The Advanced Flow Cytometry Platform offers users the ANGLE Parsortix which is a small benchtop system using a patented micro-fluidic technology in the form of a disposable cassette to capture and then harvest circulating tumour cells (CTCs) from blood.
The cassette captures CTCs and other types of cells based on their less deformable nature and larger size compared to other components of blood or other bodily fluids.
The system is also often used to pre-enrich cells for the DEPArray system. Parsortix-enriched cells can be cultured, used for FISH staining or downstream molecular/ genomics applications.
Users can chose from the following service options:
Parsortix only, user provides stained or unstained blood sample
DEPArray plus Parsortix and staining: user provides blood sample and antibodies
Users will bring their sample to the core and will obtain isolated cells for further manipulation. The core will provide disposable cassettes (included in price), consumables, instrumentation and labour. The equipment can be operated in a Class II cabinet to maintain sterility if required, please contact us to discuss.
Please contact us for a consultation prior to first use via BRCFlowCore@gstt.nhs.uk
The DEPArray option is not currently available
The Flow Core offers a full service on the Parsortix bookable via iLab. Please discuss your requirements and our availability in advance, you can then self-book a full 4 h hour morning session (9 AM- 1 PM) or afternoon session (1 PM – 5 PM) for each cell sample to be run.
It may be that if you have sufficient demand, we are able to train you (ad hoc) as a user in which case the equipment would be available self-service, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for use by investigators except during weekly maintenance and repair periods or when required for Flow Core work.
You can book on the Equipment pages of our iLab calendar.
Before an investigator can book and use the equipment, they must register with the Flow Core sign up on our iLab calendar. Basic Training is not mandatory for Parsortix usage, and a separate facility induction can be included if training is given.