The rockefeller university

1. Overview(opens in new window) – 5:01(opens in new window)

• Define the term flow cytometry.
• Describe the types of samples suitable for a flow cytometer.
• Explain the properties that a flow cytometer can measure.
• Identify the three subsystems of a flow cytometer.

2. Fluidics(opens in new window) – 3:30(opens in new window)

• Describe the functions of the fluidics system.
• Explain hydrodynamic focusing.
• Describe how sample pressure affects flow rate and data resolution.

3. Optics(opens in new window) – 7:48(opens in new window)

• Describe the functions of the optics system.
• Discuss the role of lasers in BD cytometers.
• Explain how filters route light to appropriate detectors.

4. Electronics – 6:59(opens in new window)

• Describe how the electronics system converts light signals into numerical data.
• Explain how laser time delays ensure that signals from multiple lasers are attributed to the correct event.
• Explain how and why thresholds are used.

5. Optical measurements – 9:48(opens in new window)

• Describe the factors that affect light scatter.
• Explain how light scatter and fluorescence can be used to detect populations.
• Describe the use of excitation and emission spectra.
• Explain what compensation is and why it is necessary for multicolor analysis.

6. Data Analysis – 8:54(opens in new window)

• Describe how data is saved and displayed.
• Explain the purpose of gating.
• State examples of data analysis methods.

7. Sorting – 4:25(opens in new window)

• Describe the purpose of sorting cells or particles.
• Explain how particle size affects the nozzle size and sheath pressure selection.
• Describe the steps in droplet sorting.