Flow Cytometry Core Facility News
  • Imaging Flow Cytometer now with more lasers and extended depth of field option!
    The Flow Cytometry Core Facility has recently upgraded the ImageStream with two additional lasers (90mw 658nm (red) and a 350mw 405nm (violet)) and an extended depth of field option (EDF). These upgrades will increase the number of fluorochrome choices that can be used on this instrument significantly. Such fluorochromes as DAPI, Hoeschst, CFP, Alexa 647, TOPRO-3 can all now be used in your experimental design. A detailed fluorochrome chart can be found here. In addition, the EDF now allows a 5 fold increase in depth of field for focus. With this upgrade such applications as FISH and phagocytosis assays can more accurately count the number of "spots".     For more details on the capabilities of this instrument visit www.amnis.com or contact the Core facility at 924-0274/243-2711 or flowcytometry@virginia.edu.
  • Bead Based Multiplexing for Measuring Up to 100 Analytes Now Available!
    The Flow Cytometry Core Facility has recently acquired a Luminex 100 instrument which is capable of measuring up to 100 analytes per well. First, Luminex® color-codes tiny beads, called microspheres, into 100 distinct sets. Each bead set can be coated with a reagent specific to a particular bioassay, allowing the capture and detection of specific analytes from a sample. Within the Luminex 100 compact analyzer, lasers excite the internal dyes that identify each microsphere particle, and also any reporter dye captured during the assay. Many readings are made on each bead set, further validating the results. In this way, xMAP technology allows multiplexing of up to 100 unique assays within a single sample, both rapidly and precisely. This technology supports a large array of applications, from the measurement of cytokines, chemokines, phosphorylated proteins, transcription factions to customized assays using the Luminex carboxylated beads for binding your own antibodies or ligands. For more details on the capabilities of this instrument contact the Core facility at 924-0274/243-2711 or flowcytometry@virginia.edu.
  • FACSCalibur Upgraded to Five Colors!
    The flow cytometry core has recently upgraded the three color FACSCalibur (FACSCalibur A) with a second laser (637nm) and two additional PMTs. This upgrade will allow the acquision of five colors, three from the blue laser (FL1-3) and two off the red laser (FL4-5). Traditional fluorochromes normal used for the FL4 channel on other four color FACSCaliburs can be used in the FL4 channel with the additional advantage of adding a fifth color in FL5 with such fluorochromes as APC-CY7, APC-CY5.5, APC-Alexa700 or APC-Alex750. All of the instruments are listed as Corporate Time resources for scheduling. Please feel free to contact the facility (243-2711)  if you have questions about which instrument you should schedule or how to operate the 5 color FACSCalibur.
  • 96 well automated microsampler (AMS) is here!Automated Microsampler
    We now have a 96 well plate automated microsampler installed on FACSCalibur C. This option allows the direct acquisition of samples from a 96 well plate. It can be used for cells or bead based assays. If you are interested in acquiring your samples with this apparatus please indicate such under the "Details" section when scheduling your appointment. For instructions on how to use it please contact Mr. Mike Solga (3-2711 or mds4z@virginia.edu)
  • Flow Cytometry Core Facility gets BSL-2 approval
    We are now approved to handle BSL-2 samples in the core facility. This means we are now able to sort human cells. In order to be present during these sorts you must have proof of OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Training. A completed Biosafety Questionnaire must be submitted prior to each scheduled sort. BSL-2 samples must be transported to and from the Flow Cytometry Core Facility in accordance with specified guidelines (see Biosafety Manual). Questions regarding the sorting of primary human samples should be directed to Joanne Lannigan at 924-0274 or joannelannigan@virginia.edu.
  • LSC is Here!
    A Laser Scanning Cytometer, which was generously donated by Bristol Meyers Squibb, has been installed and is up and running. This technology allows for the scanning of slide based samples, including tissues, for fluorescence data collection much the same as a "flow" cytometer. It is equipped with 488nm and 633nm lasers and is capable of detected six fluorescent colors. If you are interested in exploring this technology we are offering free services for a limited time to enable applications development and feasibility studies. For more detailed information about the capabilities of this technology click here. Contact Joanne Lannigan (924-0274 or joannelannigan@virginia.edu) if you wish to pursue an application using this technology.
  • Alpha Testing FlowJo acquisition software on a 5 color FACSCan
    We are in the process of testing, evaluating, and providing input on the development of FlowJo acquisition software to replace Cellquest on the FACSCaliburs. This is a joint project between Treestar, Inc. and Cytek Dvelopment, Inc.
  • FLOW CYTOMETRY TRAINING COURSE
    The Flow Cytometry Core Facility runs a basic flow cytometry training course approximately every three months. This course covers theory, experimental design and hands on operation of a FACSCalibur cytometer.  For course dates, a complete description of the course and an application to attend click here.

 

  • 9 COLOR CYAN ADP AVAILABLE!
    The Flow Cytometry Core Facility now has available a Cyan ADP LXTM, a 9 color bench top analyzer from DAKOCYTOMATION. This instrument is equipped with a 488nm solid state laser, a 635 nm red laser diode, and a 407nm violet laser diode. It has five detectors off the blue laser and two detectors off the red, and two detectors off of the violet laser, providing the possibility of 9 colors. The filters are customizable and can accommodate a multitude of fluorochrome combinations. (Click here for  standard filter configuration).  Digital acquisition allows acquisition rates up to 50,000 events/second.