Flow Cytometry Facility
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Flow Cytometry Facility
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Flow Cytometry Facility
Frequently Asked Questions
Check out some of the FAQs for the Flow Cytometry Facility:
How should I prepare my samples?
The Flow Cytometry Facility does not offer sample preparation services. Samples must arrive at the facility in machine-ready condition.
For detailed sample preparation protocols please visit Core Resources > Protocols and Sample Preparation. If you require additional assistance designing the protocol for to prepare your samples, please contact the Core Manager to book a consultation.
Do I need to book the instruments ahead of time?
Yes. All instruments in the Flow Cytometry Facility must be booked in advance of their use; walk-in experiments are not permitted. The Core Manager will provide access to the Outlook calendar for booking an instrument after users complete the required safety and equipment training sessions.
Please note that the BD FACSAria Fusion™ Cell Sorter must be booked a minimum of 2-weeks in advance. The BD LSRFortessa™ X-20 HTS Cell Analyzer should be booked a minimum of 1-week in advance; however, it may be booked within a week depending on availability.
Does the facility archive experimental data?
No. The Flow Cytometry Facility does not archive any experimental data. It is requested that all users save a copy of their raw data to a personal drive as soon as the experiment is completed. The Core does have a computer connected to the UWindsor server if users wish to transfer their data and upload it to their OneDrive.
Does the facility provide specialized flow cytometry software?
Yes. The Flow Cytometry Facility does provide the FlowJo software package free of charge to all facility users. No formal training is provided; however, the Core Manager can provide general support if needed.
Do I need to be trained before using the instruments?
Yes. Training is required for using the BD LSRFortessa™ X-20 HTS Cell Analyzer. Please contact the Core Manager to schedule a training session to use this instrument. Each training session is approximately two hours in duration and will cover the instrument hardware and software. Training fees will be charged to the corresponding PI account.
Facility-ran experiments by the Core Manager do not require user training.
Do I need to have flow cytometry knowledge before the training session?
Yes. Users should have a basic understanding of flow cytometry prior to the training session.
Does the facility offer training for the cell sorter?
No. The BD FACSAria Fusion™ Cell Sorter is only operated by the Core Manager.
How do I know when my sorted samples are ready?
The Core Manager will contact the user via the phone number provided in the Cell Sorter Experimental Information Form.
How long can I leave my sample(s) in the facility after the sorting?
The Flow Cytometry Facility does not have an incubator on-site to keep the cells in the facility. Users must therefore be prepared to collect their samples within 30 minutes of being notified that they are ready.
Do I need to fill out the experiment forms if I am running the samples myself?
No. Only assisted use of the BD LSRFortessa™ X-20 Cell Analyzer requires that the Cell Analyzer Experimental Information Form be filled out.
Can I run BSL2 and BSL3 samples in the facility instruments?
BSL1 and BSL2 samples can be run in the Flow Cytometry Facility instruments; BSL3 samples are not permitted.