New Flow Cytometry Platform Operational – Eurofins Expands Capabilities in the U.S. and Singapore
By Dr. Christoph S. Eberle, Dr. Charles J. DiComo, Eurofins Global Central Laboratory
Eurofins Global Central Laboratory (EGCL) has broadened its technical and scientific scope with the addition of new flow cytometry (FC) systems in the U.S. and Singapore. Both sites are now equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation, complementing the existing capabilities in Europe. FC method development and optimisation are being offered for domestic and international clientele. With this expansion, the EGCL can now provide further harmonisation of rapid and sensitive test results being produced in a true global lab setting for clinical and preclinical routines as well as biomarker research.
Since its inception, FC has been used largely as an automated tool for immunophenotyping. Traditionally, this involved limited singled-out particle identification and quantification. However, more of its technological potential has been realised with the design of new antibody-conjugated fluorophores, widening the spectrum of multi-parametric analysis. Testing can be performed using various tissue extracts and body fluids (whole blood, PBMCs, urine, CSF), whilst measuring cells, bacteria, organelles, polymer structures like DNA/RNA, or BRMs.
Many commercially available panels can be customised and assays individually tailored to suit the needs of clients by selecting the panel of pharmacodynamic markers to answer more sophisticated research questions. Recently, FC has been applied to platelet enumeration, antibiotics susceptibility testing, determination of protein phosphorylation, and intracellular cytokine production. Additionally, immunophenotyping techniques are promising for the surveillance of immune cell populations in the CNS or in peripheral blood. Along with image analysis, FC has also been utilised for DNA ploidy and cell cycle determinations. Monitoring cell population total DNA content contributes to a better understanding of tumor proliferation. In breast and prostate carcinomas, such measurements appear to have prognostic value and may well help to improve treatment modalities.
With its new, versatile FC capabilities, the EGCL is well positioned to offer innovative solutions for industrial, clinical, and research partners while maintaining high quality control standards.
For more information: centrallab.eurofins.com
