For use with Serotec's directly-conjugated FITC, RPE and RPE/CY5 monoclonal antibodies.

Note: This method provides a general procedure for use with the majority of Serotec reagents. In some cases specific recommendations are provided on product datasheets, and these methods should always be used in conjunction with product and batch specific information provided with each vial. Please note that a certain level of technical skill and immunological knowledge is required for the successful design and implementation of these techniques - these are guidelines only and may need to be adjusted for particular applications.

1. Prepare cells in appropriate manner. Adjust cell suspension to a concentration of 1x10⁶ cells/ml in PGB. Whole blood samples may also be used. Serotec recommends the use of EDTA anti-coagulant in these circumstances, although satisfactory results may be obtained using heparin or acid-citrate dextrose.

2 Aliquot 100ml of cell suspension/whole blood into required number of test-tubes.

3. Add appropriate volume of Serotec antibody at recommended dilution (see specific datasheet for details). Mix well and incubate at room temperature for 30 minutes.

4. If using separated cells follow step 5.

If using whole blood samples add 2ml of freshly prepared Serotec Erythrolyse (Cat. No. BUF04) and mix well. Incubate for 10 minutes at room temperature. Centrifuge at 400g for 5 minutes. Discard supernatant.

5. Wash with 2ml of PGB, centrifuge at 400g for 5 minutes. Discard supernatant.

6 Resuspend cells in 0.2ml of PGB or with 0.2ml of 0.5% paraformaldehyde in PBS if required.

7. Acquire data by Flow Cytometry.

Notes:

Appropriate control samples should always be included. We recommend the inclusion of an isotype-matched control in each case - please contact Serotec's Technical Services Department for details of available reagents.

RPE = R. Phycoerythrin. R. Phycoerythrin, and conjugates thereof, are intended for research use only, and should not be incorporated into product for resale or diagnostic use (US Patent No. 4520110, European Patent No. 0076695 and Canadian Patent No. 1179942).

FITC = Fluorescein Isothiocyanate

Solutions used:

PGB = Phosphate Buffered Saline pH 7.4 containing 20mM glucose and 1% Bovine Serum Albumin