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Flow Cytometry

Flow cytometry is a technique commonly used by immunologists to analyse a range of properties of individual cells based on the presence of a specific protein either on the cell surface or within the cell.

The technique requires cell samples to be injected into a flow cytometer and passed through a laser at high speed. The fluorescence and light scattering from individual cells can then be used for subsequent analysis, determining the unique properties for cells and their components.

Flow cytometry has many practical applications, including the detection and measurement of protein expression, cell cycle and health status and identification and characterization of cells within a heterogeneous sample.

What is Flow Cytometry Used For?

Flow cytometry is a biological laboratory technique that is used to detect, identify and count specific cells within a sample. The method also has the capability to identify particular components that make up the target cells, based on physical characteristics and antigens that are present on the surface or within a cell.

Based on this, flow cytometry can be used for many different applications, including cancer detection and treatment, genetics and sperm testing.

How does Flow Cytometry Work?

To perform flow cytometry, a sample containing suspended cells or particles are injected into a flow cytometer. Samples are transported to a flow cell, before being injected at high speed, ready to deliver cells individually to a laser. These individual cells then pass through a laser beam, causing fluorescence of samples and light scattering.

The light scattering information - the forward angle scatter (FSc) and side angle scatter (SSC) - and fluorescence emission are collected and processed by a detector, providing information for researcher analysis.

Human cell, colored in a new diagnostic technique, imaging flow cytometry style, 3D illustration

Protocols

See the links below regarding protocols for flow cytometry methodologies.

Related Applications




Flow Cytometry FAQs

  • Flow cytometry is a technique used to detect, identify and count specific cells. It can be further used to identify the specific components that are present in the target cells also.

  • A typical flow cytometry experiment requires somewhere around 105 - 106 number of cells per sample. However, it is better to be prepared for a higher cell count in case of error or multiple analysis required.

  • Flow cytometry should be the method of choice to count or sort cells, determine cell characteristics and properties, such as microorganisms or biomarkers, or to diagnose a range of health disorders.

  • Flow cytometry is a technique that is commonly used by immunologists, to perform a range of different outcomes mentioned above, including cell counting, sorting and intracellular cell properties.