The Flow Cytometry Shared Resource Laboratory: Best Practices to Assure a High-Quality, Cost-Effective Partnership with Biomedical Research Laboratories

In this perspective, we have specifically avoided the use of the term "Core" and adopted the term "Shared Resource Laboratory" in its place. This is a nod to the concept that enabling sharing of flow cytometry resources is far more complex than simply buying an instrument and providing an operator to run samples. There is considerable expertise required to fully understand and appropriately interpret data generated by the panoply of experiments that can be performed using this technology. As such, it is inappropriate to put the onus of successful implementation of the technology solely on the users. It is unrealistic, if not impossible, for most researchers who use flow cytometry to be fully versed in all of the complex issues that surround the technology; particularly, if they only use it infrequently (e.g., a few times a month). This is perhaps the most important role that an SRL provides. As such, SRLs must be considered partners in experiments, and not just service providers. Many experiments do not require the expertise of an SRL to evaluate; however, distinguishing those that do from those that do not is something that should be done by experienced cytometrists and falls within the aegis of the Scientific Director. When the expertise of these individuals is required, they become critical collaborators on the scientific team. The acknowledgment of this role by researchers and administrators is invaluable in showing support and creating an environment in which the SRL can be most successful. © 2009 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry.