Installation and Training

Physiologic Instruments provides optional installation and training services for customers who purchase our EasyMount Ussing chamber systems, with notable benefits that enhance ease of use and system performance. While this service is highly advantageous, it is not required for all customers.

Our installation and training are tailored to each customer’s needs, considering both their experience level and the specific requirements of their laboratory space. Every lab environment presents unique challenges, so equipment installation is customized to integrate seamlessly into the designated workspace and accommodate the personnel who will be using it. Similarly, training is adapted to align with the expertise of the end users.

The installation service ensures the Ussing chamber and voltage/current clamp system are correctly set up and maintain factory calibration. The process is optimized to meet both the laboratory’s facilities and the intended types of research studies. Generally, installation and setup take approximately four hours, though this may vary depending on the laboratory’s resources. Training typically requires one and a half to two days. To ensure readiness, we provide a comprehensive guide two to three weeks in advance, detailing required protocols, chemicals, and equipment for the training session. For optimal results, we recommend limiting trainees to no more than three individuals, ideally focusing on one primary trainee who can later train additional team members. Training encompasses the Ussing chamber technique for studying transepithelial ion or solute transport, covering in-depth instruction on equipment usage, data acquisition software, experimental fundamentals, troubleshooting techniques, and workflow optimizations.

Physiologic Instruments Training

Training requires one and a half to two days. Two to three weeks prior to training we will provide a detailed guide explaining the protocols and all necessary chemicals and equipment needed for a successful two day session. It is best to limit the number of trainees to no more than 3 people. We find it best to focus training on one person so that he/she will be able to train others in the lab. Training will be on use of the Ussing chamber technique for studying transepithelial ion or other solute transport. It will include detailed instruction on use of the equipment and data acquisition software, the basics of doing the experiments, trouble-shooting methods and shortcuts to make using the system easy to use.

Day 1 Overview:

Day 1 is essentially about making sure the system works correctly and will demonstrate most aspects of the technique and hardware to the lab personnel. There will be some, but limited hands-on experience during the checkout procedures.
The morning of day one, we will install the system; make all connections to auxiliary components such as water bath, air tanks, gas washing bottles, etc. Setup the computer and install software. By mid-day we provide a general description on the Ussing technique (technical level to be based on end-user experience). In the afternoon we demonstrate making of the electrodes, chamber setup, offset and fluid resistance compensation, and electrode troubleshooting procedures (standard protocol, but very important!) In the late afternoon, we aid in dissecting and mounting tissue, perform a short experiment and introduce A&A software. We will collect and discuss analyzing data.

 

Day 2 Overview:

Day 2 is all about making sure the user can perform all steps in the experiment to successfully collect data. The customer will have a complete hands-on experience with help from the instructor provided only as necessary. The goal is to enable the customer to perform all aspects of the experiment without instructor assistance.
In the morning of day two, we will assist you in setting up chambers and mount tissues. We will perform experiments directly related to customer’s needs and describe data acquisition. By mid-day we will discuss experiment design and theory. In the afternoon, the customer will do a new experiment including initial setup and mounting tissues. We will assist the customer in trouble-shooting problems that may be encountered (these problems may be spontaneous or will be subtly introduced to make sure the customer gains experience with them). The customer will receive instruction on how to analyze and export the data to spreadsheets and graphics programs.
Physiologic Instruments Training