Flow Cytometry

Immunology Core Facilities

Flow cytometry can be used to assess the immunophenotype of cell types, specific cell receptor(s),  ligand  binding, expression of surface and intracellular antigens, signal transduction events such as calcium flux, cell cycle progression based on analysis of DNA and RNA, and apoptosis.

Flow Cytometry Service Request form

Flow Cytometers

Becton Dickinson FACScan benchtop flow cytometer with an Argon laser (excitation wavelength: 488nm ). The FACScan  can measure up to five parameters: forward light scatter, side light scatter and three fluorescence parameters FL1 (emissions wavelength 515-545 nm), FL2 (564-606 nm), FL3 (650nm) and the pulse height and width of each fluorescence parameter. Location: DAI/5089 and BIGGS/C505

Becton Dickinson FACSCalibur is a modular benchtop flow cytometer designed for applications that range from routine clinical work to advanced research. This system analyzes cells as they pass one at a time through a focused laser beam measuring several parameters, including: forward light scatter, side light scatter, several fluorescence parameters as well as pulse area width of any fluorescence parameter. The FACSCalibur is equipped with a second red diode laser offering additional flexibility in fluorochrome choice in multicolor research analysis. The FACS loader provides automated introduction of prepared samples for programming acquisition of up to 640 tubes. Location: DAI/5089

The Becton Dickinson FACSAria Cell Sorter is a bench top sorter that incorporates a fixed-alignment cuvette flow cell for superior fluorescence sensitivity. With three air-cooled lasers, wavelengths at 488nm, 633nm and 407nm it is capable of detecting up to 11-13 colors and 2 scatter parameters. This instrument is capable of 4 way sorting at maximum 70,000 particle/sec. An Automatic Cell Deposition Unit (ACDU) that sorts a predefined number of cells into individual wells of a 96 or 24 well plate is available at DAI location only. Location: DAI/5089 and BIGGS/C505

AutoMACS (Miltenyi Biotec) This automated bench top magnetic cell sorter is capable of sorting up 10 million cells/sec from samples at 4x10⁹ total cells. With a wide range of direct and indirect MACS reagents (supplied by the user) it is capable of isolating virtually any cell type. AutoMacs can easily be used for magnetic pre sorting of FITC or PE stained cells before further flow cytometry sorting. Location: DAI/5089