Understanding Flow Cytometers
Laboratory flow cytometers are sophisticated analytical instruments used to measure and analse the physical and chemical characteristics of cells or particles in a fluid as they pass through a laser beam. This technology allows for the rapid analysis of thousands of cells per second, providing quantitative data on various parameters, such as size, complexity, and fluorescence intensity. Flow cytometers are commonly utilised in research, clinical diagnostics, and biotechnology for applications like immunophenotyping, cell sorting, and analysing cell viability. By using fluorescently labeled antibodies, researchers can identify specific cell populations, making flow cytometry invaluable in areas such as cancer research, immunology, and stem cell studies. The ability to gather extensive data from a single sample quickly enhances both experimental efficiency and accuracy.