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 (http://www.bdbiosciences.com/services/training/itf_launch.jsp) 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.
Super user training for cell sorter
In order to facilitate the maximum productivity of our users, the Unified Core will make it possible for individual users to operate the cell sorters under certain circumstances. Such individuals will be deemed “super users.” In general, a trained super user should schedule the sorting during nights, weekends and holidays. During regular work hours, Core staff has the priority to use the cell sorters. All sorting must be done by available Core staff at regular rates. Given the lack of need for an operator for unattended sorting by super users, special, lower rates will be established.
A user can request to be trained as a super user if they meet all of the following three criteria:
1. 1 year or more of hands-on Flow Cytometry experience.
2. A demonstrated history of using both analyzers (hands-on, self-operated) and cell sorters (user-provided samples sorted by Core personnel) for the past 6 months in either the United Flow Core, our partnering cores, or an external equivalent facility.
3. A need for at least 3 hours/week of non-biohazardous cell sorting during the off-work hours (nights, weekends and holidays).
A written request should be sent to flowcore@pitt.edu outlining how the user meets the above criteria. The request will then be considered by Core Leadership.
Multiple training sessions will be arranged with Core staff on a first-come first-served basis to learn the instrument’s set-up and shut down procedures, the sorting set-up for an experiment, and basic troubleshooting. The time needed for training will be based on individual experience and learning. Training time will be billed at per-hour rates (same rate as regular cell sorting). Certification for sorting independently will be at the sole discretion of Core staff. Please note that based on how busy the facility is there may be a limited number of training slots available at any given time.
If a user has operated a similar model or even the same model of cell sorter in another institute, he/she still required to be trained and demonstrate proficiency and knowledge of the procedures to Core staff. In this case, the training time can be dramatically shortened if such proficiency is demonstrated successfully.
Become an iLab User
We are working towards 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.