The Flow Cytometry facility is located within the Clinical Research Facility (CRF) on the 15th floor, Tower Wing, Guy's Hospital. The laboratory contains state-of-the-art equipment, enabling researchers to carry out immune monitoring on samples taken from volunteers and patients. The facility provides investigators with equipment and support for cell sorting, acquisition and analysis of flow cytometric data.
Cell sorting
For cell sorting, the flow cytometry laboratory is equipped with:
All sorters provide high-speed, high purity multiparameter cell sorting into tubes and are also capable of single cell sorting directly into culture plates. One ARIA cell sorter is available to advanced and trained users while the other two sorters are operated by flow cytometry laboratory staff only.
Analysis
For analysis purposes, the flow cytometry laboratory is equipped with four bench-top alignment-free analysers from BD Biosciences that allows the usage of up to 17 fluorochromes:
Investigators can use these instruments to conduct multicolour analysis of cell phenotypes, multiplex arrays, gene expression and cell cycle analysis. After mandatory orientation training the BD analysers are available for use directly by the investigators.
In addition, the facility offers analysis on an Amnis ImageStream X analyser for imaging flow cytometry and a Luminex FlexMap 3D for multiplex bead array assays and a DVS Sciences CyTOF™ mass cytometer.
Access to analytical workstations
The Flow Cytometry laboratory offers access to two analytical workstations which are located in the general office within the CRF. The workstations are accessible Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm and have are equipped with DIVA, FlowJO, FCAP and Ideas software packages.
Access to the workstations is on a first come, first serve basis. Dongles are available from the flow core staff and must signed for use. Please note that dongles are only to be used on the 15th floor.
Staff support
The Flow Cytometry laboratory is run by four highly experienced and professional members of staff.
Dr Susanne Heck, Senior Flow Cytometry Manager
PJ Chana, Flow Cytometry Manager
Helen Graves, Flow Cytometry Manager
Dr Richard Ellis, Flow Cytometry Manager
They are able offer the following support:
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cell sorting and mass cytometery
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maintenance of all BRC core lab instruments
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assistance with experimental design
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advise on sample preparation
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training and consultation on data analysis
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experimental troubleshooting