BD FACSymphony A3 - User Manual

Questions and Answers

M
Michael SanchezAug 12, 2025
What to do if there are no events in acquisition display and RUN button is orange on BD FACSymphony A3 Measuring Instruments?
- M
  Michael WalkerAug 13, 2025
  If there are no events displayed during acquisition and the RUN button on your BD Measuring Instruments is orange, several factors could be at play. First, ensure the RUN button is activated by pressing it. Verify that the sample tube is correctly installed and properly seated. If the tube is cracked, replace it. Check that the waste tubing line is connected to the waste container tank. Make sure the sheath container is pressurized by ensuring the lid and connectors are securely seated, and inspect/replace the O-ring if necessary. A worn Bal seal should be replaced. Also, check for air leaks at the sheath container, ensure the sheath container is not empty and purge the air from the sheath filter.
R
Robin LangAug 16, 2025
Why is there high CV or poor QC in BD Measuring Instruments?
- J
  James ElliottAug 17, 2025
  Experiencing high CV or poor QC with your BD Measuring Instruments? Several factors could be the cause. Start by checking for air bubbles in the sheath filter or flow cell, and purge the filter or prime the fluidics system. Reduce the sample flow rate if it's set too high. Ensure the sheath container lid is tight and all connectors are secure to prevent air leaks. If the flow cell is dirty, flush the system. Replace the waste container cap if the waste tank is pressurized. Consider repeating sample preparation or diluting the sample in the same fluid as the sheath fluid. Finally, make new QC samples and repeat the quality control procedure, or allow 30 minutes for the instrument to warm up.
M
melissaevansAug 20, 2025
What to do if there are no events in acquisition display and RUN button is green on BD FACSymphony A3 Measuring Instruments?
- N
  Nicole HammondAug 20, 2025
  If you observe no events in the acquisition display while the RUN button is green on your BD Measuring Instruments, it could be due to several reasons. First, ensure that the threshold is set to the correct parameter, typically FSC, for your application. If the threshold level is too high, lower it. Also, check that the PMT voltage for the threshold parameter is not set too low and increase it if needed. Finally, check for air in the sheath filter and purge the filter, or check for air bubble or debris in the flow cell and prime the fluidics system.
T
Tyler JacksonAug 25, 2025
How to fix droplets visible in BD Measuring Instruments?
- R
  Robert GrahamAug 25, 2025
  If droplets are visible on your BD Measuring Instruments, it could be due to several reasons. First, if the O-ring in the retainer is worn, replace it. If the outer sleeve is not seated in the retainer, loosen the retainer, push the outer sleeve up until seated, and then tighten the retainer. If the outer sleeve is not on the sample injection tube, loosen the retainer, slide the outer sleeve over the sample injection tube until it is seated, and then tighten the retainer. Check the waste line to ensure it is not pinched, and empty the waste tank if it is full. Finally, ensure that the mode is set to HTS by pressing down the Mode button for more than 3 seconds.
M
Melissa ButlerAug 27, 2025
Why are scatter parameters distorted on BD FACSymphony A3?
- P
  Phillip HinesAug 27, 2025
  Distorted scatter parameters on your BD Measuring Instruments can arise from several causes. Start by ensuring the cytometer settings are properly adjusted to optimize the scatter parameters. Check for air bubbles in the sheath filter or flow cell and purge the air from the filter. If the flow cell is dirty, flush the system. Ensure the sheath container lid is tight and all connectors are secure to prevent air leaks. If you are using hypertonic buffers or fixative, replace them.
N
Nathan SchultzAug 31, 2025
What to do if sample tube not fitting on SIP in BD FACSymphony A3 Measuring Instruments?
- W
  wellsmelissaSep 1, 2025
  If the sample tube doesn't fit on the SIP of your BD Measuring Instruments, first ensure you are using Falcon 12 x 75-mm sample tubes. If you are using the correct tubes and they still don't fit, the Bal seal may be worn and need replacement. Also, check if the sample tube is cracked, and if so, transfer the contents to a new tube.
W
Wesley JamesSep 4, 2025
Why is there no fluorescence signal from BD FACSymphony A3 Measuring Instruments?
- G
  garciajoSep 4, 2025
  If there is no fluorescence signal from your BD Measuring Instruments, the issue could stem from an incorrect fluorochrome assignment. Verify that the cytometer configuration in the software matches the optical filters in the cytometer and that the configuration is as expected.
L
lisa05Sep 8, 2025
Why is there rapid sample aspiration in BD Measuring Instruments?
- K
  Kevin SantosSep 8, 2025
  Rapid sample aspiration in BD Measuring Instruments can be due to the support arm being to the side. Ensure you place the support arm under the sample tube.

