Cell Analysis

Cell Analysis

Our staff is experienced with the majority of flow cytometry protocols and is available to assist you with assay design, fluorochrome, and control choices for your assays.

Step by Step Guide

1. Choose markers and fluorochromes.
   If you can, use fluorochromes that span the entire light spectrum. Use bright fluors such as PE and APC for low-density antigens and use the dimmer fluors such as FITC and APC-Cy7 for higher density antigens. 
   
   Here are some links to some spectra visualization tools:
   • Beckman Coulter
   • BioLegend
   • Bio-Rad
   • Cytek (For Spectral on the Aurora)
   • ThermoFisher
     
     
2. Choose an instrument and schedule an appointment in iLab. 
   If you're not sure which analyzer to choose, just ask us. Here's a tool to estimate how much time you will need.
   
   
3. Titer your antibodies. 
   Antibodies should be titered each time you purchase a new lot. Frequently you will find that you need far less antibody than the recommended amount. Here are some quick tips for titering antibodies.
   
   
4. Don't forget controls.
   These are especially important for compensation.
   
   
5. Prepare and stain your cells.
   The advantage of flow cytometry is cell-by-cell analysis, so we need single-cell suspensions. Here are some tips for preparing cells.
   
   
6. Create a sample worklist using our templates or Kaluza G offline.

Choosing an Analyzer

Agilent NovoCyte Penteon

5 Lasers (349nm, 405nm, 488nm, 561nm, 637nm), 30 Parameters

• Max Event Rate = 50,000 events/second
• Up to 120ul/min
• Sample Loading in:
  • 40-Tube Capacity Rack of 5ml Tubes (12 x 75 mm)
  • 40 1.5 Eppendorf tubes (caps removed)
  • 24, 48, 96, and 384-Well Plates
• High Throughput
• 7.2 Log Dynamic Range
• Temperature control
• Absolute Cell Counts
• Intuitive software
• Simultaneous sample acquisition and analysis

Cytek Aurora (Spectral)

5 Laser (355nm, 405nm, 488nm, 561nm, 640nm), 64 Channel

• Max Event Rate = 20,000 events/second
• Sample Loading in:
  • Single 5ml Tubes (12 x 75 mm)
  • 96-Well Plate Automated Sample Loader (ASL)
  • 96-Deep Well Plate
  • 40-Tube Capacity Rack of 5ml Tubes (12 x 75 mm; CC.Aurora only)
    
• High Throughput
• Low Carryover
• User customizable modes (ASL)

Cytek Northern Lights (Spectral)

3 Laser (405nm, 488nm, 640nm), 38 Channel

• Max Event Rate = 20,000 events/second
• Sample Loading in:
  • Single 5ml Tubes (12 x 75 mm)
  • 96-Well Plate Automated Sample Loader (ASL)
  • 96-Deep Well Plate
• High Throughput
• Low Carryover

Bio-Rad ZE5/YETI

5 Laser (UV, 405nm, 488nm, 561nm, 640nm), 28 Parameters

• Max Event Rate = 30,000 events/second
• Sample Loading in:
  • 40-Tube Capacity Rack of 5ml Tubes (12 x 75 mm)
  • Single Tube Loading of 5ml Tubes (12 x 75 mm) from STAT Tube Position
  • 24-Tube Capacity Rack of Microcentrifuge Tubes
  • 96-Well and 384-Well Microplates

BD LSRFortessa X-20 Special Order Research Product

5 Laser (355nm, 405nm, 488nm, 561nm, 640nm), 18 Parameters

• Max Event Rate = 30,000 events/second
• Sample Loading in:
  • Single Tube Loading of 5ml Tubes (12 x 75 mm)

Beckman Coulter Gallios561

4 Laser (405nm, 488nm, 561nm, 638nm), 10 Parameters

• Max Event Rate = 20,000 events/second
• Sample Loading in 32-Tube Capacity Carousel of 5ml Tubes (12 x 75 mm) 

Additional Resources

Flow Cytometry: A Basic Introduction

Apoptosis