Flow Cytometry Products

Quantum™ MESF

Bangs Laboratory’s Quantum™ MESF kits include microsphere populations that are ~7-9µm in diameter: one blank population and a range of labeled bead populations with increasing amounts of fluorochrome. The assignment of fluorescence intensity in Molecules of Soluble Fluorochrome (MESF) units is performed through direct comparison of fluorescence measurements from solutions of the pure fluorochrome with those from microspheres surface-labeled with the same fluorochrome. In addition to quantitative fluorescence cytometry, Quantum™ MESF kits may be used to assess the detection threshold, resolution, and linearity of the instrument. A free QuickCal® analysis template is provided with each kit to aid in determining the expression level of cells, and for evaluating instrument linearity and detection threshold. Quantum™ MESF kits are available in three sizes: A (20 tests), B (100 tests), and C (280 tests).

Note to FITC MESF Users: We are now offering a single version of Quantum™ FITC MESF rather than the separate Low, Medium, and High Intensity kits. The new version consists of one blank and five labeled bead populations that span the full intensity range previously covered by the three separate kits. The expiration date on Quantum™ FITC-5 MESF kits is six months from the date of purchase; all other kits have twelve month expiration dates.

For additional information regarding Bangs Laboratory’s Quantum™ MESF products, please see PDS 818, Quantum™ Simply Cellular® & Quantum™ MESF Tips and Techniques. For details regarding QuickCal® templates, please see PDS 819, QuickCal® v. 2.3 Data Analysis Program.

Quantum™ Simply Cellular®

Quantum™ Simply Cellular® (QSC) kits are comprised of five microsphere populationsthat are ~7-9µm in diameter: one blank and fBangs Laboratory’s labeled with increasing amounts of antibody. Each coated population binds a specific number of monoclonal antibodies of the noted species, which is equal to its Antibody Binding Capacity (ABC) value. The investigator labels QSC beads using the same antibodies used to stain cells. In addition to quantitative fluorescence cytometry, QSC kits may be used for compensation. A free QuickCal® analysis template is provided with each kit to aid in determining the expression level of cells, and for evaluating instrument linearity and detection threshold. Quantum™ Simply Cellular® kits are available in three sizes: A (20 tests), B (100 tests), and C (280 tests).

For additional information regarding Bangs Laboratory’s Quantum™ Simply Cellular® products, please see PDS 818, Quantum™ Simply Cellular® & Quantum™ MESF Tips and Techniques. For details regarding QuickCal® templates, please see PDS 819, QuickCal® v. 2.3 Data Analysis Program.

QuantumPlex™

QuantumPlex™ kits provide a platform for the design of multiplexed suspension arrays that may be run on standard flow cytometers (488nm or 633nm excitation). Microsphere populations in five-bead kits are encoded with different intensities of Starfire Red™, and microspheres in Bangs Laboratory’s ten-bead kits are distinguished by both fluorescence intensity and size. Starfire Red™ exhibits very little carryover into lower wavelengths, leaving other detectors available for determination of positive binding events via common reporters, such as FITC and PE. Carboxyl (COOH), streptavidin, and anti-Mouse IgG surfaces are available. Carboxyl populations are at a concentration of ~1×10⁸ beads/mL, while Streptavidin and anti-Mouse IgG populations are at a concentration of ~1×10⁶ beads/mL. QuantumPlex™ are available in three sizes: A (1mL), B (5mL), and C (10mL).

QuantumPlex™ SP

QuantumPlex™ SP (Single Population) is useful for the development of simplex flow cytometric assays, or for the optimization of attachment chemistry and assay parameters before transitioning to a multiplexed format. Like QuantumPlex™, they are dyed with Starfire Red™ and are suitable for use on standard flow cytometers. Carboxyl (COOH), streptavidin, and anti-Mouse IgG surfaces are available. Carboxyl populations are at a concentration of ~1×10⁸ beads/mL, while Streptavidin and anti-Mouse IgG populations are at a concentration of ~1×10⁶ beads/mL. QuantumPlex™ SP are available in two sizes: A (1mL) or B (3mL).

