Selecting a Flow Cytometer for Your Lab
Selecting the right flow cytometer for your research lab is a critical decision that can significantly impact your experimental workflow and results. With several options available, understanding your specific research needs and the features of different instruments is essential. This guide outlines the key steps to help you make an informed choice.
Step 1: Define Your Research Needs—What Are Your Specific Requirements for a Flow Cytometer?
First, you’ll need to consider your primary research applications and the types of samples you’ll be analyzing. Then, determine the parameters and number of fluorescence channels required for your experiments. If high-throughput sampling capabilities are necessary, consider accessories like the BD CSampler™ Plus Loader for the BD Accuri™ Cell Analyzer C6 or the High Throughput Sampler (HTS) for the BD FACSymphony™ A1 Cell Analyzer.
If you’re currently using shared instruments or outsourcing your flow cytometry work, or you find yourself waiting for instrument availability or requiring access to the core during off-hours, a dedicated instrument can offer benefits such as increased availability, reduced scheduling conflicts, cost savings, and personalized settings.
Step 2: Evaluate the Features of Each Flow Cytometer
The BD Accuriâ„¢ C6 Cell Analyzer is compact with a small footprint, offers intuitive software, and provides automated QC, making it suitable for various research applications. It is equipped with two lasers and supports four colors with the option to add a BD CSamplerâ„¢ for automated high-throughput sampling.
The BD FACSymphonyâ„¢ A1 Cell Analyzer is a premium benchtop analyzer with cutting-edge technology that can support up to 16-color immunophenotyping. It uses BD FACSDivaâ„¢ Software for a streamlined workflow from system setup to data acquisition and analysis. You may also consider adding an optional high throughput sampler (HTS) for automated sampling from multiwell plates.
The BD FACSMelodyâ„¢ Cell Sorter is an automated four-way cell sorter. It features BD FACSChorus Software, which is easy to learn and use with minimal training. It is also ideal for research labs that need high-purity sorting and rely on reproducible results, and the fixed flow cell and reusable nozzle eliminate the need to purchase daily consumables. This affordable solution allows in-house cell sorting, which saves money on outsourcing. It is well-suited for genomics applications, too, enabling efficient and cost-effective sequencing through precise cell sorting and its user-friendly functionality.
Step 3: Decide Between a Cell Analyzer and Cell Sorter—Do You Need to Analyze Cells, Sort Cells, or Both?
Cell Analyzer
- Analyzes cells stained with fluorescent markers
- Classifies cells into different groups
- No cell recovery: cells are directed to a waste container after analysis
Cell Sorter
- Analyzes cells based on their fluorescence properties
- Classifies and physically separates cells into different groups
- Allows for the recovery of specific cell populations for further analysis, including genomic sequencing, in-vivo experiments, or analyzing cell function in downstream experiments
Step 4: Finalize Your Choice—Which Flow Cytometer Best Aligns with Your Needs?
The BD Accuriâ„¢ C6 Cell Analyzer is suitable for simple experimental needs, cell counting, live/dead analysis, and four-to-six color experiments.
The BD FACSymphony™™ A1 benchtop analyzer is a great solution for labs that want to achieve outstanding results in multicolor flow cytometry, with experiments ranging from four to 16 colors and minimal challenges. While researchers performing downstream experiments on specific cell populations will find the BD FACSMelody™ Cell Sorter an ideal, easy-to-use flow cytometer.
Following these steps can help you select the right flow cytometer for your lab. If you have further questions or need additional information, contact your local Fisher Scientific sales representative.
Trademarks include: BD CSamplerâ„¢, BD Accuriâ„¢, BD FACSymphonyâ„¢, BD FACSMelodyâ„¢, and BD FACSChorus.
