We provide access to cell sorters, analyzers, and particle counters. Researchers may be trained to independently use our analyzers and particle counters. Sorting services are provided by the core staff on our FACSAria, MoFlo Astrios EQ, MoFloXDP, and MoFlo Legacy instruments. Researchers requiring frequent sorting can be trained to run the FACSAria for themselves.
The Symphony and Fortessa cell analyzers are open to all researchers for training. Once the researcher provides a thirty-three-digit billing code or a purchase order, flow core staff will schedule a two-hour training session. The first hour of the training involves taking the 'Intro to Flow Cytometry' seminar, which is offered at 10 am every other Tuesday morning in Northwest Labs B253 (register here). Following the seminar is a one-hour hands-on training session. After completing the training session, the researcher will gain twenty-four-hour access to both core facility cell analyzers.
If the researcher needs to run samples from a 96 or 384 well plate, an additional training session is available for the high throughput sampler (HTS) attachment. Cell analyzer training is required before the researcher can attend the HTS training session. This HTS training session takes about a half hour to complete.
Researchers interested in using the Aurora spectral analyzer may attend that training session once they attend the 'Intro to Flow Cytometry' seminar. Following the seminar is a one and a half hour hands-on training session.
Researchers interested in sorting their cells can attend the FACS Aria cell sorter training session. Researchers must attend the cell analyzer training session before being allowed to train on the FACS Aria. If the researcher meets the prerequisites and provides billing information, they can attend the six-hour FACS Aria training session. Once trained, the researcher must prove proficiency by starting up the instrument, performing sorts, and shutting down the instrument before being given after-hour sorting access.
Researchers that have attended the week-long training provided by Becton Dickinson for the FACS Aria can waive the training session if they can provide their training certificate and prove that they have been regularly sorting on the instrument at another facility.
Researchers trained for self-run use on the FACS Aria by another core facility can attend a half training session (three hours) and gain access to the self-run calendar if staff are satisfied with their proficiency. If more training is necessary, the researcher must attend the full six-hour training session. The researcher will also be required to prove proficiency by starting up the instrument, performing sorts, and instrument shutdown to gain after-hour sorting access.
