Flourescence Cytometry Policies
On this page:
Operators:
- Assisted Operators: Those who want to utilize Core instrumentation, but need operator assistance. This category is recommended for most users who will utilize the instrument less than four times per month.
- Independent Operators: Those who will use the instrument with continued frequency and demonstrate a strong desire to receive formal instruction. In order to be qualified as an independent operator, a checklist of training modules must be completed and verified by the Core Facilitator (Pam Shaw) or the Facility Director (Jean Pfau). They vary in length depending on the complexity of the instrument chosen.
Scheduling:
- Signups must be made through the Fluorescence Cytometry Core.
- Signup on the calendar at each instrument station.
- Operator-assisted runs are scheduled Monday – Friday 9 am to 5 pm.
- Signup times are charged if not cancelled 24 hours in advance.
- Acquisition runtime takes priority over analysis only time.
- If user will be more than 15 minutes different than allotted time, it is his/her responsibility to coordinate with other scheduled users.
Biohazards:
- Facility personnel must be notified of potential biohazards prior to scheduling and prior to running samples.
- Facility personnel must be notified of any human samples.
- Human samples or potential biohazard samples should be fixed, if possible.
- The facility accepts only biohazard levels 1 and 2.
Sterility:
- Sterilization is required after any potential biohazard run. Sterilization time is billable.
- Sterilization is required for sorts in which cells will be used for cell culture. Prior notice must be given and 1 hour will be allotted and billed for sterilization. We recommend adding antibiotics to your media.
Billing:
- Usage will be billed monthly. A purchase order is required for each signup time for accounts outside The University of Montana.
- A User Form must be filled out prior to first use and a consultation scheduled.
- See Core Facilitator for charge back rate structure.
Training:
- Please click on Training to view the requirements for Independent Operator status.
Support:
- Assistance in experimental design, data analysis and developing new methods is available by appointment with the Core Facilitator
- Resources and technical support are also offered through the Core. Contact Core Facilitator or see the Protocol & Resources link for other contacts.
Publication Acknowledgement Request:
The Flow Core receives grant support from NIH/NCRR which should be acknowledged in any publications. The following statement is suggested: "We would like to acknowledge the assistance of the Fluorescence Cytometry Core Facility of the University of Montana supported in part by P20RR017670-06."
- We would appreciate a reprint of your publications.
- We appreciate your acknowledgment of the Flow Core services in your publications.
The technology of Flow Cytometry is rapidly growing and highly technical. The goal of the core staff is to adequately train users in sample acquisition and analysis to produce quality and reproducible data presentable for publication. Only those users who are committed to using the technology with frequency and show a strong desire to learn correct technique will be trained to be independent users. Those who want to use the equipment less frequently are still highly encouraged to utilize the Core, but with Core Staff assistance. All cell sorting experiments at this time are assisted by Core staff. Ongoing and updated training is available by occasional workshops.
BD FACSAria Independent Training:
1. Read and complete Introduction to Flow Cytometry, A Learning Guide by BD Biosciences, manufacturer of the instrument. (Approx. 2.5 hrs)
2. Complete BD FACS DIVA™ Software Quick Start Guide that contains tutorials on creating experiments, gating, auto compensation, and manual compensation. (Approx. 2.0 hrs)
3. Observe/perform instrument startup and shutdown. (Approx. 30 min)
4. Run QC three to four days in a row with Operator instruction. (Approx. 1 hr)
5. Set up and run three to four experiments with supervision from the Core Facilitator. (Approx. 4 hrs)
6. Complete minor troubleshooting checklist with Core Facilitator. (Approx 1 hr)
7. Sign completed Training checklist and Responsibility Form.
BD FACSCalibur Independent Training:
1. Read and complete Introduction to Flow Cytometry, A Learning Guide by BD Biosciences, manufacturer of the instrument. (Approx. 2.5 hrs)
2. Complete BD CellQuest tutorial. (Approx. 2.0 hrs)
3. Observe/perform instrument startup, QC and shutdown. (Approx. 30 min)
4. Set up and run three to four experiments with supervision from the Core Facilitator. (Approx. 4 hrs)
5. Sign completed Training checklist and Responsibility Form.
Compucyte LSC Independent Training:
Training will be tailored on an individual basis, depending on previous experience with Fluorescent staining and microscope use. One on one demonstration and self performed tutorials from the manual will be employed.
Luminex Independent Training:
Training will be given on an as needed basis. Operating procedures are printed and available and fairly easy to follow. Software tutorials are available and encouraged before use.
autoMACS:
The autoMACS is located in the lab of Dr. David Shepherd (Skaggs 273.) Please see him or one of his lab staff for instructions.
Zeiss Fluorescence Microscope:
Limited instructions are available upon request.
Computer Work Station & Laptop:
BD FACSDiva and FCS Express are software programs for data analysis of Flow Cytometry data. Tutorials are available for both and assistance offered by Core staff. Sign ups are encouraged.
Please see Core Facilitator if interested in scheduling training times.
Pam Shaw
Fluorescence Cytometry Core Facilitator
Center for Environmental Health Sciences
The University of Montana
32 Campus Dr
Skaggs Building 052
Missoula, MT 59812
Ph (406) 243-4974
Email: pamela.shaw@umontana.edu
www.umt.edu/cehs
The Fluorescence Cytometry Core is partially funded by an NIH/NCRR Center grant through the Center for Environmental Health Sciences. However, this grant does not cover all the associated costs of equipment, supplies, service contracts, and staff salary. Therefore a Charge Back system is in place to recapture some of the cost and to keep the Core equipped with up to date technology and well maintained instrumentation.
Usage will be billed monthly on an hourly basis (in 15 minute increments). Cancellations less than 24 hours will be billed. Only time used will be billed, not time reserved. Consistent over-booking of time will be addressed on an individual basis.
Hourly rates for training and use will be charged for the following instruments:
BD FACSAria
BD FACSCalibur
Compucyte LSC
Usage of the following instruments is not billed at this time:
Luminex
autoMACS
Zeiss Fluorescence Microscope
Please contact the Core Facilitator for current Charge Back Rates.