Services

Overview:  The Flow CoLab provides many different and has in its profolio different instrument types listed below, consisting of various core technologies including flow and mass cytometer analyzers, flow cytometer cell sorters, other equipment, as well as analysis workstations and software options for analyzing your data. In addition, we also offer guidance and assistance services to help you utilize the instruments to their full potential. Instruments with the "self" prefix indicate that you can be trained to use them yourself if planning to use them frequently.

1. Self analysis on Flow Cytometers | Analyzers
2. Self sorting on Flow Cytometers | Cell Sorters
3. Self analysis on Mass Cytometer | CyTOF
4. CyTOF Antibody Conjugation
5. CyTOF Metal Bank
6. Self Genomic operation of Fluidigm platforms
7. NanoString nCounter
8. Training and Educational options
9. Consultation
10. Operator Assistance
11. Guidance
12. Analysis Workstations / Software

This LINK contains the configurations of all instruments in the Core. 

The Summary Table will provide a matrix of all the key features of each instrument.  Click on the nickname link of a specific instrument to get a more detailed layout.  Tabs are also at the bottom listing the machine nicknames. It is essential for planning your experiments and seeing if an instrument can detect your specific markers.  If you need to download a copy, click on "File" then "Download as" from the Google menu. Please contact us if you have any questions or are in need of a specific filter set for your experiments.    

Click on any link in the section below for more information on each instrument/service.

Click HERE to check Instrument Status of the systems in the Core.

Self analysis on Flow Cytometers | Analyzers

Fortessa / X20 

"Big Bird", "Kermit", "Oscar the Grouch", "Cookie Monster", "Grover", "Bert", "Ernie"

Up to 2 size & 18 fluorescent parameters. Click HERE for details.

• Analyzer only.
• Single tube mode is standard. 
• Some can run plates utilizing HTS.
• Each Detailed Instrument Configuration

FACSymphony

"Stay Puft Marshmallow Man"

Up to 2 size & 28 fluorescent parameters. Click HERE for details.

• Analyzer only.
• Single tube mode is standard. 
• Can run plates utilizing HTS.
• Uses FACSDiva software.
• Detailed Instrument Configuration

Aurora 5-Laser

"Abby Cadabby", "Eevee", "Pascal", ("Frida" and "Georgia" at ZSFG)

Full Spectrum flow cytometer analyzer, up to 40 fluorescent parameters. Click HERE for details.

• Analyzer only.
• Single tube mode is standard. 
• Can run 96-well plate AMS option (standard 96-well V-bottom recommended).
• Small particle detection capabilities for events down to 80nm.
• Uses SpectroFlo software.
• Detailed Instrument Configuration

Luminex 100 (BioPlex 200)

"The Count"

Up to 2 fluorescent parameters, maximum of 100 analytes. Click HERE for details.

• Analyzer only.
• Plate mode for multiplexing is standard
• Walk-up only, Core not providing training

Nanosight NS300

"Skipper"

Small Particle analyzer. Click HERE for details

• Analyzer only.
• Syringe sample introduction mode available
• 2 Laser modules available

Self sorting on Flow Cytometers | Sorters

FACSAria

"Animal", "Beaker", "Boo Boo" , "Bunsen Honeydew", "Yogi Bear", "Jabba the Hutt", "Mylo"

Up to 2 size & 18 fluorescent parameters. Click HERE for details.

• Can sort up to 4 different populations.
• Can sort into plates up to 384 wells.
• Can index sort.
• Detailed Instrument Configuration

BigFoot

"Manny"

Full Spectrum flow cytometer cell sorter, up to 5 size & 35 fluorescent parameters. Click HERE for details.

• Can sort up to 6 different populations.
• Can sort into plates up to 384 wells.
• Adapter for 10X Genomics chips.
• Can index sort.
• Small particle detection capabilities for events down to 150nm.
• Uses Sasquash Software (SQS)
• Detailed Instrument Configuration

Self analysis on Mass Cytometer | CyTOF

CyTOF - Helios

"Charmander" and "Blue"

Up to 48 heavy isotope parameters. Click HERE for details.

• Analyzer only.
• 2 modes of acquisition: Water/HT injector & CAS/WB injector
• For Water mode SuperSampler is standard.
• For CAS mode PSI is standard. 

