Using the facility
All new users are required to create an account on our online booking system (PPMS) prior to using the facility. Cell analysers may only be used by those who have been trained by facility staff. Users who can demonstrate previous experience with similar analysers may not need full training (at the discretion of Facility Manager) but will still need to be shown the cleaning procedures and have the rules of use of the facility explained.
The UCL GOSICH flow cytometry facility is open to GOSICH, UCL and external and industry users. To access ZCR flow cytometry facility, GOSICH users will need to have access to the Zayed Centre for Research Into Rare Disease in Children (ZCR) on their ID cards and should email their Section/Programme Administrator to arrange this. UCL and external users can access the facility between 9am and 5pm when members of staff are present. UCL users can be granted independent access if they take a fire safety and general lab inductions.
Users are welcome to book training with us to learn how to use the cell analysers correctly (Sony ID7000, IR FACSymphony A5, FISHER FACSymphony A5, LSRII, and CytoFLEX S). We also offer training on FACSMelody cell sorter for advanced users if you would like to perform your own cell sorting.
No training is needed for cell sorting on FACSAriaIII and FACSymphony S6. Only facility's staff are allowed to operate these cell sorters. Advanced users with extensive cell sorting experience may be allowed to operate the cell sorters under supervision.
We offer operator hands-on training and in-depth principles of flow cytometry course. Training or advanced course can be given at an agreed time when booked in advance and is charged at £60 per hour for GOSICH, GOSH, and UCL users ; and £110 per hour for external (non-UCL) users. The training session usually takes two hours for most users. Advanced course takes a minimum of 2 hours.
Please use PPMS to request a training session or email Ayad Eddaoudi or call the facility with any queries.
All instruments are available on first-come first-served basis.
Cell analysers can be booked on our PPMS.
Cell sorters can only be booked by email after the first sort has taken place. To book their first sort users are advised to contact in person facility staff and must fill out and sign a biosafety questionnaire form before experiments or projects are started. No sort will take place if this form is not handed to the operator before the first sort is due.