| Optical Microscopy | Incucyte SX5 Day 4 | Jackson Hall | Hourly | $3.36 | $2.52 | $3.36 | $2.52 |
| Optical Microscopy | Incucyte SX5 Day 5 | Jackson Hall | Hourly | $2.45 | $1.83 | $2.45 | $1.83 |
| Optical Microscopy | Incucyte SX5 Day 6+ | Jackson Hall | Hourly | $1.54 | $1.15 | $1.54 | $1.15 |
| Optical Microscopy | Nikon AZ100M | Jackson Hall | Hourly | $10.00 | $7.50 | $10.00 | $7.50 |
| Optical Microscopy | Nikon AZ100 C1si | Snyder Hall | Hourly | $10.00 | $7.50 | $10.00 | $7.50 |
| Optical Microscopy | Nikon 90i | Snyder Hall | Hourly | $10.00 | $7.50 | $10.00 | $7.50 |
| Sample Preparation | PELCO easiSlicer Vibratome | CCRB | Hourly | $10.00 | $7.50 | $10.00 | $7.50 |
| Sample Preparation | Leica CM1800 Cryostat | Snyder Hall | Hourly | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Biomolecular Imaging | Typhoon | Jackson Hall | Hourly | $15.00 | $11.25 | $15.00 | $11.25 |
| Biomolecular Imaging | Amersham Imager | Jackson Hall | Hourly | $15.00 | $11.25 | $15.00 | $11.25 |
| Electron Microscopy | JEOL JEM 1400Plus TEM | Snyder Hall | Hourly | $167.07 | $125.00 | $125.00 | $93.75 |
| Electron Microscopy | Hitachi S3500N SEM | Snyder Hall | Hourly | $93.35 | $70.00 | $93.35 | $70.00 |
| Electron Microscopy | Sputter Coater | Snyder Hall | Per run | $40.00 | $30.00 | $40.00 | $30.00 |
| Electron Microscopy | Critical Point Dryer | Snyder Hall | Per run | $50.00 | $37.50 | $50.00 | $37.50 |
| Electron Microscopy | Leica Ultramicrotome | Snyder Hall | Hourly | $30.75 | $23.06 | $30.75 | $23.06 |
| Small Animal Imaging | IVIS Spectrum | Jackson Hall | Hourly | $140.50 | $105.00 | $105.00 | $78.75 |
| Small Animal Imaging | IVIS Spectrum | CCRB | Hourly | $140.50 | $105.00 | $105.00 | $78.75 |
| Small Animal Imaging | Vevo F2 | CCRB | Hourly | $60.00 | $45.00 | $45.00 | $33.75 |
| Small Animal Imaging | Vevo 2100 | Jackson Hall | Hourly | $60.00 | $45.00 | $45.00 | $33.75 |
| Small Animal Imaging | G8 PET/CT | CCRB | Hourly | $350.00 | $262.50 | $350.00 | $262.50 |
| Small Animal Imaging | M5 MRI | Jackson Hall | Hourly | $200.00 | $150.00 | $200.00 | $150.00 |
| Category | Instrument | Location | Rate Unit | Business Hours | After Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dept of IBP | Dept of IBP | ||||
| Small Animal Imaging | IVIS Spectrum | Jackson Hall | Hourly | $7.03 | $5.25 |
| Small Animal Imaging | IVIS Spectrum | CCRB | Hourly | $7.03 | $5.25 |
| Category | Instrument | Location | Rate Unit | Business Hours | After Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dept of Surgery | Dept of Surgery | ||||
| Small Animal Imaging | G8 PET/CT | CCRB | Hourly | $0.00 | $0.00 |
Services
Basic Training:
Basic training rates only apply to select systems: Nikon C2+, Nikon Ti-E, Zeiss Spinning Disk, Leica LMD6500, Zeiss Widefield & TIRF, Nikon AZ100M, Nikon AZ100 C1si, Nikon 90i, Typhoon, and Amersham Imager.
Tissue Clearing:
The number of samples per run, size of samples, clearing method, number of imaging channels, and resolution, are key considerations that influence the final actual cost. An estimate based on your specific project needs will be provided.
