Status

Sorters can be requested as before, but with a 30 minute gap between users. In addition to the iLab request you must complete a sort form available here (KCL login required) for each sort. This explains how we can use Teams and/ or call you to discuss your setup during your run, which must now be done remotely.

The FACSCanto systems were retired in favour of new and more capable machines on the 31st March 2020. We have two new Beckman Coulter CytoFLEX LX systems, each with 6 lasers and up to 21 colours. Both also have a built-in plate reader for high throughput work. During our testing we found that the CytoFLEX was easy to use and performed very well, with some advanced features such as avalanche photodiodes which have high sensitivity and much higher linearity than the PMT detectors used on the older systems. You will of course be able to export .fcs files to analyse in your regular flow software, and user-exchangeable light filters will be available. More details can be found here.

Basic training is now given on the CytoFLEX in the first instance (and existing users can join these monthly sessions for free). You may see differences in your data versus other platforms. CytoFLEX charges will be at the same rate as the Fortessa – we believe this represents exceptional value, and although it is higher than the FACSCanto charges, those rates had never changed and not kept up with our increasing costs since they were introduced 7 years previously. Pricing information can be found on the Schedules tab of iLab.

The Fortessa instruments are running as above. The Symphony has now returned from servicing and completed testing.

Because Fortessa 3 is a loan instrument, it will be returned and the Symphony will move into that position on 22 Nov 2021. Some of you will have used it before, but it will be new for many. If you had Basic Training over the last couple of years you will have heard that it runs on the same Diva software, so no extra training is necessary for Fortessa users. It is capable of more channels (28) than the standard Fortessa (18 colour). The Symphony has higher laser powers in some lasers and different long pass and band pass filters in most channels compared to the Fortessa. 

Application Settings: Those of you that have Application Settings on the Fortessas will NOT be able to use the Symphony for your samples, due to the differences in laser powers and filters.

However, those that run standard experiments on the Fortessas will find the same channels available on the Symphony and can use that instrument instead of the Fortessa. You might notice some slight differences but your results should be broadly comparable. Please note that you should not directly compare results from the Fortessas to the Symphony.

• Fortessa 3 users who only have Application Settings set up on that machine should transfer your settings to Fortessa 1/2 in early November.

• If you wish to set up Application Settings on the Symphony, please contact us to discuss your project as we have specific advice for this on the Symphony.

• Users are not permitted to change filters on the Symphony. Nor are they interchangeable with the Fortessa filters.

• There will not (initially at least) be a HTS (plate-reader) on the Symphony.

From November 22nd all bookings in the Fortessa 3 online calendar apply for the Symphony only. There must be a 15 minute gap between users and we are strictly limited for occupancy. There is a monthly free training top-up for existing users who require a refresher or who only had CytoFLEX training.

The Helios and Hyperion instruments are running on the 10th floor. Both are heavily booked, but remember that fully stained CyTOF samples can be kept frozen until the instruments are ready!

Ready on the 10th Floor

These have moved and are staff-operated only. Support is limited.

Those of you who follow the cutting edge of Flow Cytometry technology may be eager to hear that will be introducing the Cytek Aurora system. This is the latest model (5 laser) Spectral Analyser, capable of over 30 parameter flow cytometry and differentiating similar fluorophores by their unique spectral properties. Once we have finished transferring our existing users and instruments we are keen to start helping you develop new assays for this technology. In the meantime, please read up on the possibilities here.

The Luminex is running as above.