Our Services

Sample Acquisition

Fully assisted sample acquisition and interpretation is provided during regular staffed hours. Post-data processing, such as normalization and data clean up or debarcoding, are included for all reservations. Data will be shared through Partners' Secure File Share within 24 hours from the end of the reservation.
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Self-run acquisition training is available to researchers requiring time on nights and weekends. 
Please see below for sample requirements.
Final Sample Preparation

(For shipped samples only)​
Core staff will perform the final washes (twice with Cell Staining Buffer (CSB) and twice with Cell Acquisition Solution (CAS). They will then perform a cell count, resuspend the samples in 1:5 EQ4 beads and CAS Solution, filter, and acquire on the CyTOF-Helios instrument. DNA intercalator steps will be performed if necessary.

Rates 

​Sample Acquisition
DFCI & BWH
External Academic
​Corporate
$100/hour
$185/hour
​$250/hour
Final Sample Preparation for Shipped Samples
DFCI & BWH
External Academic
Corporate
$100/hour
$115/hour
$175/hour
​(rates subject to change)
  • Rates are calculated in 0.5 hour increments.
  • 1 hour minimum reservation for instrument use.
  • Initial instrument training for self-run requires a 4 hour reservation.
  • Please navigate to the Policies page for information on cancellations

Sample Requirements

Picture
  • Must contain viability marker (103Rh, 194Pt, cisPt, or 198Pt).
  • Must be FIXED with minimum 1.6% PFA.
  • Must contain Ir191/193 for cell identification.
  • Sample concentration: 10,000 - 1,000,000 cells/ml.
  • Must be resuspended in 1:5 - 1:10 EQ4 Beads and Cell Acquisition Solution.
  • FILTERED through a 35um filter.
  • Must be in 5ml FACs or Eppendorf tubes.

For novel projects please contact us prior to preparing your samples

Shipped Samples

 The CyTOF core accepts shipped samples!  
  • Samples must be stained by the researcher.
  • Shipped overnight on ice in either the DNA intercalator step or as a pellet in 4%PFA prior to DNA intercalator.
  • The package must contain a list of the samples with cell counts and a copy of the antibody panel.  
  • Reservations for shipped samples should be made no earlier than 12:00pm on the day the sample is scheduled to arrive.
  • ​Researchers should give the Core staff the tracking number for the shipment. 
  • Core staff will perform the DNA intercalator (if necessary), final washes and resuspension/ filtering steps one hour prior to the scheduled reservation time.  
  • Technician time for final sample prep is charged at the sample preparation rate - 1 hour for samples shipped in DNA intercalator or 1.5 hours for samples shipped as a pellet prior to DNA intercalator.

Attn: Noa Schork / CyTOF Core MA309
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
1 Jimmy Fund Way
Boston, MA 02215