Flow Cytometry solutions built with LabKey Server automatically process and analyze data from multiple instrument runs to enable high-throughput screening.

The LabKey Server platform allows research teams and organizations to automate the processing and analysis of flow cytometry data across many instruments runs using a common gating strategy. LabKey's approach allows research labs to accomplish much higher-throughput screening of flow cytometry results in pre-clinical observational studies.

An investigator first defines a gate template for an entire study using FlowJo™ and uploads the FlowJo™ workspace to the LabKey Server platform. The investigator then points LabKey Server to a repository of FCS files, either on a network file server or (soon) a BioTrue™ CDMS Flow repository, and starts an analysis.

LabKey Server computes the compensation matrix, applies gates, calculates statistics, and generates graphs. Results are stored in a relational database and displayed using secure, interactive web pages. Researchers can then define custom queries and views to analyze large result sets. Gate templates can be modified, and new analyses can be run and compared. Results can be printed, emailed or exported to tools such as Excel or R for further analysis. LabKey Server enables quality control and statistical positivity analysis over data sets that are too large to manage effectively using PC-based solutions.

LabKey Server is not designed for highly interactive, exploratory investigations with small sample sizes and unique gating configurations for each sample. We recommend FlowJo™. for these types of investigations.

The LabKey Server system as described above is in production use at the McElrath lab at FHCRC and in trial deployments at the University of Washington and Duke University.

Flow Cytometry Solution Components

Flow Cytometry Core

LabKey Server provides statistical analysis and graphs for high-volume, highly standardized flow cytometry experiments. The system also integrates with FlowJo™, BioTrue™ and R.

Collaboration Tools

LabKey Server provides tools for sharing information and ideas on public and private webs. It includes a wiki for sharing dynamic content, a message board for online discussions and an issue tracker for workflow management.

Administration and Installation Tools

LabKey Server provides fine-grained control over project structures and user permissions. Administrators can add specialized tools to customized projects and folders.

Developers

The LabKey Software Foundation provides the LabKey Developer Community Forum for programmers who seek to customize or extend LabKey Server.