Beckman Coulter CytoFLEX

Questions and Answers

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Brett AtkinsAug 16, 2025
How to fix a Beckman Coulter CytoFLEX Cytometer that will not turn on?
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  Adam BarkerAug 16, 2025
  If the Cytometer cannot be turned on, it might be due to the instrument being turned off in the Cytometer menu, the power switch being in the off position, the power cable not being securely connected, or a blown fuse. Here’s how to address it: 1. Ensure the power switch is in the on position on the back of the Cytometer. 2. Select Turn On in the Cytometer menu. 3. Ensure that the power cable is securely connected to the back of the Cytometer. 4. Replace the fuse.
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deborahtuckerAug 19, 2025
What to do if my Beckman Coulter Laboratory Equipment Workstation won't turn on?
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  Tiffany FoxAug 19, 2025
  If the Workstation cannot be turned on, it may be because the power cable is not securely connected or the Workstation was restarted too fast. To solve this: 1. Ensure that the power cable is securely connected to the back of the Cytometer. 2. Unplug the power cable, wait 10 seconds, then plug it back in. Then, restart the computer.
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rlamAug 22, 2025
How to fix Beckman Coulter Laboratory Equipment sample tube holder that won't move automatically?
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  Donna CraigAug 22, 2025
  If the sample tube holder on your Beckman Coulter Laboratory Equipment cannot move up and down automatically, the setting might be incorrect. Ensure that the sample injection mode in the software is in Semi-Automatic Injection mode.
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Anita TaylorAug 25, 2025
How to resolve low laser power on Beckman Coulter Laboratory Equipment?
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  Keith PotterAug 26, 2025
  If the laser power is low on your Beckman Coulter Laboratory Equipment, it may be due to a communication error. To resolve this: 1. Reinitialize. 2. Restart the Cytometer.
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Lisa MatthewsAug 28, 2025
What to do if the Beckman Coulter CytoFLEX shows a Disconnected and Error message?
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  Vanessa MartinezAug 28, 2025
  If the connection indicator light in the lower left corner of the software screen is red and displays Disconnected and Error, it could be due to a data connection error, the Cytometer not being turned on, or the Cytometer’s power cable being disconnected. To resolve this: * Ensure the USB data cable is securely connected to the back of the Cytometer and the Workstation. * Restart the software and the Workstation. * Turn on the Cytometer using the power switch on the back of the instrument. * Verify that the power cable is securely connected to the back of the Cytometer.
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yhughesAug 31, 2025
Why is the alarm not working on my Beckman Coulter CytoFLEX Laboratory Equipment?
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  michaeljeffersonAug 31, 2025
  If the alarm does not sound when the waste container is full or the sheath fluid container is low and the software status display is red, it could be due to the alarm not working, an instrument data connection error, the sheath fluid/waste harness float being restricted, or the sheath fluid/waste harnesses being secured on the wrong container. To resolve this: 1. Ensure the sheath fluid/waste harnesses are secured to the correct container. 2. Ensure that the USB data cable is securely connected to the back of the Cytometer and the back of the Workstation. 3. Restart the Workstation. 4. Restart the software. 5. Verify that the float of the sensor in the sheath fluid/waste container moves freely. 6. Replace the sheath fluid/waste harness.
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Shannon MyersSep 6, 2025
Why is the sample flow rate unstable on my Beckman Coulter Laboratory Equipment?
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  Shannon MeyerSep 6, 2025
  If the sample flow rate is unstable on your Beckman Coulter Laboratory Equipment, it could be due to several reasons: * The sample probe is clogged. * The sample contains aggregates or clumps. * There are air bubbles in the flow cell. * The sample peristaltic pump tubing is aged or not properly connected. To address this: 1. Run Prime. 2. Run Daily Clean. 3. Clean the sample probe. 4. Filter the sample using an appropriately sized mesh aperture filter. 5. Ensure that the sample tubing is properly connected. 6. Replace the sample probe and sample peristaltic pump tubing.
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Taylor FritzSep 9, 2025
How do I stop populations from drifting on my Beckman Coulter Laboratory Equipment?
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  Sean RuizSep 9, 2025
  If populations are drifting on your Beckman Coulter Laboratory Equipment, it could be due to air bubbles in the flow cell or system, or the sheath fluid harness float being restricted. To resolve this, you can: 1. Run Prime. 2. Ensure that the sheath fluid harness and/or waste harness is not kinked and is securely connected. 3. Run Prime again. 4. Verify that the float of the sensor in the sheath fluid container moves freely. 5. Replace the sheath fluid harness.
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Angelica MarshallSep 12, 2025
What causes a fast sampling flow rate on Beckman Coulter CytoFLEX?
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  Nicole BrownSep 12, 2025
  If the sampling flow rate is too fast on the Beckman Coulter Laboratory Equipment, it could be due to a low threshold setting, high sample concentration, too many sample fragments, a clogged sheath fluid filter, or the sample flow rate requiring calibration. To address this: 1. Increase the threshold using the manual threshold setting. 2. Calibrate the sample flow rate. 3. Dilute the sample and adjust the concentration to approximately 106/mL. 4. Filter the sample using an appropriately sized mesh aperture filter. 5. Restain the sample. 6. Replace the Sheath Fluid Filter.

Summary

CHAPTER 1: System Overview

Cytometer

Details optics, laser devices, and scatter detection specifications.

Performance Characteristics

Lists sensitivity, resolution, carryover, and throughput specifications.

