Flow Cytometry and Cell Sorting
The Flow Cytometry and Cell Sorting Core facility at the Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation offers diverse, technically sophisticated cell sorting and analysis services. Ongoing upgrades of equipment maintain state-of-the-art technical capability, offering innovative services and attracting new investigators who have not previously used this technology in their research. The facility provides instrumentation and services in a cost effective manner, as well as access to highly trained personnel for consultation to investigators needing assistance with experimental design, data analysis and data interpretation.
What is Flow Cytometry?
Flow cytometry is a means of measuring physical and chemical characteristics of cells or particles as they travel in suspension one by one past a sensing point (laser light). Flow cytometric cell acquisition / analysis uses specialized software to analyze the cell antigen expression or functions of interest. The physical characteristics one can measure are cell size, shape and internal complexity and any cell component or function that can be detected by a fluorescent conjugated compound attached to that cell or particle.
What is Cell Sorting?
The concept of cell sorting is sometimes confused with acquisition / analysis flow cytometry. Cell sorting involves physically separating a specific optimized cell population from the remaining particles in suspension for the purpose of performing further experimental procedures on these purified cells. Learning to optimize one's sort will facilitate superior yields and purity of isolated cells.
Hours of Operation
Our hours of operation are 8 am to 6 pm, Monday through Friday. Special times can be arranged in advance for sorts after 6 pm. For more information call 513-636-8614.
User Charges
- FACSCalibur and FACSCanto: $40.00/hr
- FACSVantage Sorter(+1 hr set up fee): $85.00/hr
- Training: $51.00/hr
Data Analysis
Data analysis is the responsibility of the investigator. Offline data analysis is can be performed through the facility's system of networked computers. The flow facility makes available a number of offline workstations and a variety of software options (CellQuest Pro, ModFit LT, FlowJo and QuantiCal) for data analysis and desktop publishing. Investigators equipped with compatible computers can perform analysis at their laboratories or offices by accessing data through the Cincinnati Children's file server. All instruments and computers are linked to the hospital network to provide easy transfer of data.
Staff and Training
The technology of flow cytometry is rapidly growing and highly technical. Errors in sample acquisition and / or data analysis are common among poorly trained users and can lead to misleading or unreliable data. Therefore, the division is committed to providing training and education for all new facility users. Group training sessions are available and individual help is provided. New users to flow cytometry, individuals that want additional training or need consultation in designing experimental protocols are encouraged to contact Dan Marmer (daniel.marmer@cchmc.org), 513-636-8614.
