Flow cytometry is a technology that allows comprehensive analysis and separation of individual cells at a very high speed. Due to its importance in the Immuno-hematological and Oncological clinic, as well as its multiple applications in basic, biotechnological and environmental research, the flow cytometry laboratory represents an area with many job opportunities.
Knowledge of the basic principles of cytometric techniques and familiarization of the user with the critical points of their practical application are essential for the correct use of cytometry in the basic and clinical setting. For this reason, the Workshop proposes a systematic and integrated training strategy, aimed at giving cytometry users sufficient training to know and properly handle the instruments, to design and optimize cytometric experiments and to correctly handle and interpret the results obtained.

The general objective of the Workshop is to give students specialized knowledge in flow cytometry that will include the correct handling of cytometers, sample preparation, design and application of cytometric analysis procedures, data acquisition and management. and the interpretation of the results.

The 1st Edition of the Workshop has been certified by the Commission for Continuing Education of the Health professions of the Generalitat Valenciana with 9.3 credits. The 2nd Edition is pending accreditation. To obtain the Certified Diploma, students will take a test exam with 50 questions valued at 0 or 1 point. For each question, there is only one correct answer. Each wrong answer subtracts 0.25 points. Minimum requirement: Qualification of 25/50 points (50% of the maximum qualification). The same exam will be carried out at the beginning and after finishing the Workshop, to check the use and progress of the students.

1. FUNDAMENTALS AND APPLICATIONS OF FLOW CYTOMETRY:
Technical bases of flow cytometry. Components, systems and operation of the flow cytometer. Fluorescence and fluorescent markers. Overview of general applications of flow cytometry. Advances in cytometry and cytomics.
2. DESIGN AND OPTIMIZATION OF EXPERIMENTS-PREANALYTICAL PHASE: Preparation of samples. Selection of reagents. Design of protocols and specialized panels. Cytometry resources on the Internet. Laboratory Practices.
3. DESIGN AND OPTIMIZATION OF EXPERIMENTS-ANALYTICAL PHASE:
Data acquisition with the cytometer’s own software. Selection of populations. Fluorescence compensation. Kinetic tests (real-time cytometry). Laboratory practices.
4. HANDLING OF FLOW CYTOMETERS:
Cytometer connection and disconnection. Cleaning and maintenance of the cytometer. Self-standardization and quality control. Safety procedures Laboratory practices.
5. ANALYSIS, INTERPRETATION AND MANAGEMENT OF DATA:
Analysis of results with the cytometer’s own software, commercial software licensed for use and public domain software. Detection of problems and application of solutions. Laboratory practices.

Graduates and active technicians: 350€

Personnel Unemployment and Students : 300€*   * With the corresponding certificate.

The fees include workshop teaching materials, exam fees and Diploma.

Flow Cytometry, Principe Felipe Research Center: citomica@cipf.es 

Cytomics Laboratory, University of Valencia: jose.e.oconnor@uv.es

The Workshop is limited to 15 places.
Admission will be done in strict order of pre-registration.
A waiting list will be established to assign possible vacancies.