Multiparameter Immunophenotyping Course (Flow Cytometry)

Overview

This half-day course provides a comprehensive overview of multiparameter immunophenotyping using flow cytometry. Participants will learn best practices for sample collection and processing, experimental design, instrument setup, data acquisition, and analysis. Led by experts from Stanford University and Cytek Biosciences, the course also highlights emerging technologies and practical strategies to ensure high-quality, reproducible results.

Target Audience

This course is designed for practicing clinicians, trainees, and individuals in biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies who are involved in the development of therapies for immunological diseases.

Learning Objectives

• Understand the key variables in pre-analytical processing of samples for flow cytometry, and what best practices and mitigation strategies can be employed.
• Describe the main components of a flow cytometer, the different optical design approaches, and how the optics impact experimental design
• Design a multicolor panel, understanding the process of matching fluorochromes and antibody specificities.
• Describe the types of controls needed for accurate interpretation of flow cytometry data.
• Understand the contribution of instrument setup and optical performance to the standardization of assay results.
• Understand the major quality control steps required for accurate data analysis.
• Perform manual and automated analysis using best practices.

Holden T. Maecker, PhD

Stanford University

Pre-Analytical Variables/Sample Processing (1:00 PM – 1:40 PM)

1. Sample Collection and Transport – Holden Maecker, PhD, Stanford University
2. PBMC Isolation or Other Sample Processing – Holden Maecker, PhD, Stanford University
3. Stimulation/Functional Assays – Holden Maecker, PhD, Stanford University

Experimental Design (1:40 PM – 2:45 PM)

1. The Instrument: Lasers, Filters, Conventional vs. Spectral – Holden Maecker, PhD, Stanford University
2. Panel Building and Testing: Fluorochromes, Spillover – Maria Jaimes, PhD, Cytek Biosciences
3. Batching – Maria Jaimes, PhD, Cytek Biosciences
4. Controls – Maria Jaimes, PhD, Cytek Biosciences

Instrument Setup and Acquisition (3:00 PM – 3:30 PM)

1. Standardizing Instrument Setup, Inter-Instrument Qualification – Maria Jaimes, PhD, Cytek Biosciences
2. Acquisition Variables: # of Events, Speed, Collection Criteria – Maria Jaimes, PhD, Cytek Biosciences

Data Analysis (3:30 PM – 4:30 PM)

1. Quality Control Steps – Caroline Duault, PhD, PharmD, Standford University
2. Manual and Automated Analysis – Caroline Duault, PhD, PharmD, Standford University

Registration Rates