12 Features That Make Flow Cytometry Easier
Flow cytometry remains one of the most challenging technologies to master in a typical biology research lab. Part of the challenge is dealing with the endless variety of reagents, dyes, and kits available for an ever-growing list of possible applications. However, some issues are related to the use of the instruments themselves. Flow cytometers are necessarily and intrinsically complex: a significant amount of training may be needed to use proficiently, and even experienced users can easily make mistakes, causing loss of data or, in the worst-case scenario, damage to the instrument itself.
When designing the ZE5 Cell Analyzer, Bio-Rad’s goal was to develop a powerful and flexible flow cytometer that minimizes the barriers for successful operation. We incorporated a host of features that guide the user through setup and operation and prevent improper use resulting in instrument damage
1. Experiment Builder Wizard
The Experiment Builder Wizard guides you through the process of setting up your experiment, from selecting the format of your samples to choosing the correct detection channels to use and how to run your samples. The step-by-step process ensures that even users with little experience in flow cytometry can rapidly become proficient.
2. Dye Selector Wizard
As part of the Experiment Builder Wizard, the Dye Selector Wizard removes the guesswork and need to remember the spectral properties of the dyes you are using. You can simply select your dye from the extensive library, and the instrument will activate the correct laser and detector combination for your dye and even warn you of any potential incompatibility between similar dyes.
3. Probe Crash Avoidance
Everyone makes mistakes. However, with the ZE5 Cell Analyzer, if a plate is loaded incorrectly or the wrong format of plate is inserted or selected, your instrument will not be damaged. Instead, a message will be displayed informing you of the error; once corrected, acquisition can be restarted immediately.
4. Automatic Sample Handling
The highly versatile plate loader can handle almost any format of plate up to 384 wells as well as 5 mL and 1.5 mL tubes. It also comes equipped with a shaker and a Peltier heat exchanger for sample cooling. With a fully programmable flow rate and draw volume, event limits, and mixing and cooling, you can walk away and let the instrument process your samples without supervision.
5. Dry Sample Management
The built-in bubble detector senses when there is no more sample to process and then stops sample acquisition, preventing air from being drawn into the flow cell. The instrument will automatically move on to the next sample and continue collecting data.
6. Automatic Data Storage
When working in acquisition mode, all data are automatically stored without the user having to select Record, meaning that none of your precious data are lost. Setup and plate run conditions are also automatically stored, even if no samples have been acquired.
7. Integrated One Click Daily QC
QC beads are stored within the instrument, and the QC procedure is activated with a single mouse click. The whole process is completed in less than 5 minutes, with no further user intervention. Moreover, a clear pass or fail message lets you know that your instrument is performing optimally.
8. Detector Filter Check
When working in a shared facility, users may wish to adopt custom filter sets. However, if the filters are not returned to their standard configuration, this can cause problems for the next user. The ZE5 Cell Analyzer Eye is an automated system that checks whether each filter is in its correct location prior to sample acquisition.
9. Automatic Cleaning
Missed cleaning cycles can cause significant problems for flow cytometry equipment, particularly in shared-use facilities. With the ZE5 Cell Analyzer, it is impossible to shut down the instrument without cleaning it first. The cleaning solution is housed within the instrument, and an automatic cleaning cycle is activated upon shutdown, ensuring that the instrument is clean and ready for use when restarted.
10. Automatic Shutdown and Startup
At any point during setup or sample acquisition, it is possible to activate the automatic shutdown feature. Once the instrument has finished processing all the samples in the current run, it will automatically shut down after triggering the automatic cleaning cycle. It can also be programmed to start up at a specified time and date.
11. Automatic Fluidics Management
Many instrument breakdowns are due to failure to maintain the sheath fluid levels, causing the instrument to run dry and require repriming. This problem is eliminated with the ZE5 Cell Analyzer. All of the fluids needed for running and cleaning the system are housed internally, including water, an additive that is automatically mixed with water to make the sheath fluid, the cleaning solution, and waste. The on-board fluidics management system constantly monitors all fluid levels, warns users if the fluid levels are running low, and automatically stops the run if the levels drop below critical levels.
12. Vacation Mode
Flow cytometers that are left unused for an extended period are prone to developing problems associated with fluid evaporation, which causes salt crystals to form in the fluidics system. The ZE5 Cell Analyzer can be programmed to turn itself on and off again at regular intervals when not in use, meaning that your instrument is ready when you are.
Summary
Designed to be the ultimate in user-friendly flow cytometry, only the ZE5 Cell Analyzer has all these features designed to ensure trouble-free and efficient flow cytometry analysis. With enough power to handle complex assays but with a focus on simplicity at the user level, it’s the only flow cytometer you will ever need.