BIO RAD 145-1001, Instruction Manual

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S3 Cell Sorter Instruction Manual | 1
Introduction
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The S3 ™ cell sorter is designed to offer affordable, dependable, and simplified cell sorting.
As a benchtop cell sorter, the S3 system is equipped with one or two lasers and up to four
fluorescent detectors, plus forward and side scatters. Samples are analyzed using the
traditional jet-in-air technology, and events can be sorted at high speeds while maintaining
sensitivity and high purity.
Sorting is typically accomplished by breaking the stream of fluid containing particles into
droplets and applying a charge to the stream when a particle passes the criteria to be sorted.
The charged droplet containing the particle is then deflected by an electric field into a collection
vessel. To ensure proper deflection of the correct droplets, proper instrument setup is integral to
achieving high-purity sort results.
By automating the complex presort setup with a unique technology, the S3 cell sorter creates a
more efficient and consistent workflow.
Key automated features:
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Startup/shutdown
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Stream-to-laser alignment
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Drop delay calculation
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Droplet break-off monitoring and feedback
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Phase and deflection adjustments to sort stream
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Daily QC reporting and trending
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Collection volume monitoring to prevent overfilling
The S3 cell sorter includes a complete internalized fluidics and temperature control system.
The instrument uses a unique internal buffer chamber system for dilution of 8x sheath fluid with
deioinized (DI) water, allowing users to swap fluids without the need to shut down the system.
This process is known as a “hot swap,” and allows uninterrupted sorting. For more information,
refer to Section 5.3, Checking or Swapping Fluidics.