Flow Cytometry Core Contact Information
Nancy I. Kerkvliet, Ph.D., Director
Phone: 541-737-4387
nancy.kerkvliet@oregonstate.edu
The EHSC Flow Cytometry Core laboratory is a multi-user facility which is available to all OSU researchers as well as off-campus researchers. We can help you design and analyze your flow cytometric experiments as well as provide cell sorting.
Our facility is equipped with two bench top analyzers for routine cell analysis as well as one MoFlo high speed cell sorter for purifying cell populations.
Bench top analyzers
There are two bench top analyzers for routine cell analysis:
- Beckman Coulter EPICS XL
The XL flow cytometer is usually the instrument of choice for simple analyses [such as, one or two color analyses; DNA cell cycle analysis]. - Beckman Coulter FC500
The FC500 flow cytometer is the recommended instrument for more complex analyses [such as, four to five-color analyses] and samples requiring HeNe laser excitation [for samples labeled with APC].
The bench top analyzers are operated in two ways, depending on the frequency of use:
- For frequent use of the instrument, we recommend that researchers be trained in the operation of the cytometer. Not only can your samples be processed independent of an operator, it will be more cost-effective. There are usually three training sessions of 2-3 hours each. During the training sessions, you will actually run your own samples. Once trained, you will have access to the instrument 24-7. Contact the operator for scheduling training.
- For infrequent use, we recommend researchers to schedule time with the operator to collect and analyze their flow cytometric data. Contact the operator for scheduling experiments.
Both instruments are capable of analyzing 4000 cells per second. We routinely recommend cell concentrations of 1-4 million per ml.
In order to correctly interpret flow cytometric data, there are several controls that need to be included in every experiment:
- Unstained cells
- Depending on the application, negative and/or positive controls
- For multicolor analyses, compensation controls to correct the overlaps in the spectral emissions of two or more fluorochromes. There will be one compensation control for each fluorochrome used in the experiment.
Cell sorting
A MoFlo high speed cell sorter is available for purifying cell populations.
Due to the complexity of this instrument, there is no hands-on training. All cell sorting experiments need to be scheduled with an operator at least one week in advance. Please review the sorting protocol for cell sorting applications.
- Zeiss Axiovert 35 inverted microscope interfaced to G4 Power Mac loaded with NIH Image Analysis software to capture images
- PCs loaded with listmode analysis software (WinList) and DNA analysis software (Multicycle for Windows).
All OSU researchers are assessed fees for the use of the flow cytometry facility. These fees are dependent on the instrument of use. Off-campus researchers are assessed an
additional 25% surcharge.
All new users are required to submit the following form in advance of their first flow appointment.