LDI Flow Cytometry Facility

The LDI Flow Cytometry Facility is a core service unit dedicated to providing comprehensive flow cytometry analysis and cell sorting services. Its mission is to support researchers and clinicians by offering expertise in experimental design, access to advanced instrumentation, training, technical assistance, and scientific guidance. The facility operates on a fee-for-service basis, serving both internal Lady Davis Institute researchers and external collaborators.

The facility is equipped with state-of-the-art instruments, including three flow cytometry analyzers and two cell sorters. Key instruments include the Sony Biotechnology ID7000 Spectral Cell Analyzer, capable of 44-color plus assays, and conventional flow cytometers such as the BD LSR Fortessa and BD FACSCanto II. Cell sorters like the FACSAria IIu and FACSAria Fusion are available for BSL1 and BSL2 cloning and bulk cell sorting assays. Additionally, a Denovix CellDrop FL cell counter is used for accurate cell counting and size determination, complemented by several data analysis stations.

Flow cytometry is a versatile technology that enables the quantitative characterization of physical and fluorescent parameters of single cells at high resolution, processing tens of thousands of cells per second. This multiplexing capability makes it a powerful tool for various applications, including immunophenotyping, cell cycle analysis, cell viability, and the physical separation of cell populations for downstream assays. The facility emphasizes rapid processing, acquisition, analysis, and data reporting, often completing these tasks within a single day, allowing for the identification of rare cell populations and accurate population statistics.