Consultations are available to assist investigators at all stages of their flow cytometry experiments, from initial planning to data analysis and interpretation. These services are designed to support both new and experienced users and can be tailored to meet the specific needs of each project.
Consultations are fee‑for‑service and are provided by experienced Core Facility staff.
Scheduling a Consultation
Consultations can be scheduled directly through the UTMB iLab system.
- Please follow the instructions outlined on the Scheduling Appointments page to book a consultation.
- Consultation services are billed at $70 per hour.
Consultation Services Offered
Experimental Design
This service can range from brief guidance to in‑depth experimental planning. Support may include:
- Discussion of overarching scientific questions
- Selection of appropriate flow cytometry assays
- Experimental workflow development
- Protocol review or development
- Panel design and control planning
- Data analysis strategy
Consultations can begin at any stage of a project and are customized based on the investigator’s experience level and goals.
Panel Design
Panel design consultations provide focused assistance with fluorochrome and antibody selection. Services include:
- Discussion of experimental goals and target populations
- Review of antibody availability and compatibility
- Fluorochrome assignment to minimize spectral overlap
- Recommendations for titration and appropriate controls
This service is intended to help investigators develop optimized and reproducible multicolor panels.
Data Analysis
Data analysis consultations are conducted with investigator input to ensure results align with experimental objectives. Support may include:
- Gating strategies and analysis workflow development
- Figure and graph generation
- Spreadsheet or summary data output
- Guidance on interpretation of flow cytometry data
FlowJo Instruction
FlowJo training sessions are tailored to each user’s data and experimental needs and may include:
- Basic software navigation and gating principles
- Common analysis workflows
- Time‑saving tips and best practices
Users should note that software proficiency improves with practice, and follow‑up sessions may be beneficial.
In‑Lab Training
This consultation service is designed for laboratories that own their own flow cytometer and require additional guidance. Topics may include:
- Review of daily, weekly, and monthly maintenance procedures
- Instrument performance optimization
- Software training and data analysis
- Experimental design review to improve data quality
Questions?
If you are unsure which consultation service best fits your needs, Core Facility staff are happy to help determine the most appropriate option.