Flow Cytometry Explained
Flow cytometry is a powerful tool for measuring the properties of single cells or particles and has a wide range of applications in research and diagnostics. The basic principle is to pass cells through a narrow fluidic stream, illuminating individual cells with a laser light as they pass through. The pattern of how light is scattered after it hits each cell reveals cellular properties such as size, shape, viability, and the presence of fluorescently-tagged proteins of interest.
In this section, we have brought together our collective knowledge and experience for you to utilize so that you can achieve success in your own experiments. From educational articles and protocols to webinars, posters, and essential tools, our Flow Cytometry Explained Knowledge Hub is the only place you need to visit to find your essential flow cytometry resources.
As well as the comprehensive set of resources here, which includes the essential Introduction to Flow Cytometry Guide, Bio-Rad is on hand with technical support for any queries requiring an extra level of expertise.
Online Tools
Articles, Webinars, Technical Notes, and Featured Blogs
- Articles Read the articles to deepen your understanding of various flow cytometry topics, including antibody titration, stain indexes, and applications in cancer research and CAR T-cell development.
- Webinars Our webinars provide hands-on, practical advice in areas such as computational cytometry, selecting appropriate controls, and building complex multicolor panels, enabling you to optimize your flow cytometry.
- Technical Notes Bio-Rad’s experts have designed comprehensive technical notes, including detailed protocols and troubleshooting tips, to help you successfully perform experiments and avoid common pitfalls.
- Featured Blogs Explore our featured blogs to discover a wealth of expert tips and insights designed to help you achieve more accurate and reliable results in your flow cytometry experiments.
Fundamentals of Flow Cytometry
All ten of Bio-Rad's Fundamentals of Flow Cytometry courses are now available online!
These courses cover the fundamentals of flow cytometry and experimental best practice, with a downloadable certificate on completion.
Enrollment also includes access to Bio-Rad’s flow cytometry community for peer and expert Q&A.
Tips, Guidance, and Support
- Antibody conjugation kits explained
- Flow cytometry experiment planning tools
- 21 CFR Part 11 compliance
- Cell analysis lab checklist
- FAQs
- Introduction to flow cytometry basics
- Protocols
- T cell activation protocols
- Technical support
- Tips for the design of multicolor flow panels
- ZE5 Cell Analyzer guides, resources & support
Tools
- Multicolor Panel Builder This interactive panel building tool allows you to easily build complex multicolor flow cytometry panels in just a few simple steps.
- Flow Design Tool This tool provides you with all the information you need to build optimal experiments, including protocols, resources, and products, specifically tailored to your requirements.
- Flow Cytometry Experiment Planning To save you from having to remember every detail of each experiment, Bio-Rad has generated a range of handy planners to help you organize and keep track of your experiments.
- Fluorescence Spectraviewer Check fluorophore compatibility, detect issues with cross-laser excitation, and predict compensation in your panels using the interactive Fluorescence Spectraviewer.
- Interactive Mouse Immune Cell Markers Selection Tools Easily find antibodies to identify your target cell populations with this handy interactive Immune Cell Markers Selection Tool, available for both mouse and human cells.
- Interactive Human Immune Cell Markers Selection Tools Easily find antibodies to identify your target cell populations with this handy interactive Immune Cell Markers Selection Tool, available for both mouse and human cells.
Protocols
- Cell activation
- Cell cycle staining
- Cell preparation
- Direct staining
- Indirect staining
- Intracellular staining
- Product specific
View all protocols
Flow Cytometry Basics Guide
Practical advice to get you started in flow cytometry
Keep up to date with recent advances by downloading our popular Flow Cytometry Basics Guide, which not only provides practical advice and best practice examples when planning multicolor experiments, but also a basic overview of all the important flow cytometry principles.
This comprehensive guide is split into nine easy-to-read chapters covering 54 pages, making this ideal for beginners wanting to gain confidence when planning experiments, and can also be used as a teaching aid.
Podcasts — Spin Break
- The importance of cell frequency
- Sample preparation: Tips for blood samples
- Viability dyes and how to exclude dead cells from your analysis
Validated Panels
Downloadable Guides
Helpful Tips and References
- Staining protocol tips and troubleshooting advice
- A novice’s guide to gain confidence in flow
- Fluorophores and viability dyes for flow cytometry reference postcard
- Guiding the way to successful secondary detection in flow cytometry
- Multicolor panel design tool
- Secondary antibodies reference guide
Flow Cytometry Cell Identification
Antibody Performance Guarantee
Bio-Rad offers a performance guarantee in key immunological applications, including
Stay Updated with Our Flow. Sorted. Newsletter
Sign up for our monthly dedicated flow cytometry newsletter and stay ahead with the latest product updates, expert insights, and valuable resources — delivered straight to your inbox. Designed to help you achieve more with confidence, our newsletter gives you access to:
• Free, practical resources including technical notes, posters, and expert tips
• Proven troubleshooting guidance to help solve real-world challenges
• Early access to innovative products and powerful new online tools
• Exclusive invitations to upcoming webinars and training events
