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Flow Cytometry Policy

Flow Cytometry Unit of the Immunology Core

Samples exceeding BSL-2 cannot be analyzed or sorted in this facility unless the biohazards are inactivated through fixation.

Prior to using the Flow Lab
Making appointments
Facility availability
Cancellation policy
In the Lab

Prior to using the Flow Lab

  1. Attend "Introduction to Flow Cytometry" lecture which is offered monthly (alternating between Biggs and DAI). Alternating monthly “Introduction to Flow Cytometry” session will be offered at DAI and Biggs by Dr. Lee and Dr. Lawrence. Check with them for time and place.
  2. New protocols and revised protocols using a different cell type or fluorochrome require the submission of a completed Flow Cytometry Service Request Form. Thereafter you will be contacted with approval and scheduling can be arranged.

Making appointments

  1. If you have not used the Flow Cytometry unit before, refer to the above section, Prior to using the Flow Lab.
  2. Once you have been E-mailed an approval, you may schedule an appointment time on-line at https://tip.wadsworth.org/immunology.
  3. Please make note of the cancellation and no show policies. Remember you need a lead time of at least 48 hours for the bench top analyzers (FACScan and FACSCalibur) and 96 hours for cell sorting. Plan ahead.
  4. We encourage all users to learn to run the bench top cytometers themselves. Attendance at the monthly Introduction to Flow Cytometry lecture is required BEFORE a training session. Once you have attended the “Introduction to Flow Cytometry” make an appointment with Core Staff for a training session.

Facility availability

  1. The facility is available at all times to TRAINED users. For UNTRAINED users, Core Staff will be available for prearranged scheduled times during staff work hours.
  2. Bench top analyzers are user-operated. We strongly encourage all users to learn to operate these cytometers. Attendance at the introductory course is required before instruction will be provided. If you have not used the Flow facility before, refer to the section above, Prior to using the Flow Lab.
  3. All users are expected to learn basic data analysis.
  4. The sorting cytometers are STAFF-operated only.

Cancellation policy

Appointments can be cancelled on-line, by email or calling the office without penalty according to the following schedule:

  1. Bench top cytometers:
    Cancellation is made up to 24 hours prior to appointment time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before an appointment may be subject to billing for total time scheduled.
  2. Sorters:
    Cancellation is made up to 48 hours prior to appointment time. Sorting appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours notice will be billed for a minimum of 1 hour of sorting time.
  3. NO SHOWS:
    Failure to keep an appointment will result in a charge for the full amount of time scheduled.

In the lab

Samples:

  1. You must provide all the supplies necessary to analyze or sort your samples. These include: sample tubes (12 X 75 mm FALCON round bottom polystyrene), dilution buffers, Propidium iodide or other vital dyes, and serum or medium for cell collection after sorting.
  2. Check your samples. If there are visible particles, the sample must be filtered BEFORE being placed on the cytometers. ALL samples to be placed on the sorters must be filtered just prior to the sort and the facility will provide those filters.

Safety:

  1. You are responsible for keeping users of this facility safe. You are required in the service request form to inform us if your samples contain a biohazard.
  2. We ask that you use disposable NON-LATEX gloves when operating the cytometers.
  3. You are responsible for cleaning the area around the cytometer after its use. Dispose of sample tubes in the appropriate container and wipe up any spills.
  4. For TRAINED users, you are also responsible for the care of the instrument when you complete your analysis. The staff will instruct you on proper instrument care at the end of your run.

Data:

  1. You are responsible for your data. Please bring a medium to copy your data to take with you.
  2. All data will be burned to CD's monthly and deleted from the hard drive after 3 months. We will store these CDs on site BUT we will not check them to make sure your data is intact. Please archive your data off site.

Analysis:

  1. Off-line computers are available for analysis. You may use them on a first come first served basis.
  2. There is no charge for the use of these computers.
  3. We are available to teach data analysis, but please check with us for convenient times.

    4. Consultation

    Please email us personally with questions.