Traditional vs Advanced Flow Cytometry for Cell Analysis

Flow cytometry has revolutionized the field of cell analysis, enabling researchers to study cells at high speeds and with high sensitivity. There are two main types of flow cytometry: traditional and advanced. In this post, we will compare traditional and advanced flow cytometry for cell analysis, and help you determine which method is right for you.

Traditional Flow Cytometry

Traditional flow cytometry is a reliable and widely used method for cell analysis. It typically uses one or two lasers and measures scattered light and fluorescence from cells to provide information on cell size, granularity, and molecular markers. This method is ideal for routine analysis of many cell samples, as it is fast, cost-effective, and requires minimal operator training.

However, traditional flow cytometry has its limitations. It can only measure a limited number of parameters, which may not provide enough information for complex analysis of cells. Additionally, traditional flow cytometry cannot distinguish between cells in different stages of the cell cycle or cells with similar surface markers.

Advanced Flow Cytometry

In recent years, advanced flow cytometry has emerged as a powerful tool for cell analysis. This method uses multiple lasers and detects signals from more than 20 parameters, allowing researchers to examine complex cell populations in detail. Advanced flow cytometry can also distinguish subpopulations of cells with similar surface markers, making it an ideal choice for research that requires high-resolution analysis.

However, advanced flow cytometry requires more operator training, higher costs, and longer acquisition times compared to traditional flow cytometry. It also generates large amounts of data that may require advanced analysis techniques.

Which One is Right for You?

The choice between traditional and advanced flow cytometry depends on the research question you are trying to answer. If you are conducting routine analysis of many samples and only require basic information about cell size, granularity, and a limited number of surface markers, traditional flow cytometry may be sufficient. However, if you need high-resolution analysis of complex cell populations, require the ability to distinguish between subpopulations of cells with similar surface markers, and are prepared to invest in training and equipment costs, advanced flow cytometry may be the better choice.

In summary, traditional flow cytometry is a fast and cost-effective method for routine cell analysis, but has limitations in terms of the number of parameters that can be analyzed. Advanced flow cytometry is a powerful tool for complex cell analysis, although it requires more training and equipment costs. Ultimately, the choice between the two methods depends on the specific needs of your research.

References:

1. Shapiro, H.M. Practical flow cytometry, 4th ed. Hoboken, N.J.: Wiley-Liss, 2003.
2. Perfetto, S.P., Chattopadhyay, P.K., & Roederer, M. Seventeen-colour flow cytometry: Unravelling the immune system. Nat Rev Immunol. 2004;4:648-655. doi:10.1038/nri1416