An automated 96-well-plate loader for the FACScan®

Staining multiple samples for data acquisition with a flow cytometer is done in 96-well plates to save time and make large data assessment in one working day possible. However, the inability of the FACScan (R) to take up the samples from 96-well plates is a major drawback. In order to avoid the individual transfer of samples to tubes, we have developed a system, which allows using the FACScan (R) with 96-well plates. The machine consists of a programmable control module and a loader which moves the 96-well plate in 3 axis well by well along the sample collector. The machine is equipped with a wash buffer tank to avoid cross contamination of samples and a shaking option to avoid sedimentation of cells during acquisition. The machine can be further developed into a full automatic loader if connected to the FAGS Station. In 24 hours about 7,000 samples with 10,000 cells each can be acquired.