Difference Between Flow Cytometry & FACS

Name: Difference Between Flow Cytometry & FACS
Creator: AAT Bioquest
License: https://www.aatbio.com/tou.html

Basis of differentiation ▲ ▼	Flow Cytometry ▲ ▼	FACS ▲ ▼
Definition	Flow cytometry is an analytical cell biology technique used to identify and study the characteristics of cells in a heterogeneous mixture. It uses differential light scattering properties unique to each cell type in the mixture to determine the number and size of cells and nucleic acid content of the cells.	FACS (fluorescence-activated cell sorting) is a specialized type of flow cytometry that facilitates the sorting out cells in a heterogeneous mixture into two or more types. It uses fluorescent-labeled antibodies to specifically identify components of different cell types
Type of technique	This is an analytical cell biology technique.	This is a specialized type of flow cytometry.
Sampling method used	The process uses the differential light-scattering properties of cells to collect the necessary data.	The process uses highly specific antibodies tagged with fluorescent dyes to distinguish between cell types.
Analysis method	A sensor is used to acquire data.	An electromagnet is used to sort the sample.
Sequence	Flow cytometry follows FACS.	FACS is the first step of analyzing a heterogeneous cell mixture. It is followed by flow cytometry.
Function	This technique measures certain cell characteristics such as the number, size, and nucleic acid content of cells.	This technique separates cells from a heterogeneous mixture into appropriate subpopulations.

References

MLA	"Quest Database™ Difference Between Flow Cytometry & FACS." AAT Bioquest, Inc., 8 Sep. 2025, https://www.aatbio.com/data-sets/difference-between-flow-cytometry-facs.
APA	AAT Bioquest, Inc. (2025, September 8). Quest Database™ Difference Between Flow Cytometry & FACS. AAT Bioquest. https://www.aatbio.com/data-sets/difference-between-flow-cytometry-facs.
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