I got them compensation blues...

From: Bunny Cotleur (bcotleur@ohio.net)
Date: Mon Dec 27 1999 - 17:59:31 EST


Flow masters-

I am having a bit of a dilemma.  I haven't done any 3-color work in many
many years. And frankly, I don't recollect this issue cropping up
before.  What I am trying to do is fairly simple. I am multi- staining
human lymphocytes for various chemokine receptors simultaneous with CD4
and CD8.   I have the following mixes (set up by someone in the labs,
who's work I am extending):

CD4-PERCP/CD8-FITC/CHEMOKINE*-PE
CD4-PERCP/CD8-PE/CHEMOKINE*-FITC

(I am staining for several chemokine receptors, the exact ones not
important here).

Now here is my simple problem that is dragging me down into absolute
madness.  When I PROPERLY compensate Fl1/Fl2 
(I say properly,as I have followed Mario's web instructions TO THE
LETTER.  Except for all the crazy math that is making my head spin :-) 
).... I get frustrated.    When FICT/PE are comp'd fine, then PE is
smack in quadrant 2 looking at PE vs Fl3.  So, OK- I comp FL2/Fl3.
Picture perfect.   Go back to Fl1 vs Fl3.    AAARRRGGHHH!  Green is now 
way overcomp'd to the X axis.  Let's just get scientific and say really
SQUOOSHED down.    I have been going back and for with this for days.
Different sample sources. Titering down the Ab's.    I call BD and they
say maybe my instrument is "too sensitive".   HUH???   Is that possible?
I thought that was IDEAL.   IN the meantime, I also note that %CD8 FITC
is NOT equal to  %CD8PE  in the same sample.  (Both sources=BD, both
used as they recommend.  Both also titred down to 2ul, no difference). 
Now I'm starting to feel that I need to surrender my "License to Flow" 
due to acute ignorance.
MAYDAY! 
(***white flag is flapping in the breeze**)
-- 


Bunny Cotleur

Cleveland Clinic Foundation
Neurosciences /  NC30

216-444-1164





******************************************************************
When you do something, you should burn yourself completely, like a good
bonfire, leaving no trace of yourself.
(Shunryu Suzuki)



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