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.


METHODS
Recent review articles and textbooks on cytometry or laboratory diagnosis.


METHODS
Not applicable.


METHODS
Performed by the authors.


RESULTS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Department of Pathology, University of Iowa, College of Medicine, Iowa City 52242.
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Duling
D002469:Cell Separation / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D004247:DNA / Q000032:analysis; D004867:Equipment Design; D005434:Flow Cytometry / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007753:Laboratories; D007834:Lasers