VenaFlux FAQ
Answers to all your questions about the VenaFlux Solutions
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THE BOX?
EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR VENAFLUX BASIC OR STARTER
Q1. What do I need to get started with my VenaFlux Basic/Starter?
A1. You will need:
-
Inverted microscope to image your experiment
-
Digital camera to capture images and record videos
-
Image Analysis Software
-
Computer to run the pump software, digital camera software and image analysis software
​
Please click on the icon below to see recommended minimum specifications for each item:
Inverted Microscope: e.g. AxioVert A1 fluorescence inverted microscope or similar.
Specifications include:
-
Objectives: 10X, 20X; 40X (LD A-plan 10x/0.25 Ph1 (PS); LD PN 20x/0.4 Corr Ph2; LD PN 40x/0.6 Corr Ph2)
-
LD condenser 0.4 for slider; Slider Ph/PlasDIC and Phase stop Ph 1/0.4 and Ph 2/0.4 for slider.
-
40X Phase contract objective; LD-plan Neofluar 40x/0.6 Corr Ph2 M27
-
LED-Modules: 355nm, 470nm and neutral white f. and reflector module FL EC P&C.
-
Filter sets: 49 DAPI, EX G365 shift free; 38 HE GFP shift free and 43 HE Cy3 shift free.
-
Camera Adaptor: C-Mount 60N-C 1" 1.0x
​​
Digital Camera: there are several options and the most budget-friendly is our DC-AVA1800. Specifications include:
-
Sensor: Progressive Scan CMOS
-
Pixel area: 3.45μm x 3.45μm (11.90μm )
-
Frame rate: 53 fps
-
Peak Quantum Efficiency % at 529nm: 64%
-
Active Array Size: 2064 x 1544 (3.2 Megapixel)
​​
Note: you may require a C-mount adaptor to connect this camera to your current microscope. Please contact Cellix with details of your microscope to ensure we can recommend the correct C-mount adapter. The list price for the C-mount adapters is usually ~€200-300.
Image Analysis Software: we recommend Image Pro cell analysis software. It is supplied on a USB key which can plug directly into the computer for download of a single-user license. If your budget does not stretch to Image Pro, we recommend a free software package called ImageJ.
​
​
Computer Requirements: Windows 10 (not 11) required.
​
​
ACCESSORIES & CONSUMABLES
Q1. What accessories do I require to conduct a thrombosis assay with my VenaFlux set-up?
A1. Below is a list of additional items required to conduct a thrombosis assay with the VenaFlux:
.jpg)
Eppendorf Holder
Humidified Box
Biochip Single Outlet Tube
Reagents
Note: the Eppendorf Reservoir is not required - this is usually used for droplet generation experiments; not for thrombosis experiments.
SOFTWARE QUESTIONS
Q1. Which software is required for image analysis?
A1. We recommend Image Pro cell analysis software. It is supplied on a USB key which can plug directly into the computer for download of a single-user license. If your budget does not stretch to Image Pro, we recommend a free software package called ImageJ.
PROUCT INSTALLATION AND TRAINING
Q1. Does Cellix provide product installation and training?
A1.
Product Installation:
-
VenaFlux Basic: Conducted online and it usually takes minutes to set-up the ExiGo pump but the customer should allow ~1hr so that we can explain everything to them, including the SmartFlo software.
-
VenaFlux Starter: Conducted online and it usually takes ~1hr to set-up the Mirus pump with the MultiFlow8 including priming/washout in preparation to begin the assay. The customer should allow ~2hrs so that we can explain everything to them, including the VenaFluxAssay software.
-
VenaFlux Pro: Conducted on-site by Cellix's trained personnel. It usually takes ~1 day to install the VenaFlux Pro.
-
VenaFlux Elite: Conducted on-site by Cellix's trained personnel. It usually takes ~1 day to install the VenaFlux Elite.
Product Training:
-
VenaFlux Basic: Conducted online and it usually takes ~1-2 hours so that we can explain everything to them, including the SmartFlo software. Before product training, our applications specialist Toby Paul, will contact the customer to ensure they have the reagents required to do the experiments.
-
VenaFlux Starter: Conducted online and it usually takes ~1-2 hours so that we can explain everything to them, including the SmartFlo software. Before product training, our applications specialist Toby Paul, will contact the customer to ensure they have the reagents required to do the experiments.
-
VenaFlux Pro: Conducted on-site by Cellix's trained personnel. It usually takes ~3 days to train users on the VenaFlux Pro. Before product training, our applications specialist Toby Paul, will contact the customer to ensure they have the reagents required to do the experiments.
-
VenaFlux Elite: Conducted on-site by Cellix's trained personnel. It usually takes ~3 days to train users on the VenaFlux Elite. Before product training, our applications specialist Toby Paul, will contact the customer to ensure they have the reagents required to do the experiments.
Training Charges:
-
VenaFlux Basic: Training is recommended but optional. It is conducted online and costs €395. This includes assistance with installation.
-
VenaFlux Starter: Training is recommended but optional. It is conducted online and costs €395. This includes assistance with installation.
-
VenaFlux Pro: Training is compulsory and included with the purchase of the VenaFlux Pro. It is conducted on-site by Cellix's trained personnel and usually takes ~3 days.
-
VenaFlux Elite: Training is compulsory and included with the purchase of the VenaFlux Elite. It is conducted on-site by Cellix's trained personnel and usually takes ~3 days.
If the customer has not already viewed the following videos, we recommend that they do so before training:
These videos will help the customer understand how to use the ExiGo pump for thrombosis experiments:​
1. How to pre coat a Vena8 Fluoro+ Biochip.​
2. Demo of Thrombosis Assay using Cellix's VenaFlux Basic setup with ExiGo pump.​
​3. Demo of Thrombosis Assay using Cellix's VenaFlux Starter setup with Mirus pump.
