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Coulter XL-MCL
A single-laser cytometer capable of rapid analysis of samples with up to four colors of fluorescence. With no knobs to tweak and no optics to align, this is the perfect answer to many flow cytometry needs.
Overview
- Every researcher has a unique directory for protocols and data storage (making it difficult to mess up anyone else's data).
- Color filters are in place for common dyes.
- Samples run automatically after initial protocol setup.
- Photomultiplier tubes can handle peak and/or integrated signals (useful for doublet elimination in DNA analysis, or capping in immunofluorescence studies).
- Time can be used as a parameter (e.g. in analysis of enzyme activity or ion changes).
Cost
- $35/hour
Details
- Particle size sensitivity: resolves 0.5um particles from background.
- Sensitivity: less than 1000 molecules fluorescein equivalents.
- Signal amplification: linear amplification and 4-decade log transformation available on all signals.
- Signal processing: digitized signals are processed in real time by multiple Transputer microprocessors. 4-decade log transformation and color compensation are performed by the Transputers on the linear digital signal. The output has high stability and linearity.
- Laser: Argon Ion, air-cooled. 15mW continuous laser power at 488nm.
- Sample handling: Single tube sampler accepts 12 X 75mm tubes with 0.5ml minimum volume. A 32 tube auto sampler vortexes sampler before automatically analyzing them.
- Sample concentration: single particle suspension of sample at optimal concentration of 50,000 to 5,000,000 per ml of suspending fluid (PBS).
- Software: Coulter XL2 with a MS-DOS operating system. Penn State holds a multi-site license for the software. Users can install it on their own PC computers. Files can also be analyzed on the Windows-based FCS Express program, available in the flow lab or Flojo, a Mac-based program.