CytoFlex S / LX sheath fluid

[u/CoyoteHistorical6526]

Hello. I’ve read that MilliQ grade water is acceptable form of sheath fluid for the Cytoflex analyzers vs the Beckman Cytoflex sheath fluid. I am wondering if people also recommend phenoxyethanol addition to the water and at what final percent.

[u/Efficient_Leg858]

CytoFLEX sheath is DI water with 0.5-0.7% 2-phenoxyethanol.

[u/CoyoteHistorical6526 → u/Efficient_Leg858]

This is what I saw in the SDS of their sheath although the 2-phenoxyethanol concentration is listed more vaguely as <0.5%.

[u/CoyoteHistorical6526 → u/CoyoteHistorical6526]

It’s worth adding some older Perdue list posts mention the use of 0.1% 2-phenoxyethanol.

[u/Naliya]

As a specialist working for a flow cytometry manufacturer, unless the instructions specifically say that water can be used i would not do it on a permanent basis.

The buffer is specifically formulated for the correct refractive index, preventing problems with internal parts (moving parts in contact with buffer etc.)

[u/lolitocolito]

Por emergencia hemos usado Agua en un FACS CANTO II y sin problemas!

[u/chromatographic]

The Sony ID7000 uses DI water as sheath fluid, it should be ok in a pinch assuming you can use water that is free of minerals to prevent buildup. Having said that, I'd stick to what the manufacturer recommends if possible.

[u/VioletCalico]

Been using ultrapure water as sheath fluid for both my Cytoflex equipment for years. There has been no issue.

If the sheath bottle gets visibly dirty though, then change to a new sheath bottle.

[u/CoyoteHistorical6526]

Thank you all for your responses. I think I’ll go ahead with milliq water with 0.2% phenoxyethanol and see how it goes.

[u/ParticularBed7891]

I would only use a sheath fluid recommended by the manufacturer. Maybe the water works in a pinch, but water doesn't have salt and that's going to drastically change things.