Welcome to the Flow Cytometry Core!
Flow cytometry is a powerful technology for analyzing and sorting particles in suspension at high speed. By using fluorescent antibodies and probes that bind to cell-specific antigens, this technique allows for detailed characterization of physical and chemical properties of individual cells. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) enables the identification and isolation of live cells with a defined phenotype that can be expanded in culture and utilized in animal models and DNA/RNA/protein analysis.
The mission of the MU Flow Cytometry Core is to support campus users by providing state-of-art flow cytometry analyzers, cell sorting services and comprehensive cytometry education and training. Additionally, we offer consultation for flow project initiation, experimental design and data analysis to help you achieve your research goals.
Rates and fees
Flow cytometry cell sorting
Cell sorters are CIC operated only. Contact Dr. Yue Guan to make an appointment for cell sorting.
| CELL SORTER | RATE* | SETUP FEE | EXTERNAL INVESTIGATORS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cytek Aurora Cell Sorter | $85/hour | $70 | Inquire |
| Beckman Coulter MoFlo XDP | Currently not sorting |
*Minimum charge 30 minutes
Flow cytometry cell analyzers
Flow analyzers are available for self-use upon completion of the mandatory training and approval from a CIC staff member. The Fortessa X-20 is available 24/7 with training.
For more information about training, see the additional services section below.
Reservation: Instruments can be reserved on the online calendar using the credentials provided by a CIC staff member.
Contact Dr. Yue Guan with questions or to make an appointment for training.
| FLOW CYTOMETRY ANALYZER | UNASSISTED RATE* | ASSISTED RATE* | EXTERNAL INVESTIGATORS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cytek Aurora | $60/hour | $80/hour | Inquire |
| BD LSR Fortessa | $55/hour | $80/hour | Inquire |
*Minimum charge 30 minutes
Additional services
| ADDITIONAL SERVICE | RATE |
|---|---|
| Analyzer Training - Theory | $50 |
| Analyzer Training - Hands-on | $80 |
| Panel Design (up to 8 colors) | $50/panel |
| Panel Design (8-20 colors) | $100/panel |
| Data Analysis | $50/hour |
| Report Generation | $50/hour |
Authorized users will have access to the instruments 24/7 following completion of the training and approval from a CIC staff member. Instruments can be reserved on the online calendar using the credentials provided by a CIC staff member.
Training
The CIC staff will provide training to investigators wanting to learn more about flow cytometry and how to operate the flow analyzers. Training is mandatory even if the investigator has previous experience in flow cytometry or using other flow analyzers. The mandatory training sessions are offered by appointment at a rate of $40.00 per training session in addition to the fee for using the instrument during the training. Training is typically completed in two hands-on sessions of 60-90 minutes each. The first training covers a theoretical lesson of flow cytometry and the policies of the CIC facility. The second part involves actual time using the instrument and a guided run through practice experiment. Investigators must provide samples appropriate for the analyzer for the second training. Following the instrument training, a second session with a CIC operator may be needed until the user can be approved to use the instrument independently. Once approved, a username and password will be provided for instrument access and the online reservation calendar.
Training Guide (Please print, review and bring to your first training session.)
- Flow cytometer reservations
- Troubleshooting on the FACScan
- FACScan CIC customer guide
- FACSCalibur CIC customer guide
- BD flow PowerPoint
- Molecular probes spectra viewer
- Fluorochrome absorbption and emission spectra
- Fortessa_X20_Filter_Guide
- CyAn fluorochrome guide
- CyAn CIC customer guide
- BD Fluorochrome reference & specification chart
- BD's spectrum viewer