Research Flow Cytometry Core Laboratory
The clinical flow cytometry laboratory at Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Center is a CLIA/CAP-certified, COG-accredited laboratory that performs comprehensive clinical testing of pediatric leukemias and lymphomas.
The laboratory offers routine testing for the following clinical services:
- Leukemia/Lymphoma
- Lymphocyte subset
- HLA-B27
- COG B-ALL Minimal Residual Disease (MRD) detection.
A variety of specimen types, including bone marrow aspirate, peripheral blood, solid tissues and body fluids are received by the laboratory.
Specimens
- Bone Marrow or Peripheral Blood. 3.0 cc in sodium Heparin (green-top) or EDTA coated (purple-top) vacutainer tubes.
- Lymph Node / Fine needle aspirates / Hemato-lymphoid solid tissues. ~5mm cubed fresh tissue biopsy transported in a sealed, STERILE container with cytogenetic transport media (provided through the Histology lab), RPMI media, Hanks balanced salt solution, or sterile saline.
- Body fluids (cerebrospinal, pleural, pericardial etc.): 3.00 cc in sterile container.
Contact Information
P-Tube: 511
Laboratory Phone: 832-824-4731
Laboratory Fax: 832-825-0011
Hours of Operation MONDAY-FRIDAY 9:00am - 6:00pm.
Weekday Specimen/Package Delivery Address
Texas Children's Hospital
Flow Cytometry Laboratory
1102 Bates St., Ste. 1130
Houston, TX 77030
Weekend/Holiday Specimen Delivery Address (Patient samples only)
Texas Children's Hospital
Cytogenetic Laboratory (C/O Central Distribution)
6621 Fannin, West Tower, Ste. B115.14
Houston, TX 77030
Please also include the lab phone number on the airbill (832-824-4457)
Research Flow Cytometry Core Laboratory
The research services of the flow cytometry laboratory at Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Center provides the following analytical instruments:
BD LSR-II flow cytometer analyzer (Five lasers capable of analyzing 17 parameters)
Millipore Guava cytometer analyzer (Two lasers capable of analyzing 6 parameters)
BD Aria Fusion sorter (Five laser capable of analyzing 21 parameters)
Sony SH 800 sorter (Four laser capable of analyzing 8 parameters)
BioRad S3e sorter (Three laser capable of analyzing 6 parameters)
Helios CyTOF Mass Cytometer (135 Detection Channels, Analyzing >40 Markers)
BD FACSymphony A5 (Five laser capable of Analyzing 30 parameters)
The research flow laboratory offers training to use the analyzers.
Research Billing Schedule
Specimen Acquisition on CyTOF - $105/hour
Sorting - $75/hour
Assisted analysis - $40-$80/hour
Unassisted analysis (trained user) - $20/hour
Note: Each investigator will have an individual account set up in iLab scheduling software, managed by Baylor College of Medicine at https://bcm.corefacilities.org/account/login.
Research Scheduling
Flow Cytometry Analyzers: The two analyzers are listed in iLab calendar under TCH flow cytometer analyzers. Trained users access the iLab account to reserve and confirm the instrument. Researchers requesting assisted use cannot confirm the reservation until a flow lab person approves the reservation. An e-mail is sent via iLab calendar after the reservation is approved.
Flow Cytometry Sorters: The flow lab provides operator assisted sorting on BD Aria Fusion instrument. Training is provided for unassisted use of Sony SH800 and Bio Rad S3 sorters.
