"Bench-top Analyzer" is an umbrella term used to describe flow cytometers that are used to analyze cells without sorting them. The cells make one pass through the instrument and then are sent to the waste container. The facility employs multiple instruments from various manufacturers having differing capabilities. The major characteristics of an instrument include:
- Laser lines available: Dictates which fluorochromes can be used
- Optical filter layout: Allows you to determine which channel to use for your fluorochrome
- Number of fluorescence detectors per laser: Specifies the maximum number of fluorescence parameters that can be simultaneously measured
- Post Acquisition Data Manipulation: Tied closely to the Flow Cytometry Standard file version used (FCS 2.0 or FCS 3.0). This allows a user to adjust such things as log transformation and fluorescence compensation after the acquisition of data.
- Data Acquisition Rate: Maximum throughput of cells allowed, expressed in units of uL/min and events/second.
- Parameter Sensitivity: Expressed per fluorescence channel as the channel Background (B) and Quantum Efficiency (Q)
- Parameter Linearity: Displays deviations in linearity along the log scale which may impede quantitative measurements
Please browse the list and characteristics of instruments available from the facility. If you have questions about what instrument may be best for your application, please contact us.