Policy for Core Users
We welcome external users at the Ragon Flow Cytometry Core. Both internal and external users should review the guidelines below on how to get started.
Core Facility Guidelines [PDF]BD FACSDiscover S8 spectral and imaging sorter
The Discover S8 is a spectral flow cytometry sorter with sort-capable image analysis. See product brochure [PDF]
Located in BL2 lab 334, in a biosafety cabinet. Can be used to sort healthy and infectious human samples. Sort up to 6 populations into tubes. Sort into plates, up to 384-well. Nozzle size options: 85 micron, 100 micron, 130 micron. See tech specs [PDF]. Use the BD Spectrum Viewer for panel design. Learn to use BD CellView Image Technology.
- Nickname “S8“
- 5 lasers, 78 detectors for full spectral analysis
- 3 light scatter imaging channels: forward scatter, side scatter, and axial light loss
- 3 fluorescence imaging channels. Excitation: 488 nm blue laser. Emission: Img1 (534/46), Img2 (600/60), Img3 (788/225)
- Please note: No compensation or unmixing available for imaging channels

BD FACSAria Fusion sorter (2×)
Two Aria Fusion cell sorters, nicknamed the “SORP” and the “Fusion.” Both located in BL2 lab 334, in biosafety cabinets. Can be used to sort healthy and infectious human samples. Sort up to 4 populations into tubes. Sort into any type of plate, up to 384-well. Nozzle size options: 70 micron, 85 micron, 100 micron, 130 micron.
We provide full-service assisted cell sorting on the Aria Fusion cell sorters. We can also train you to sort on your own if you choose to do so.
5-Laser SORP Fusion
- Nickname “SORP“
- 5 lasers, 18 fluorescence parameters

4-Laser Fusion
- Nickname “Fusion“
- 4 lasers, 16 fluorescence parameters


Sony SH800 sorter (2×)
Two Sony SH800 cell sorters, nicknamed the “BL2 Sony” and the “Yeast Sony.” Disposable nozzle chip size options: 70 micron, 100 micron, 130 micron.
Both SH800 cell sorters are fully self-run instruments. We provide user training.
BL2 Sony SH800
- Nickname “BL2 Sony“
- 4 co-linear lasers, 6 fluorescence parameters
- Sort up to 2-way into tubes
- Sort into plates
- Located in BL2 lab 334, in a biosafety cabinet
- Sort mammalian cells, including human samples


Yeast Sony SH800
- Nickname “Yeast Sony“
- 3 co-linear lasers, 6 fluorescence parameters
- Sort up to 2-way into tubes
- Plate sorting not available
- BL1 sorting only: no unfixed human samples
- Intended for sorting yeast


Cytek Aurora spectral analyzer
The 5-Laser Cytek Aurora is a spectral flow cytometry analyzer. With your free account on Cytek Cloud, experiments can be created and imported into SpectroFlo software. If you are new to spectral cytometry, view the short videos on SpectroLearn to find out how to build and optimize a spectral cytometry panel and validate your reference controls and unmixing.
Optical configuration and fluorochrome guide [PDF]
- 5 lasers, 64 detectors for full spectral analysis
- Volumetric: no need for counting beads
- Autofluorescence Explorer allows unmixing of multiple autofluorescence signals in a single sample
- Daily QC beads automatically normalize detector gains for reproducibility across time and across instruments
- Load samples as individual tubes, or use the auto-loader for racked tubes and plates
- Deep-well plates ok

Cytek Amnis ImageStreamX Mk II imaging analyzer
The ImageStream is a true imaging flow cytometer. You can think of it as a quantitative high-throughput microscope, or as a flow cytometer that takes brightfield and fluorescence images of all events.
Sample preparation and quick guides with optical configuration [PDF]
ImageLearn Live Basic Techniques | ImageLearn Live Advanced Techniques
- 4 lasers, max. 10 fluorescence parameters
- Detectors: 12 channels (2 cameras, 6 channels each)
- Objectives: 20x, 40x, 60x
- Max resolution: 0.3 micron x 0.3 micron pixel size
- EDF option provides enhanced depth of field for spot counting
- Compensation removes observed spectral overlap between fluorescence channels
- Data is collected as .fcs (flow cytometry standard) as well as a proprietary image data format
- Image analysis software IDEAS 6.2 is available for free and may be installed on any Windows PC
- Image analysis software can also export images as .tiff

BD FACSSymphony A3 analyzer (for BL2 live cell analysis)
Symphony A3
- Nickname “A3“
- Located in BL2 lab 334, in a biosafety cabinet
- Intended for analysis of BL2 unfixed human samples
- 5 lasers, 23 fluorescence parameters
- HTS available

BD FACSSymphony A5 analyzer (2×)
Symphony 5S
- Nickname “5S“
- Located in room 333
- BL1 analysis only: no unfixed human samples
- 5 lasers, 29 fluorescence parameters
- HTS available


Symphony 5SB
- Nickname “5SB“
- Located in room 333
- BL1 analysis only: no unfixed human samples
- 5 lasers, 29 fluorescence parameters
- HTS available


BD LSRFortessa analyzer (2×)
Fortessa 5R
- Nickname “5R“
- Located in room 333
- BL1 analysis only: no unfixed human samples
- 5 lasers, 18 fluorescence parameters
- HTS available


Fortessa 5L
- Nickname “5L“
- Located in room 333
- BL1 analysis only: no unfixed human samples
- 5 lasers, 18 fluorescence parameters
- HTS available


BD LSR II analyzer
LSR II 3L
- Nickname “3L“
- Located in room 333
- BL1 analysis only: no unfixed human samples
- 3 lasers, 16 fluorescence parameters
- HTS available


Luminex xMAP analysis platform (2×)
Cytometry!