Better Data Driving Better Decisions

How Does It Work? 9

• Unlike a microdialysis probe, how does the cOFM sampling insert prevent damage to brain tissue while sampling?
• Unlike microdialysis, can I use the same animals for several intermittent sampling sessions over several days or weeks without creating tissue damage? For how long?
• Can I sample neurotransmitters with cOFM?
• How tiny are the cOFM probes and can I use it for rats and mice?
• Do you offer cOFM contract research services?

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Pumps 13

• Can I try a demo pump before making a purchase?
• Does your pump integrate push and pull options in the same unit? Is there any calibration required?
• How tightly controlled are the push and pull pump heads? Is there any difference between the push and pull pump head settings (for example, pull setting is 10% higher than the push)?
• What is the flow rate range with which I can operate the OFM pump in push-pull mode?
• Do I have to use the OFM Bag to deliver the perfusate (e.g., aCSF) or can I use a container filled with the buffer externally?

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Sampling Inserts 2

• How do I order a custom probe cOFM-P-X-Y?
• Can cOFM probes be autoclaved?

Surgical Questions 3

• What is the difference between a microdialysis guide cannula and the cOFM guide that I should consider when calculating the ventral stereotaxic coordinates for my region of interest?
• Is it possible to put more than one cOFM probe in the same mouse brain?
• Is there a cap that goes over the healing dummy?

Recovery Calculations 3

• Is there a recovery factor for cOFM probes? What are the factors that influence recovery of molecules through cOFM probes in vivo? Is dilution of ISF a factor?
• What is the principle of in vitro recovery in cOFM. How does it differ to microdialysis? What is the relevance of in vitro recovery with cOFM?
• What is the best way to calculate in vivo recovery using cOFM probes?

Study Set-up 7

• Can I infuse substances or molecules through a cOFM probe into the brain in vivo? What is the infusion factor?
• Do I need to include BSA (Bovine Serum Albumin) in the perfusate to minimize non-specific binding? What percentage do you recommend?
• We are interested in sampling in awake animals at different time points over several days (maybe two samples per day), but we do not need to use the perfusate for the entire period. Is it necessary for the pump to be continuously operated b
• I understand that the pump can be used for up to one month of continuous sampling, but how long can I continuously perfuse in vivo? Is there any evidence of tissue reactivity caused by the pump liquid flow into the cOFM probe/brain?
• When I change the healing dummy against the sampling insert, is there a run-in period like with microdialysis where the membrane has to swell?

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Tubing 7

• What is the difference between single channel and three channel tubing sets?
• Can I install the three channel tubing sets to the pump and not use two of the channels?
• Does the entire tubing apparatus need to be switched after every use? In the past, I have used the same tubing sets for 5 continuous days (usually 3 to 4 studies that are 24 hours long with overnight stabilization and a buffer flush for a f
• Are there any special requirements when cutting the tubing to length (razor/scalpel)?
• If we can use 3 tubings at one pump head, is it possible to use on 3 separate animals?

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