Flow Cytometry Facility (FCF)

Basic Training

To receive basic certification to run the Beckman-Coulter Epics XL you must understand how to create and edit a protocol, how to run your sample on the instrument, how to save and recall data, and how to clean the instrument when you are finished. All instrument settings, including compensation, will be provided, although you may need to modify light scatter settings if you are running cells smaller or larger than peripheral blood leukocytes. The provided settings are optimized for 2, 3 and 4-color cytometry with the fluorochromes FITC, PE, PE-Red610, and PE-Cy5.

The software on the XL cytometer is named Expo 32. Expo 32 is a Windows based operating system and is very user friendly. For the users that require the MS-DOS operating system, both Epics XL’s still support System II. Before you run your first sample you will learn to create a protocol. More advanced topics include the creation of a panel (a list of protocols that run in a particular order) and an analysis template (a set of instructions that permit mathematical operations to be performed on results within a panel).

View the Beckman-Coulter Epics XL Basic Training Manual (PDF)

Training usually consists of two sessions: the first is a brief overview of flow cytometry and the instruments available at the UPCI Flow Cytometry Facility; the second is hands on practice session with the user’s own cells and applications. Training sessions are held each week on Wednesday morning (10:00am-11:00am) and Friday afternoon (1:30pm-2:30pm). Please contact either Mike or Bata for a training appointment.

During your training you will learn to:

  1. Create, edit and save several protocols relating to your specific project;
  2. Prepare and run your samples on the Beckman-Coulter XL cytometer;
  3. Save and recall listmode data on your disk;
  4. Clean the instrument after samples have been run.

Upon successful completion of training you will be certified to run the XL cytometer during regular business hours (generally 9am to 5pm, Monday - Friday). You can also run the cytometer during off hours if a member of the flow cytometry staff is available (and aware that you are using the instrument) or if accompanied by a Power User who is willing to help you

DAKO Cyan

Training is also available for use of the DAKO Cyan 3 laser, 9 color flow cytometers. Individuals must already be trained in the use of the Coulter XL and demonstrate a need for the use of multi-parameter analysis. Please consult with the facility staff if interested in using the Cyan.

Power Users

A Power User has a detailed knowledge of the XL cytometer and is trained to recognize and troubleshoot problems that arise during sample acquisition. Power Users have card-key access to the Facility and are able to access the XL 24/7/365.25. Please consult with facility staff to become a Power User.