Used flow cytometer: what to check before you buy

Flow cytometers — BD FACS analyzers and sorters, Beckman CytoFLEX, Cytek and others — are excellent used buys, but the configuration determines whether a given unit can run your panel at all. Check these before purchase.

1. Laser and detector configuration

The number and wavelengths of lasers and the count of fluorescence detectors set the ceiling on how many colours you can resolve. A 3-laser, 10-colour analyzer can't run a 15-colour panel. Confirm the exact optical configuration against your assay, not the model name.

2. Analyzer vs sorter

Sorters (e.g. FACSAria) add fluidics, a nozzle and sort electronics that need alignment and more maintenance than a benchtop analyzer. If you only analyse, a sorter is extra cost and complexity you may not need.

3. Fluidics and startup

Ask whether the unit starts up, passes its performance/QC beads, and shows clean, stable populations. Fluidics blockages and detector drift are the usual issues; a clean QC run is reassuring.

4. Software, PC and consumables

Confirm the acquisition software, a compatible workstation, and any required sheath/consumable setup are included. We provide serial-numbered photos and a power/QC test, and back every instrument with our 30-day functional guarantee.

See Flow Cytometry stock, or describe your panel and we'll find a matching configuration.