FCM data analysis on nearly homogeneous samples

Abstract

During data acquisition, the flow cytometer measures the light-scattering properties and fluorescence characteristics of each cell in sequence. The main purpose of the next step, data analysis, is to identify the cells of interest. This process involves distinguishing any abnormal cell population present from normal cell types and, when an abnormal population is found, determining its lineage, maturity, and other characteristics (cell size, antigens expressed, fluorescence pattern of the antigenic expression). The antigenic profile of the abnormal population may lead to a specific diagnosis.