Book training and experimental time on the FACSAria or LSRII:
UCSC PBSci Lab Equipment Reservation System

Instrumentation

• BD Biosciences FACSAria cell sorter
• BD Biosciences LSRII cell analyzer
• Perkin Elmer luminescence counter
• Molecular Devices SpectraMax Plus high-throughput microplate spectrophotometer

Facility biohazard procedures (BL2)

All users must have an approved BUA on file and must fill out this SSCF safety questionnaire before doing any projects in the facility

• UCSC SSCF Safety Questionnaire

Recharge system

The cost to use the LSR or ARIA is $18.00/hour during prime time (12:00-6:00 pm, M-F) and $14.00/hour non-prime time. Billing is in 30-minute increments. New users will need to have a good faith estimate on file with  before the new user orientation. Recharge invoices will be sent on the 7th of each month for the prior month's time.

• UCSC SCCF FACS policy

New user orientation

If you are new to FACS and need help setting up an experimental protocol or design, please contact . After you turn in the SSCF questionnaires, we will schedule a time with you to discuss your project. We recommend that researchers do an initial analysis experiment before trying to do a serious sort. This will allow for some familiarity with the BD DIVA software and give you a general feeling for cell numbers, concentrations, etc.

If you prefer to operate the equipment yourself, please contact for training.

Protocols

• New user guidelines
• BD FACSAria analysis setup
• BD FACSAria configuration diagram
• Compensation in flow cytometry analysis
• Intracellular staining
• Indirect staining

Operator support

Our normal staff hours are 7:30 am-4:00 pm. We offer operator support, by appointment, for people who need to schedule their FACS time outside the normal staff hours. We cannot guarantee that every request can be accommodated, particularly on short notice. To request an operator appointment, please contact . Include information about the instrument and times that would work for you, and include a good telephone contact number.

Facility scheduler

Use the UCSC PBSci Lab Equipment Reservation System to book training and experimental time on the FACSAria or LSRII.

Cancellation policy

If you need to cancel your FACS time, please let know via email or phone, preferably at least 24 hours in advance. If you know who is scheduled after you, please call them directly to let them know the Aria will be free.

Data analysis

We recommend using FlowJo data analysis software. FlowJo 8 (for MAC) or FlowJo 7 (for PC) provides biexponential transformation tools for compensated data. The core has two dongles for general use on a sign-out basis. In addition, Treestar will activate 30-day trial licenses for individual researchers.

We offer small FlowJo analysis training classes; please contact to schedule.

Reporting problems or making suggestions

To report problems or make suggestions concerning the flow cytometry facility instruments and operations, email . Please specify the issue in your email.