When should I use fluorescence activated cell sorting over bulk separation methods like panning or magnetic bead separations?
When very high purity (95%-100%) of the target population is required. b) For separation of populations that have a low density of receptors on their surface. c) For enrichment of populations on the basis of surface receptor density. d) For separations on the basis of multicolor staining. e) For separations on the basis of internal staining e.g of DNA or of internal antigens. Q 2: Will my cells be harmed by the sorting process? A: Generally, the cells will be not harmed through the process itself as long as they are maintained continually at a temperature, pH, and in media that is most suited to them. Q 3: How many cells do I need to prepare to recover 1 X 106 of a population that comprises 10% of the cells? A: 1 X 106 = 10 % target population x 50% recovery x 20 X 106 starting cell number. 50% recovery is a reasonable number, but the actual percentage of cells that are recovered with a particular sort depend on a multitude of factors: a) Cell death that occurs pre- and post sort and l
