Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorting (FACS) Facility
About FACS
Since the opening of the Beckman Center in 1989, the Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorting (FACS) facility has provided cell analysis and sorting capabilities to Beckman Center researchers, other Stanford research groups, and to the regional biotechnology community. The facility also acts as a hub for general FACS education and provides training for users who desire to become self-operators of the facility instruments.
The FACS facility director and staff members provide, as a group, over 100 years of flow cytometry knowledge and are available to assist users in designing experiments and in data analysis. Staff members maintain the facility’s instruments and support facility operations in addition to developing improved technology for advanced applications and instrumentation.
Services
Cell Sorting
BSL-1 & BSL-2 samples, aseptic and single cell sorting into 96-well plates (cloning), and measurement and sorting using up to 18 simultaneous fluorochromes that cover almost all available fluorescent dyes. Five sorters are available, each with different capabilities.
Federated Sites
Some research laboratories, because of the nature of their work, need to have flow cytometry equipment on-site. The facility offers individualized contracts to provide management and technical consulting for these groups.
Cell Analysis
BSL-1 & BSL-2 samples, measurements of up to 18 simultaneous fluorochromes that cover almost all available fluorescent dyes, and sample runs from tubes or 96-well plates. Four analyzers are available, each with different capabilities.
Software Support
The facility manages a site license for FlowJo data analysis software (FlowJo, Inc., Ashland, OR). The facility also licenses Cytobank (Cytobank, Inc.), a web-based analysis program.
Instrument Training
Intensive instrument training is provided to users of the facility and is tailored to the user’s needs and experimental goals.
Data Management Services
Data collected in the facility is stored and archived in a secure, highly redundant system, and made available over the web.
Mass Cytometry
Analysis of samples using Time Of Flight mass spectrometry measuring up to 100 different parameters with proteins conjugated to metal ions.
Consulting
The expertise of the staff is available to aid researchers in experimental design and data analysis.
Director
Lisa Nichols, Ph.D.
