What is flow cytometry?
Flow cytometry is a method of analyzing the physical and biochemical attributes of cells.

How does it work?
To make the measurement easier, sample cells are usually stained with fluorescent dyes that bind specifically to cellular constituents. Liquid containing these cells is pumped into a flow cytometer chamber. As cells pass one-by-one through the flow chamber, a laser beam hits them. When cells interact with the light from the laser, some of the light is scattered out of the beam. The way light bounces off each cell gives information about the cell's physical characteristics: cell size and whether or not the cell contains granules. Meanwhile, the fluorochromes attached to the cells both absorb light and emit a specific color of light (which varies according to the type of fluorochrome). Color detectors within the flow cytometer look at the different colors emitted by the fluorochromes, and these colors are used to determine genetic information about the cells.

What are its advantages?
•• speed (anywhere from 500 to 5000 suspended particles analyzed per second)
•• simultaneous measurement of multiple structural and functional parameters
•• measurements are made on individual cells one at a time
•• Can allow the sorting of heterogeneous populations

What's flow cytometry used for?
•• cell analysis & sorting
•• antibody or antigen detection
•• DNA analysis