The cell sorter allows the simultaneous separation of up to four pure populations from a heterogenous suspension sample at a speed of up to 90,000 cells per second.

Separation is based on the detection of fluorescent markers on cells, nuclei, bacteria or phytoplankton from 200nm – 60µm in size.

The collected cells or particles may be used for subsequent analysis, tissue culture or injection into experimental animal models. It also generates bivariate dot-plots and histograms which can be used to calculate population statistics and changes in mean-fluorescence intensity within the sample.

Techniques

  • Sorting or purification of particles, nuclei, chromosomes, eukaryotic cells, bacteria or phytoplankton
  • Sorting or purification of cell subsets based on their classification according to one or more cell characteristics
  • Sterile sorting of e.g. stem cells, subpopulations of GFP, mCherry, dsRed transfected cells, and bacteria
  • Sort up to four populations simultaneously into tubes (micro-tubes up to 50mL)
  • Sort defined cell numbers and populations into multi-well plates (6, 24, 48, 96, 384), PCR tubes or onto slides and filters
  • Index cell sorting which allows recording of the exact position for cells/particle as they are processed onto slides or plates
  • 355nm, 405nm, 488nm, 561nm and 640nm excitation lasers
  • 18 fluorescence parameters
  • Small particle detector for detection of particles (< 200nm)

Instrument specifications

  • 355nm, 405nm, 488nm and 561nm and 640nm excitation lasers
  • Acquisition rate up to 200,000 events per second

Submitting samples

Please complete the appropriate Pre-sort Form and submit to the Flow email address shown under Contact. For sorts performed by core staff, see the CMCA Rates page.

For Super Users/self-sorting

Based on the project need and degree of experience, the Flow core staff can undertake operator training for the sorter. The need requires to be discussed and approved by the TGL.

During normal working hours (Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm) the BD Influx will be set up for you by Flow core staff based on your needs. "Sort set-up" is defined as: proper nozzle inserted, stable stream breakoff set, machine QCd, drop delay calibrated and sort streams aligned. All Influx users are required to undergo Basic Sort Training. If you sort frequently outside normal work hours, you will need to go through the Advanced Sort Training to become a Super User. This requires approval by the TGL.

Multiple training sessions will be planned for the user in both instances. The time required for sort training is based on each individual's experience and learning. Certification for sorting independently will be at the sole discretion of the TGL.

Training for other aspects of conducting flow cytometry experiments will be undertaken through individual discussions with investigators. Our goal is for you to be successful with your flow cytometry experiments.

Eligibility for training on the BD Influx – all criteria must be met:

  • Attended the Introductory Flow Cytometry Sorting Training Lecture
  • Have used either a flow cytometer analyser or provided samples to be sorted by core staff for the past six months at either UWA or an equivalent institution*
  • Have a need for at least two hours per week of non-biohazardous sorting

* If a user has operated a similar sorter at another institution, the user will still be required to attend the Introductory Flow Cytometry Sorting Training Lecture and be trained by core staff in order to assess proficiency and knowledge of the cell sorting procedures.