Immunology & Biomarker Discovery

The RBL uses the DiaSys Xpedite HEM3 Vet Hematology Analyzer, which can perform a complete blood count in a 50μl sample volume. The preferred anticoagulant is EDTA and blood should be analyzed within 4 hours of collection and delivered to the RBL by noon of the day of analyses. If necessary blood can be analyzed within 24 hours if kept at 4°C. We require a minimum of 72 hours prior notice, but as much advance notice as possible is preferred. Please complete and return THIS FORM to efitzpat@uthsc.edu for a quote and scheduling. 

The following parameters are measured:

White blood cells, red blood cells, platelets, hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, average mass of HGB per red blood cell, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, average concentration of HGB inside a red blood cell, mean corpuscular volume, average volume of red blood cells, mean platelet volume, average platelet size, hematocrit, calculated by RBC x MCV, total (absolute) number and percentage of lymphocytes, total (absolute) number and percentage of monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils and total (absolute) number and percentage of granulocytes (neutrophils).

The RBL uses the Respons910VET Chemistry analyzer for performing clinical chemistry on samples. The best sample is serum which can be frozen at -80°C indefinitely; plasma may be used but EDTA interferes with calcium, phosphorous, potassium and alkaline phosphatase analysis. Each assay requires between 6-10 μl of sample and samples will be run based on your prioritization ranking. Ideally 120μl is needed for the whole panel. Please complete and email THIS FORM to efitzpat@uthsc.edu for a quote and scheduling.

LIST OF ANALYTES THAT CAN BE MEASURED
ALAT (GPT)
Albumin
Alkaline Phosphatase
α-Amylase
ASAT (GOT)
Bicarbonate
Bilirubin Auto Direct
Bilirubin Auto Total
Calcium
Chloride
Cholesterol
CK-NAC
Creatinine
Gamma-GT
Glucose Hexokinase
HDL Cholesterol
β-Hydroxybutyrate
Iron
Lactate
LDH
Lipase
LDL Cholesterol
Magnesium
NEFA (Non-Esterified Fatty Acids)
Phosphate
Potassium
Sodium
Thyroxine (T4)
Total Protein
Triglycerides
UIBC (Unsaturated Iron Binding Capacity)
Urea
Uric Acid

Multiplex immunoassays are bead-based assays that measure multiple analytes in one sample using microspheres coupled with detection antibodies. These assays come preconfigured, custom built to measure only the analytes of interest to your lab, or you can conjugate the microspheres with your antibody of choice. 

We provide full-service multiplexing. Bring us your multiplexing kit and your samples, and we perform and run the assay for you. Or, if you regularly perform these assays in your lab, you can run your samples on the Luminex machine in MSB 617 for a small user fee. Milliplex Analyst software is loaded onto each system for additional data analysis capabilities.

The Luminex 100/200 analyzer can measure up to 100 analytes in a 25μl sample such as serum, culture supernatant, tissue homogenate, etc. Located in the RBL lab in the Molecular Sciences Building, Room 617, the instrument can be run by users themselves or our scientific staff can perform the assay.

The MAGPIX can measure up to 50 analytes in a 25 μl sample and is located in the RBL for use with samples involving BSL-2 and -3 pathogens. The instrument is run by RBL staff or trained RBL users.

Please contact efitzpat@uthsc.edu for more information, pricing, or to schedule sample analysis.

Detection of antigen specific T and B cells is critical for monitoring immune responses, and efficacy of vaccine and drug candidates. The CTL ImmunoSpot measures antigen driven cytokine production or antibodies with greater sensitivity than other protein assays such as ELISA or bead array. The instrument is equipped to analyze single- and dual-color enzymatic ELISpot assays, up to 3 fluorochromes, and is equipped with BioSpot Software for viral plaque assays. Additionally, we have the ImmunoCompliance™ package which includes an integrated barcode reader and IQ reference plate and software to comply with GLP regulations. The instrument is in the RBL and can be run by RBL staff or trained RBL users. 

Spectral cytometry allows a user to greatly expand their multicolor cytometry panels because the instrument measures the whole spectral signature of individual fluorochromes rather than just the peak emission wavelength. This allows more fluorochromes to be used simultaneously resulting in more sophisticated immunophenotyping or characterization of immune cells. The aurora is equipped with 3 lasers — violet (405nm), blue (488nm), and red (640nm) — and can detect up to 24 colors. It is equipped with an automated sampler for tubes or 96 well plates. The instrument can be used by trained RBL users or through the flow cytometry core for non-RBL users.

 

 

The Tyto cell sorter is a closed low pressure cell sorting system, ideal for sterile sorting of fragile cells. It is equipped with 3 lasers — violet (405nm), blue (488nm), and red (640nm) — and can perform 10-parameter sorting. The instrument is located in the RBL and can be used by RBL staff or trained RBL users.