title: Evaluation and purchase of an analytical flow cytometer: some of the numerous factors to consider.
abstract: When purchasing a flow cytometer, the decision of which brand, model, specifications, and accessories may be challenging. The decisions should initially be guided by the specific applications intended for the instrument. However, many other factors need to be considered, which include hardware, software, quality assurance, support, service, and price and recommendations from colleagues. These issues are discussed to help guide the purchasing process.
authors.affiliation: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Toxicology Assessment Division, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
authors.forename: Robert M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Zucker
authors.affiliation: Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
authors.forename: Nancy C
authors.initials: NC
authors.lastname: Fisher
mesh_terms: D016477:Artifacts; D003201:Computers / Q000592:standards; D004867:Equipment Design; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005434:Flow Cytometry / Q000191:economics / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D007834:Lasers; D008954:Models, Biological; D011682:Purchasing, Hospital / Q000592:standards; D011786:Quality Control; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012984:Software / Q000592:standards