For optimal results, we recommend that you analyze stained cells immediately.
However, if you do need to store your samples that were stained with antibodies conjugated to organic fluorochromes, we recommend you complete your staining protocol and fix your samples with IC Fixation Buffer (Cat. Nos. 00-8222-49, 00-8222-52) (100 µL sample with 100 µL IC Fixation Buffer) or 1-step Fix/Lyse Solution (Cat. Nos. 00-5333-54, 00-5333-57). Cells can be stored in these buffers for up to 3 days in the dark at 4 degrees C.
We have observed minimal impact on brightness or FRET efficiency/compensation when using the IC Fixation (Cat. Nos. 00-8222-49, 00-8222-52) or 1-step Fix/Lyse Solution (Cat. Nos. 00-5333-54, 00-5333-57). Differences in fixation buffer quality can affect fluorochrome brightness or FRET efficiency. Fixation of tandem dyes, such as APC-eFluor 780 and PE-Cy7, does not increase the amount of compensation required from the APC or PE detector, respectively. Some generalizations regarding fluorophore performance after fixation can be made, but clone specific performance should be determined empirically.
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