QuantumPlex™M

QuantumPlex™M (Magnetic) kits consist of five populations of ~6µm highly uniform superparamagnetic microspheres encoded with different intensities of Starfire Red™. Like QuantumPlex™, they are suitable for use on standard flow cytometers. Highly efficient separations may be performed using rare earth magnetic separators. Carboxyl (COOH) and streptavidin surfaces are available. Carboxyl populations are at a concentration of ~1×10⁸ beads/mL, while Streptavidin populations are at a concentration of ~1×10⁶ beads/mL. QuantumPlex™M are available in three sizes: A (1mL), B (5mL), and C (10mL).

QuantumPlex™M SP

QuantumPlex™M SP (Magnetic, Single Population) is useful for the development of simplex flow cytometric assays, or for the optimization of attachment chemistry and assay parameters before transitioning to a multiplexed format. Like QuantumPlex™M, they are ~6µm highly uniform superparamagnetic microspheres dyed with Starfire Red™ and are suitable for use on standard flow cytometers. Carboxyl (COOH) and streptavidin surfaces are available. Carboxyl populations are at a concentration of ~1×10⁸ beads/mL, while Streptavidin and anti-Mouse IgG populations are at a concentration of ~1×10⁶ beads/mL. QuantumPlex™M SP are available in two sizes: A (1mL) or  B (3mL).

Full Spectrum™

Full Spectrum™ microspheres provide a convenient means for performing the initial daily QC check on 3-6 color instruments. These ~7-9µm microspheres are internally labeled with multiple fluorophores for use with common excitation and detection wavelengths within the visible spectrum. Full Spectrum™ are available in three sizes: A (20 tests), B (100 tests), and C (280 tests).

Fluorescence Reference Standards

Single-color Fluorescence Reference Standards are labeled with specific fluorochromes to exhibit the same spectral characteristics as labeled cells. Their size approximates that of human lymphocytes (~7-9µm in diameter) and are available in a wide variety of fluorescent dyes. Fluorescein is also available as a 2µm bead. These standards may be used to QC a specific path of the optical system (laser/filter/PMT), to optimize filter and mirror sets for fluorophores, and to establish a test-specific Target Channel Value for instrument set-up. Fluorescence References Standards are available in three sizes: A (20 tests), B (100 tests), and C (280 tests).

Right Reference Standard™

Each standard consists of a population of microspheres surface labeled with a single fluorochrome at a given intensity level (low, medium, high). The Right Reference Standard™ microspheres approximate the size of human lymphocytes (~7-9µm). With their narrow fluorescence CVs, Right Reference Standard™ products are suitable for alignment purposes. These standards may also be used to QC a specific path of the optical system (laser/filter/PMT), and to establish a unified fluorescence range for a particular detector.

Ultra Rainbow Fluorescent Particles

Ultra Rainbow Fluorescent Particles (by Spherotech™) are internally labeled with multiple fluorophores, enabling excitation at any wavelength from 365-650nm. Ultra Rainbow Fluorescent Particles may be used for general QC purposes for 3-9 color instruments. Ultra Rainbow Fluorescent Particles are available in three sizes: A (20 tests), B (100 tests), and C (280 tests).

QC Windows®

QC Windows® kits for instrument set-up include a blank and one or more bead population(s) surface-labeled with fluorochromes. The kits allow the establishment of upper and lower fluorescence thresholds, the Window of Analysis, for each detector, permitting meaningful data comparison between instruments and over time. These microspheres are ~7-9µm in diameter and approximate the size of human lymphocytes. QC Windows® kits are available in three sizes: A (20 tests), B (100 tests), and C (280 tests).

QC3™

QC3™ kits include one or more bead population(s) surface-labeled with fluorochromes for defining an upper fluorescence threshold for each detector, permitting meaningful comparion between instruments and over time. These microspheres are ~7-9µm in diameter and approximate the size of human lymphocytes. QC3™ kits are available in three sizes: A (20 tests), B (100 tests), and C (280 tests).

