BD FACSymphony A5 - User Manual

Questions and Answers

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Elizabeth SmithAug 14, 2025
What to do if there are no events in acquisition display and RUN button is orange on BD Measuring Instruments?
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  Kelly GreeneAug 14, 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.
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leslieparkerAug 17, 2025
Why is there high CV or poor QC in BD FACSymphony A5?
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  Austin WebsterAug 18, 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
Melissa MartinAug 21, 2025
What to do if there are no events in acquisition display and RUN button is green on BD Measuring Instruments?
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  Michael Lewis MDAug 21, 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.
A
Andrea EwingAug 25, 2025
How to fix droplets visible in BD Measuring Instruments?
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  fstrongAug 26, 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.
S
Stephanie MyersAug 28, 2025
Why are scatter parameters distorted on BD Measuring Instruments?
- D
  Daniel DavisAug 28, 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.
C
chelsea33Sep 1, 2025
What to do if sample tube not fitting on SIP in BD FACSymphony A5 Measuring Instruments?
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  Sarah FernandezSep 2, 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.
R
richardhunterSep 5, 2025
Why is there no fluorescence signal from BD Measuring Instruments?
- D
  David LyonsSep 5, 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.
D
derrickgraySep 8, 2025
Why is there rapid sample aspiration in BD FACSymphony A5?
- N
  Nathan GomezSep 9, 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

Instrument technical support

Provides information on how to obtain technical assistance for the instrument.

Cytometer setup

Starting the cytometer and computer

Provides instructions for powering on and initializing the cytometer and computer.

Preparing the sheath container

Details the steps for preparing the sheath fluid container.

Removing air bubbles

Explains the procedure to remove trapped air bubbles from the fluidics system.

Preparing the waste container

Provides instructions for preparing and handling the waste container.

Priming the fluidics

Custom configurations and baselines

Maintenance

Maintenance overview

Cleaning the fluidics

Procedure for daily cleaning of the cytometer's fluidics system.

Shutting down the cytometer

Flushing the system

Changing the sheath filter

Changing the Bal seal

Changing the sample tube O-ring

Optimizing cytometer settings

Cytometer settings workflow

Verifying the configuration and user preferences

Running a performance check

Procedure for daily performance checks and quality control.

Setting up an experiment

Steps for creating a new experiment and configuring parameters.

Creating application settings

Recording compensation controls

Procedure for creating and recording compensation control data.

Calculating compensation

How to calculate and apply compensation settings.

Recording and analyzing data

Data recording and analysis workflow

Preparing the workspace

Recording data

Procedure for acquiring data from samples.

Analyzing data

Instructions for analyzing recorded data using plots and statistics.

Reusing an analysis

Troubleshooting

Cytometer troubleshooting

Provides solutions for common cytometer operational problems.

Electronics troubleshooting

Offers solutions for electronic issues and connectivity problems.

BD FACSymphony A5 Specifications

General

Type	Flow Cytometer
Software	BD FACSDiva Software
Cell Sorting	No
Laser Configuration	Up to 5 lasers
Fluorescence Detection	PMTs (Photomultiplier Tubes)
Data Acquisition Rate	Up to 40, 000 events per second
Flow Rate	Adjustable
Weight	Approximately 136 kg
Power Requirements	100–240 VAC, 50/60 Hz
Applications	Immunophenotyping, cell cycle analysis