Spatialomics:
Spatialomic rates do not include proprietary reagents. UIC staff and vendor representatives will work with you to determine the full project pricing.
| Category | Service | Rate Unit | UMN Base | UMN Supported |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Training & Expertise | Training | Session (Flat fee for up to 2 users) | $375.00 | $281.25 |
| Training & Expertise | Basic Training & Electron Microscopy | Hourly | $127.50 | $95.62 |
| Training & Expertise | Image Analysis | Hourly | $127.50 | $95.62 |
| Training & Expertise | Additional Labor | Hourly | $127.50 | $95.62 |
| Slide Scanning | Brightfield Whole Slide Scanning (1" x 3") | Per slide | $33.39 | $25.04 |
| Slide Scanning | Brightfield Slide Scanning (2" x 3") | Per slide | $55.00 | $41.25 |
| Slide Scanning | RNAscope and Widefield Fluorescence Slide Scanning (1" x 3") | Per Slide | Instrument time + labor | Instrument time + labor |
| Tissue Clearing | XCLARITY Clearing | Per run (1-6 samples) | $925.00 | $693.75 |
| Tissue Clearing | XCLARITY Clearing + Labeling | Per run (1-6 samples) | $1,175.00 | $881.25 |
| Tissue Clearing | PEGASOS Clearing Run Labor | Per run (1-6 samples) | $400.00 | $300.00 |
| Tissue Clearing | PEGASOS Clearing Reagents (sample size: standard) | Per sample | $30.00 | $22.50 |
| Tissue Clearing | PEGASOS Clearing Reagents (sample size: large) | Per sample | $50.00 | $37.50 |
| Tissue Clearing | PEGASOS Clearing + Labeling Labor | Per run (1-6 samples) | $500.00 | $375.00 |
| Tissue Clearing | PEGASOS Clearing + Labeling Reagents (sample size: standard) | Per sample | $45.00 | $33.75 |
| Tissue Clearing | PEGASOS Clearing + Labeling Reagents (sample size: large) | Per sample | $90.00 | $67.50 |
| Tissue Clearing | PEGASOS Validation | Per run | $275.00 | $206.25 |
| Tissue Clearing | SmartBatch+ Endogenous Labor | Per run (1-12 samples) | $275.00 | $206.25 |
| Tissue Clearing | SmartBatch+ Endogenous Reagents (sample size: standard) | Per sample | $125.00 | $93.75 |
| Tissue Clearing | SmartBatch+ Endogenous Reagents (sample size: large) | Per sample | $250.00 | $187.50 |
| Tissue Clearing | SmartBatch+ Immunolabeling Labor | Per run (1-12 samples) | $350.00 | $262.50 |
| Tissue Clearing | SmartBatch+ Immunolabeling Reagents (sample size: standard) | Per sample | $250.00 | $187.50 |
| Tissue Clearing | SmartBatch+ Immunolabeling Reagents (sample size: large) | Per sample | $500.00 | $375.00 |
| Tissue Clearing | SmartBatch+ Validation | Per run (1-6 sections) | $300.00 | $225.00 |
| Tissue Clearing | 3i Cleared Tissue LightSheet (CTLS) | Hourly | $30.00 | $22.50 |
| Tissue Clearing | Caliber I.D. RS-G4 | Hourly | $30.00 | $22.50 |
| Electron Microscopy | TEM: Sample Processing | Per run (1-4 samples) | $800.00 | $600.00 |
| Electron Microscopy | TEM: Stained Thin Sections | Per sample | $52.50 | $39.37 |
| Electron Microscopy | TEM: Negative Staining (includes 30 min of imaging) | Per sample | $150.00 | $112.50 |
| Electron Microscopy | SEM: Sample Processing | Per run (1-4 samples) | $800.00 | $600.00 |
| Electron Microscopy | SEM: Sample Cut, Dry, Mount, Coat | Per stub | $110.00 | $82.50 |
| Electron Microscopy | SEM: Serial Block-Face Sample Processing | Per run (1-4 samples) | $1,500 | $1,125.00 |
| Electron Microscopy | Additional Microtomy | Hourly | $165.00 | $123.75 |
| Spatialomics | GeoMx Staining Run | Per run (1-12 slides) | $1,645.00 | $1,233.75 |
| Spatialomics | GeoMx Proteogenomic Run | Per run | $400.00 | $300.00 |
| Spatialomics | GeoMx Imaging | Per run (1-4 slides) | $925.00 | $693.75 |
| Spatialomics | CosMx Staining Run | Per run (2-4 slides) | $2,215.00 | $1661.25 |
| Spatialomics | CosMx Post Run Staining | Per run | $750.00 | $562.50 |
| Spatialomics | CosMx Imaging | Hourly (2-4 slides) | $18.73 | $14.05 |
| Poster Printing | Standard Satin Semi-Gloss | Sq. Ft. | $8.50 | $8.50 |
| Poster Printing | Water-Resistant Poly Cloth | Sq. Ft. | $10.50 | $10.50 |
| Poster Printing | Travel Tube | Per tube | $10.00 | $10.00 |
| Poster Printing | Same day rush fee | Per poster | $35.00 | $35.00 |
| Poster Printing | Half day rush fee | Per poster | $55.00 | $55.00 |