BD FACSCalibur flow cytometer
Features
The BD FACSCalibur™, a fully integrated, multiparameter system, offers the performance and sensitivity needed to ensure the objective and reproducible results vital to laboratories.
Flow cytometry has evolved rapidly to incorporate the use of multiple fluorochromes to effectively identify and isolate, with an optional sorting module,* subset populations from a single sample. This maximizes the information gained from limited amounts of sample and makes assays more cost-effective.
Its optical design, sample handling options, and sorting capabilities make the BD FACSCalibur™ system a valued tool throughout the world for routine cell analysis, assay development, verification, and isolation of cellular populations of interest.
Optical path configuration
The BD FACSCalibur was the first system to provide standard multicolor analysis capabilities by incorporating an alignment-free optical design, interbeam compensation, and dual-laser technology.
Dual-laser design for multicolor analysis
A dual-laser design provides the flexibility and sensitivity needed for multicolor analysis on the BD FACSCalibur system. Two lasers—an air-cooled argon laser and a red diode laser—are spatially separated for high sensitivity, minimal need for compensation, and flexibility in fluorochrome selection.
BD™ High Throughput Sampler (HTS) option*
To improve experimental workflow in research applications, the optional BD™ High Throughput Sampler (HTS) provides rapid, fully automated sample acquisition from 96- and 384-well microtiter plates. In high-throughput mode, the HTS option can speed through a 96-well plate in fewer than 15 minutes with less than 0.5% sample carryover from one well to the next. Low carryover is essential in research applications to ensure sample purity and data integrity.
Fast acquisition speed is achieved by synchronizing two high-precision pumps for sample mixing, sample injection, and probe washing. Standard throughput mode can be selected for acquisition of larger sample volumes.
BD™ Plate Manager software allows you to create customized protocols with user-defined mixing, wash, and analysis parameters that can be reused.
BD FACS™ Loader Option
The BD FACS™ Loader option available for the BD FACSCalibur system provides walkaway automation for routine applications. Featuring a removable 40-tube carousel, on-board mixing, and BD™ Worklist Manager software, the BD FACS Loader option offers superior flexibility to efficiently address the workflow demands of the busy laboratory.
Unique, easy-to-use sorting technology (optional)*
The BD FACSCalibur cell sorting option allows users to identify and isolate a population of interest. Sorting on the BD FACSCalibur occurs in a completely enclosed, aerosol-free environment for enhanced safety which is especially important when processing biohazardous samples. The sorting process is designed to be straightforward. After the population of interest is gated, simply click Acquire to begin the sort. After the sample is acquired and cells pass through the laser, a unique catcher tube mechanism moves in and out of the sample core stream at a rate of roughly 300 times per second to capture the designated cells and direct them to a collection tube or to an optional cell concentrator module for further processing.
For In Vitro Diagnostic use.
Class 1 Laser Product.
* Some options and applications are for Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.
† Based on a 2-second sample acquisition.
