Seattle Children’s Research Institute’s Flow Cytometry Core supports faculty and students at Seattle Children's Research Institute as well as investigators at other academic institutions and private companies.

The core provides access to state-of-the-art cell sorters, analyzers, and workstations; training and technical support of investigators; assistance with experimental design, data analysis and interpretation; and assistance in developing novel multicolor flow cytometric techniques.

In addition to reading about the instruments available in our lab, you can view links to helpful information about reagents and cytometry tools that may be helpful as you set up and run your experiments.

What is Flow Cytometry?

CIIT Cell Sorting Diagram small
In flow cytometry, cells are sorted as they flow past a laser light source in a liquid stream.

Flow cytometry measures the physical and chemical characteristics of cells or particles as they flow past a laser light source in a liquid stream. A cytometer measures cellular characteristics such as size and complexity, as well as other parameters, using fluorescent probes. There is also a special type of cytometer (Becton Dickinson Fluorescent Activated Cell Sorter, or FACS) that has a cell sort feature, which allows the physical separation of a specific cell population from a heterogeneous group of cells into separate collection test tubes.

Available Instruments

To view usage rates, schedule training, and book instruments for self-use, please visit the Flow Cytometry Core’s iLab page.

  • BD Biosciences LSR II x2

    The Core has two LSR analyzers available for use at SCRI, one in 307 Westlake and one in Building Cure. The 307 Westlake instrument is equipped with 4 laser lines (405nm, 488nm, 532nm, and 635nm) and an 18 fluorescent parameter configuration. The Cure instrument has 5 laser lines (355nm, 405nm, 488nm, 561nm, and 635nm) and an 18 fluorescent parameter configuration.

  • BD Biosciences LSR Fortessa

    The Fortessa analyzer is located in Building Cure and is equipped with 5 laser lines (355nm, 405nm, 488nm, 561nm, and 635nm) and an 18 fluorescent parameter configuration.

  • BD Biosciences Symphony A5 x2

    The Flow Core has two A5 analyzers, one in 307 Westlake and one in Building Cure. Both A5s have 5 laser lines (355nm, 405n, 488nm, 561nm, and 635nm) and a 29 fluorescent parameter configuration.

  • BD Biosciences HTS x5

    The Core has 5 HTS (high throughput sample loading devices) that connect to each of the LSRs, A5s and to the Fortessa. These pieces of equipment allow for the use of plate analysis. The HTSs are pre-attached to the Fortessa and the A5s, whereas users of the LSRs attach the HTSs directly.

  • Beckman Coulter CytoFLEX

    The CytoFLEX analyzer is equipped with 3 laser lines (405nm, 488nm, 561nm, 635nm) and a 10 fluorescent parameter configuration. The instrument is located in Building Cure.

  • Bio-Rad ZE5

    The Core’s ZE5 analyzer is located in Building Cure and has 5 lasers (355nm, 455nm, 488nm, 561nm, and 635nm) and a 27 fluorescent parameter configuration.

  • BD Biosciences ARIA II

    The ARIA II sorter is located in Building Cure and is equipped with 5 lasers (355nm, 405nm, 488nm, 561nm, and 635nm) and an 18 fluorescent parameter configuration. The ARIA is in a hood and is approved for sorting cells that are BSL2+. This instrument can sort into multi-well plates and various sizes of collection tubes. It can be configured to separate up to 4 sub-populations into individual collection tubes simultaneously. The sample tube and the collection tubes have temperature control settings.

Reagents

Below are links to information on reagents that may be helpful as you set up and run your experiments:

Cytometry Tools

Below are links to information on cytometry tools that may be helpful as you set up and run your experiments:

Request Services

Flow Cytometry Core services are available for internal and external users. To view usage rates, schedule training, and book instruments for self-use, please visit the Flow Cytometry Core’s iLab page.

For information on how to access iLab, refer to the guide on CHILD.

Scheduling for the instruments can be done after the required instrument training is completed. There is a charge for instrument training. Training is charged at the same hourly rate as regular instrument use. Scheduling is on a first-come, first-served basis. Cancellations are allowed up to 24 hours prior to scheduled time.

Acknowledging Core Contributions

When citing the Flow Cytometry Core, we recommend the following language: Seattle Children’s Research Institute Flow Cytometry Core Facility, RRID:SCRI_025522. If you need more information for your grant, please contact the Flow Cytometry Core staff.

Access and Contact Information

Addresses for flow cytometry services

Flow Cytometry Core – Building Cure
Seattle Children’s Research Institute
1920 Terry Ave., Sixth and Seventh Floors
Seattle, WA 98101

Flow Cytometry Core – 307 Westlake
Seattle Children’s Research Institute
307 Westlake Ave. N, Second Floor
Seattle, WA 98109

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