Flow cytometry instrumentation in research and clinical laboratories.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the basic components of a flow cytometer and the features unique to research and clinical instruments.

DATA SOURCES

Recent review articles and textbooks on cytometry or laboratory diagnosis.

STUDY SELECTION

Not applicable.

DATA EXTRACTION

Performed by the authors.

DATA SYNTHESIS

A cytometer is used for counting and measuring the physical and chemical characteristics of cells and other biological particles. A flow cytometer is different from other cytometers in that a single-cell suspension is passed through it in a fluid stream. A flow cytometer is a complex combination of optics, fluidics, and electronics. A labeled cell is forced through the system, causing the cell to scatter light and emit fluorescence. This output is sensed by photodetectors and then amplified and converted to digital signals for storage in computers. This stored data can be displayed or used for further analysis.

CONCLUSION

Some instruments can separate cells that meet certain preselected criteria. Therefore, the flow cytometer is widely used in research as well as in clinical immunology and hematology to perform rapid immunophenotyping, cell sorting, and DNA analysis.