CyTOF Antibody Conjugation

details coming soon

CyTOF Metal Bank

(available for internal users only) more details coming soon

Other:

Self Genomic operation of Fluidigm platforms

Retired September 2021:

Isolation C1 "Stich"; Analyzer Biomark "Sully"; Library Prep Access Array "Minions"

NanoString nCounter

"Marvin the Martian"

Up to 800 RNA, DNA, or protein targets. For more details click HERE.

Training and Education

For detailed information on PFCC's Training and Educational options, please click HERE.  After you fullfill PFCC's Basic Training Requirements, schedule your Proficiency Assessment appointment on first use, only after will your iLab permission level be updated to Trained.

Available for internal and external user upon scheduling or request for services:

-Flow Cytometers | Analyzers (exception: Luminex 100)

-Flow Cytometers | Cell Sorters

-Mass Cytometer | CyTOF

-Other (exception: Luminex, Tapestri, NanoString)

Consultation

Overview:  Free consultations available for Users of PFCC. Until further notice, Office Hours will be held virtually by zoom. Submission of Assist/Consultation form required.

Availability: Weekly, Mondays from 1-4pm. RSVP required.

Here is how to submit the request: Please submit your RSVP here. Required to attach this filled in Form.

Operator Assistance

Overview:  The Operator Assistance service is requesting a Flow Core staff member to be at a specific instrument to run your samples for you (See Rates here). Assistance can also be requested if you need instrument setup on weekends, holidays, and non-normal work hours (Monday-Friday from 5pm-8am at standard rate).

Availability: Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm. You must schedule as soon as you make the instrument reservation and provide at least 1 week notice.

Available upon request for services:

-Flow Cytometers | Analyzers (exception: NanoSight NS300, Luminex 100)

-Flow Cytometers | Cell Sorters

-Mass Cytometer | CyTOF

-Mass Cytometer | MIBIscope

Recommendation: If you plan on using any of the self-use equipment less than once per month, you may consider utilizing this Operator Assistance service instead.

The Core may charge double the Assistance rate if a request is made to operate and run samples on weekends, holidays, and non-normal work hours. 

Here is how to submit the request: Scheduling Assistance

Analysis Workstations and Software packages

Overview:  The Core provides computer workstations allowing analysis of cytometry data.

Availability: 24 hours, 7 days a week.

In addition to flow cytometry analysis software, all computers contain copies of Microsoft Office as well as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator allowing the generation of figures for meetings and papers. Check out what the computers are equipped with and contact us if you have any questions about them.

To schedule time on the Workstation please use our Scheduling system.

All the software below can open FCS files from any cytometer.

FCS Express: A powerful analysis option, analyze the FCS, plot graphics and perform statistical analysis on one platform. It can be a bit of a learning curve to utilize all the features.

FlowJo:  A powerful option, but can be a bit of a learning curve to utilize all the features.  If you want your own copy and you are a UCSF internal/affiliate employee, click HERE.

• Contact [email protected] with any questions

FACSDiva:  The PCs contain this acquisition and analysis software allowing the importing of experiments from BD instruments such as the LSR/Fortessa/X20/Symphony/Aria class of instruments which can save time by not having to redraw gates.  Can be a timesaver when making slides for a lab meeting or conference.

UCSF Cytobank:  Can be used to analyze any type of FCS file and has various algorithms to interpret high dimensional data.  Highly recommended for analyzing files off the CyTOF and high parameter flow cytometry data.  Cloud based and can be used anywhere as long as you have an internet connection.  If you want your own license seat, first 30 days are free, and after $1,500/year.  The Core provides access to 1 shared account which can be used for free by UCSF researchers.  You must sign up on the MyCores online scheduler to use this shared account, so other people don't get kicked off.  See Cytobank's website for more info.Kaluza:  A very user friendly, yet powerful analysis software from Beckman Coulter.  Requires a software dongle to use.

CyTOF Helios Software:  Can be used to create templates for your panels which can be exported to the instrument computer.  Can also provide data concatenation as well after data acquisition.  If you want your own copy, you'll need to create an account on their website before downloading.

Cytek SpectroFlo: User friendly acquisition software for the Aurora platform. Can be used to create templates for your panels which can be exported and imported to the instrument computer. Can re-unmix your data post-acquisition. Visit Cytek's website to purchase personal licenses.

PFCC and RRP provides access to several site licenses for:

• FlowJo, click HERE for details

This LINK contains the configurations of all instruments in the Core.