Immunophenotyping by flow cytometry is an incredibly useful diagnostic tool for identifying different cell populations and gaining insight into the immune response. Diagnostically, we provide a variety of flow cytometry services, such as red blood cell surface flow, platelet antibody flow, and immunophenotyping including T and B cell neoplasia characterization.
Flow cytometry is a powerful diagnostic and research technique used to analyze the physical and chemical characteristics of cells. It utilizes fluorescently labeled antibodies that bind to specific cellular markers. When exposed to a laser, these markers emit fluorescence, allowing for rapid, multiparametric analysis of thousands of cells per second. Flow cytometry provides valuable information for diagnosing and monitoring diseases such as hematologic malignancies, immunodeficiencies, and infectious diseases. This technique helps clinicians assess cell populations, identify abnormal cells, and monitor treatment responses with high precision and accuracy.
It is important to note that proper sample handling and storage are crucial for accurate immunophenotyping. For peripheral blood, 3 mL of whole blood should be sterile collected using EDTA as an anticoagulant. For body cavity fluids, 2-3 mL of fluid should be sterile collected. For lymph node aspirates, a 22-gauge needle is typically used with a minimum of 2-3 mL and up to 6-8 mL needle aspirate biopsies in sterile saline. An addition of 10% autologous serum from the patient, if available, can help stabilize a sample. Shipping should be overnight using UPS or FedEx. If you have any questions about sample submissions and diagnostic testing, please reach out to virologyimmunology@utk.edu.
We also provide research consultations and assistance. Any research inquiries can be directed either to Dr. Jacquline Risalvato at jrisalva@utk.edu or our laboratory team at virologyimmunology@utk.edu. Below is a description of our equipment utilities and fee services:
- Equipment- ThermoFisher Attune NxT Acoustic Focusing Cytometer: Advanced, high throughput, acoustic focusing, benchtop flow cytometer with up to 14 colors.
- Currently equipped with red, blue, and violet lasers. Descriptions of each laser’s excitation wavelength and their filter/bandpass emission capture are described below:
- Violet (405nm)
- 440/50
- 512/25
- 603/48
- 710/50
- Blue (488nm)
- 488/10
- 530/30
- 574/26
- 695/40
- 780/60
- Red (633nm)
- 670/14
- 720/30
- 780/60
- Violet (405nm)
- Currently equipped with red, blue, and violet lasers. Descriptions of each laser’s excitation wavelength and their filter/bandpass emission capture are described below:
- Fee Services:
- One-time training fee (if required) of $120 – this would include running a first set of research samples for the project
- Usage time
- $30/30 minutes of “unassisted” usage time – researcher prepares and runs their own samples OR
- $40/30 minutes of “assisted” usage time – researcher prepares samples, but a laboratory technologist performs the analysis
- EX: If you would like to use our equipment unassisted for 45 minutes, that would be charged as two 30-minute time slots at $60 total.
