FACSDiva

The Flow Cytometry facility at the University of Minnesota Cancer Center provides training, instrumentation, technical expertise, and software for flow cytometric analyses.

For information about specific equipment, services, fees, training, methods, and resources, click on the links on the right side of this page.

What Is Flow Cytometry?

Flow cytometry uses fluorescent probes to identify and characterize cells or particles. Cells or particles tagged with fluorescent molecules enter the cytometer via a fluid stream. The cells then pass by a laser, which emits a specific wavelength of light. The fluorescent probes are excited by the laser and then emit light. The fluorescent signal is detected and amplified, then translated into an electronic signal, which is sent to the computer. Information about the size and granularity of a cell is recorded, as well. The result is a visual presentation describing an individual or group of cellular events. The cells or particles can be separated by sorting, or the information can be collected and analyzed.

Community Outreach

The Flow Cytometry facility contributes to the University of Minnesota Cancer Center's mission to educate the public about cancer research by demonstrating flow cytometry procedures both on-site and in the community. Learn more and view photos of the facility's outreach activities.

Flow Cytometry Staff

Director:
Tucker LeBien
612-626-1422

Coordinator:
Paul Champoux
612-625-7165
Paul has many years of experience in flow cytometry at the Center for Immunology. He is responsible for daily oversight and management of the Flow Cytometry Facility and training new users on cytometry and other related instrumentation located in the core facility.

Technical Specialist:
Nisha Shah
612-626-7013
Nisha has more than 15 years of research experience and is the primary operator of the FACSDiVa cell sorter.