Training

We provide individual one-on-one training that is specifically designed to the needs of your project on our flow cytometry analyzers. By taking our training course, you will not only gain a better understanding of flow cytometry in general but also perform sample acquisition and data analysis on your own shortly after the training. We continue to provide support and assistance to the users of our facility if needed.

For experienced users, one single 2 hour flow cytometry training module will be scheduled and will include:

• • 0.5 hour lecture presentation on the basics of flow cytometry, fluorescence spectral overlap, instrument review and data analysis;

  • 2-2.5 hours hand-on supervised practice on instrumental setup and calibration, sample acquisition and data analysis on the flow cytometry analyzer on your own cell samples; and

  • Assisted sample acquisition/data analysis during real experiments after the training if needed.

For users new to flow cytometry, the flow cytometry training module will include two sessions:

• • session 1: 2.5 hour lecture presentation on the basics of flow cytometry, sample isolation and preparation, fluorescence basics and excitation/emission spectra, multicolor panel design, plots and gating, experimental setup, compensation, etc.;

  • session 2: 2.5 hours hand-on supervised practice on instrumental setup and calibration, sample acquisition on the flow cytometry analyzer on your own cell samples; and

  • Assisted sample acquisition/data analysis during real experiments after the training to show competency in independent flow cytometry acquisition capability (upon request)

Please prepare your cell sample and staining them before you come to the training. Using your own sample will allow you to quickly learn how to acquire data in the future experiments. The prepared samples generally consists of:

• • 1-2 tubes of unstained samples,

  • single stained controls of all the fluorochrome you are using if you are doing multi-colour staining, and

  • 4-10 experimental samples.

There should be minimal 0.5 million cells in 200-300μL of PBS in standard flow tubes (12x75mm, 5mL Polystyrene tube).

It is advisable to develop clear project objectives involving flow cytometry prior to training, in order obtain the greatest benefit from the course. We also recommend you to prepare your own cell samples that will be used in your project in order for you to perform acquisition/analysis on your own as quickly as possible.

Please note that this training course is mandatory for all new users of our facility before they are granted access to any of our flow cytometry analyzers. Separate training is required for different types of analyzers housed in our facility.

Contact Dr. Christine Zhang for more details.