Flow cytometry cell assays
Flow cytometry is a sophisticated analytical technique that enables the rapid, multi-parametric analysis of single cells as they flow through a laser beam. This technology has become indispensable in various fields, including immunology, cancer research, and microbiology, due to its ability to provide detailed information about cell populations and their characteristics.
Flow cytometry cell assays are versatile and can be applied in numerous ways:
- Cell viability assays: By using viability dyes, researchers can distinguish live cells from dead ones, providing insights into cell health and response to treatments.
- Proliferation assays: Flow cytometry can measure DNA synthesis in dividing cells by using specific dyes that incorporate into newly synthesized DNA, allowing for the assessment of cell division rates.
- Apoptosis detection: Specific assays can identify apoptotic cells through markers that indicate early or late stages of apoptosis.