Flow cytometry

We provide individual one-on-one training that is specifically designed to the needs of your project on our flow cytometry analyzers. By taking our training course, you will not only gain a better understanding of flow cytometry in general but also perform sample acquisition and data analysis on your own shortly after the training.

Training for new users consists of two introductory sessions.

Session 1 (two hours)

Presentation on the basics of flow cytometry, including:

• compensation
• experimental setup
• fluorescence basics and excitation/emission spectra
• multicolor panel design
• plots and gating
• sample isolation and preparation

Session 2 (two hours)

Hands-on practice, with supervision. This will include instrumental setup and calibration, sample acquisition and data analysis on the flow cytometry analyzer on your own cell samples.

Prepared samples are required.

Training for experienced users consists of one two-hour session, consisting of:

Presentation on the basics of flow cytometry, including: fluorescence spectral overlap, instrument review and data analysis. (30 minutes)

Hands-on practice, with supervision. This will include instrumental setup and calibration, sample acquisition and data analysis on the flow cytometry analyzer on your own cell samples. (60 – 90 minutes)

Prepared samples are required.

To complete the training, both new and experienced users must bring prepared samples. Using your own samples will allow you to quickly learn how to acquire data in future experiments.

Samples generally consist of:

• One or two tubes of unstained samples
• Single stained controls of all the fluorochrome you are using if you are doing multi-colour staining
• Four to 10 experimental samples

There should be minimal 0.5 million cells in 200-300μL of PBS in standard flow tubes (12x75mm, 5mL Polystyrene tube).

We recommend you to prepare your own cell samples that will be used in your project in order for you to perform acquisition/analysis on your own as quickly as possible.

You are advised to develop clear project objectives involving flow cytometry prior to training in order obtain the greatest benefit from the course.

We continue to provide support and assistance to the users of our facility after training on an as-needed basis.

Upon request, we can also provide assisted sample acquisition/data analysis during real experiments to show competency in independent flow cytometry acquisition capability.