THE FOLLOWING MODIFICATIONS TO OPERATIONAL STATUS ARE EFFECTIVE JUNE 11, 2020:

As per MSU policy, all researchers are required to complete the EH&S COVID-19 Safe Return to Laboratory Work training.

All Flow Cytometry Core Users are required to review and follow the building re-opening plan pertaining to the building in which you will be using equipment.

IQ:  IQ Core users must participate in IQ Return to Work (RTW) training and review the IQ Building re-opening plan.
IQ Building Re-opening Plan

BPS:  BPS Core users must review the BPS building re-opening plan and watch the mandatory webinar. After you have reviewed the webinar, please send Katie Conley to confirm building training completion.
BPS Building Re-opening Plan
Mandatory Back to BPS Training Webinar

All Flow Cytometry Core Users are required to review the policies below and complete COVID-19 Site-Specific Training indicating that they understand and will adhere to these policies before using the Core Facility.

All users are required to immediately communicate any issues with instrumentation (no matter how minor) to the appropriate Core staff and mailto:FACS@msu.edu.

Updated Instrument Scheduling Requirements:

Cell Sorting (Influx & FACSAria IIu) and Luminex 200 – 1 week advance notice
Benchtop Analyzers (Aurora, Accuri C6, & LSR II) – 72 hour advance notice

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SOCIAL DISTANCING GUIDELINES

All MSU Flow Cytometry Core Users are required to adhere to the following social distancing guidelines, including remaining greater than 6 feet apart at all times in building common areas.

• Only one person will be allowed in the MSU Flow Cytometry Core Facility rooms at a time.
• You MUST use the iLab Solutions platform to schedule time on instrumentation. Please make sure the time for which you plan on using the instrument is accurate.
• A minimum of 30 minutes will be required between instrument bookings/use and only one instrument may be booked at a time in each room. Core staff will block off times for instrument use when we will be present in rooms performing cell sorting, instrument maintenance, or setting up remote training/assistance devices.
• Sample drop-off just outside of Core Facility rooms will be required for users that are sorting, using the Luminex, or requesting Core Staff perform samples acquisition, in order to maintain social distancing.
• Currently we are not training new users in person.
  • Zoom or other software will be available on all appropriate instrument computers for remote training or for users requiring remote assistance.
  • Microphones, speakers, and webcams will be setup upon re-opening to establish remote training and instrument assistance capabilities. We will also create training videos for each benchtop analyzer that will be made available to new and current users. Once these resources have been generated, new user training will be re-established on benchtop analyzers (LSR II [BPS], BD Accuri C6 [IQ], Cytek Aurora [IQ]). New users will be required to:
    • (1) Complete ‘Principles of Flow Cytometry’ virtual module and quiz prior to approval of instrument-specific training.
    • (2) Complete the Biosafety Questionnaire and User’s Guide. These forms gather, and convey, important information that will help us render effective Core facility services.
    • (3) Attend a Project Review Meeting to review the experimental protocol, determine appropriate instrumentation, and review SOP for working in the facility under current policies (review remote training logistics, PPE requirements, disinfection procedures, etc.).
    • (4) Review Building re-opening plans if Core is not located in your “home” building.
    • (5) Complete the MSU Flow Cytometry Core COVID-19 Site-Specific Training.
    • (6) Review instrument-specific training videos prior to setting up remote instrument-specific training. Instrument-specific training will be performed with Core staff directing and monitoring the user remotely with webcam and Zoom capabilities.
    • (7) Complete instrument-specific and/or Super User Training, which covers advanced instructions for operating the equipment during COVID-19 (e.g., set up, calibration, and troubleshooting.

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IQ BUILDING SPECIFIC POLICIES

1. Fill out the University Health Screening Form.

2. Fill out the IQ-specific Health Screening Form before each time you enter the building.

3. Upon entry to the building, you must follow the “gowning” procedure.

1. Place phone in a ziploc bag
2. Wash hands for at least 20 seconds in 1st floor bathroom
3. Put on a paper mask provided by IQ
4. Put on safety glasses (if you already do not have glasses on)
5. Proceed to the Flow Cytometry Core Facility

4. Masks and glasses (optical or safety) must be worn at all times in common areas of the building (as well as in Flow Cytometry Core).

5. Maintain social distancing minimum of 6 feet at all times in the building.

6. All entry and exit to the IQ Core should be made through the 2nd Floor North Lab door next to the elevator.

7. Return glasses (if applicable), dispose of masks in appropriate receptacle, and wash hands prior to exit from the building.

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BPS BUILDING SPECIFIC POLICIES

For working in the BPS Core the following steps are required each time you use the Core facility:

1. Fill out the University Health Screening Form.

2. Fill out BPS Check-In/Out Form upon entry to building.

3. Masks must be worn at all times in common areas of the building (as well as in Flow Cytometry Core).

4. Maintain social distancing minimum of 6 feet at all times in the building.

5. Use of stairwells is encouraged. Use North stairwell for up travel and South stairwell for down travel.

6. Fill out BPS Check-In/Out Form upon exiting the building.

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PPE GUIDELINES

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ROOM DISINFECTION PROCEDURE

All Core Facilities users are required to disinfect common-touch surfaces upon entry AND prior to exiting the Core Facility. A Disinfection checklist and list of approved disinfectants is posted in each room. Ensure that you have documented disinfection prior to exit of the room and initial and date the form.