[Flow cytometry. Principles and methods for cell studies]

Through flow cytometry cells are investigated by optical, electrical and electronic components. On a rate of several hundred cells per second, quantitative multiparametric cells studies are realized on a cell by cell basis. Cells in monodisperse suspension are drawn by a stream of fluid which aligns them before their interception by a beam of light, generally produced by Laser. The generated optical signals (diffused lights and emitted fluorescences), related to biological properties of the cells, are conveyed to photomultipliers which transform light energy into electric currents. The signals are quantified by electronic and processing components which can drive cell sorting. Flow cytometry is playing an increasingly significant role in the practice of the clinical laboratory in several areas i.e. oncology (DNA content measurement) or immunology (lymphocytes phenotyping).