Applications of Flow Cytometry in Scientific Research and the Clinic

Flow cytometry is one of the few techniques that is widely used in research laboratories and clinics. Due to the recent technological advances that have resulted in instruments that are more economical and user-friendly, flow cytometry is no longer a technique that can be afforded by research-intensive institutions or advanced clinics. In addition to improvements in instrumentations, there have been many improvements in the fluorophores that are widely used in flow cytometry. We currently have fluorophores that can be used in the ultraviolet, visible, and infrared ranges. Thus, the affordability of the instrument and availability of appropriate reagents has allowed more and more laboratories to embrace this technique and used it in a wide variety of applications. It can provide a wealth of information in a timely manner that aids in the progress of basic, clinical, and translational research, as well as the diagnosis and progression of diseases. Here, we will summarize some of the common applications where flow cytometry is used by researchers and clinicians.