Getting started

Registration

All individuals wishing to use the SickKids-UHN FCF must first register with the facility.

Investigators from labs based at SickKids (TMDT and main campus) and UHN-affiliated institutions such as TGH, OCI/PMH, and TWH should use the Internal Investigator registration form. All other investigators should use the External Investigator registration form. The forms are available in Word format from the links below.

Upon completion of Biosafety Requirements #1 and #2 (see below) and registration approval you will be provided with access to the online booking system and your login name and password will be emailed to you. See the Booking Appointments page for instructions on how to use the online booking system and to see our booking policies. All approved users will have permission to book cell sorting appointments and consultation appointments. To use any of the analytical cytometers or automated magnetic cell separators you must first be trained by FCF staff (see Training below).

Biosafety Requirements

All users must review our biosafety policies which can be found here: http://www.sickkids.ca/research/FCF/biosafety.asp

  1. Principal investigators must provide documentation that they have Institutional Biosafety approval for use of any biohazardous agents that will be brought into our facility. All SickKids principal investigators must provide a valid SickKids Biosafety Permit. All UHN principal investigators must provide a valid UHN Research Biosafety Certificate. External principal investigators (whose laboratories are not located at SickKids or UHN) must provide a valid UHN Research Biosafety Certificate. These Biosafety Permits/Certificates must cover all work being conducted in the FCF facility.

    Please contact UHN Biosafety ( ) to obtain more information on how to obtain a UHN Research Biosafety Certificate.

    Please email an electronic copy of your SickKids Biosafety Permit or UHN Research Biosafety Certificate to the FCF manager Sherry Zhao (from PI's institutional email account) to:

  2. All individual users must also provide proof of institutional safety training.

    SickKids Users:

    All SickKids users must provide proof that they have completed SickKids Biological Safety 1 and 2 and Chemical Safety 1 and 2 training within the last 24 months. To register online for SickKids safety seminars visit the Research Institute intranet site (http://riweb/rtc/safetySeminars.jsp). If you have completed training contact or to obtain an electronic certificate.

    UHN Users and External Users (whose laboratories are not located at SickKids or UHN):

    UHN Users and External Users must provide an electronic copy of a valid UHN Research Safety Training Certificate. Please contact UHN Biosafety ) to obtain more information on how to register for UHN Research Safety Training and obtain a certificate.

    Please email an electronic copy of your SickKids Biosafety Permit or UHN Research Biosafety Certificate to the FCF manager Sherry Zhao

  3. All individual users must attend a ~30 minute FCF Biosafety Orientation Session within 1 month of registration. Users must read the FCF Biosafety Procedures manual and also print out, and bring with them the FCF Safety Orientation Check list which must be signed and submitted at the end of the session. These documents can be found here: http://www.sickkids.ca/research/FCF/biosafety.asp.

    Please ensure you have submitted your proof of Institutional Biosafety Training BEFORE attending an FCF Safety Orientation session. These sessions are usually held the first Thursday of the month in the morning. To register please email Arian at

Security Access

To use the FCF all approved and registered users must also complete the TMDT Pass Card Request form so they can be issued a security access card. Fill out the "NAME OF CARDHOLDER" portion and enter your existing card ID# (section (B)) if you have one. This will allow entrance to the TMDT building and FCF Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Requests to access the FCF on weekends or outside normal business hours can be made by completing the 24 Hour FCF Access form below. In addition, fill out the "NAME OF CARDHOLDER" portion of the TMDT Pass Card Request form, enter your existing card ID# (section (B)) and check the "24/7+holidays" box.

Note: Requests will only be granted to users who have demonstrated that they can use the instruments independently. Newly trained users are required to have used an instrument at least 3 times within 2 months of being trained before they can request 24 hour access. Requests will be granted at the discretion of the FCF manager.

Please complete and sign the correct form(s) and return them directly to the facility.
DO NOT SIGN the authorization portion of the form; FCF staff will do this)

Training

To use any of the analytical cytometers or automated magnetic cell separators users must receive training from SickKids-UHN FCF staff. Users that have been trained by other facilities must still be trained by SickKids-UHN FCF staff. learn more about enrolling in training courses »»