Flow cytometry is a powerful lab technique used to analyze the physical and chemical characteristics of cells or particles. It’s commonly utilized for cell counting, sorting, and determining cell characteristics, which is essential in various research and clinical applications, including the diagnosis and classification of leukemia or lymphoma.

The process involves suspending cells in a fluid and passing them through a flow cytometer machine. The cells are arranged in a single file and exposed to a laser beam, which allows for the detection and analysis of scattered and fluorescent light. This data is then processed by a computer, providing valuable insights into the cells properties.

Accurate cell counting in flow cytometry is crucial as it can influence the outcome of experiments, such as determining the optimal concentration of viable cells prior to staining and the appropriate amount of stain needed for the sample. Automated cell counting options are available to reduce user variability and increase accuracy