Scheduling Hands on Training for Traditional Benchtop Analyzers
All users who wish to use any analyzer (Fortessa, Attune, Quanteon, Penteon, ImageStream, Aurora) are required to complete the Flow Basics Training Course. If you have not done so already please check the Flow Basics Course page for more information about how to register for the zoom meeting, the upcoming course dates, and a PDF of the presentation. The hands on portion of the training is specific to the software that runs the equipment. Note: there is an additional course that is highly recommended to use the Cytek Aurora spectral analyzer (see the Cytek Aurora Training Course on our YouTube channel).
Hands-on training is now conducted in person, but remote options (Zoom, MS Teams) are still available upon request. Either way, the hands-on portion takes place over two 1-hr sessions: in the first session a staff member will guide you through operation of the instrument, in the second a staff member will supervise you running your own samples to ensure you are comfortable and competent. This training only applies to instruments running on the same software (see below). If you want to use an instrument that runs on a different software, an additional hands-on session is required. Regardless, training for the benchtop analyzers is free.
If you are a new user, check out the New User Checklist to make sure you’ve completed all of the items for getting started in the CAT Facility.
Instrument software
- BD FACSDiva: Runs the Fortessa 4-15, Fortessa 4-15 HTS, and LSRII 4-12
- Attune Cytometric: Runs the Attune NxT
- NovoExpress: Runs the Quanteon and Penteon
- SpectroFlo: Runs the Aurora
Instructions for Scheduling Training
Book your two 1-hr training sessions on the traditional flow cytometer of your choice via iLab (Fortessa/LSR, Attune, or Quanteon). For help using the iLab scheduler, see our video tutorial. If you are unsure how to get to the lab or want to see a short lab tour, see the video on the Contact Us page. Once you’ve booked your time, it is critical you notify the staff by emailing CATHelp@bsd.uchicago.edu a minimum of 24 hours in advance to ask if a staff member if available. You are welcome to use the following boilerplate text:
Hello,
I would like to schedule hands on training for the benchtop analyzers. I have booked two sessions on the {insert name of cytometer}. The first session is {insert date and time} and the second session is {insert date and time}. Is a staff member available to train me?
Failure to contact the staff 24 hours prior to your scheduled time may result in cancellation and rescheduling due to staff availability. As a general rule of thumb we always suggest creating any appointments in the iLab scheduler before contacting the staff – appointments can always be adjusted or cancelled if there are conflicts with the staff’s schedule.