Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorting Facility (FACS)

About FACS

Since the opening of the Beckman Center in 1989, the Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorting Facility has provided cell analysis and sorting capabilities to Beckman Center researchers, other Stanford research groups, and the regional biotechnology community. The facility also acts as a hub for FACS education and provides training for users who desire to become self-operators of the facility instruments.

The FACS facility director and staff members have, as a group, over 100 years of experience in flow cytometry, 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.

FACS staff: Rudy Wycallis, Melody Wang, Cindy Jiang, Dave Parks, Tom Nozaki, Lisa Nichols, Suraj Timilsina, Bianca Gomez, Yanrong Zhang

Suraj Timilsina

Yanrong Zhang

Services

Cell Sorting

Cell-sorting services include Biosafety Level 1 and 2 (BSL-1 and BSL-2) sample handling, aseptic sorting, single-cell sorting into 96-well and 384-well plates, and measurement and sorting using from one to more than 30 simultaneous fluorochromes to identify populations. Eight sorters are available, each with different capabilities.

Cell Analysis

Cell analysis services include analysis of both BSL-1 and BSL-2 samples; analyses run the gamut from high-throughput screening assays to complex experiments collecting measurements of up to 40 simultaneous fluorochromes. Analyzers support sample acquisition from individual tubes, 96-well plates, or 384-well plates. FACS provides eight analyzers at the main campus facility, plus one at the Page Mill Road satellite facility.

Instrument Training

Intensive instrument training is provided to users of the facility and is tailored to the user’s needs and experimental goals.

Mass Cytometry

Mass cytometry services include analysis of samples using Time Of Flight mass spectrometry measuring up to 100 different parameters with proteins conjugated to metal ions.

Federated Sites

Some research laboratories, because of the nature of their work, need to have flow cytometry equipment on-site. FACS offers contracts to provide management and technical consulting for these groups.