Rush Flow Cytometry Core

Flow cytometry is a well-established technology that allows researchers to quickly categorize and analyze cells, even large numbers of cells, primarily by measuring the fluorescence produced by stained particles that confirm the presence of identifying types of molecules. The Rush Flow Cytometry Core Facility, located in the Cohn Research Building on the sixth floor, provides instrumentation for cell acquisition and analysis of data from single-cell suspensions, including peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), dissociated tissues, primary cells and cell lines.

The facility is available to researchers for uses that include immunophenotyping (cell surface and intracellular staining), DNA cell cycle and tumor ploidy, apoptosis assays, cell tracking and proliferation, cytotoxicity and reactive oxygen species measurements and cell sorting. The flow core staff maintains instruments for daily performance verification/calibration with cytometer setup and tracking (CS&T) beads, as well as scheduled cleaning and maintenance to ensure instrument functionality.

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Equipment capabilities

The core currently operates two Becton-Dickinson flow cytometers analyzers and BD flow cytometer cell sorter: BD LSRFortessa, BD FACSCanto II and BD FACSDiscover S8.

Image	BD LSRFortessa with four lasers (405 nm, 488 nm, 561 nm and 640 nm), capable of measuring up to 18 parameters (16 fluorescent and two light-scatters).
Image	BD FACSCanto II, High Throughput Sampler (HTS), can acquire samples in 96 well plates in standard mode and high throughput mode.
Image	BD FACSDiscover S8 analyzer/cell sorter with BD CellView, equipped with five lasers (UV, Violet, Blue, YG, Red) and imaging channel that provide real-time visualization of cell populations.

Trained users perform high-parameter experiments using Diva 8, Chorus and FlowJo software.

Services offered

The core staff offers training for investigators in instrument setup and sample acquisition for all instruments. Our flow cytometry experts can support your research with analytical cytometry and cell sorting:

• Hands-on training and Data analysis
• Experiment design
• Manuscript preparation and review
• Operator assisted cell sorting
• Troubleshooting

Expected turnaround times

The acquisition session is scheduled in advance, with a usual waiting time of one to three days.

Pricing

The charge for the use of the core instruments is $63.00 per hour.

Past clients served / current collaborators

The core provides support for Rush University researchers from the Departments of Microbial Pathogens and Immunity, Cell and Molecular Medicine, Neurology, Internal Medicine, and Orthopedics.