*Required

On-Demand Course: Enhancing FISH Sensitivity

Register now to access a free virtual training course, Enhancing Sensitivity for Detection of Genetic Aberrations in Multiple Myeloma.

In this self-paced, virtual course, you will learn how to operate the STEMvision™ instrument to perform imaging and analysis of CFU colonies from the CFU assay.

Instructor Bio

Dr. Amanda Flies

Dr. Amanda Flies, Team Lead, Scientific Support

Amanda is a Team Lead in the Scientific Support Department at STEMCELL Technologies. Amanda obtained her PhD in Microbiology/Immunology from Boston University. Her PhD project focused on immunity toward light-chain producing plasma cells in AL Amyloidosis, a plasma cell malignancy. Prior to joining STEMCELL, she was an Instructor and Adjunct Professor of Immunology and Microbiology. At STEMCELL, Amanda provides frontline support with our product portfolios to the global customer base and sales staff, supporting research, biotech, and diagnostic labs. She specializes in STEMCELL’s immunology product portfolio, including cell separation and immune cell culture products, and also contributes as a trainer in the corporate training programs with a focus on immunology products and protocols.

Course Curriculum

Session 1: Background and Sample Collection
  • The global burden, characteristics, and diagnostic criteria for multiple myeloma
  • Sample collection for diagnostic and prognostic testing: bone marrow aspirates vs. bone marrow biopsies
  • Typical bone marrow sample collection workflow
  • The issue with hemodilution in bone marrow aspirates

Mini Quiz: Test Your Knowledge


Estimated time for completion: 20 minutes

Session 2: Plasma Cell Isolation for FISH
  • Challenges in prognostic testing
  • Isolation of CD138+ plasma cells to increase sensitivity in FISH

Mini Quiz: Test Your Knowledge


Estimated time for completion: 20 minutes

Session 3: Sample Storage and Processing
  • Bone marrow sample handling and storage parameters affecting sample quality and CD138+ plasma cell isolation
  • Recommended illustrated protocol to process bone marrow samples

Mini Quiz: Test Your Knowledge


Estimated time for completion: 20 minutes

Session 4: Manual Plasma Cell Isolation
  • Step-by-step protocol walkthrough for the manual isolation of CD138+ plasma cells with the EasySep™ Human Whole Blood and Bone Marrow CD138 Positive Selection Kit II
  • Principles of immunomagnetic isolation of CD138+ plasma cells

Mini Quiz: Test Your Knowledge


Estimated time for completion: 20 minutes

Session 5: Automated Plasma Cell Isolation
  • Key features of the RoboSep™-S automated cell isolation platform
  • Step-by-step walkthrough on how to isolate CD138+ plasma cells on the RoboSep™-S with the EasySep™ Human Whole Blood and Bone Marrow CD138 Positive Selection Kit II

Mini Quiz: Test Your Knowledge


Estimated time for completion: 20 minutes

Final Assessment

Complete this final assessment to test your knowledge and receive a certificate of completion.

This on-demand course is divided into 5 sessions, some with associated videos that illustrate how to perform the procedures discussed in the sessions. The sessions should be reviewed sequentially. The sessions range from approximately 15 - 20 minutes in duration and the entire course can be completed in approximately 2 hours. Note that this is not an accredited course and cannot be used to receive Continuing Education (CE) credits. If you wish to take an accredited course, please see our live virtual training.