CHAPTER 4: Instrument Quality Control and Standardization

Preparing the QC Sample

Importing Lot-Specific Target Values

Guides importing lot-specific target values for QC.

Collecting QC Data

Steps for collecting QC data.

Confirming Results

How to review and interpret QC results.

Creating Levey-Jennings Charts

Standardization

Adding, Editing, Importing, and Deleting Standardization Laser Target Values in the QC Experiment

Managing standardization target values.

CHAPTER 5: Data Acquisition and Sample Analysis

Creating an Experiment

Load Sample and Record Data

Procedures for loading samples and recording data.

Verifying, Selecting, Editing, and Creating Detector Configuration

Managing detector configurations.

Sampling and Collecting Data

Steps for collecting sample data.

Configuring Acquisition Settings

Adjusting settings for data acquisition.

Creating Plots and Gates

Adjusting the Gain

Increasing or decreasing signal value by adjusting gain.

Adjusting the Threshold

Removing signal noise by adjusting threshold.

Analyzing and Exporting Data

Procedures for analyzing and exporting data.

Exporting FCS Files

CHAPTER 6: Compensation

Creating a Compensation Experiment

Steps to create a compensation experiment.

Calculating Compensation Values

Calculating and exporting compensation values.

Creating a Compensation Experiment [With Plate Loader]

Creating compensation experiments with Plate Loader.

Importing Compensation Settings from Compensation Matrix Files

Importing Compensation Settings from the Compensation Library

CHAPTER 7: Data Review

Copying Experiments and Importing Data

Setting the Plots and Statistics

Configuring plots and statistics for analysis.

Calculating Sample Volume and Concentration

CHAPTER 8: Daily Shutdown

Shutting Down the Instrument

Steps to properly shut down the instrument.

CHAPTER 9: Troubleshooting

Precautions;Hazards

Safety precautions and hazard information.

Laser Related Hazards

Information on compliance with laser safety regulations.

Laser Beam Hazards

Details laser types and safe use principles.

Hazard Labels and Locations

Troubleshooting Table

Lists common problems, causes, and corrective actions.

CHAPTER 10: Cleaning Procedures

Routine Cleaning

Daily Clean

Daily cleaning for sample line, probe, and residual sample removal.

Cleaning the Sample Station

Cleaning the Sample Probe

Procedures for cleaning a blocked sample probe.

Deep Clean Procedure

Monthly procedure to clean the instrument flow cell.

Preparing the Instrument for Transport or Storage

Lifting and Carrying Instructions

CHAPTER 11: Replacement;Adjustment Procedures

Routine Replacement;Adjustment

Front Cover Removal and Reinstallation

Right-Side Cover Removal and Reinstallation

Managing the Maintenance Reminder

Replacing the Sheath Fluid Filter

Replacing the Sample Probe and;or the Sample Peristaltic Pump Tubing

Replacing sample probe or peristaltic pump tubing.

Replacing the Sample Probe Assembly [With Plate Loader]

Replacing the sample probe assembly with Plate Loader.

Changing the Sample Probe from the Single Tube Sample Station to the Plate Loader [CytoFLEX With Plate Loader]

Inspecting the Liquid Flow Path for Leaks

Priming the Flow Cell

Plate Loader Module Removal and Reinstallation [With Plate Loader]

Removing and reinstalling the Plate Loader module.

Nonscheduled Replacement;Adjustment

Calibrating the Sample Flow Rate

Calibrating the sample flow rate.

Setting Laser Delay

Replacing the Optical Filter

Replacing the Fuse

Replacing the Sheath Fluid Harness and;or Waste Harness

Replacing faulty sensor harnesses.

Calibrating the Plate Position [With Plate Loader]

Calibrating plate and probe positions for Plate Loader.

APPENDIX A: Instrument Installation

Installation Environment Validation

Power Source

Power source requirements and safety warnings.

Waste Disposal

Installing the Instrument and Connecting the Equipment [CytoFLEX]

Connecting instrument components.

Installing the Software [CytoFLEX]

Workflow for installing CytExpert software.

Upgrading the CytExpert Software

Procedure for upgrading CytExpert software.

Reinstalling the CytExpert Software

Steps to reinstall CytExpert software.

Installing the Instrument Configuration File

Installing instrument configuration settings.

APPENDIX B: CytExpert Electronic Record Management

Experiment Management

Experiment Directory Management

Importing an Experiment;Template

Exporting an Experiment;Template

Electronic Signature

Signing and retracting experiments electronically.

User Management

User administration, role, and account policy management.

APPENDIX C: Sample Injection Mode Control Kit

Switching the Sample Probe from the Single Tube Sample Station to the Plate Loader [With Sample Injection Mode Control Knob]

Switching probe for Plate Loader mode.

Switching the Sample Probe from the Plate Loader to the Single Tube Sample Station [With Sample Injection Mode Control Knob]

Switching probe back to single tube mode.

Beckman Coulter CytoFLEX Specifications

General

Detection Channels	Up to 13 fluorescence channels
Sample Volume	12 µL to 1, 000 µL
Side Scatter (SSC)	Yes
Data Acquisition Rate	Up to 30, 000 events per second
Software	CytExpert
Sample Volume Options	12 µL to 1, 000 µL
Power Requirements	100-240 V, 50/60 Hz
Lasers	Up to 3 lasers (405 nm, 488 nm, 561 nm, 638 nm)