flow cytometer

[Randy Hardy]

In article <1993Mar7.061801.7285 at netcom.com> reason at netcom.com (Donald C.
Reason) asked for opionions about cell sorters:
>
>We are a relatively small group; 4 laboratories have a need for a machine
that
>sorts, and we envision about 3 or 4 runs a week total.  We will not be
able to
>hire a full time person to operate the instrument, although someone will
be
>assigned to oversee and provide support.  One requirement will therefor
be ease
>of use.  This task fell to me because I have had some experience with a
dual
>laser FACS 440 and also a dual laser machine made by Coulter.  Both of
these
>machines, and therefor my expertise, are out of date, however.  My
current
>leanings are towards a FACS Star Plus, based on a satisfied user I have
talked
>with and the fact that we currently have a FacsScan in house, but a
recent post
>about a new modular machine from Coulter sounded interesting.  Although I
plan
>to talk to the sales reps next week, I would like to hear from anyone who
has
>information and/or experience they would like to share. 
>
>

We have a silimar size user group and maybe a bit more demand here with a
FACStarPlus (BD) cell sorter.  For high speed sorting using surface
markers, I thing the general feeling is that this is probably the best
machine.  It's definitely not the cheapest, however, nor the easiest to
maintain (although much better than that 440 - I had experience with one
of those, too).  There has been some tendency in the past few years toward
air-cooled lasers which simplify the installation and are cheaper.  The
EPICS ELITE is Coulter's version of this type of instrument.  For cell
cycle, Ca++ flux, etc type measurements this probably is a fine solution. 
BD has a new version of the Star, called the VANTAGE with some new bells
and whistles.  Finally, if you can bear slow sorting (ca 100-300 cell/sec)
then there is a BD mechanical sorter that is like an upgraded FACScan for
something like $130K I believe.  Wins in ease of setup, but is slow.  Like
the Scan, up to 3 color.
Good luck making the decision and talk to users, not just salesbeings...
R. Hardy