Flow Cytometry

Flow cytometry is a powerful and versatile analytical technique that allows researchers to measure and analyze the physical and chemical characteristics of individual cells or particles as they flow in a fluid stream. This method is particularly valuable in fields such as immunology, hematology, and cell biology because it provides rapid, quantitative data on complex cell populations.

The process begins with sample preparation, where cells are treated with fluorescent dyes that bind to specific cellular components, such as proteins or nucleic acids. These dyes emit light of varying wavelengths when excited by a laser. The prepared sample is then introduced into the flow cytometer, where the fluidics system ensures that cells are aligned in a single file as they pass through the laser beam. This hydrodynamic focusing is crucial for accurate measurements (Figure1).

Figure 1: Schematic of a common flow cytometer

As each cell intersects with the laser, it scatters light and emits fluorescence. Detectors capture this emitted light, allowing for the analysis of multiple parameters simultaneously. The data collected can be visualized in various formats, such as histograms or dot plots, which represent the distribution of different cell types based on their characteristics.