Guidelines

User access policy and guidelines for working in the Flow Cytometry Unit.
User ac­cess policy

The Flow Cytometry Unit provides flow cytometry analysis and cell sorting services as well as user training for new users of the instruments. Access to the flow cytometers and their reservation calenders for individual users is given after a training session. Training for new users is arranged regularly.

New users should contact the corresponding unit's personnel and discuss their experimental setup before their first reservation. When making a contact, please provide the following information: Full name, e-mail address and phone number, Department or research group, Principal investigator or supervisor (name and address), Billing information (profit center and WBS codes).

New independent users should be acquainted to basic flow cytometry before the user training. We provide all users with practical guidance for working in the facility. Appropriate training for proper use of the instruments is obligatory for all new users. Contact the corresponding unit´s personnel for further information and reservations for training.

Reservation system is available in iLab. Centralized reservation system for all Flow Cytometry Unit instruments for independent users as well as service users is found in 
User guidelines

Reservation

  • Make your plans and reservations well in advance: the instrument is available for the time of your reservation only.  
  • If you know you need assistance, also contact the staff as early as possible.
  • Inform the staff immediately of any delays.
  • If you need to cancel, do so as soon as possible and latest 24h before the reserved time.
  • Uncancelled reservations will be charged.
  • For short notice reservations and usage outside office hours, be prepared to start up the instrument yourself.
  • The last user of the day is responsible for shutting down the reserved instrument.
  • Leaving an instrument on overnight will result in charges for the time required to recover the instrument and any resulting downtime.
  • Fill the user logbook found by the instrument.

Laboratory safety and correct laboratory behavior

  • Normal laboratory safety procedures should be followed. Use gloves and lab coats. No eating or drinking in the laboratory.
  • Samples above BSL-1 are not allowed. If you have any doubts, please consult with the personnel. The general rules are:
    • No infectious, pathogenic or toxic samples are allowed.
    • Human blood and primary samples from healthy/no known infections (screened) donors only or fixed for analysis.
    • No viruses; all cell lines transduced with virus (e.g. lentiviral vectors also 3rd generation) must be certified RCV negative (you can visit ) or fixed for analysis.
    • Bacteria: discuss with personnel.
    • iPS and other stem cells: discuss with personnel.
  • Instruments are equipped with high-power lasers. Do not look directly into the laser beams.  
  • Sorter deflection plates are charged with high voltage while sorting. Do not touch the plates when the red light is on or the voltage ON sign is displayed.
  • To avoid aerosols keep covers closed at all times while running samples. Most sorters have an aerosol management option that can be used if needed.
  • Always return the instrument to its default state after use (e.g. change of filters).
  • Clean the instrument and the work area after use.
  • Discard unused samples into the appropriate waste containers. The unit is not responsible for the storage of samples left behind.
  • Take copies of all your data (including .fcs files). The unit is not responsible for storing or preserving your data. Files older than one month will be routinely deleted.

Collaboration

When the LSRI head or personnel provides substantial intellectual input to the project, they should be included as authors according to established of the Finnish national board on research integrity. Basic services are available with the same prices independently of the collaboration. Collaboration is agreed between the PI and the head of the Flow cytometry unit.

Acknowledgments

The use of the research infrastructure should be mentioned in the acknowledgements section of publications, for example with the sentence: 

“Flow cytometry was performed at the Biomedicum/Viikki Flow Cytometry unit, University of Helsinki, supported by HiLIFE and Biocenter Finland.”

Kindly inform the personnel about your publication. You can also ask for a read-through with us, before publishing.

Keep in mind MIFlowCyt:The minimum information about a flow cytometry experiment

 

Note!

Any damage caused to laboratory equipment due to negligent behaviour may be charged. 

Inability to follow these guidelines may result in being banned from using the unit.