An Introduction to Multiparametric Flow Cytometry in Translational Research

Flow cytometry is widely used for sorting and characterization of cells from a complex mixture of cells using light scatter and fluorescence. Multiparametric assays enable the detection of multiple characteristics of individual cells from several thousands of cells based on user-defined parameters and variables. Size, granularity, identity, and functional properties can be defined using different applications using multiparametric flow cytometry. Advances in technology have facilitated the application of flow cytometer in understanding immune functions, cell cycle progression, etc. making it a prominent tool for research purposes. To understand the uses and applications of flow cytometers, it is very important to have a clear understanding of the technique and its data interpretation. This chapter gives a brief overview of the principle, working, and data interpretation of a flow cytometer.