It's a simulation!

A simulation is a simplified, abstract look at a complicated system, in this case a flow cytometer, that helps you understand some of the important processes that are going on.

The great strength of simulations is that you can make changes and adjustments that would be impractical, too expensive, or even impossible to undertake on an instrument.

The Flow Cytometer Simulator developed here at the John Curtin School of Medical Research is designed to provide a unique learning tool and resource for both students and researchers. Its design as a learning tool is based on the ability to demonstrate important concepts in flow cytometry, such as threshold and compensation, on actual data files which are played or acquired on the simulator as one would on a flow cytometer.

As a resource, the simulator can display and play BD flow cytometry standard (FCS) data files which are representative of a cell type, with associated relevant help text. Thus when confronted with an unfamiliar sample, a user can scan, choose and play representative data, and view the instrument settings (staining protocol) used to obtain the data. It is envisioned that in time, as the database of available flow cytometry files increases, the simulator will have an important role in providing institutional memory, whereby cell types which are run infrequently can be instantly recalled and the instrument settings readily available as guidelines for current or future projects.

We hope you enjoy this learning experience.

The production team:

Design and Concept:   Geoffrey Osborne
Programming:   Patrick Cole "that JAVA guy"