The Flow Cytometry Core Facility in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology is prepared to aid and advise investigators in the application of flow cytometric techniques to their research. The facility is directed by Dr. Gary Klimpel and managed by Mark Griffin. Dr. Klimpel is a professor in the department of Microbiology. Mr. Griffin is a full-time flow cytometry lab manager/operator with 16 years experience in flow cytometry and cell sorting.
The facility contains three instruments. The Becton-Dickinson FACS Aria is available for cell sorting. Two analytical flow cytometers (a Becton-Dickinson FACS Scan, and FACS Canto) are available for non-preparative work. These three instruments enable investigators to perform virtually all of the standard procedures in flow cytometry, from phenotypic/functional analysis of cells to cell sorting, as well as offering room for the development of new techniques. The FACS Scan is capable of up to three-color analysis. The FACS Canto can provide up to six-color analysis, and the FACS Aria is capable of nine-color analysis in its present configuration, in addition to cell sorting functionality. The Canto offers automatic sample loading with an attachment that allows for walk-away use. The Aria can sort cells into tubes, plates or slides at high speed. Direct cloning of sorted cells into tissue culture plates by the instrument is also possible. These sorts can be done under aseptic conditions.
The core lab can provide assistance with protocol development and implementation, as well as data analysis. The data from all of the core lab cytometers is available campus-wide over the university's broad-band network, such that investigators may analyze and store data in their own labs. The flow lab manger is available by appointment to run samples on the FACS Canto or to sort cells on the FACS Aria. The FACS Scan is reserved for users requiring no assistance from the flow lab operator. The facility is available on a first-come first-served basis between 9 AM and 5 PM, Monday through Friday, and a published schedule is kept on the core lab's own web site to allow for the orderly planning of experiments and reservation of instruments.