Users can also see details of our systems by viewing the descriptions on the Equipment tab in iLab.
Beckman Coulter CytoFLEX LX (x2) - standard flow cytometer
BD LSR Fortessa (x2) - standard flow cytometer
BD FACSymphony A5 - advanced flow cytometer
Cytek Aurora (5L) - spectral flow cytometer
Amnis ImageStreamX MKII - imaging flow cytometer
Luminex FLEXMAP3D - multiplex proteomic/ genomic assays
Our facility offers a cell sorting service on three BD Aria cell sorters with up to 17 fluorescent parameters, allowing sterile cell collection into tubes and plates. All instruments are run by trained operators and allow four-way sorting, sample and collection tube cooling and Index sorting with nozzles ranging from 70 mm to 130 mm. Samples above BSL2 grade cannot be processed in our laboratory.
Cell sorters
If you are interested in purifying Ciculating Tumour Cells (CTCs) see the section on Rare Cell Isolation below.
We operate two Fluidigm Helios mass cytometers and offer a custom antibody conjugation service. One Helios platform is exclusively reserved for the acquisition of samples in single cell suspension, while the second instrument can be combined with a Hyperion imaging mass cytometry (IMC) module for acquisition of frozen and FFPE tissue and cell samples.
Mass Cytometry:
The Advanced Cytometry Platform offers an antibody conjugation service for mass cytometry, bookable via iLab. The facility provides the conjugation technique for tagging with lanthanide metals (mass range 141-176), cadmium isotopes, yttrium and bismuth, all labeling consumables/reagents, manpower and expertise. The customer is requested only to provide the antibody raw material. We require this as at least 0.1 mg of a protein free IgG solution, the facility will not purify or conjugate antibodies provided in BSA / gelatin containing buffer. We will return the metal conjugated antibody in protein-stabilising solution alongside a QC data sheet with proof of concentration and successful metal conjugation (biological testing is to be done at customer site). External customers will discuss their project and provide a PO for the agreed project cost before the start of any work. All mass cytometry platforms and services are operated by fully trained staff only.
For IMC projects we will perform ablation in accordance to customer instructions. Data will be transferred to the customer by file transfer server. Customers submit ready stained slides.
Using the Parsortix we offer a full service for the isolation of rare cells such as circulating tumour cells (CTCs). Customers will provide suitable blood/urine samples (up to BSL2 grade) to the facility. The facility will return single cells or enable self-service use. A detailed upfront project discussion is part of the full service rare cell isolation program.
Whether you are new to cytometry, plan a complex experiment or run longitudinal clinical samples, we have many years of experience in our team and are happy to support you where we can in experimental design and planning. New cytometrists and those interested in high dimensional fluorescent cytometry can get expert advice for best practices of panel design, sample preparation and standardisation. Please book a consultation to find out how we can help.
Questions on compensation, population resolution, titration, gating, best software tools for your analysis? For these and many more potential issues with experimental data, please book a consultation to see how we can help.
Please visit our training page for more information.