Sorts can be cancelled fully with no charge up to 24hrs before the start time.
Any sorts that are cancelled within 24hrs of starting but before 5pm the day before, are charged at 1/2cost with a 30 minute minimum time.
Sorts cancelled after 5pm the day before and within 24hrs are fully charged.
If someone can be found to fill a cancelled sort slot then no charges are levied against the initial user. All cancellation cases are reviewed by FCCF staff personally so please contact us to discuss any and all cancellations.
The nozzle choice is dependent upon the size of the cells in your sample.
As a rule the nozzle should be 4x bigger than the largest cells in your sample.
As a general rule:
PBMCs (8-12um) require the 70 or 85um nozzle
cell lines and bigger primary cells (12-20) require the 100um nozzle
anything larger requires the 130um nozzle
Be aware that the smaller nozzles have higher pressures. Some smaller cells do not like this pressure. They can be sorted on larger nozzles with a resulting drop in rate.
Our sorters are all sampled for sterility every week. They're cleaned thoroughly on a regular basis.
We also shut our sorters down with 70% ethanol every night to avoid any contamination and to preserve the sterility.
Post-sort culturing is common practice and infections are rare but can occur.
If contamination occurs
If your sorted cells are infected, let us know. We will identify if it was the sorter or some other source of contamination.
To decrease the risk of contamination, prepare your sample in tissue culture facilities with proper aseptic technique where required.
Other equipment in the core facility (such as our lyse wash assistant) is not screened for contamination. This can be a source of contamination if used before sorting.
We can adjust the temperature of your sorted sample in two locations:
Your pre-sorted tube can be controlled at 4, 20, 37, and 42oC within the instrument.
Your collection tubes/plates/slides can be controlled to any temperature between 5oC and 42oC.
The temperature you sort at is dependent on your cells and your downstream assay.
If you want to culture your cells after sorting it may be preferable to sort at 37oC.
For other protein or nucleic acid work, cooler temperatures may be preferable. This can preserve the integrity of your sample in the collection device.
If in doubt as always it is best to ask a member of the FCCF team.