1. Introduction to the MSU Flow Cytometry Core: (~20 minutes)
   This Introduction video will outline the applications for Flow Cytometry, as well as instrumentation and services we offer in the Flow Cytometry Core Facility.
   
2. Project Review Meeting: (~1 hour – Zoom)
   The objective of this meeting is to discuss your project and for us to determine which instrument will best suit your experimental goals. We will assign an appropriate instrument training track, as well as provide guidance on proper reagents and controls. The PI and other Lab Members are welcome and encouraged to join the Project Review Meeting.
   
   Project Review Meeting Outline:
   • Introductions
   • Overview of your project goals and specific aims
   • Select instrument and assign training track in D2L
   • iLab onboarding
   • Discuss Panel design (if appropriate)
   • Discuss Assay optimization

This Training Track is relevant for receiving training on the Attune CytPix, Cytek Aurora, or BD Accuri C6. If your experiments are time sensitive and need to be analyzed before you can be trained to use the instruments independently, email FACS@msu.edu to arrange time for MFCC Staff to run your samples.

1. Complete introductory ‘New User Training’ in D2L Classroom.
2. During the Project Review Meeting a Core staff member will assign asynchronous instrument-specific training modules/quizzes in D2L.
3. Once you have been assigned a training track in D2L you will be responsible for completing the following in the D2L Classroom environment:
   • Site-specific Training: (~5 minutes) An overview of the current policies in the MSU Flow Cytometry Core. Building Access forms are also accessible while navigating through this Form.
   • Biosafety Questionnaire: (~10 minutes) This questionnaire serves to gather important information that will help us render effective Core facility services. Part I provides information about the Principal Investigator, each of the independently funded research projects, and the researchers associated with each project. Part II will identify the samples to be analyzed.
     
4. Complete the appropriate instrument-specific training module assigned in D2L. These modules are asynchronous and order of completion is carefully outlined in D2L. Asynchronous Instrument Training Modules: (~20-30 minutes each)
   Video presentations on how to use the instrument and run samples.
   Cost: No Charge
   
5. Schedule Hands-on instrument training time in iLab. A total of 3 hands-on training sessions are required:
   a. Hands-on Training Session #1 (Fluorescent Beads): (~1-2 hours)
   Using fluorescent beads (provided by the MFCC) users get hands-on experience setting up an experiment, running samples, and performing compensation. Users do not need to bring anything to this training session.  Cost: Instrument-specific rate – see Billing Rates
   
   b. Hands-on Training Session #2 (Controls): (~1-2 hours)
   Users will set up an experimental template and use their own controls to define the instrument specific settings for their project. Users should bring appropriate control samples for their project as well as few practice samples to ensure the gating is set up correctly. When making the reservation for this training session, users should send an email to the Core Staff containing: 1) a list of the samples you plan to bring (including the fluorophores present in each sample); 2) a detailed protocol describing your sample preparation.
   Cost: Instrument-specific rate – see Billing Rates
   
   c. Hands-on Training Session #3 (Experiment): (1-2 hours)
   Using their own samples, users will run a full experiment and collect data for subsequent analysis. During this training session Core Staff will act as a “visiting scholar” who will be shadowing the user to learn about flow cytometry. The user will instruct the “visiting scholar” on the same topics they have learned about in all of the previous training sessions (e.g., instrument overview, sample preparation, setting up an experimental template, and running samples).
   Cost: Instrument-specific rate – see Billing Rates
   
6. Following completion of 3 hands-on training sessions, users will complete their benchtop analyzer training track with a Data Analysis Software Training. Training Session (Data Analysis): (~1-2 hours)
   Users will learn how to analyze their own data using a 3rd party analysis software (e.g., FlowJo, FCS Express) of their choice. This training session is conducted over Zoom once the user has generated their own experimental data. 
   Cost: No Charge

This Training Track is relevant for utilizing cell sorting services on the SONY MA900, BD FACSAria IIu, or BD Influx.

