Setting Up a New Cryo-EM Lab
A new cryo-EM lab buys most of its sample preparation equipment at once. This checklist puts it in the order you will use it. Send us your microscope, plunge freezer and dewar models and we will quote the full list in one go.
1. Plan the room and training
We work with labs from the design of the microscope room through microscope sign-off, and offer training in microscope operation, sample preparation, single particle microscopy, tomography and automated data collection.
2. Liquid nitrogen handling and safety
Have this in place before the first session: bench dewars for liquid nitrogen, a CryoNest to protect the floor while filling, funnels and hoses for transfer, cryogenic gloves, PPE and long reach forceps.
3. Grids and grid preparation
TEM grids, a plasma block for glow discharging them, and fine tweezers. Most labs want several tweezer styles; the assortment has 10.
4. Plunge freezing
Filter paper, membranes and spare parts for your plunge freezer. The compatibility tables show which consumables fit a Vitrobot or a Leica EM GP.
5. Clipping (if your microscope has an autoloader)
The Sample Preparation Kit has the clipping station, bowl and lid, clipping tools, tweezers and 24 grid boxes in one case. Add AutoGrid rings and C-clips from the clipping category, and a clipping caddy to keep tools upright in liquid nitrogen.
6. Grid and puck storage
Grid boxes, pucks on racks, and a storage dewar. The puck storage bundles include engraving, RFID tracking and cloud inventory software, and the 7-rack and 11-rack bundles include a transport rack.
7. Loading and drying
A loading station for AutoGrids and NanoCabs, and dryers or an oven so tools, pucks and dewars are dry for the next session.
8. Shipping samples
If you collect data at another facility, a CX100 dry shipper with a transport rack.
9. Keeping it running
SubAngstrom-made tools are backed by a lifetime warranty (consumables such as filter paper are not). We also repair equipment and offer microscope service contracts.
Paying for it
Buying with start-up funds or a grant? Our grant funding guide covers formal quotes, purchase orders and payment terms. Our Price Match Promise: if you find a comparable product selling for less, we will beat that price.
Questions? Email [email protected] or contact us.