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Lab equipment

PostPosted: Tue Jan 26, 2016 12:40 pm
by ghowell
Hi all,
We are in the process of setting up our cytof and i was wondering what peripheral lab equipment would you recommend?
We plan to use the lab space to house the cytof, and also do conjugation of antibodies for users.
We have a source of pure water installed and will get a heat block/ water bath (is one preferred over the other for conjugating antibodies?)
Is there any other essential bits of kit you would suggest we have to hand?
Thanks in advance, great list btw!
Gareth

Re: Lab equipment

PostPosted: Tue Jan 26, 2016 4:05 pm
by mleipold
Hi Gareth,

What kind of lab are you operating? A research lab? A regular core? A service center core?

I think a water bath is more versatile: that would allow you to thaw cells for your antibody conjugation validations.

You'll want a lab centrifuge: while you certainly *can* do all your staining in Eppendorf tubes, it's probably best for versatility if you have a larger centrifuge for 5/15/50mL tubes and plates.

You'll want a small centrifuge for Eppendorfs and other small tubes: this can be a small benchtop one, or using the appropriate rotor in the larger centrifuge. This is for spin filters and such when making conjugates, as well as filtering antibody cocktails before applying to cells.

-20C freezer and 4C fridge. Ideally, a -80C freezer as well, in case you want to make pre-stained cells for external references.

Biohood, cell counter of some sort (both for plating at the beginning, and for resuspension to a standard concentration before injecting into the machine).

Micropipettors, of course.


Ideally, you'd want some form of forced air or nitrogen to use to dry out glassware and such when cleaning the CyTOF. A standard hairdryer can be made to work, but it's far less efficient than a house line. Just be sure to test the line to make sure it's not spraying out oil, like some house lines do.

Also, make sure that you have adequate space for the argon supplies (both compressed gas cylinders and liquid dewars).


Mike

Re: Lab equipment

PostPosted: Tue Jan 26, 2016 10:36 pm
by ghowell
Hi Mike,

Once again, thanks for the prompt and detailed reply! I'll start sourcing this equipment.

It will be a regular core lab; we're very excited here!

G

Re: Lab equipment

PostPosted: Fri Oct 06, 2017 8:29 am
by ProfMJonesScD
Perfect, thanks for the advice, was just about to ask this myself - I am also new cytof world, seems like a great list!