1. Complete introductory ‘New User Training’ in D2L Classroom.
2. During the Project Review Meeting a Core staff member will assign asynchronous instrument-specific training modules/quizzes in D2L. We will also discuss biosafety and review the following that need to be completed before sorting is greenlit.
   • Site-specific Training: (~5 minutes) An overview of the current policies in the MSU Flow Cytometry Core. Building Access forms are also accessible while navigating through this Form.
   • Complete a MSU Flow Cytometry Core Cell Sorting Addendum: All materials to be sorted must be approved in your lab’s Safety Protocol within HURON Click. An addendum for projects involving sorting on a flow cytometer must be completed and approved by EH&S and/or the IBC. This addendum is required due to the increased risk of aerosolization when sorting using an electrostatic-based cell sorter.  Our policies are set based upon NIH Sorter Biosafety Guidelines and ISAC (International Society for Advancement of Cytometry) Sorter Biosafety Standards. The Cell Sorting Addendum should be uploaded as an amendment to your lab’s existing HURON Click Safety Protocol. If you are a student, postdoc, or staff member, please let your PI know that this submission and approval in the HURON Click system is required prior to any approval of cell sorting by the Core.
   • Biosafety Questionnaire: (~10 minutes) This questionnaire serves to gather important information that will help us render effective Core facility services. Part I provides information about the Principal Investigator, each of the independently funded research projects, and the researchers associated with each project. Part II will identify the samples to be analyzed. Your approved Sorting Addendum and EH&S approval will be uploaded with this submission.
3. Complete the appropriate training module assigned in D2L. These modules are asynchronous and order of completion is carefully outlined in D2L. Asynchronous Cell Sorting Training Module: (~20-30 minutes each)
   Video presentations will review cell sorting concepts and our best practices.
   Cost: No Charge
   
4. Review our Sorting Best Practices, which outlines important information regarding appropriate sample buffer, collection buffers, filtering samples, sample concentrations, etc.
   
5. Schedule cell sorting with a Core staff member.

1. Complete introductory ‘New User Training’ in D2L Classroom.
2. During the Project Review Meeting a Core staff member will assign asynchronous instrument-specific training modules/quizzes in D2L.
3. Once you have been assigned a training track in D2L you will be responsible for completing the following in the D2L Classroom environment:
   • Site-specific Training: (~5 minutes) An overview of the current policies in the MSU Flow Cytometry Core. Building Access forms are also accessible while navigating through this Form.
   • Biosafety Questionnaire: (~10 minutes) This questionnaire serves to gather important information that will help us render effective Core facility services. Part I provides information about the Principal Investigator, each of the independently funded research projects, and the researchers associated with each project. Part II will identify the samples to be analyzed.
     
4. Complete the appropriate instrument-specific training module assigned in D2L. These modules are asynchronous and order of completion is carefully outlined in D2L. Asynchronous Instrument Training Modules: (~20-30 minutes each)
   Video presentations on how to use the instrument and run samples.
   Cost: No Charge
   
5. Schedule instrument run-time (Book 1 hour in iLab) with Core staff to run your assay.

1. Complete introductory ‘New User Training’ in D2L Classroom.
2. During the Project Review Meeting a Core staff member will assign asynchronous instrument-specific training modules/quizzes in D2L.
3. Once you have been assigned a training track in D2L you will be responsible for completing the following in the D2L Classroom environment:
   • Site-specific Training: (~5 minutes) An overview of the current policies in the MSU Flow Cytometry Core. Building Access forms are also accessible while navigating through this Form.
   • Biosafety Questionnaire: (~10 minutes) This questionnaire serves to gather important information that will help us render effective Core facility services. Part I provides information about the Principal Investigator, each of the independently funded research projects, and the researchers associated with each project. Part II will identify the samples to be analyzed.
     
4. Complete the appropriate instrument-specific training module assigned in D2L. These modules are asynchronous and order of completion is carefully outlined in D2L. Asynchronous Instrument Training Modules: (~20-30 minutes each)
   Video presentations on how to use the instrument and run samples.
   Cost: No Charge
   
5. Schedule Hands-on instrument training time in iLab. A total of 1 hands-on training session is required. Training Session: (~1 hour)
   Users will set up an experimental template and use their own controls to define the instrument specific settings for their project. Users should bring appropriate control samples for their project (including a buffer only control to assess background). When making the reservation for this training session, users should send an email to the Core Staff containing: 1) a list of the samples you plan to bring (including any fluorophores present samples); 2) a detailed protocol describing your sample preparation.
   Cost: Instrument-specific rate – see Billing Rates