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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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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 9, 2026

An Automated Method to Perform The In Vitro Micronucleus Assay using Multispectral Imaging Flow Cytometry

An Automated Method to Perform The In Vitro Micronucleus Assay using Multispectral Imaging Flow Cytometry

Published on: May 13, 2019

Flow cytometric determination of micronucleus frequency.

Azeddine Elhajouji¹, Magdalena Lukamowicz-Rajska

¹Genetic Toxicology and Safety Pharmacology, Preclinical Safety, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland.

Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)

|July 31, 2013

Summary

The micronucleus (MN) test is a valuable biomarker for chromosomal damage, widely used in genotoxicity screening. Its versatility and automation potential, especially with flow cytometry, solidify its role in toxicological research and regulatory settings.

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Last Updated: May 9, 2026

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Area of Science:

Toxicology
Genetics
Cell Biology

Background:

The micronucleus (MN) test is a widely adopted method for assessing genotoxicity.
Micronuclei serve as biomarkers for chromosomal damage and mitotic abnormalities.
The assay's versatility stems from its simplicity, accuracy, and adaptability to various cell types and experimental settings.

Purpose of the Study:

To provide an overview of the micronucleus test protocol designs and experimental steps.
To detail the accurate analysis of micronuclei using flow cytometry.
To highlight the MN test's significance in genotoxicity screening and toxicological investigations.

Main Methods:

Utilizing the micronucleus (MN) test as a genotoxicity screening tool.
Applying image analysis or flow cytometry for automated scoring.
Implementing established OECD guidelines for both in vitro (487) and in vivo (474) MN tests.

Main Results:

The MN test has been extensively used for over two decades in genotoxicity screening.
The assay's ease of use, accuracy, and automation have significantly advanced understanding of genotoxins.
Recent guideline acceptances (OECD 487 and 474) reinforce the MN test's critical role in research and regulatory toxicology.

Conclusions:

The micronucleus test is a versatile and crucial tool for evaluating genotoxicity.
Flow cytometry offers an accurate and efficient method for MN analysis.
The MN test is indispensable for both exploratory research and regulatory genotoxicity assessment.