Instruments and Experimental Set-up
The HSCRB-HSCI Flow Cytometry Core includes the following instruments for vertebrate flow cytometry and cell sorting:
- 78 parameters, 5 lasers BD FACSDiscover™ S8 Cell Sorter w/ Cell View “Iris” for 6-way sorting, index sorting, and analysis. Real-time imaging and spectral flow capabilities provide spatial and morphological insights into sorted populations.
- 60-parameter, 9 lasers Bigfoot™ Spectral Cell Sorter “Atlas” for simultaneous standard and small-particle detection. 18-way virtual sorting, 6-way standard sorting, and analysis. Configurable, spectral unmixing, high-performance sorter allowing for faster plate sorts.
- 15-parameter BD FACSAria II “Norman” for four-way sorting and analysis. For self-use and mid-range cell sorting.
- 15-parameter BD FACSAria II+ “Mimi” for four-way sorting and analysis. Customized for small particle to average cell (<0.1 microns) sorting.
- 15-parameter BD FACSAria II+ “Bertha” for four-way sorting and analysis. Customized for small particle to average cell (<0.1 microns) sorting. For self-use cell sorting.
- 15- parameter BD Symphony 5 for analysis.
The Core is dedicated to mammalian cell sorting and analysis. For non-mammalian FACS services, please see the FAS Systems Biology Flow Cytometry Core located in the Northwest Building on the Cambridge campus.
Services and Fees
The following usage fee schedules will take effect as of October 28th, 2024, subject to change as Core usage and resources change. For Harvard internal Investigators with a valid Harvard Account Code:
| FACS-S8+Bigfoot (operator-assisted spectral cytometry) | $140/hour |
| FACS-Aria (operator-assisted conventional) | $125/hour |
| FACS-Aria (self-operated cytometry) | $80/hour |
| FACS-Symphony 5 (self-operated) | $50/hour |
| FACS-Any instrument (operator-assisted Training) | $350/hour |
| FACS-Data & Analysis Support (operator-assisted) | $45/hour |
For all other Investigators at Harvard Affiliates or other not-for-profit institutions:
| FACS-S8+Bigfoot (operator-assisted spectral cytometry) | $237/hour |
| FACS-Aria (operator-assisted conventional cytometry) | $211/hour |
| FACS-Aria (self-operated) | $135/hour |
| FACS-Symphony 5 (self-operated) | $85/hour |
| FACS any instrument (operator-assisted Training) | $592/hour |
| FACS-Data & Analysis Support (operator-assisted) | $76/hour |
Rates for users from for-profit companies:
| FACS-S8+Bigfoot (operator-assisted spectral cytometry) | $275/hour |
| FACS-Aria (operator-assisted conventional cytometry) | $275/hour |
| FACS-Aria (self-operated) | $275/hour |
| FACS-Symphony 5 (self-operated) | $275/hour |
| FACS any instrument (operator-assisted Training) | $700/hour |
| FACS-Data & Analysis Support (operator-assisted) | $150/hour |
Users who do not have a Harvard account code to directly charge are required to present a purchase order before services are provided.
Rates are subject to change any time.
Hours of Operation
The HSCRB Flow Cytometry Core facility is available 24/7 for self-service to those who have completed the requisite training and have scheduled time on the instruments.
Technician-assisted sorting and training is available Monday, Wednesday, and Friday: 10am-6pm; Tuesday and Thursdays 11am-7pm
To schedule technician-assisted or self-service time on the instruments, please sign up here or contact 617-496-3206 for information regarding training and procedures.
Operations and Staff
Nema Kheradmand and Gracia Kassis are available to perform sorting and analysis and assist researchers who are approved to self-sort.
Please contact Nema or Gracia to answer your questions about available services, training, scheduling equipment, work requests, billing, and technical issues regarding flow cytometry, FACS sorting, and analysis.
A FACS Faculty Steering Committee is composed of the HSCRB Cores.
Contact
Please send any questions or feedback to Nema Kheradmand or Gracia Kassis.