Flow cytometry
High-parameter analysis of cellular populations and sorting of sub-populations of cells
Cytometry is translated as the measurement of cells, where cells are the basic biological unit of all organisms.
Flow cytometry is a specialised laser-based single cell technology used to measure different parameters of a particle (cell) flowing in suspension. The scattered and fluorescent light is collected by detectors and converted to electronic signals for real time analysis within dedicated software.
Fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) instruments utilise this technology to yield separated and purified populations of interest or single cells suitable for downstream applications, such as functional assays or genomic and transcriptomic analyses.
Centre for Regenerative Medicine flow cytometry facility
Based in: Centre for Regenerative Medicine (CRM) Institution for Regeneration and Repair
Facility manager/ lead contact: Ms Fiona Rossi and Dr Claire Cryer
This facility provides comprehensive services and assistance in multi-parameter flow cytometry analysis, fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) for internal and external users.
Facility users are trained to independently use the facilities: three high-end flow cytometry analysers. The cell sorting service is operated by experienced cytometrists on three available cell sorters. The team can sort up to four populations simultaneously and has extensive experience with 384- and 96-well plate and index sorting.
CRM Flow Cytometry Facility website
IGC Flow cytometry facility
Based in: Institute of Genetics and Cancer (IGC)
Facility manager/ lead contact: Ms Elisabeth Freyer
The facility is managed and operated by an experienced Flow Cytometry Manager with more than 10 years of experience and can be accessed by all Institute of Genetics and Cancer researchers and their collaborators.
The facility operates 2 flow cytometry analysers and 2 flow cytometry sorters. The cost of accessing the facility is maintained in line with the average cost of other University of Edinburgh flow cytometry facilities.
IGC Flow Cytometry Facility website
QMRI flow cytometry and cell sorting facility
Based in: Queen's Medical Research Institute (QMRI)
Facility manager/ lead contact: Shonna Johnston
The QMRI flow cytometry and cell sorting facility was established in 2005 and offers a fully accessible service to all internal and external researchers requiring the use of flow cytometry technology and complemented with specialist assistance.
This containment level 2 (CL2) facility is equipped with five high-end flow cytometers capable of a wide range of applications. To support use of these, our experts provide a comprehensive training programme for users covering both theory (virtual or in person) and practical aspects of the technology.
Once you have identified your cells of interest, then our operator-led cell sorting service provides the capability of physically separating multiple subpopulations, simultaneously, for downstream functionals assays or further analysis. Two of these cell sorting instruments are housed within biosafety cabinets and are suitable for clinical samples.
We also offer bespoke flow cytometry training as well as flow cytometry-related services in tissue culture, sample staining and data analysis/report generation.