Read the article on how these macrophages (yellow) will be used to transport muscle satellite cells to the site of injury to aid in repair and regeneration of damaged tissue.
Apr 11
Flow Cytometrists of the Flow Cytometry Centre, Tygerberg gets 99%
We would like to congratulate Ms Andrea Gutschmidt and Dr Nelita du Plessis who scored 99% in a recent international evaluation. For the EQAPOL Flow Cytometry External Proficiency 8C ICS (EP8) test, laboratories receives a kit containing all of the necessary components to perform an 8-color immuno-assay. The kit included three cryopreserved cell samples, which were pre-tested and laboratories were expected to repeat the tests on there own on their own instruments, and send the data back to the referees. Not only does this indicate that we have some of the best Flow Cytometrists available in the Flow Cytometry Centre, it also shows that the instruments are being kept in an immaculate state and that data produced here can put researchers in the global competitive arena of Science. 
Apr 11
Flow Cytometry Exhibition Day 2016
On 9 March, CAF and BD staff teamed up to host the first Flow Cytometry Exhibition day in the BD Biosciences-CAF Flow Cytometry Centre on the Tygerberg campus.
Students and researchers from all-over the Western Cape were invited to attend one of three sessions. The aim of the day was to introduce researchers to the basic technology, as well as new advancements in the field of flow cytometry. Groups were first introduced to flow cytometry as a technique, followed by a display of different applications possible with flow cytometry. However, the highlight of the day was the demonstrations done on four instruments in the Centre. While attendees enjoyed refreshments sponsored by The Scientific Group, many new ideas were formed and future plans took shape.
With the FACS Canto, users and students can perform multi-colour flow cytometry to analyse up to 8 fluorescent parameters, while the small BD Accuri offers a simple workflow for users who are performing less complicated analysis. The BD FACS Jazz is capable of sorting cells very accurately and asepticaly into tubes or even 96 well plates. The viable sorted cells can then be utilised for further culturing, or subsequent analysis through other means. In the clinical field the new BD Presto is a very appealing solution to near-patient analysis. While previously blood had to be drawn and sent to specialized laboratories for analysis, the blood can now be analysed in the clinic whether it is rural or in urban areas.
The feedback from attendees were that the day was definitely a success. Many were not aware of the opportunities offered by flow cytometry and cell sorting. We plan to make this an annual event, so keep your eyes open for next year’s event!