Every cell in our body contains a unique story that can reveal crucial information about our health. In the diagnosis of diseases such as leukemia or immunodeficiencies, it is essential to accurately analyze thousands of cells in a matter of seconds. To this end, science has developed technologies that make it possible to identify cellular characteristics invisible to the human eye. One of the most advanced and revolutionary tools in this field is flow cytometry.
First used in the middle of the last century, it has revolutionized the way medicine and scientific research study cells. From Ambar Lab, we explain everything you need to know about flow cytometry: what it is, how it works, what it detects and why it has become a key part of modern clinical diagnostics.
What is flow cytometry?
Considered one of the most advanced tools in cell analysis, flow cytometry rapidly and simultaneously studies multiple properties of single cells in suspension. Unlike other methods that analyze whole tissues, it allows observing at the single-cell level physical parameters such as size or complexity, and chemical parameters such as the expression of specific proteins.
This type of analysis is performed with automated equipment called a flow cytometer, which uses laser light beams to study cells. In clinical practice, it can be used to classify cell types, identify immunological alterations, detect hematological diseases and monitor treatments, among many other applications.
How is the cytometry system organized?
It consists of several components that work together: the flow of cells in suspension is aligned in a narrow channel through which they pass one by one. When passing through a laser, each cell generates optical signals that are picked up by detectors, which are translated into data by software, allowing the information to be represented by histograms, scatter plots and multivariate graphs.
Is flow cytometry a biopsy?
It is important to clarify that flow cytometry and biopsy are different procedures, although in some cases they can complement each other to provide a more complete diagnosis. On the one hand, biopsy involves obtaining a solid tissue sample, which is then analyzed by histological techniques. Its purpose is to study the tissue architecture, detect tumor infiltration or signs of inflammation.
Flow cytometry, on the other hand, does not study solid tissues, but individual cells that have been previously separated and suspended in a liquid medium.
When are they used together?
In some clinical scenarios it is common to use both techniques. For example, in cases of acute leukemia, a bone marrow biopsy is performed to observe the cellularity and tissue architecture, while cytometry can identify the exact type of malignant cells, their origin and their immunophenotypic profile.
Similarly, in certain solid tumors, tumor cells can be disaggregated for analysis by cytometry to detect the expression of therapeutic biomarkers or to study the response to certain drugs.
How does flow cytometry work?
The technical process is carefully designed to ensure that each cell is analyzed individually, without interference or interpretation errors.
Preparación de la muestra y suspensión celular
It all starts with the collection of the biological sample, which can be blood, bone marrow, disaggregated tissues, cell cultures, among others. Once collected, the cells are prepared into a homogeneous suspension, without aggregates, and incubated with fluorochrome-conjugated antibodies if specific proteins need to be detected.
Alignment of cells in laminar flow
The cells are then introduced into the cytometer, where a hydraulic system arranges the cells in a row using laminar flow to ensure that each cell passes through the analysis point in isolation.
Laser interaction
Each cell then passes through a beam of laser light. The interaction between the laser and the cell generates light scattering and, if fluorochromes are present, fluorescence emission. The optical signals provide information about the morphology and molecular content of each cell.
Signal detection and computational analysis
The detectors collect the emitted signals and transform them into digital data. Through specialized software, the data are plotted to identify cell populations, quantify proteins or detect anomalies.
The process can be performed at speeds in excess of 10,000 events per second, making it an exceptionally fast and efficient tool.
What does flow cytometry identify?
Flow cytometry provides a wealth of information about the cells present in a sample. Thanks to its accuracy and multiparameterization capability, it has become a fundamental technique in the study of hematological, immunological and infectious diseases.
Physical characteristics of cells
Cell size is determined by forward light scatter (FSC), while internal complexity or granularity is assessed by side scatter (SSC). In this way, lymphocytes can be differentiated from monocytes or neutrophils, and immature or altered cells can be detected.
Presence of specific markers
By using fluorochrome-labeled monoclonal antibodies, it is possible to identify the expression of specific proteins on the surface or inside cells. This makes it possible to detect cellular subtypes, to know their activation status, or to determine cell viability, especially in immunotherapy or transplantation studies.
Detection of pathological alterations
Cytometry is very useful for detecting malignant cells, as in the case of acute leukemias, where it is able to identify the type of blasts present. It is also used to monitor minimal residual disease after treatment, a crucial aspect in oncology.
In addition, it is used in immunology to evaluate T and B populations, to identify primary and secondary immune deficiencies, and to study immune responses to infections or vaccines.
How long does flow cytometry take?
The time required to perform flow cytometry may vary depending on the type of sample, the number of parameters to be analyzed and the clinical context.
Phases of the procedure
First, sample preparation is performed, including labeling with antibodies and the necessary washes. The passage of the cells through the cytometer is relatively fast: the analysis can be completed in a few minutes or extended up to one hour if millions of events or multi-parametric analysis is required.
Once the data file is obtained, it is processed and interpreted. In some cases, additional statistical analyses are performed or the results need to be validated with other complementary tests.
Turnaround time for results
In clinical settings, results are typically available within 24 to 48 hours. At Ambar Lab, we prioritize agility without compromising accuracy, allowing us to deliver detailed reports quickly.
In research, where larger panels and more complex analyses are applied, the process can extend over several days, especially when working with samples from multiple donors or experimental conditions.
Faster diagnostics, safer decisions
Flow cytometry has revolutionized cell analysis in medicine and science. Its ability to simultaneously study multiple characteristics of each cell, with unprecedented accuracy and speed, makes it an essential tool in clinical diagnosis, biomedical research and development of personalized therapies.
In our laboratory we make this technology available, along with a catalog of more than 3,000 tests. If you need a reliable laboratory, with technical expertise, professional support and customized solutions, you can count on the support of Ambar Lab. We will be happy to help you take care of your health with prevention as our maximum commitment.
