The Flow Cytometry Core Platform aims to provide innovative, comprehensive, and reliable flow cytometric services to the University of Cape Town, and surrounding institutions. It currently houses two high-end multiparameter flow cytometers. The BD LSR Fortessa can measure up to 18 fluorescent parameters, while the BD FACSymphony A5 is able to measure up to 30 fluorescent parameters. The flow cytometers are both equipped with a high throughput samples (HTS) plate loader system, allowing anaylsis of samples in either 96- or 384-well plates in addition to the traditional standard 5mL FACS tube. The cytometers undergo rigorous daily maintenance and standardisation to ensure longitudinal stability and accuracy.

The Sorting Platform houses a state-of-the-art FACS Aria Fusion sorter (18 fluorescence parameters), strategically located within the faculty BSL3 facility, allowing both flow cytometery and sorting of live infectious samples.

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Equipment

  • BD LSRFortessa (Blue, Red, Violet, Green, 18 parameters)
  • BD FACSymphony A5 (Blue, Red, Violet, Yellow-Green, UV, 30 parameters)
  • BD FACSAria Fusion, housed in a Biosafety Cabinet within the BSL3 (Blue, Red, Violet, Green, 17 parameters)

Services

  • We assist users with their flow cytometry assay design and data analysis.
  • We train users to perform these functions independently.