RE: Decreased signal in FL3 with SE upgrade

From: Carl-Magnus Högerkorp (carl-magnus.hogerkorp@immun.lth.se)
Date: Thu Dec 21 2000 - 04:18:08 EST


Dear Andrew,

About a year ago I did the same type of comparisons. However, I didn't see
those differences between the Vantage and the Vantage SE.
To optimize sensitivity on the SE in general I did however also play around
a bit with the PMTs by twisting them in their holder and also by turning the
holder itself. This gave better optimized S/N on all parameters. Also worth
trying is to evaluate the performance of each PMT in the FL1 position, and
them position them according to where you need the best sensitivity.
Even if these tricks may improve sensitivity, your problem sounds more like
electronics related. I would probably be persistent in getting the BD
technicians there to fix it.

Carl-Magnus Högerkorp
Dept. of Immunotechnology
University of Lund
Sweden
-----Original Message-----
From: MORSCHAUSER, ANDREW [mailto:ANDREW.MORSCHAUSER@spcorp.com]
Sent: Tuesday, December 19, 2000 8:04 PM
To: cyto-inbox
Subject: Decreased signal in FL3 with SE upgrade



This message is directed towards FACSVantage users that have upgraded their
machine from a FACSVantage to a FACSVantageSE w/Turbosort.  I am
experiencing a
decreased sensitivity in FL-3.  When comparing alignment particles (cRBC,
Alignflow beads, Calibrite beads) between a FACSVantage, FACSVantageSE w/TSO
and
a FACSCalibur, results have shown the FACSVantage SE signal to be
significantly
lower than the Vantage or Calibur.  Furthermore, when looking at splenocytes
stained with CD4 PE-Cy7 (787/40 filter), there is no discrimination between
negative/unstained cells vs. stained cells.  The signals on the FACSVantage
and
Calibur are nearing the third decade while the FACSVantageSE signal was
negative
with log amps and voltages greater than 900V.  I tried increasing the log
offset
as far as it will go and found little if any improvement in the signal.

Boards have been replaced and new PMTs in FL3 have done nothing to remedy
the
problem.  BD has been very responsive to my concerns, but the problem is
still
present and I was wondering if anyone else has experienced similar problems
with
the extra mirror and different optical path for a 5-color FACSVantage SE.
Any
comments or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.


Andy Morschauser
Schering-Plough Research Institute
Department of Immunology
2015 Galloping Hill Road
K15-3-3945
Kenilworth, NJ  07033
908-740-3089



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