Frequently Asked Questions

My Penn Card is not working/allowing me access the cytometer. Why?

All Penn Cards/Badges need to be registered into our computer system before gaining access to any Penn Cytomics instrument. This can be done by scanning your Penn Badge on our card reader in 297 John Morgan Building. If you lost your badge/card expired and received a new card, you will need to re-register your new card into our system by physically coming to 297JMB with your badge. Once scanned, it may take up to 45 minutes for your new ID card activation to register in our system. The new Penn ID will not work until it is activated.

How do I request training?

To request training, first ensure you are assigned to a valid funding source/project by visiting the Penn Cytomics main website → Menu → My User Profile → Funding Source tab. Once confirmed, choose the “Request Training” link from the drop-down Menu, which will redirect to the Training Management System. Click the “Request Training” button, select a course, select a funding source, and click the “Submit” button. Once the training request has been submitted, you will be able to enroll in a course once it is available. If there is no course available at the time of request, you will be notified by email once a class is created; this email is not a confirmation of enrollment. You must return to the Training Management System and enroll in the course.

I tried to request training and the system won't let me. Why?

You are not assigned to a funding source or the funding source has expired. You will need to have your lab's Business Administrator (BA) or PI assign you to a valid funding source before you can register in our system for any training. Do not contact Penn Cytomics as we cannot assign you funds.

I'm ready to acquire my samples before my scheduled reservation and the instrument is available. Can I come early?

We do not recommend coming early unless you call the core first to move your reservation. If you do not use the instrument during your reserved time, you will be billed for your actual usage time AND as a no show (75% of your reserved time).

Can I schedule an assisted cell sort without completing any Penn Cytomics flow training? If so, what recommendations do you have?

Yes, you can! However, if this is your first sort/pilot study, it is strongly recommended that you do a test run on one of our analyzers first. If you are not analyzer trained through our core, check if someone in your lab is and ask if they can run your samples for you. Many pilot studies need to be optimized first before jumping right into cell sorting. Visualizing your data on an analyzer gives you an opportunity to adjust your panel/protocol before making your first sort appointment and is more cost-effective. If none of your lab members are analyzer trained to assist you, contact Derek Jones or Rich Schretzenmair for a consultation. If you would like to get analyzer trained, go to Getting Started/Service Management from the Menu on our webpage. Once set up, you can go to Request Training from the Menu. Here is a helpful guide:  Training Flowchart

What are the guidelines for preparing and acquiring/collecting cells for flow cytometry?

When does Penn Cytomics recommend requesting cell sorter training?

We recommend getting cell sorter training only if you plan on regularly sorting 2-3 times/month. Learning to sort requires significant time and effort, and would not be a worthwhile investment if you only intend to sort a few times a year or a short span of time.

How can I gain after-hours instrument access in JMB?

To gain after-hours access to 297 JMB, 231 JMB or 206 JMB, email Bill Murphy the last 10 digits of you Penn ID number at: william.murphy@pennmedicine.upenn.edu

How can I gain after-hours instrument access in one of the satellite facilities?

Unless you are part of the department where that cytometer is located, you only have access to use that cytometer from 9am-5pm. After-hours access in satellite cytometer facilities is restricted to users in that particular department.

What type of tubes should I use to run on Penn Cytomics cytometers?

On all cytometers, except for the Influx sorters, Corning Falcon 12x75 5mL polystyrene tubes are required.  Here is a link to Falcon polystyrene tubes at Fisher Scientific:  Fisher Polystyrene Tubes

On the Influx sorter, you should bring your cells in Corning Falcon 12x75 5mL polypropylene tubes.  Here is a link to Falcon polypropylene tubes at Fisher Scientific:  Fisher Polypropylene Tubes

How do I set up and manage a new project as a Principal Investigator?

How do I set up and manage a new project as a Business Administrator?