The FACSAria has a jet-in-air fluidics system, which potentially produces aerosols, especially when sorting. These aerosols may contain infectious agents, such as hepatitis or HIV, when sourced from live human tissue. In addition, sorting known infectious agents such as bacteria or cells transfected or transformed with infectious agents also pose a risk from aerosol exposure. Since this aerosol is under pressure, potential for infectivity is theoretically much higher than incidental exposure during analysis.

The addition of a Baker BioProtect III biosafety cabinet, in which the FACSAria is now housed, allows for sorting of certain live human tissue and BSL2 agents. Approval for BSL2 sorting must be obtained through the Core Facility Manager.

Turn-around time is dependent on the length of the appointment. In general, samples are processed and data is received by the user at the end of their appointment time.

Samples for the FACScanto II and the LSR II must be provided in 12x75mm polystyrene BD brand Falcon tubes. The only tubes compatible with these analyzers are:

• Cat. # 35-2052 - sterile, no cap, 125/bag
• Cat. # 35-2054 - sterile, with cap, 125/bag
• Cat. # 35-2058 - sterile, with cap, 25/bag
• Cat. # 35-2008 - nonsterile, no cap, 1000 bulk
• Cat. # 35-2235 - sterile, with cell strainer, 25/bag

Samples for the FACSAria may be provided in 12x75mm polystyrene tubes or 15ml conical tubes.

The recommended sample concentration for the FACScanto II and the LSR II is 1x10⁶ cells per ml in PBS (no Mg⁺⁺, Ca⁺⁺ or serum) or fixative.

1-3% paraformaldehyde is the recommended fixative for most cell types.

The recommended sample concentration for the FACSAria is 3x10⁶-5x10⁶ cells per ml in PBS (no Mg⁺⁺, Ca⁺⁺ or serum) or fixative.

Pathogenic samples or live samples derived from human sources must be approved by the Facility Manager. When bringing samples for multi-parameter analysis, single positive controls must be provided for each color user.

Cell suspensions are typically prepared in the investigator's laboratory and brought to the Cytometry Core Facility ready to be run. There is a wet lab available in the facility with limited equipment for use in the preparation of samples, if needed.

Approval must be obtained from the Facility Manager for cell analysis or sorting. After an initial consultation, the user may gain access to the FACScanto II through the online scheduler. Requests for use of all other cytometers must be made by contacting the Facility Manager. Please be aware that occasionally the sorter is booked more than one month in advance.

We are able to assist with a number of cryo-preservation techniques suitable for uses such as CyTOF, flow cytometry and functional assays.

We can assist with customized or standard Cytek panels.

Primarily for blood related samples (PBMC, WBC, serum, plasma).

We use Miltenyi MACS magnetic cell separation. This can be performed on human or mouse tissues.

Extracting cells from solid tissue (e.g., tumors, spleen, lymph nodes, etc.) for flow cytometry requires skill with tissue dissociation, we can help.

Collecting useful cells for analysis from bone marrow can be tricky, but we are here to assist.