Flow Cytometry Facts

• Cytometry measures cell characteristics, such as size and count, for individual cells.
• Flow cytometry is a technique that analyzes cells in solution as they pass by a laser.
• Modern flow cytometers can measure up to ~30 detectable fluorescent parameters.
• Flow cytometry provides statistical power to rapidly analyze and characterize millions of cells.
• Flow cytometry does not provide morphological characteristics and subcellular localization that microscopy can provide.
• Flow cytometry can be used to detect and measure various cell properties and characteristics.
• Specialized flow cytometers called fluorescence activated cell sorters (FACS) can sort cells and recover subsets for post-experimental use.
• Flow cytometry requires a single-cell suspension for efficient and effective analysis.
• Flow cytometry is a trade-off between speed and statistical power versus morphological characteristics and subcellular localization.
• Cell sorters use fluidics and fluorescence components similar to flow cytometers, but can divert specific populations from heterogeneous samples for further study.

Think you're a flow cytometry expert? Test your knowledge with this quiz on the fundamentals of flow cytometry. From cell characteristics to the differences between flow cytometers and fluorescence activated cell sorters, this quiz covers it all. Brush up on your skills and impress your colleagues with your knowledge of this powerful tool in cell analysis.