Flow Cytometry Education
Training
New user training for analyzers and Image Stream
All new users are required to have an iLab account (we strongly recommend using your Pitt email/SSO to create it). Be sure it is linked to your PI, and that your PI has approved your access to an account for your flow cytometry projects. After that, log into iLab, go to "Request Services" and fill out the "Request for Training/Instrument Access" form. New users should also request access to Unified Flow Core facility rooms at BST and Assembly via the "Building Access Request" form.
Users who have never operated the existing models of the instruments in the Core must be trained. Users who request training on the analyzers with no Flow Cytometry experience are required to read the introductory material online and the BD FACS Diva Basic Experiment Guide before training.
Two training options are provided:
1. Training provided by Core staff: Two sessions will be provided. For the first session, Core staff will prepare the samples and teach general requirements, policies, basic hardware and software features. Group training may be arranged. For the second session, the trainee brings his/her own samples and practices the steps taught in the first session. This is a one-on-one session.
2. Training provided by the experienced users: The trainee can work with an experienced user for as many times as needed. Once the experienced user thinks the trainee can handle the instrument/software independently, the trainee will then schedule an appointment with Core staff to go over our general requirements and policies.
Users who come from other departments/institutes with experience operating similar models of the instruments used in the Core are not required to participate in further training. However, he/she must schedule an appointment with Core staff to go over our general requirements and policies.
Become an iLab User
The University of Pittsburgh utilizes a single centralized Pitt/iLab portal to assist researchers in acquiring shared university resources. To use iLab Core Facilities Management, registration for an iLab account is required. Instructions on how to register for an account are available under the Core Connector.
iLab software defines multiple roles, one of which will apply to each person. Roles fall under three categories: Personnel Roles, Core Facilities Management Roles, and University-Wide Roles. iLab training material is available for each of these roles under Using Core Facilities.