Fixing Cells for flow cytometry

[Sonja1983]

Hi

Does anyone know of a good protocol for fixing cells for flow cytometry and if I fix cells, can I perform antibody staining on them? How long can they be stored for?

Thanks!
Sonja

[luisillo]

Check the thread called: "Re: PBMC cell culture", there I briefly describe a protocol to stain and fix cells (PBMC) for flow cytometry.

With this protocol you should store the cells at 4ºC and protected from light until read. I recommend your read your cells within 3 days.

I believe it is possible to fix first and stain later, here's an example:
- Medina et al., Clin Exp Immunol 1994;97:266-272

They don't give many details though.

[Warthaug]

BD sells a product for FACS fixing. I forget the name of it at the moment, but I used it extensively back in the old days, and it worked every time. I believe it is formalin based.

Bryan