What is Flow Cytometry?

Flow cytometry is a technology that enables the analysis of a wide range of particles and cells in a single experiment. It is a powerful tool used in research, clinical diagnostics and drug development. It uses a combination of lasers, optics and software to measure the characteristics of individual cells, such as size, shape, surface markers and fluorescent dye intensity.

How Does Flow Cytometry Work?

Flow cytometry works by passing individual cells, one at a time, through a laser beam. The laser beam excites fluorescent dye molecules that have been attached to the cell surface or to specific molecules within the cell. The fluorescence produced by these dyes is then detected and measured. This data is used to measure and compare the characteristics of individual cells, such as size, shape and expression of cell surface markers.

Applications of Flow Cytometry

Flow cytometry is used in many fields, including cell biology, immunology, cancer research and clinical diagnostics. It can be used to measure cell size and shape, identify cells based on surface markers, quantify gene expression, and measure cell viability. It is also used to analyze the expression of proteins and other molecules, and to sort cells into different populations.

Conclusion

Flow cytometry is a powerful tool for analyzing cells and particles. It can be used to measure and compare the characteristics of individual cells, such as size, shape and expression of cell surface markers. It is used in many fields, including cell biology, immunology, cancer research and clinical diagnostics.