Lab 1 - Build a Flow Cytometer

John Martin, Mark Wilder, Jim Jett

 

In this lab session you will assemble a small flow cytometer and use it to measure a sample of fluorescent microspheres. You will learn some of the important steps used in setting up a flow cytometer, some diagnostic clues that are useful for evaluating a flow cytometer's performance and develop an appreciation for what is involved in constructing flow cytometers.

 

This compact flow cytometer is assembled using modular parts according to a detailed protocol. It includes the following components: laser, laser beam shutter, laser power attenuator, beam block, CCD camera and video monitor (used for viewing the laser beam - sample stream intersection region), flow chamber, fluorescence collection optics, fluorescence detector, electronics, oscilloscope and a computer.

 

Because you will be installing and aligning optical components along a laser beam line good laser safety practices will be discussed and stressed. By the end of the lab session you will have assembled a working cytometer and will be making final adjustments to obtain the best CV for the week. In years past CVs below 2% have been achieved.