Applications CFU Assay Course-CA-Winter

Build practical proficiency in hematopoietic colony quantification through this instructor-led training program developed by STEMCELL Technologies, the developer of MethoCult methylcellulose-based media. Participants learn the full Colony-Forming Unit (CFU) assay workflow, including preparation of single-cell suspensions from cord blood, mobilized peripheral blood, or bone marrow, plating in semi-solid media, incubation at 37 °C with 5% CO2, and identification of erythroid, myeloid, and multilineage colonies (BFU-E, CFU-GM, CFU-GEMM) under an inverted microscope.

The hands-on session covers pipetting technique for viscous methylcellulose, handling of 35 mm culture dishes, plating density recommendations (typically 1 x 10^4 to 1 x 10^5 cells per mL), and standardized scoring criteria aligned with published benchmarks. Trainees also receive guidance on troubleshooting common artifacts such as cell clumps, bacterial contamination, and erythroid-versus-myeloid interpretation errors.

Targeted at academic and pharma research staff, core facility operators, and graduate students, the course concludes with a certificate of completion and a reference protocol booklet. Materials include a kit of reagents, pre-prepared samples, and access to expert support for six months following the session.