CFU Assay Course-CA-Fall

Hematopoietic stem cell researchers can build deeper expertise in colony-forming unit methodology through this 2-day hands-on laboratory training program from STEMCELL Technologies. Delivered at the company's training facility in Vancouver, Canada, the course provides intensive instruction in CFU assays using MethoCult methylcellulose-based media.

Participants work through every stage of the CFU workflow, from cell preparation and plating through incubation and final colony scoring. Instruction covers erythroid (BFU-E, CFU-E), myeloid (CFU-G, CFU-M, CFU-GM), and multipotent (CFU-GEMM) colony types, with supervised microscopy practice. Sessions address both mouse and human progenitor cell assays, supporting translational work in bone marrow, cord blood, and mobilized peripheral blood samples.

Curriculum topics include:

• Cell density optimization and plating technique
• Incubation parameters and gas requirements for colony growth
• Standardized scoring criteria and inter-operator consistency
• Documentation practices for regulatory and publication-grade data

Targeted at graduate students entering stem cell research, core facility staff, and industry scientists establishing or auditing colony assay workflows, the program emphasizes reproducibility and standardization. Attendees receive reference materials covering expected colony morphology and troubleshooting guidance for common issues such as bacterial contamination and suboptimal growth.