I need help. I have the need and the $$$$$$ to purchase a sorting
instrument. The machines under consideration are a BD FACScalibur and a
Coulter Elite ESP. However, the new sorting mechanism of the BD instrument
makes it difficult to compare it with the Coulter.
Our sorting needs are as follows. We are working with bacteria, and sorting
cells recognized by MAbs against surface epitopes. In some cases the
particles of interest may be rare events (10-5). The sorted cells must be
recovered and re-cultured. I have heard from the BD salesman that the
Coulter instrument is unreliable for sorting and continually down for
service, and from the Coulter salesman I have heard remarks about the slow
sorting speed of the FACScalibur, and low viability of cells recovered with
the cell concentrator.
Can anyone provide comments and experience that might resolve some of these
considerations. Although price is a question, the efficacy of the
instruments is primary. Thanks in advance for any help that you might provide.
PEK
Phillip E. Klebba, Ph. D.
Associate Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry
University of Oklahoma
Norman, OK 73019
Tel: 405-325-4969
Fax: 405-325-6111
Internet: pklebba@aardvark.ucs.uoknor.edu