Cytometry Services

The Centre for Flow Cytometry and Scanning Microscopy (CCSM) at the Sunnybrook Research Institute (SRI) offers cell analysis services. We provide sample acquisition and data analysis services, as well as training courses for flow cytometry. We also provide user assistance and training courses for imaging.

The facility also offers cell-sorting services. Please contact Paul Oleynik for more information.

For human cell sorting:

We are a BSL2 facility permitting cells from risk groups two and three. Please see the section on biosafety for a full explanation. We will not accept cells that could be infectious to humans via aerosol contamination. This includes any first-generation lenti- or adeno-viral constructs, as well as infectious primary human tissue.

Please fill out and attach a Human Cell Sorting Request Screen Form when requesting sort appointments.

For nonhuman cell sorting:

Email Paul Oleynik and indicate the following:

• cell type
• fluorochromes you would like to use
• number of cells you are bringing.

We will contact you with an appointment.

For your appointment, remember to bring the following:

• collection tubes for your cells (plus two extra) containing media
• extra sort buffer in case we need to dilute.

Please review the protocol for sorting and aggregates.

Ideal cell concentrations (all samples must be filtered):

• Aria/Fusion: high-speed, 20–-30 million cells per ml
• Aria/Fusion: larger nozzle medium-speed, 10­–20 million per ml (based on cell type)
• Aria/Fusion: plate sorting, 5 million per ml