Steps to use the Stain-iT Cell Staining Simulator

Visualize staining your cell without wasting your reagents, antibodies, or time. The Stain-iT Cell Staining Simulator has been designed to assist with all levels of experimental complexity with the goal of helping you generate quality results.

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Watch the Stain-iT Cell Staining Video Tutorial

Learn the 5 easy steps :

Step 1: Input your microscope configuration

Click the Instrument tab in Stain-iT Cell Staining Simulator.

Knowing your microscope or imaging instrument includes understanding the number of lasers, lamps, light cubes, and filters. Manufacturer web pages typically include information about their models under specifications or features. If you are unable to find your instrument, you can enter the details manually or use the simulated instrument setting. The simulated instrument setting allows you to see all the reagent and dye possibilities.

Custom settings allows you to enter in your specific instrument.

Step 2: Input your experimental conditions

Click the Cell tab in Stain-iT Cell Staining Simulator.

The next step is to enter the fixation status of your sample. The sample preparation directly impacts the reagents and probes used in your experiment. Some reagents are not compatible with fixatives.

Pick the cellular structure or organelle that you want to stain with a dye or probe or antibody.

Laser light from the instrument is divided into specific spectral channels. Fluorophores are excited by the laser light and then emit light that can be visualized. Picking the color of the channel influences the fluorophore selection associated with the reagent. If you are choosing multiple products, try to spread out the fluorophores to different channels and minimize spectral overlap.

Product types include reagents and secondary antibodies/labeling kits. There can be multiple reagents that can visualize a given cell structure. Use the SpectraViewer tool to determine which will provide optimal emitted spectrum.

Step 3: Examine the excitation and emission spectra

Examine the spectral compatibility of dyes, probes, and reagents with the SpectraViewer. The goal is to reduce spectral overlap among the multiple reagents you’ve chosen.

Hovering your mouse or pointer on the SpectraViewer will show the wavelength selected and the percentage of excitation and emission of a particular fluorophore associated with the reagent.

Click full screen to get a larger view of the spectrum.

Click on the left corner of the SpectraViewer to separate the fluorophores or lasers onto individual plots. This will show more detail on the individual spectrum. Click the far right corner on exit full screen to go back to experimental conditions.

Step 4: Export data
Click on the left corner of the Cell or SpectraViewer to export data and put into your lab notebook.
Step 5: Pick products and order

Click the review and add to cart to purchase products.

Confirm quantity and look at the technical specifications of each product. Most products are accompanied by a detailed protocol regarding the use of the product found on the linked product name.

Resources

For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.