FITC/PE Compensation Standard

The FITC/PE Compensation Standard includes fBangs Laboratory’s microsphere populations that are ~7-9µm in diameter: an Autofluor™ population, and single populations surface-labeled with FITC, PE, and FITC/PE. The Autofluor™ population is dyed with a low level of fluorophore to approximate the autofluorescence of an unstained resting lymphocyte. This kit is useful for establishing quadrant boundaries and compensation settings for analyses using FITC and PE fluorochromes. The FITC/PE Compensation Standard is available in three sizes: A (20 tests), B (100 tests), and C (280 tests).

Simply Cellular® Compensation Standard

The Simply Cellular® Compensation Standard includes a mixed population of low- and high-binding antibody-coated beads that are ~7-9µm in diameter. Users label aliquots with antibody conjugates of interest to establish suitable compensation settings for a specific analysis.

Viability Dye Compensation Standard

Viability Dye Compensation Standards are suitable for labeling with LIVE/DEAD® stains or similarly-reactive dyes to generate compensation standards for flow cytometric analyses. Beads are not suitable for labeling with DNA stains such as propidium iodide, DAPI, or SYTOX®, and users should contact us for discussion if uncertain as to the compatability of a specific dye or stain.

Flow Cytometry Antibody Binding Beads

Single population Protein A or Protein G microspheres are suitable for labeling with conjugated antibodies from a range of hosts. Labeled microspheres may be used as single-population reference standards or in conjunction with an unlabeled population for compensation purposes.

Simply Cellular®

Bangs Laboratory’s Simply Cellular® standard consists of a single population of antibody-coated microspheres (~7-9µm in diameter) of known Antibody Binding Capacity (ABC). The population is stained with the user’s primary antibody and used in conjunction with a suitable Quantum™ MESF kit for determination of the antibody’s effective Fluorophore:Protein (F/P) ratio. This standard may also be used to QC the fluorescence intensity of different antibody lots or clones. Simply Cellular® kits are available in three sizes: A (20 tests), B (100 tests), and C (280 tests).

Simply Cellular® anti-Mouse for Violet Laser

The Simply Cellular® anti-Mouse for Violet Laser standard features microspheres comprised of a proprietary matrix that exhibits low autofluorescence with violet excitation. Beads are suitable for labeling with mouse mAbs conjugated with violet fluorochromes, and for use as a compensation or general reference standard for detectors off of the violet laser. Beads are also suitable for use with other fluorochromes/detectors, e.g. 488nm, 633nm. The Simply Cellular® anti-Mouse for Violet Laser standard is supplied as 2 populations: 1 blank and 1 high-binding anti-Mouse IgG (Fc-specific) population. They are supplied in aqueous suspension containing ProClin®.

Time Delay Calibration Standard

Bangs Laboratory’s Time Delay Calibration Standard is intended for use in assessing the delay between blue and red lasers. It features ~6µm microspheres dyed with a fluorophore that is excited with 488nm or 635nm excitation, and exhibits red/far-red emission.

Flow Cytometry Absolute Count Standard™

Bangs Laboratory’s Flow Cytometry Absolute Count Standard™ is a precisely counted population of microspheres for estimating counts of unlabeled cells via flow cytometry. The microspheres are ~7-9µm in diameter. Beads are internally labeled with multiple fluorophores for excitation with common lasers (e.g. 488nm, 633nm) and discrimination from the cell population. By evaluating the ratio of microspheres to cells, the volumetric number of cells may be determined.

Size Calibration Standards Kit

The Size Calibration Standards Kit is comprised of five populations of undyed microspheres in the range of ~4-12µm. Forward scatter channel (FSC) values may be plotted against reported bead diameter to generate a curve that may be used for estimation of the sizes of cells run at the same instrument settings. The Size Calibration Standards Kits are available in two sizes: B (100 tests) and C (280 tests).

Small Bead Calibration Kits

Current applications in flow cytometry extend far beyond traditional lymphocyte immunophenotyping, with some involving the analysis of very small particles such as platelet- and endothelial-derived microparticles or microbial species. The Small Bead Calibration Kits allow operators to verify the resolution capabilities of the flow cytometer, and to establish appropriate instrument settings for the analyses.