Summary

About This Guide

What This Guide Covers

Details the scope and content of the user manual for FACSymphony A3 and A5 flow cytometers.

Conventions

Explains symbols, abbreviations, and formatting used throughout the guide.

About the Documentation

Lists related documentation and resources available for the system.

Instrument Technical Support

Provides information on how to obtain technical assistance and contact support.

Introduction

System Overview

Introduces the main components of the BD FACSymphony A3 and A5 systems.

Cytometer Overview

Describes the basic functionality and technology of the flow cytometers.

Control Panel

Details the components and functions of the instrument's control panel.

Fluidics System

Explains the function and components of the fluidics system.

Sheath and Waste Containers

Describes the sheath and waste containers, their capacity, and alarms.

Optics

Details the optical components, including detector arrays and laser options.

Workstation

Describes the workstation components and their role in operating the system.

Cytometer Setup

Starting the Cytometer and Computer

Guides on powering on and initializing the cytometer and workstation.

Preparing the Sheath Container

Provides instructions for preparing the sheath fluid container for use.

Removing Air Bubbles

Details the procedure for removing air bubbles from the fluidics system.

Preparing the Waste Container

Instructs on how to prepare and manage the waste container.

Priming the Fluidics

Explains the process of priming the fluidics system for optimal operation.

About Optical Filters and Mirrors

Describes the optical filters and mirrors used in the cytometer's detection system.

Custom Configurations and Baselines

Discusses creating custom configurations and defining baselines for performance checks.

Maintenance

Maintenance Overview

Provides general guidelines and an overview of routine maintenance procedures.

Cleaning the Fluidics

Details the daily fluidics cleaning procedure to prevent clogs and dye residue.

Shutting Down the Cytometer

Guides on the proper procedure for shutting down the cytometer.

Flushing the System

Explains how to perform an overall fluidics cleaning and system flush.

Replacing the Waste Container Cap

Provides instructions for replacing the waste container cap.

Changing the Sheath Filter

Guides on how to replace the sheath filter assembly.

Changing the Bal Seal

Details the procedure for replacing the Bal seal on the sample injection tube.

Changing the Sample Tube O-Ring

Instructs on how to change the sample tube O-ring for proper vacuum function.

Cleaning or Replacing the Sheath Gasket

Describes how to clean or replace the gasket on the sheath tank lid.

Optimizing Cytometer Settings

Cytometer Settings Workflow

Outlines the process for optimizing cytometer settings using BD FACSDiva software.

Verifying Configuration and User Preferences

Guides on checking cytometer configuration and user preferences before creating experiments.

Running a Performance Check

Details how to perform a performance check for quality control and laser delay optimization.

Setting Up an Experiment

Explains how to create a new experiment, specify parameters, and add compensation tubes.

Creating Application Settings

Guides on creating and saving application settings for reproducible use.

Recording Compensation Controls

Details the process for creating and recording compensation controls.

Calculating Compensation

Explains how to calculate compensation based on recorded control data.

Recording and Analyzing Data

Data Recording and Analysis Workflow

Outlines basic acquisition and analysis tasks using BD FACSDiva software.

Preparing the Workspace

Guides on preparing the workspace and applying application settings before recording data.

Recording Data

Provides an example of how to preview and record data for multiple samples.

Analyzing Data

Describes how to analyze recorded tubes by creating plots, gates, and statistics.

Reusing an Analysis

Explains how to apply analysis to a series of recorded tubes using global worksheets.

Troubleshooting

Cytometer Troubleshooting

Lists common cytometer problems and their recommended solutions.

Electronics Troubleshooting

Provides solutions for common electronics issues, such as connectivity problems.

Manual Settings

About Laser Delay

Explains how to manually set the laser delay if not using CS&T.

Optimizing Laser Delay

Guides on optimizing laser delay using BD FACSDiva software.

Adjusting Area Scaling

Describes how to manually adjust area scaling for specific applications.

Supplies and Consumables

Ordering Information

Details how to order spare parts and consumables from BD Biosciences.

Beads

Lists the available QC and CS&T beads for use with the system.

Reagents

Lists common reagents and their catalog numbers for system use.

Equipment

Lists essential equipment items, suppliers, and catalog numbers.

BD FACSymphony A3 Specifications

General

Detectors	Up to 50 detectors
Application	Flow cytometry
Forward Scatter (FSC) Detector	Yes
Side Scatter (SSC) Detector	Yes
Sorting Capability	Not applicable
Data Acquisition	BD FACSDiva software
Weight	Approximately 136 kg
Power Requirements	100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz
Laser Options	Up to 5 lasers (405nm, 488nm, 561nm, 640nm, UV)
Fluorescence Parameters	Up to 50 parameters