Flow Cytometry Facility

EQUIPMENTS

Cell Analysers

• BD FACSCanto II: 3 lasers – 405nm, 488nm and 633nm; multicolor analysis of up to 8 parameters
• FACSCalibur: 2 lasers – 488nm and 633nm; multicolor analysis of up to 4 parameters

Cell Sorter

• BD FACSAria III: 4 lasers 405nm, 488nm, 561 and 640nm; cell sorter and multicolor analysis of up to 16 parameters
• Equipment fully integrated Class II Type A2 biosafety cabinet

SERVICES

• Maintenance and Quality Control of Scientific Equipment
  The Flow Cytometry Facility implements rigorous maintenance and quality control protocols, ensuring the optimal operation of all scientific equipment. These procedures guarantee the reliability and reproducibility of the results obtained.
• Cell Analysis and Imaging Flow Cytometry
  The cell analysis service is available 24/7 for trained researchers, upon reservation through the online booking system. The facility includes advanced technology that allows detailed and complex cellular characterization.
• Cell Sorting
  The cell purification and sorting service is available for booking from Monday to Friday, between 10 AM and 5 PM. Sorting is performed by specialized technicians, ensuring high precision and cell viability. Reservations must be made through the online system.
• Flow Cytometry Training
  The Facility offers high-quality theoretical and practical sessions to all users. The training covers the principles and fundamentals of Flow Cytometry, as well as applications, including cell sorting techniques and data analysis. Courses are tailored to different experience levels, from beginners to advanced users.
• Data Analysis
  We offer specialized support in Flow Cytometry data analysis, including access to a workstation equipped with FlowJo, using advanced algorithms that allow high-dimensional analyses and facilitate the identification of complex cell subpopulations. In addition, we provide personalized support to ensure greater efficiency and accuracy in interpreting results.
• Consulting in Flow Cytometry Experiments
  We provide expert advice at all stages of Flow Cytometry projects, from experimental planning, panel design, and optimization, sample preparation, data analysis, to result presentation. The consulting service is personalized to maximize the quality and impact of research.

Registration and Training

• All new users must register in the Agendo Science system (https://fcm.agendoscience.com/) and request permission before using the equipment for the first time.
• After approval, a mandatory training session is required to allow autonomous use of the analyzer cytometers (FACSCantoII and FACSCalibur).
• For additional support after training, users can request assistance when scheduling on Agendo.

Equipment Use

• Only the user who made the reservation may operate the equipment; booking on behalf of others is prohibited.
• Using equipment without a prior reservation is not allowed and will be monitored by the Facility team.
• All users must follow the maintenance and biosafety guidelines available on the NMS Research intranet.
• The same rules apply to external users. The price list is available on Agendo.
• Cell Sorting (FACSAriaIII): Reservations for cell sorting are made via pre-booking, with detailed information provided for equipment configuration. Confirmation will be sent by email.
• Any equipment malfunctions must be reported to flowcytometry.facility@nms.unl.pt.

Acknowledgments and Publications

• Acknowledgment of the Facility is required in all publications or presentations that involve the use of equipment or services.
• Example of acknowledgment: "Flow cytometry analysis/cell sorting was performed at the Flow Cytometry Facility at NMS."
• If the Facility team contributed significantly to experimental planning or data analysis, co-authorship should be considered.

The Flow Cytometry Facility at Nova Medical School is deeply integrated into national and international scientific networks, promoting knowledge sharing and the development of new skills in the field of Flow Cytometry.

FLxFlow - Lisbon Flow Cytometry Network
The Facility’s manager is the founder of this network, which aims to foster collaboration among institutions in Lisbon, promoting the sharing of best practices and resource optimization. Within the FLxFlow framework, the Facility actively participates in organizing international courses and conferences, contributing to the continuous training of researchers and technicians in the field.

CoLife Alliance
The Facility is an integral part of CoLife, an alliance established between six life sciences research institutes located in Lisbon and Oeiras. This alliance aims to maximize available resources by sharing infrastructures, services, and scientific knowledge. Collaboration between institutes promotes synergies that drive innovation, shared equipment usage, and the development of joint scientific projects.

Member of the International Society for Advancement of Cytometry (ISAC)
The manager is a member of ISAC, one of the leading global organizations dedicated to advancing Flow Cytometry. This affiliation provides access to advanced training programs, international collaboration networks, and the latest innovations in the field.

Member of the Iberian Society of Cytometry (SIC)
Participation in the Iberian Society of Cytometry (SIC) reinforces the Facility's commitment to developing Flow Cytometry in the Iberian Peninsula. This society promotes the exchange of technical and scientific knowledge between professionals from Portugal and Spain, encouraging cross-border collaboration.