Identifying and sorting cells from a rapidly moving fluid stream, once as novel an idea as a Wright Brothers plane, has been possible for more than four decades. However, where earlier technology was esoteric, complicated and not widely used, facilities such as the Flow Cytometry and Cell Sorting Resource Laboratory have helped to make this technology widely accessible and relatively easy to use. New multiparametric techniques using sensitive fluorescent probes, now available in a multitude of colors, make cell sorting and analysis (flow cytometry) a rapid, accurate and objective method to measure multiple characteristics of large numbers of individual cells simultaneously. The Flow Cytometry and Cell Sorting Resource Laboratory (FCCSRL) is dedicated to providing Penn investigators access to high-quality, cost-effective flow cytometric services, as well providing the scientific expertise necessary to effectively integrate this technology into their research projects. One of the lab's primary missions is teaching this technology, consulting with investigators regarding integration of this technology into their research paradigms, and providing technical support to regular users. The FCCSRL is available 24/7 and staff is on hand Monday-Friday 9:00am-5:00pm. Staff assisted cell sorting is performed between the hours of 12:00pm-5:00pm. To further inquire about the services offered by the FCCSRL, contact the Technical Director, Hank Pletcher, at 215-898-3528, or pletcher@mail.med.upenn.edu, or better yet, stop by the lab in 297 John Morgan Building.
