BRCF Flow Cytometry Service Enhancements Coming July 1

The BRCF Flow Cytometry Core is introducing a new billing structure that provides researchers with greater transparency, precision, and control over their spending.

Under the new model, session invoices will show instrument usage and technician support as two separate line items billed as:

• $95/hour for instrument use
• $95/hour for technician support

This structure allows the PI to see exactly how much instrument time and technician support was used for each session.

"Separating instrument cost and technician cost gives researchers greater flexibility and clearer records for grant and budgeting purposes," said David Adams, MS.Ed., BRCF Flow Cytometry Core Director. 

Why the Change

Over the past three years, the Flow Cytometry Core has seen a significant shift in how researchers use its instruments. 

“Self-assisted hours now account for nearly 80% of total usage. This is a testament to the expertise and independence of U-M's research community,” said Adams.

The new billing structure reflects that reality: experienced users who operate instruments independently see costs that match their level of support, while new users receive comprehensive guidance with full transparency into what that support costs.

How It Works: New Users, Trained Users, and External Users

New users

Flow Cytometry Core Staff will perform instrument operation for any users who have not completed core training on any given platform. New users are strongly encouraged to schedule a consultation early in the experimental planning process. Core staff will discuss the intended research project, assist with assay design, suggest an appropriate core platform, discuss experimental design principles and sample presentation, as well as give an overview of core operation, locations, and costs. 

To schedule a consultation, reach out directly to David Adams via email or Slack.

Core-trained, independent users

Experienced users operating instruments independently can request staff support for all or specific portions of their appointment, for example:

• Running controls and optimizing conditions at the start of a session
• Coverage during personal breaks
• Assistance troubleshooting instrument issues caused by samples (clogs, etc.)

Technician support is billed in 15-minute increments (rounded up to the nearest 15 minutes).

What This Looks Like in Practice

Example: A trained user books a 4-hour cell sort and needs 30 minutes of technician assistance during instrument setup.

Rather than splitting this into multiple appointments at different rates—which created confusing invoices and made per-project tracking difficult—the principal investigator (PI) now has one appointment with two clear line items.

External users

Non-UM investigators should email David Adams directly for rate information.

How to Get Started

First-time investigators must consult with David Adams concerning facility operating policies and discuss optimizing experimental design, sample preparation, appropriate controls, and containment of potential pathogens.

The BRCF Flow Cytometry Core offers flow cytometric expertise, training resources in-person and online, as well as affordable state-of-the-art instrumentation to support your research. Reservations can be made in MiCores. Email David Adams to set up a consultation.

Questions?

Email David Adams or visit the BRCF Flow Cytometry Core website for more information.