What Is Flow Cytometry?

Flow cytometry is a technique used to analyze the physical characteristics and chemical content of biological cells as they flow in a single file through a beam of light. The cells used for flow cytometry are usually stained with fluorescent dyes or antibodies that bind to specific targets within the cells. As the stained cells flow through the beam of light, they emit light signals that are detected and analyzed by the flow cytometer. The detected light signals are then used to determine the size, shape, granularity, and other physical characteristics of the cells, as well as the presence and concentration of specific target molecules within the cells.

Flow cytometry is a versatile technique used in various fields of biology, such as immunology, cell biology, and cancer research, among others. It allows for rapid, accurate, and multi-parametric analysis of large cell populations, providing valuable information about cell behavior and characteristics.