Dear Alamelu, It really seems too quick for antibody conjugates to go off in 6 months, especially as BD's reagents are quite good. But if you have data that prove that those antibodies do not work before the expiry date or the data that shows a decline in antibody staining intensity using comparable samples, this makes a case for asking BD for explanation of the problem and for refund or replacement. Before accepting their fault and giving you a refund they will do their best to investigate the reasons, so they will check whether it is at their end or something is wrong with your operations. Regards. Vladislav Rozenkov, MD, PhD -----Original Message----- From: RAJA ALAMELU <alameluraja@yahoo.com> To: cyto-inbox Sent: Fri, 31 Mar 2006 03:00:06 -0800 (PST) Subject: [ Reagent Questions ] Dear FLOWers, I am here again with some very basic questions on flow cytometry reagents. I am sure all of you will be extending your helping hands. This is an area all of you will be familiar. We have a FACS Calibur with 2 lasers and use 4-colour reagents. FL-1 &n bsp; FITC FL-2 &n bsp; PE FL-3 &n bsp; PE-Cy5 FL-4 &n bsp; APC 1. We buy single colour reagents from B-D and use them in the combination needed. We have repeatedly observed that even if you buy all the 4 labels at the same time having the same expiry date (the manufacturing date of course is not known), the PE and its tandem dyes lose the fluorescent intensity and become non-functional within 6 months, well ahead of the expiry dates. We have stored the reagents properly, at 2-8°C, in dark, in a sterile manner etc. Of course, it is not known how old the stock is, when received. That is a totally different issue. But if the property of PE losing intensity is well known, is there any way of making its life longer?? I know that freezing should not be done!! 2. &nb sp; Are there any other dyes which can be used in the place of PE for FL-2 in FACS Calibur, which are cost effective and have longer shelf life? 3. &nb sp; B-D usually supplies 2 ml of reagent, which is difficult to exhaust during its short shelf life of ~3 months!! Is there any other company supplying smaller lots or lyophilized product? 4. &nb sp; Finally, can you please share your experience with reagents from other manufacturers, if you do not mind? I request all the experts and gurus in this field to respond. A. Raja Blab-away for as little as 1¢/min. Make PC-to-Phone Calls using Yahoo! Messenger with Voice. ___________________________________________________ Try the New Netscape Mail Today! Virtually Spam-Free | More Storage | Import Your Contact List http://mail.netscape.comReceived on Mon Apr 3 12:58:00 2006
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