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Flow Cytometry

Flow Cytometry

The development of flow cytometry techniques began in 1934 with initial attempts by Andrew Moldavan, a bacteriologist who counted the cells in a flowing capillary system. Moldavan pumped cells through a capillary tube focused under a microscope for visualization. The invention of photometry allowed the measurement of differentially-stained cells, and Louis Kamentsky developed the first multiparameter flow cytometer in 1965 to identify and count the cancer cells in cervical tissue specimens.
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Updated: Jul 2, 2026

Effective Detection of Hoechst Side Population Cells by Flow Cytometry

Effective Detection of Hoechst Side Population Cells by Flow Cytometry

Published on: August 23, 2024

Lasers for flow cytometry.

Howard M Shapiro¹

¹West Newton, Massachusetts, USA.

Current Protocols in Cytometry

|September 5, 2008

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Flow cytometry relies on lasers as its primary light source. This review examines laser types suitable for flow cytometry and explores future solid-state laser alternatives to gas lasers.

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Area of Science:

Biophotonics
Analytical Chemistry
Biotechnology

Background:

Lasers are essential for flow cytometry, providing the light source for cell analysis.
Modern benchtop flow cytometers commonly utilize air-cooled argon-ion lasers operating at 488 nm with 10-25 mW power.
Understanding laser characteristics is crucial for optimizing flow cytometer performance.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the different types of lasers used in flow cytometry.
To discuss the suitability of various lasers for flow cytometry applications.
To explore emerging trends and future directions in flow cytometry laser technology, focusing on solid-state devices.

Main Methods:

Review of existing literature on lasers in flow cytometry.
Analysis of laser specifications and their impact on flow cytometry performance.
Discussion of technological advancements and future prospects.

Main Results:

Identified various laser types suitable for flow cytometry, detailing their advantages and disadvantages.
Highlighted the prevalence and specifications of argon-ion lasers in current instrumentation.
Discussed the potential of solid-state lasers as replacements for traditional gas lasers.

Conclusions:

The selection of appropriate lasers significantly impacts flow cytometry efficiency and capabilities.
Solid-state laser technology presents a promising avenue for future flow cytometer development.
Continued innovation in laser sources will drive advancements in flow cytometry applications.