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Difference Between Flow Cytometry & FACS
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. |
References
This online resource may be cited as follows
MLA | "Quest Database™ Difference Between Flow Cytometry & FACS." AAT Bioquest, Inc., 8 Apr. 2026, https://www.aatbio.com/data-sets/difference-between-flow-cytometry-facs. | |
APA | AAT Bioquest, Inc. (2026, April 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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