Flow Cytometry

Flow Cytometry is powerful technology that has revolutionized biomedical research and become an integral investigative tool for research across diverse disciplines. With the use of fluorochrome-conjugated molecules such as monoclonal antibodies that specifically bind to its target antigen, flow cytometry allows for the rapid and simultaneous analysis of multiple parameters on millions of individual cells in single-cell suspensions.

The Flow Cytometry Core at the TNBRC, housed within the Division of Immunology, provides analytical flow cytometry services and live cell sorting under enhanced Biosafety Level 2 (BSL2+) conditions. Instruments available include six analyzers ranging from 13-48 color acquisition and three sorters using 1-,2-,4-way, and plate sorting between 6-18 colors. Both conventional and spectral analyzers are available. We provide experimental and panel design consultation as a service. The core is heavily utilized and supports research projects for a significant number of core and affiliate scientists.

Flow Core personnel and independent investigators use sample acquisition and cell sorting at TNBRC. The core is heavily utilized and supports research projects of at least 25 TNBRC core scientists and more than 30 affiliate scientists.

New users interacting with the flow core in any capacity (such as preparing samples or analyzing data) should book Flow Core Submission and Scheduling training for orientation via this scheduling link. After attending this training they may get access to Flowcytom data server, Flowjo license, Flow Cytometry listserv, recorded seminars, quality control records, and much more.

The Flow Cytometry Core at the Tulane National Biomedical Research Center was awarded the ISAC Shared Resource Laboratory Recognition in April of 2025. This designation is given to flow cytometry facilities that adhere to internationally recognized best practices.

Acknowledgments

When utilizing research resources made possible by the TNBRC Flow Cytometry Core, please cite RRID: SCR_024611. For additional information on acknowledging Tulane National Biomedical Research Center resources, please see here.

Resources

Conventional Analyzer Instruments

BD LSRII 3-Laser (3-Laser, 14 colors)
- Document
  
  LSRII Configuration (287.57 KB)
BD LSRFortessa (5-Laser, 18 colors)
- Document
  
  Fortessa Configuration (387.05 KB)
BD FACSSymphony A5 (5-Laser, 30 colors)
- Document
  
  Symphony A5 Configuration (32.99 KB)
Miltenyi MACSQuant 16 (3-Laser, 14 colors)
- Document
  
  MACSQuant Configuration (74.52 KB)

Spectral Analyzer Instruments

BD FACSSymphony A5 SE 5-Laser (5-Laser, 50 colors)
- Document
  
  Symphony A5 SE Configuration (20.25 KB)

Cell Sorters

BD FACS AriaFusion SORP 5-Laser (5-Laser, 18 colors)
- Document
  
  Aria Fusion SORP (475.37 KB)
BD FACS Melody (3-Laser, 9 colors)
- Document
  
  Melody Configuration (16.04 KB)
Miltenyi Quant Tyto (3-Laser, 8 colors)
- Document
  
  MACS Quant Tyto Configuration (58.75 KB)

NOTE: To utilize our sorters, you must consult with the Flow Core to discuss availability, risk assessments, and plan of action.

iMac
MacBook Pro

Both are available to book via LabArchives Scheduler.

BD Research Cloud: Design panels using TNBRC cytometers and create Diva experiments.
EasyPanel: Algorithm-based panel design portal. Use your tulane.edu email to sign up.
Custom Panel Design: Assistance or create panel from scratch by Assistant Director.
BD Panel Design Overview
FluoroFinder: Experiment design platform
Cytek Cloud: Full-spectrum panel design tools
Biolegend Multicolor Panel Selector: Help find the right products for your multicolor flow cytometry experiments

Spectral Viewers

FCC Policies (requires SSO login)
Self-Acquisition Terms of Service (available upon request)

Legendplex (bead based cytokine quantification using Biolegend Kit)
Absolute Count (volumetric CD45, CD3, CD4, CD8 whole blood quantification)
Consulting for high parameter panel design and in depth troubleshooting

Training is provided to access FCC. The entire process is outlined in User Training SOP (avaliable upon request)

Book New User Sample Submission and Scheduling Training. This training is mandatory to complete for all users interacting with the Flow Cytometry Core.
Self-acquisition Training is outlined in the User Training SOP (available upon request).
Training Package - Self-acquisition Classroom to start self-acquisition training in the Training Package. Must be completed within 3 months of classroom training date.
Self-sorting training is available for FACS Melody. Please email mmostrom@tulane.edu to get started.

Operator acquisition is booked in the FlowCore Box folder under the instruments with available operator acquisition.
Hybrid acquisition (operator and user) is booked in Box and LabArchives Scheduler.
Self-acquisition is booked in LabArchives Scheduler.
Cell sorter bookings are available to book over email for project-based requests.
Standard Absolute counts are bookable on LabArchives Scheduler.
Custom absolute counts are available upon early request by email.

Free discussion meetings are available with the Assistant Director. Book here.
Consultations to book beyond initial discussions are available for a fee. Book here.
Flow Cytometry Core is open 8AM-4PM for staff working hours.
After-hours operation of cytometers by users is available for proficient users.
Contact Amitinder Kaur, MD, MBBS, Director of the Flow Cytometry Core
Contact Matilda Moström, PhD, SCYM, Assistant Director of the Flow Cytometry Core
Contact Natalie Valencia, Lab Supervisor of the Flow Cytometry Core