The Flow Cytometry User Group:

  • Promotes the use of flow cytometry as a research tool to enhance research activity.
  • Supports the development of technical expertise and applications. 
  • Facilitates interactions among researchers in the life and material sciences.
  • Creates opportunities for collaborations, access to equipment, training, and multidisciplinary research.

For more information, please contact Deborah Michel at dlm137@mail.usask.ca.

  • Dr. Philip Griebel (Chair), School of Public Health
  • Dr. Ildiko Badea (Vice Chair), College of Pharmacy and Nutrition
  • Dr. John DeCoteau, College of Medicine
  • Dr. Marko Kryworuchko, School of Public Health
  • Dr. Wojciech Dawicki, Western College of Veterinary Medicine
  • Mark Boyd, College of Medicine
  • Karen Mochoruk, College of Medicine
  • Yanna Ma, College of Medicine
  • Natasa Arsic, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization
  • Deborah Michel, College of Pharmacy and Nutrition

Analysers

  • FACScalibur, two laser at 488 and 635nm, emission filters 535/30, 585/42, 670LP and 661/16 nm

Location in D-Wing, Health Sciences Building. Contact Dr. Ildiko Badea or Deborah Michel, research technician

Sorters

  • Beckman Coulter MoFlo XDP Cell sorter equipped with a 488nm Argon laser (Filters:529/28;625/26;575/25;670/30;785/62) and 633nm HeNe laser (670/30;785/62). Additional filter set up is available. Single cell suspensions can be characterized and sorted at 10-30,000 events per second based on two light scattering parameters (FSC, SSC) and up to seven fluorochrome colours. Up to four distinct cell populations can be sorted simultaneously from a single cell suspension.

Located in the biosafety level-2 lab, VIDO. Contact Dr. Philip Griebel or  Natasa Arsic, research technician

Mo Flo Billing Form 
Mo Flo Service Request Form
Scheduling and Billing

Flow Cytometry Basics

Seminar: Flow Cytometry Basics

This seminar provides information on the fluidics, optics, and electronics of a flow cytometer using FACSCalibur as model. Issues regarding compensation and manual correction will be discussed. Data output and interpretation will be described. The same seminar content is offered on three separate dates. Course dates to be determined

Sample Preparation and Experimental Design

Information quality, experimental design, and sample preparation are critical components of every flow cytometry experiment. This seminar addresses the basic considerations and procedures to ensure optimal sample preparation and discusses the necessary controls for effective data analysis. Strategies for reagent selection and experimental design for multi-colour flow cytometry are also addressed. Course dates to be determined.

Wet Lab with Flow Cytometer to Demonstrate Key Principles

This lab will introduce first-time users to the workings of a flow cytometer (FACSCalibur). Individuals will learn to set detectors, create histograms, and dot plots using Cell Quest Pro software. Forward and side scattering plots will be interpreted. Course dates to be determined.

High-speed Sorting of Cell Populations

Cell sorters have become a widespread and vital tool in biological and health science research. Their central purpose is to recover viable and homogeneous subpopulations of cells from a heterogeneous population. This seminar discusses the principles and limitations of cell sorting, and the practical considerations when designing an effective sorting experiment. Sample preparation, cell staining, fluorochrome selection, appropriate controls, and sample sorting and collection conditions will be discussed. Course dates to be determined

DNA Analysis with ModFit LT

To provide information on quantification of DNA in cell cycling using mammalian cells as a model. The algorithms to calculate DNA quantity and statistical analysis on the fit to the model by ModFit will be discussed. Cancer-related examples will be provided. Course dates to be determined

Cell Proliferation Studies with ModFit LT

Cell proliferation has historically been monitored by the incorporation of radionucleotides such as tritiated thymidine (3H-TdR) into newly synthesized DNA. In this seminar, we focus on the use of the ModFit LT cell proliferation wizard feature to track cell division and identify proliferating cells. The use of various cell tracking dyes will be discussed with examples of cell proliferation studies to address specific research questions. Course dates to be determined.