Flow Cytometry
Facilities:
The VGTI Florida Flow cytometry core facility provides users with state of the art instrumentation and services. The principal assets of the core consist of 3 analytic instruments (two BD LSR II instruments and one BD FacsArray) and 2 sorting instruments (BD Aria II).
The VGTI Florida Flow cytometry core facility provides users with state of the art instrumentation and services. The principal assets of the core consist of 3 analytic instruments (two BD LSR II instruments and one BD FacsArray) and 2 sorting instruments (BD Aria II).
Click here to review the LSRII and BD Aria II Configurations.
The core also provides data analysis support and operates 4 Apple workstations with FacsDiva and FlowJo software.
Sorting Facility
The sorting facilities of the core are housed in two rooms, one dedicated for the sorting of uninfected samples (room 314C) and another for the sorting of infected samples (room 135K). The BD Facs Aria II is a flexible and highly adaptable bench top sorter. It contains four fixed-aligned, air-cooled lasers: red (635nm), green (532nm), blue (488nm) and violet (405nm). In its present configuration, the sorter is capable of performing eighteen parameters (forward and side scatter plus sixteen color flow cytometry). The Aria II has an increased sensitivity and flexibility due to the octagon and trigon optical arrays. It can yield more information from each sample and rare event analysis is more accurate and efficient because of the increased flow rate and the digital acquisition system. |  |
These instruments are equipped with temperature-controlled chambers and have the ability to sort single cells into 96 well plates. Both instruments also have the aerosol management system in place to eliminate the emission of aerosols generated during operation. Further, the Aria II designated for sorting of infected samples will be operated by individuals wearing respirators to further decrease the potential for contact with infectious aerosols. These instruments are only operated by qualified individuals on a pre-scheduled basis.
Analytical Facility
The primary analytic facilities of the core are housed in room 318B, which contains 2 BD LSR II analytic instruments. The BD LSR II is a flexible and highly adaptable bench top analyzer. It contains four fixed-aligned, air-cooled lasers: red (635nm), green (532nm), blue (488nm) and violet (405nm). In its present configuration, the analyzer is capable of performing eighteen parameters (forward and side scatter plus sixteen color flow cytometry). The LSR II has an increased sensitivity and flexibility due to the octagon and trigon optical arrays. It can yield more information from each sample and rare event analysis is more accurate and efficient because of the increased flow rate and the digital acquisition system. |  |
These instruments are equipped with HTS units that allow acquisition of samples automatically from 96 and 384 well plates. Additionally, they are also equipped with BD FACS flow supply systems to automate fluid handling. The core provides training to individuals of the institute so they are able to operate these instruments unassisted by core staff.
The room 318B also contains a two laser, 6 parameter BD FacsArray. This instrument is dedicated to performing multiplex bead assays and high throughput screening experiments. The core will provide training to individuals so they can operate this instrument without core assistance.
The room 318B also contains a two laser, 6 parameter BD FacsArray. This instrument is dedicated to performing multiplex bead assays and high throughput screening experiments. The core will provide training to individuals so they can operate this instrument without core assistance.
 | Services: The flow cytometry core will provide the following services:
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Personnel:
Yu Shi PhD (Core Facility Coordinator and Technical Specialist)
Email: yshi@vgtifl.org (772) 345-5722 Kim Kusser (Flow Cytometry Technician) Email: kkusser@vgtifl.org |
Sample Submission:
These services will be scheduled by contacting Yu Shi. Fees will be assessed on an hourly rate based on actual usage (for the user initiated analysis and for analysis by the core). Cell sorting will be scheduled in ½ day blocks.
Pricing:
LSRII
Rates include all consumables (fluids, CST beads, gloves, bleach, tubes etc.). Flow users also have access to technical assistance including consultation on antibody cocktails and panels as well as compensation assistance at no charge.
Cell Sorting (FACS Aria)
Rates include all consumables. All sorting services will be billed a minimum of 1.5 hours which includes the time for setup and QC as well as compensation adjustments and cleaning following the sort and transfer of data to users files.
BD FACS Array
These services will be scheduled by contacting Yu Shi. Fees will be assessed on an hourly rate based on actual usage (for the user initiated analysis and for analysis by the core). Cell sorting will be scheduled in ½ day blocks.
Pricing:
LSRII
Rates include all consumables (fluids, CST beads, gloves, bleach, tubes etc.). Flow users also have access to technical assistance including consultation on antibody cocktails and panels as well as compensation assistance at no charge.
- LSRII acquisition (self-service)=$45/hr
- LSRII acquisition (core technician service)=$75/hr
- Workstation analysis=N/C
- Training for LSRII=$50/hr
Cell Sorting (FACS Aria)
Rates include all consumables. All sorting services will be billed a minimum of 1.5 hours which includes the time for setup and QC as well as compensation adjustments and cleaning following the sort and transfer of data to users files.
- Sorting of infectious material=$100/hr
- Standard sorting=$90/hr
BD FACS Array
- FACS Array (self-service)=$40/hr
- FACS Array (core technician service)=$60/hr
- Workstation analysis=N/C
- Training for FACS Array=$50/hr
