Flow Cytometry Core - Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS), Norfolk, Hampton Roads

The EVMS Flow Cytometry Core Facility (Flow Core) provides access to flow cytometry instrumentation and expertise to support research at EVMS and the research community of Hampton Roads, including Old Dominion University, Hampton University and the American Red Cross. The Flow Core acknowledges that EVMS is part of a research sharing agreement based on the signed Memorandum of Understanding with seven other research institutions across Virginia, offering an internal rate to investigators from these institutions to increase collaborations and facilitate scientific advances. Flow Cytometry is a technique for measurement of individual cells in a stream of fluid ("HPLC for cells"). Applications include, but are not limited to: cell phenotyping, cell cycle analysis, cell signaling, protein modification, etc. Several instruments are available in the facility including a Cytek-upgraded BD FACSCalibur, a BD FACSAria Fusion and an Amnis ImageStream Mark II. A detailed listing of the instruments available in the Flow Core can be accessed by exploring our shared resources. Please inquire with the facility staff for a complete fee schedule. Users are required to reserve a time on a sign-up sheet posted outside the Flow Facility.

Director: Elena Galkina, PhD, Email: GalkinEV@EVMS.EDU

Facility location: Lewis Hall 3052

Contact: David McGuire, Flow Cytometry Operator: flowfacility@evms.edu

Services

For a complete fee schedule, please contact us by email at flowfacility@evms.edu.

The upgraded FACSCalibur is a three-laser analyzer, capable of multicolor analysis of up to eight colors, and is used for flow cytometric analysis of cells. Investigators may use the FACSCalibur on their own after training and certification by the facility staff. Services provided by the FACSCalibur include Unassisted Acquisition (available only after training), Assisted Acquisition, FlowJo Data Re-Analysis and Assisted FlowJo Data Re-Analysis. Please inquire with the facility staff for a complete fee schedule: flowfacility@evms.edu.

The BD FACSAria Fusion is a state-of-the art, high-speed cell sorter. While capable of multicolor analysis of up to 14 colors with four lasers, the Fusion can perform single-cell sorting as well as two- or four-way bulk sorting of cells of interest. It is housed in a class II biosafety cabinet that allows sorting of infectious material (class I/II). The Fusion is operated only by the Flow Cytometry Core Facility staff on a fee-for-service basis. Please inquire with the facility staff for a complete fee schedule: flowfacility@evms.edu.

The Amnis ImageStream Mark II, the newest member of the Flow Core, is a state-of-the-art imaging flow cytometer. The ImageStream Mark II features 405nm, 488nm, and 642nm laser lines; it can detect up to six colors simultaneously. The ImageStream can visualize and analyze thousands of cells per second at up to 60X magnification. Investigators may use the ImageStream on their own after training and certification by the facility staff. Please inquire with the facility staff for a complete fee schedule: flowfacility@evms.edu.

The Bio-Plex MAGPIX Multiplex Reader powered by Luminex xMAP technology is a robust fluorescent detection system for medium-throughput, magnetic bead-based multiplex immunoassays. Traditional singleplex protein detection methods such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) have been used sequentially in order to detect and analyze multiple proteins. These singleplex assays can be time-consuming and costly when used to measure numerous markers per sample. In addition, they would require large sample volumes. Luminex xMAP technology enables scientists to measure multiple proteins in a single reaction. This instrument provides a platform for simple, cost-effective multiplexing of up to 50 immunoassays, with reproducibility similar to that of ELISA. Investigators may use the Bio-Plex MAGPIX on their own with minimal facility staff assistance; however, staff must run verification before use. Please inquire with the facility staff for a complete fee schedule: flowfacility@evms.edu.

Consultation

Dr. Galkina is available for consultation by appointment. To arrange a meeting, please email her at GalkinEV@EVMS.EDU.

Classes and training

Classes and training sessions are scheduled at various times during the year and will be posted here as they are scheduled. Additionally, training can be scheduled with the Flow Cytometry Core Facility staff as needed, but scheduling of said training will be based on staff availability. Please schedule in advance of need. Please note, all users have to be trained or certified by the facility staff. All users must prepare their own samples; however, the staff is available to provide technical support in designing experiments, preparing samples and setting up the instrument.

Acknowledgments

If the Flow Cytometry Core Facility was utilized for generating data for publication, please acknowledge the facility within your manuscript where appropriate.