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Illinois

TRAININGS

We offer training on the following:

1. Flow cytometry and cell sorting theoretical class - COMPULSORY

2. BD Symphony A1 analyzer

3. BD FACS Melody cell sorter - Training on the sorter will only be available to those that have received training on the Symphony A1 analyzer. This instrument is used for sorting only. 

4. Data analysis software training - Contact cmto-core@mx.uillinois.edu


Flow cytometry theoretical training 

Sign up for a flow cytometry theoretical class

Theoretical classes will commence every 2 weeks, Fridays at 10am-12pm at ERML building, room 138

Download the presentation for general flow cytometry here

Download the presentation for cell sorting here

*Please note: You are required to take a quiz before and after the theory session to assess you knowledge before and after your class.

 

This Training consists of: 

1. Basics of flow cytometry - Flow cytometry principle, components of an analyzer, compensation, threshold, sample preparation 

2. Cell sorting - Cell sorting principle, different types of sorts, sorting preview on the BD FACS Melody, differences in flow cells and sort nozzle sizes

 

Please complete the follow quiz before AND after your theory training

Flow cytometry theory quiz


Which instrument/s will you be trained on?

Training on the Symphony A1 Analyzer 

Hands on Training Policy: Due to attention to the details focus needed for hands on training, it is CMtO policy that we will train only one student at a time. However, if you have two or more students doing the same experiment from same the lab, we can use the same/single set of samples on that day for all of them, if we could schedule back-to-back 2h slots for the training. Those trainings are billed individually for each person. Please follow this when requesting hands on training. After training in one of the Symphony A1, your account will be activated in all three Symphonies in the campus

Symphony A1

Follow the steps below to set up a training session on our analyzer:

1. Fill out the user registration form

https://biotech.illinois.edu/cmto/user registration form 

2. Familiarize yourself with the instrument before the training session using the following links 
https://biotech.illinois.edu/cmto/services-eqiupment/bd-facsymphony-a1-cell-analyzer

https://biotech.illinois.edu/sites/biotech.illinois.edu/files/uploads/Symphony%20System%20Brochure.pdf

https://biotech.illinois.edu/sites/biotech.illinois.edu/files/uploads/Symphony%20User%20Guide.pdf

 

Please note: Once you are trained on any one of our 3 Symphony's, you will be granted access to all three locations. You can request access to each of our rooms with the following instructions:

Everitt Lab: Please use this link https://my.bioe.illinois.edu/login.asp?/keys/index.asp to request access to the rooms: Everitt Lab Entrance Doors (CR), and 2117 Autoclave/ Laundry and 2117 A Fortessa. Per DRS, you will require quick autoclave training before you are given access to 2117 - Autoclave Room. Wendy Woods (w-woods@illinois.edu) is responsible for that facility. Please contact her to setup a time for training.

ERML Lab: You would need to send your I-card number, NetId and UIN number to cmto-core@mx.uillinois.edu and we can request access to room 231 ERML for you. For the main door, you would need a physical key, you can email Sheena at shemar@illinois.edu. You would need to fill out a form and pay a deposit of $20. 

RAL Lab: A CMtO employee will provide the door code during your training. 

We also provide training on a High-Throughput System (HTS) that is housed in 2117A Everitt building, please contact cmto-core@mx.uillinois.edu for more information or training materials

 

Training on the BD FACS Melody Cell Sorter 

This training is suitable for users that will be using the sorter over extensive periods of time. Please contact CMtO if you would like to find out more.

Hands on Training Policy: Due to attention to the details focus needed for hands on training, it is CMtO policy that we will train only one student at a time. However, if you have two or more students doing the same experiment from same lab, we can use same/single set of samples on that day for all of them, if we could schedule back-to-back 2h slots for the training. Those trainings are billed for each person. Please follow this when requesting hands on training. After training in one of the Symphony A1, your account will be activated in all three Symphonies in the campus.

 

BD FACS Melody

Please have a look at the configuration of the BD FACS Melody sorter using table below and ensure that you have fluorophore's that are excited by the lasers present in the system. Please let us know if you need help in finding your fluorophore

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Please note the BD FACS Melody training will take place over a course of 4 different training sessions. This is to ensure that the user is fully trained before being left alone with the instrument.

Day 1 - A CMtO employee will explain how to use the instrument with a short demonstration 

Day 2 - Run your samples with the help of an employee 

Day 3 - You will run your own samples with the occasional help of an employee 

Day 4 - You will independently run your sort, from instrument start up to instrument shut down, with the supervision of an employee 

You can have a look at the detailed training schedule here

Please note: You can only use the instrument independently and gain access to the calendar once an employee clears you safe to use the instrument. If you are not cleared, you will be required to repeat day 4 until you are cleared. These 4 days can be spaced out over two weeks according to a CMtO employee and your schedule. 

Familiarize yourself with the instrument before the training session

BD Chorous user guide 

BD FACS Melody User guide 

Quick troubleshooting on the BD FACS Melody


Additional Training materials

Introduction to flow cytometry

Analyzing flow cytometry data

Experimental design on DIVA software


Acknowledging CMtO services:

Please use this Research Resource Identification number (RRID) and the below link for CMtO to acknowledge our services. The more papers sited, we can provide more and state-of-the-art services.

https://coremarketplace.org/?FacilityID=2727

RRID:SCR_025272

Example of acknowledgement statement

We thank the Roy J. Carver Biotechnology center, Cytometry and Microscopy to Omics Facility (RRID:SCR_025272-https://coremarketplace.org/?FacilityID=2727) for providing expertise in Cytometry/Sorting, Microscopy and Omics analysis for our project. 


Manufacturer: BD Biosciences
Equipment Model: Symphony A1/ FACS Melody
Location: Main Facility at 231 Edward R. Madigan Laboratory, 264 Roger Adams Lab and 2117A Everitt building
Contact: cmto-core@mx.uillinois.edu