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Flow cytometry and laser scanning cytometry, a comparison of techniques

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Abstract

Objective

Flow and laser scanning cytometry are used extensively in research and clinical settings. These techniques provide clinicians and scientists information about cell functioning in a variety of health and disease states. An in-depth knowledge and understanding of cytometry techniques can enhance interpretation of current research findings. Our goal with this review is to reacquaint clinicians and scientists with information concerning differences between flow and laser scanning cytometry by comparing their capabilities and applications.

Methods

A Pubmed abstract search was conducted for articles on research, reviews and current texts relating to origins and use of flow and laser scanning cytometry. Attention was given to studies describing application of these techniques in the clinical setting.

Results

Both techniques exploit interactions between the physical properties of light. Data are immediately and automatically acquired; they are distinctly different. Flow cytometry provides valuable rapid information about a wide variety of cellular or particle characteristics. This technique does not provide the scanned high resolution image analysis needed for investigators to localize areas of interest within the cell for quantification. Flow cytometry requires that the sample contain a large amount disaggregated, single, suspended cells. Laser scanning cytometry is slide-based and does not require as large of a sample. The tissue sample is affixed to a slide allowing repeated sample analyses. These cytometry techniques are used in the clinical setting to understand pathophysiological derangements associated with many diseases; cardiovascular disease, diabetes, acute lung injury, hemorrhagic shock, surgery, cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.

Conclusions

Understanding the dif- ferences between FCM and LSCM can assist investigators in planning and design of their research or clinical testing. Researchers and clinicians optimize these technique capa- bilities with the cellular characteristics they wish to measure delineating molecular and cellular events occurring in health and disease. Discovery of mechanisms in cells using FCM and LSCM provide evidence needed to guide future treatment and interventions.

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Acknowledgments

This project was sponsored by the TriService Nursing Research Program (N09-012, HU 0001-08-1-TS08). The information or content and conclusions do not necessarily represent the official position or policy of, nor should any official endorsement be inferred by, the TriService Nursing Research Program, the Department of Defense, or the US Government.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Nursing, University of Kansas, Mail Stop 4043, 3901 Rainbow Blvd., Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA

    William J. Mach PhD, RN, Amanda R. Thimmesch BA & Janet D. Pierce DSN, ARNP, CCRN

  2. Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, 66045, USA

    James A. Orr PhD

  3. Flow Cytometry Laboratory, University of Kansas, 3901 Rainbow Blvd., Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA

    Joyce G. Slusser PhD

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  1. William J. Mach PhD, RN
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  2. Amanda R. Thimmesch BA
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Correspondence to William J. Mach PhD, RN.

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Mach, W.J., Thimmesch, A.R., Orr, J.A. et al. Flow cytometry and laser scanning cytometry, a comparison of techniques. J Clin Monit Comput 24, 251–259 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10877-010-9242-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10877-010-9242-4

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