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