Philosophy and Services

Philosophy

Our services are built around three central themes:

  1. Access to well-maintained instrumentation for the characterization of single cells. Instrumentation includes flow cytometer cell analyzers, cell sorters, imaging cytometry, and 10x Genomics. Users have the option of either assisted use or independent use of any instrument in the core. Users who have been trained for self-use can access the core facility on a 24/7 basis.
  2. Education for instrument operation and applications. We have developed a comprehensive training program for all instruments. We have also developed a multi-session flow cytometry theoretical and practical course to equip users with the skills to consistently generate robust and replicable data. We also provide access to a variety of educational and technical materials to support research performed in the core facility. 
  3. Support for experimental design, data analysis, and troubleshooting. We assist users during each step of the experimental process. We believe the role that core facilities play in research should be of a collaborative nature. Core facilities do more than simply provide access to machines, and to this end, we strive to cultivate collaborative relationships with each and every user.

We are committed to the quality, consistency and robustness of the work performed in our facility, and we make every effort to ensure the success of each flow cytometry experiment.

Our model emphasizes independent access to both cell sorters and cell analyzers. To support this, we provide comprehensive training that combines classroom instruction with hands-on, instrument-based sessions. Core staff are physically present in the facility at all times during operating hours, ensuring guidance is always close at hand.

During staffed hours — Monday through Friday, 9AM to 6PM — instruments are set up and quality-controlled by the CSCI Flow Cytometry team. Researchers who wish to use the instruments outside of staffed hours, including weekends and holidays, are responsible for instrument setup, a process covered thoroughly during training.

For those who do not anticipate frequent or independent use of the analyzers or sorters, assisted instrument sessions are also available during staffed hours.

Services Overview

  • Access to state-of-the-art flow cytometry, cell sorting, and image cytometry instrumentation, including spectral flow cytometry and image-enabled cell sorting.
  • Access to 10x Genomics Next GEM and BD Rhapsody technology for single-cell genomics
  • Comprehensive training, including both classroom-based and on-instrument portions
  • Self-service cell sorting
  • Operator-assisted cell analysis and sorting
  • Technical assistance and experimental support, including panel design and data analysis
  • Access to qPCR, cell counting, and basic imaging

We offer flow cytometry services held to the highest standards of rigor and reproducibility and are experienced working with a diverse range of cell and tissue types.

We offer flow cytometry services held to the highest standards of rigor and reproducibility, with broad experience across a diverse range of cell and tissue types. Every sort performed at CSCI Flow Cytometry is carefully optimized to maximize purity, recovery, and viability, with instrument setup tailored to each unique cell type. Our active engagement in users' experiments